Our team

Jane Gavel, Founder

jane@peruschallenge.com

Throughout 2002, Jane travelled extensively in Mexico, Central America and South America.

Basing herself in Cuzco, Peru for eight months Jane completed a Spanish language course and taught English to local students. It was here that she met her husband Selvy and together they started Peru's Challenge.  Selvy had a passion for both helping his people and wanting to show travellers the beauty of his country. Jane, caught up by this passion, used her marketing experience to get the organisation started.

Prior to Jane's time in Peru, she worked in the marketing communications industry in Australia. Jane now divides her time between Peru and Australia.

Gerry Clayton, Volunteer Manager

volunteer@peruschallenge.com

Gerry volunteered with Peru’s Challenge in May 2008 and then again for three months in September 2008 ... and then again in June 2010.

Fondly known as Wakey Wakey by the kids at Pumamarca School, Gerry just couldn't stay away. The draw of the kids within the Pumamaca and Quilla Huata communities was too strong. With such commitment to Peru's Challenge we just had to have Gerry come and work with us as Volunteer Manager.

Gerry is from Sydney, Australia and has a background in manufacturing. He is also and great Santa Claus impersonator, although it only took the Pumamarca kids about one minute to work out it was Gerry under the big white beard.

Laura Brown, Events Manager

laura@frolicevents.com.au

Santusa, 'Mother Hen' of our volunteer house

Santusa has been working with Peru's Challenge since the volunteer program started in October 2003. Santusa comes to cook a great lunch for the volunteers, and she cleans the houses twice a week with great care. She is like a second mother to all of our volunteers and has a smile that brightens your day--especially when her famous cakes are involved.

Nico, Accountant and Tour Bookings Manager

After studying accounting at a university in Cuzco for three years, Nico joined Peru’s Challenge to help us with our facts and figures in 2008. He handles all our financial needs, makes all the travel bookings for our volunteers and goes above and beyond his duties everyday by helping with any issue that arises.

Nico loves practicing his English with our volunteers and is always eager to assist our English-speaking staff with their Spanish. We often get visits from his beautiful four-year-old daughter, Nani. Nico’s sense of humor keeps us laughing and his love of salsa keeps us dancing.

Memo, Maintenance Manager

Memo has worked with Peru’s Challenge since 2008 handling all maintenance and emergencies. He is a true life-saver when it comes to fixing anything and is graciously available 24/7. He also organizes and purchases any materials needed at the schools. Memo’s English might be limited, but if you know the words to any English 80s songs or lines from American movies, your conversation will not be lacking--you’re set for hours.