Ecuador
Visiting Ecuador on a Therapy Adventure service trip will change your life. You will have the unique opportunity to work alongside American clinicians at our partner clinic in Ibarra, Ecuador. You will get first-hand experience and learn from the people behind all the incredible work being done for the most vulnerable in Ecuador. See below for pictures of the therapy clinics, the living quarters, our team members, prior service trips, and get a glimpse of what you can discover in Ecuador, and more.
We have a limited number of available spots, so don't waste any time. Submit your application today. Early applicants are given preference.
Where You Will Serve
Create lifelong bonds with volunteers and fieldwork students from across the U.S. and the world. See a group of aspiring clinicians at the offices of CRECER in a recent photo.
Connecting with the children and people at CRECER and in Ecuador is one of the ways your therapy adventure will be meaningful. Play and interact with children in a way that advances their developmental goals.
Students and volunteers contribute to the clinic in many ways from assisting and providing therapies, to making materials, to decorating therapy spaces so the clinic is client-friendly and inviting.
Students at the CRECER outpatient center.
The work at CRECER is never done, which make it so meaningful
Housing Options
Conjunto Villa Sol is a beautiful complex made up of 18 houses near the clinic spaces. Each house includes kitchen with integrated breakfast area, laundry area, living room, dining room, and patio space.
The property of Villa Sol Complex resides in a calm part of town and includes beautiful views of the city. Ibarra is nestled in the mountains. Breath-taking views are an everyday occurrence.
Bedrooms include spacious closets and full bathroom. Housing accommodations are usually quaint and simple, and allow you to discover everything Ibarra has to offer within walking distance.
Communal patio area with green areas, games for children, and places to barbecue.
Your Transportation
When you arrive at the airport in Quito, and while you are in Ecuador, transportation will be provided. Our people will welcome you at the airport and our drivers will shuttle you to our therapy clinic spaces.
You will be shuttled around in a van similar to this one by our experienced drivers.
Our People
Elaine Keane, OTD, OTR/L was elected by the Board of Directors to be the first Executive Director of CRECER at the first annual meeting on July 26th, 2010. Dr. Keane has been an occupational therapist since 1985. She has practiced in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient rehabilitation. She first went to Ecuador to do volunteer work in 2001.
Susana Albuja was elected by the Board of Directors to be the Program Manager for CRECER. Sra. Albuja is a past Provincial Director for the National Institute of the Child and Family in the province of Imbabura. She was born and raised in Ibarra, Ecuador, and is currently living in Quito. She has worked closely with Dr. Keane to develop volunteer sites in and around Ibarra and continues to ensure the activities of the organization run smoothly.
Meet Rubi Reynaga who hails from Chicago and is a fluent Spanish speaker and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Rubi is a veteran Therapy Adventures trip leader and could very well be with you on your upcoming therapy adventure to Ibarra, Ecuador.
Meet Koraima Marroquin who lives in Chicago and works as an ABA training specialist. Koraima is a fluent Spanish speaker who is pursuing her certification as a Behavior Analyst. Koraima is well traveled and has served in Panama with Therapy Adventures.
Discover Ecuador
Go for a boat ride on one of Ecuador's many waterways. Feel the wind and sun on your face and experience nature totally unadulterated by industry.
Volunteer pose for a selfie with a village tucked into the valley below. These village communities are an adventure all of their own and deserve attention.
An adventurous and courageous student repels down a waterfall, not an experience you could take advantage of in the U.S.
Bond with your serving partner over various exotic excursions. Excursions always include a local, expert guide to ensure the fun and safety of all participants.
