About Us

 

Our Story

Agape Global Health for Haiti was founded in 2000 by Dr. Eno Mondesir. As a native of La Gonave, he saw firsthand the suffering of a community who faced a dire healthcare disparity without a way out. His dream was to get an education and to find a way to give back to his community. After migrating to the United States, he entered college, and after many starts and stops he graduated in 1990.

Summer of 2000: Eno organized his first mission trip with a few healthcare professionals and conducted a one-week ambulatory clinic. The early days were challenging but a cadre of like-minded people joined him and together, they fulfilled his dream, to provide healthcare and public health education in La Gonave. Over the years Agape has evolved. Originally a religious mission, it is today a secular nonprofit.

March of 2017: Agape Global Health for Haiti became a 501(c)(3) public charity.

July 2019: Agape established a permanent clinic, hired Haitian employees and expanded to focus on health care, menstrual health education, public health education and a water filtration program.

February 2023: Agape launched its first one-day mobile clinic to provide lifesaving medical services to neighboring communities with very little access to healthcare, who live too far away to travel to our permanent Agape Clinic. It’s a general clinic, open to all, with all medical conditions.

Meet the Board

We are a board of volunteers who are dedicated, knowledgeable and caring professionals with diverse experiences. We feel passionately about the lifesaving work, support and change we continue to bring to the people of La Gonave, Haiti since 2000.

  • Eno Mondesir Ph.D

    Founder & Chairman

    As a native of La Gonave, I felt the people there faced a dire healthcare disparity with no way out. I needed to find a way to give back.

    I migrated to the USA to go to college and earned my degrees. Upon graduation I worked hard. In 2000, I organized my first mission trip with a healthcare team from Massachusetts.

    This is what became Agape Global Health for Haiti. I feel my dream to help the people of La Gonave with healthcare came true.

  • Don Duger, APC

    President

    As a clinician, educator and operations specialist, Don was thrilled to join Agape in 2014. As president, since 2018, he has worked with dedicated colleagues to add structure to the organization and establish a permanent health clinic and education center with Haitian staff.

    His future goals include virtual communications, an electronic medical records system and sustainable funding for Agape’s work.

  • Roy Crystal

    Vice President

    I have been a documentary and landscape photographer and an environmental planner since my college years. My work with Agape has become my passion and team members my friend. I am deeply involved and manage the water filtration program.

    The power of “agape”- selfless love and caring for others- inspires me and I expect to continue this work as long as I’m able.

  • Rashika Matthews, MD

    Co-Medical Director

    Rashika joined Agape in 2008, and her resolve to provide healthcare in Haiti was solidified after the devastating earthquake in 2010.

    She is a primary care physician in Boston and is committed to bringing high quality medical care to La Gonave and providing up-to-date medical education to our Agape clinic staff.

  • Robert Nierman, MD

    Co-Medical Director

    Since making his first of seven trips to La Gonave, to deliver healthcare services, six months after the devastating earthquake in 2010, Robert has worked with Rashika to envision and oversee the access and quality of all Agape healthcare services to the people La Gonave.

  • Maureen Peroza

    Education Director

    Maureen’s first trip to Haiti was in 2016. With years of experience teaching, coaching and running a small business, she was fully prepared to join the Agape board.

    With a passion for women’s rights, the power of education and a love of adventure, she leads a team of volunteers that give Agape school children knowledge and skills to create healthy practices in their everyday life.

  • Cheryl Forsythe

    Recording Secretary

    Cheryl is a retired special education teacher who joined Agape in 2016.

    She has the skills it takes to work with an amazing group of caring, dedicated people who strive to improve the well being of the people of La Gonave.

    She also appreciates and enjoys learning from those offering their talents.

  • Judith Enstone

    Fundraising/Media

    Judith joined Agape in 2020 after learning about their lifesaving work in Haiti and intends to travel to La Gonave on Agape’s next visit.

    She brings years of experience working with nonprofit organizations and is passionate about Agape’s future in La Gonave.

    Judith plans to take Agape to the next level while remaining accountable to donors, founders and the people of La Gonave.

  • Isaac Chery

    Grant Research/Management

    Isaac migrated from Haiti to the USA in 1989. He stays connected with his native land and visits frequently.

    He has a deep passion and desire to help his fellow countrymen. He brings over 19 years of extensive grants management and research administration experience gained during his time with the Office of Clinical Research MUSC, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard University, Mass General Hospital and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

  • Darlene Duger

    Treasurer

    Darlene joined Agape Global Health for Haiti in 2016 as a trip team member, making her first of three visits La Gonave.

    With her first opportunity to travel with the Agape team to the village of Anse-a-Galets, her desire to help those less fortunate has become a passion to aid the residents of the island.

    Darlene joined the board in 2022, after retiring as an assistant to the deans and vice president of a community college. She will use her skills and work ethic to support Agape and the people on La Gonave. She looks forward to her next trip to Haiti.