our team

“For the body is not one member, but many.” 1 Corinthians 12:14 📖✨

THOMAS AND JENNIFER ATWATER (Founders)

In 1995, Tom and Jen were college students headed to Colombia to teach English as a second language in a small school in Cartagena. While they were strolling the cobble-stoned streets of the old city one evening, they saw a paper bag up ahead. As they approached it, ready to kick it out of their way, they saw to their horror that there was actually a young child sleeping inside!

They evaluated their options. Should they take him to their hacienda for the night? Would that possibly be even worse for him, knowing the comforts of a soft bed for one night? What else could they possibly do to help? SOMEONE had to help this child! Finally, understanding that there was nothing permanent they could do to help this child, nor the countless other street children they had seen begging on the streets during the day, they carefully tucked some money underneath him, said a prayer for his safety, and continued on their way, forever impacted by this experience.

In 2011, 16 years after the seed was sown in their hearts, Tom and Jen moved their young family to Medellin, Colombia, to serve as Directors of a center for at-risk children and families in Medellin. During the 7 years that they served as directors of the center, God was building a larger vision not only for the care of at-risk children and families, but also for the training and equipping of believers worldwide. In 2018, they followed God’s leading and founded 911 Life Ministries.

GABRIEL ATWATER (Accounting Assistant)

My passion is a life intimately connected to God, living the Supernatural every day. At 911 Life I love to help out wherever I’m needed and learn everything I possibly can. I work in the accounting department and in maintenance, and help with visiting teams. In my free time I love to play the drums and practice an Israeli martial art called Krav Maga, and I also spend my free time playing and laughing with the children at 911 Life.

ALEJANDRA CATAÑO (Leader of ITEC 3rd Year)

At 911 Life I am the leader of the 3rd year of our ITEC Supernatural Missions school where we empower and mentor leaders. I’m also a Caregiver to our Hope House families. I love dancing, spending time in nature, roller blading, and working with social media graphic design. My passion is to serve others with a heart full of love and compassion, and I love missions and spending quality time with my family and friends.

AMANDA LUZ HINCAPIE DELGADO (Hope House Staff)

My position at 911 LIFE foundation is a Caregiver for the Hope House project. I am a woman with a great desire to serve God, and as a teacher I enjoyed working with vulnerable populations, teaching them about the love of the Father and healing their hearts with lots of love. God has given me gifts and talents that I use to extend the kingdom. I love hiking in the mountains, and observing the sunrises and sunsets in the countryside connects me with my father God. I also love to study the Bible, listen to classical music, and cook!

LINA ANDREA ECHEVERRY (Leader of ITEC)

I’ve served God in many capacities at 911 Life over the years, first as a volunteer and now on staff as a Logistics Assistant and lead the ITEC Supernatural Missions school. I love to paint my life with colors of adventure and design, where art is my language and fun is my flag. I am drawn to the radical, nourished by good food and history, and “old school” music is the soundtrack of my old soul. My family is my refuge, and Jesus, my best friend, is the spark that ignites my inspiration.

CRISTIAN DAVID FIGUEROA (Fearless Youth Teacher)

I’m passionate about God and thankful of how good He has been to me and my family. He rescued us and rewrote our story. As an Industrial Designer, I consider myself to be a creative person. I love the entertainment industries, and design characters and assets for video games and commercial videos. I love all of the arts! Through 911 Life I’ve discovered that I love to teach English, and in the future I’d love to teach Digital Arts. I also love to play saxophone and spend time with friends, and I love hiking and nature in general.

LUIS ALBERTO GARCIA (Fearless Youth Teacher)

Luis Alberto has been a friend of 911 Life since its inception in 2018, and he has been teaching in our 911 Fearless Youth English program since it began in 2023. Luis works as an Engineer when he’s not teaching or mentoring youth at 911 Life, and everyone loves his kindness, empathy, and compassion.

Andres-Giraldo

JHOAN GIRALDO (General Director)

I joined the 911 Life family in 2019 as a volunteer in the accounting area. In 2020 I became the Accountant at the Foundation, and a few years later had the privilege of being invited onto the Board of 911 Life and hired as General Director in 2025. My family and I love serving God here, and every day we learn more about how to share the love He has given us with others while at the same time receiving His overwhelming love for us.

MARCELA LONDOÑO (Administrative Coordinator)

Marcela enjoys serving God as the Administrative Assistant at 911 Life. She is passionate for missions and loves spending time with her husband and newborn son, and enjoys reading and studying the Bible.

MARIANA ARCILA MONTOYA (Fearless Youth Teacher)

I’m one of the teachers from Fearless, I’m passionate about teaching English while having fun because I want others to know that learning a new language shouldn’t be boring, I love sharing what Jesus have done in my life and how much love He shows to me every single day. Seeking His face every day in everything I do is something I truly enjoy!

ANGELA RODRÍGUEZ PEÑA (Leader of Youth Center)

Since 2022 I’ve been serving Jesus as the Leader of the 911 Youth Center and caring for His beautiful children there. I am thankful for the great model Jesus provides of how to always search for the treasure in others, even in the midst of chaos. My favorite things to do and walking in nature and connecting with the peace my soul needs, and spending time with my amazing husband and kids. God has given me such wonderful gifts in this life!

TANIA PORRAS (Psychologist)

I recently joined the 911 Life family as the Psychologist. I’m am a tireless adventurer with a deep passion for nature and a desire to discover beauty in every corner of the world. I love to travel, experiencing new cultures and marveling at the rich diversity that the Father’s creation offers.
I love extreme sports, challenging my limits and experiencing an intense dose of adrenaline. These fuel my adventurous spirit, remind me of my dependence on my Creator, and help me focus on the greatness of my beloved Father, creating a truly special and transformative experience

JONATHAN SANCHEZ (Leader of 911 Worship)

Jonathan is an incredibly gifted worship musician who plays mutliple instruments, sings, and records music! He is the leader of our Worship Room called Open Heavens, and he integrates worship in all of our programs.  We are THRILLED to have him with us at 911 Life! Fun fact: he is married to our amazing Admin Assistant, Marcela!

RAQUEL TUBERQUIA ISAZA (Hope House Staff)

I love serving God at 911 Life as a Social Worker for the Hope House project. I love animals and enjoy long hikes, the ocean, and exploring cold climates. God’s Presence in my life and the manifestation of His love in everything I do motives me daily.

NATALIA ZAPATA (Leader of Fearless Youth English)

Serving as the Leader of Fearless Youth English is such a fun adventure. I am passionate about being part of the revival that God has prepared through his children!!!! I love seeing the kingdom of God transforming families and I really enjoy spending time with children, adolescents and young people. I connect in a great way with my Heavenly father in nature and dream of a world without orphans.