Current PFI Board
Camille Stegman - President
Camille is a science teacher and educator with over 25 years of experience, focused on improving science education. She is passionate about using the marine environment to teach science concepts to students. Camille supports PIER's mission to enhance teaching and believes she can contribute to this effort. With a background as a district director for the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and a PADI Master Instructor, she holds a MA in science education, a MA in educational leadership, and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on STEM Education.
Michelle Sanders - Vice President
Michelle, originally from Charlottesville, VA, lived on Roatán from 2003 to 2006, forming a deep connection to the island and its people. She continues to return, grateful for the relationships and experiences that have shaped her life. Michelle supports PIER because she believes that true societal change comes through education, and that PIER empowers individuals for lasting impact by addressing root causes. A mother of twins and a passionate traveler, she feels her time on Roatán reset her soul and hopes to continue guiding others, just as she was once guided.
Lukas Ray - Secretary
Lukas, based in Asheville, North Carolina, first learned about PIER while supervising Executive Director Timna during her fellowship at Kingdom Trails in Vermont. In November 2023, he visited Timna to learn more about Roatán, PIER, and its impactful work. Lukas fully supports PIER’s mission to provide educational resources in Roatán and the West End and appreciates the culture and communities of Honduras. With over 10 years of nonprofit experience, he currently serves as the Communications & Engagement Officer for Mountain Housing Opportunities, Inc. in Asheville.
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.
Patrick Connell, MD - Director
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.
Stacy Peñalva - Director
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 - Director
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.
Aileen Hale - Director
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Aileen is a bilingual/ELL educator with years of experience in Belize. She discovered PIER while visiting Roatán last year. With a doctorate in International Education & Service-Learning, Aileen has spent 30 years designing and leading programs in countries like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Belize, Cuba, Colombia, South Korea, and Albania. She is eager to support PIER by sharing her expertise and empowering other educators.
Michele Widd - Director
Michelle has visited Roatán for nearly 30 years and volunteered with local NGOs during much of that time. Now a homeowner on the island, she is actively involved with the PIER-supported West End Community Centre. As an educator and certified life coach, Michelle believes in the transformative power of education to empower individuals and foster personal growth. With a B.S. and M.S. degree, fluency in Spanish, French, and Italian, and over 15 years of experience in K-12 curriculum development and teaching, she is excited to contribute to PIER’s efforts to support educators and children on Roatán.