Current Board
The Board of Directors for Partners In Education Roatan (PIER) is composed of dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds in education, community development, and nonprofit management. Primarily made up of expats who have made Roatan their home, the board also includes several native islanders who provide valuable local perspective. This mix of American and Honduran members ensures that PIER’s initiatives are both culturally relevant and impactful. The board plays a crucial role in providing strategic oversight, guiding the organization to strengthen the island’s education system and foster collaboration among teachers, parents, and students, making their commitment essential to PIER’s ongoing success and sustainability.
Stacy Peñalva - President
Originally from Pittsburgh, Stacy has lived in Tegucigalpa for five years, Indianapolis for 36 years, and now Roatán for two years. She holds a PhD from the College of Education at Indiana University in the Department of Language, Culture and Literacy. Passionate about the intersection of these fields, she sees PIER as an excellent platform to explore them while contributing to education on the island and amplifying local voices. Stacy has been married to her husband David for 45 years and has three grown sons and eight grandchildren.
Milesse Kennedy - Vice President
Born in Alaska, Milesse also lived on Maui and in Seattle before retiring to Roatán with her husband, John, in 2002. Together, they developed the boutique property that became Barefoot Cay Resort on the island’s south shore. Though not an educator by training, Milesse is deeply committed to improving education in the Bay Islands, drawing on the small-town values she learned through her Alaskan family business. She has a daughter, Wendy, two granddaughters, and a grandson.
Daine Etches - Vice President II
Daine, born and raised on Roatán, was immersed in education early in her family life. In the late '70s, she and her English friend Kathy began homeschooling their children with the Calvert program after being urged to find an alternative to the local Spanish school. This soon expanded to include other local children, leading to the creation of the island’s first bilingual kindergarten. After Daine moved to Canada, the school continued to grow under new community leadership, eventually inspiring the development of many bilingual education options across the island.
Trish Symons - Secretary
Originally from the United Kingdom, Trish now resides in Roatán. She joined PIER in 2021, bringing with her a background in project management. Passionate about improving education for students in the Bay Islands, she is dedicated to making a positive impact. As a board member, Trish uses her skills in project management and networking to help advance PIER’s mission.
Gail Rolinger - Secretary II
Gail moved from Arizona, USA, to the Bay Islands over 10 years ago. With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, Title One specialist, and principal, she has worked in bilingual settings along the Arizona/Mexico border and in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. A PIER Board member for the past three years, she focuses on improving education on Roatán, especially by helping students engage with English through environmental science. Gail finds the people of Roatán warm and welcoming and is committed to supporting them with her time, energy, and financial contributions.
Brian Bowen - Treasurer
Brian and his wife have been full-time residents of Roatán for over 10 years, after living in Dallas, Texas, for about 20 years. A U.S. CPA for more than 30 years, he brings experience in both public accounting and corporate leadership. This background aligns well with his role as Treasurer of PIER. Passionate about community involvement, he and his wife are active in the Camp Bay area and the Roatán Marine Park, and PIER offers him the chance to further expand their outreach efforts.
William Figgess - Treasurer II
William was born in England and has lived in many places before retiring on Roatán with his wife in 2010. He learned about PIER through his good friend and fellow board member, Milesse Kennedy. Drawn to the organization’s mission to support public school students, he wanted to get involved. With his background in education, he felt he could make a meaningful contribution to PIER.
Cesar Gonzales Sr. - Fiscal
Cesar is a Honduran attorney who has lived and practiced law in Roatán since the early 2000s. He has played a key role as a member and founder of several major health and education NGOs on the island. His work reflects a strong commitment to community development and service. Cesar has a particular interest in advancing education through the STEAM platform.
Patrick Connell, MD - Vocal I
Patrick is a board-certified Emergency Physician currently working part-time at a large academic teaching hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Since 2005, he has dedicated half of his time to medical work in the developing world, primarily in Honduras, with recent stints in Chad and Mozambique. He has been involved with PIER since its inception. Patrick also mentors young women in Tegucigalpa through a partnership with a local lawyer, encouraging them to pursue university-level education.
Vivinni Figgess - Vocal II
Vivinni, a retired elementary special education teacher from northern California, finds retirement in Roatán to be amazing. She has observed the island’s educational needs and the children’s eagerness to learn. PIER has become a hub for both Honduran locals and expats, all committed to supporting the children’s desire for education. She is passionate about contributing to this effort and being part of a community focused on learning.
Delvin Merino - Vocal III
Delvin, born and raised on Roatán, now lives in French Harbour. After completing his education on the island and in mainland Honduras, he became the principal of a public school, director of the Merino Education Center, and a local councillor. Passionate about improving education on Roatán, Delvin views PIER as a vital opportunity to enhance the island’s education system. He believes this will ultimately contribute to the well-being of the entire community.