Selva in Action

Franke von Engel  B.A. -  Project Director

For more than 30 years, Franke has been a Food Service Director and Consultant in healthcare, schools, senior programs, detention, and industry in Germany, England, Italy, Perú, and the USA.  As part of an international team of volunteers, she worked at the Hospital Amazónico “Albert Schweitzer” in Pucallpa, Perú (1965-67 & 1970-71) and also worked with medical expeditions in the Peruvian Andes.  A native of Germany, Franke received her degree in Home Economics in Hamburg, Germany and a B.A. in Social Sciences from Thomas Edison State College, Trenton, NJ.  She is a member of the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS) and the Rotary Club of the Stroudsburgs.  She resides in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and has worked with SIA since 2008.

Anita Soluna, M.S.  -  Associate Director

Anita brings over 40 years of experience working in the social services, non-profit, and international corporate arenas.  She is the President of Chakana Consulting, has served as Director of Education for the Los Angeles County Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and was Assistant Vice-President of Community Outreach and Director of Youth Services for two organizations serving pregnant and parenting teens.  Anita has over 30 years of community volunteer experience, is a Licensed/Certified Substitute Teacher for the Department of Education, New Mexico, and is a certified Substance Abuse Educator and Counselor (UCLA).  She has been the recipient of numerous awards from the public and non-profit sectors.  Anita received her M.A. in Psychology and her B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University, Los Angeles.  Anita is currently a member of the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS) and the Mountainair Chamber of Commerce.  She co-founded Selva in Action with Stella Cruz in 2006 and resides in Mountainair, New Mexico.

Raul Felipa, M.D.  -  Medical Director

Dr. Felipa has been a medical practitioner and educator for over 45 years.  He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Allegany College of Maryland and the Council of the American College of Physicians, and is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Maryland State Medical Society.  A native of Perú, Dr. Felipa began his medical career working with Dr. Theodor Binder, a disciple of Dr. Albert Schweitzer, at the Hospital Amazónico “Albert Schweitzer” in Pucallpa, Perú (in the Amazon jungle).  He has worked in hospitals in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maryland, and was in private practice (Internal Medicine) for 30 years.  Dr. Felipa has been the recipient of several awards for Medical Excellence and has participated in numerous medical expeditions in Perú.  He received his medical degree from San Marcos University, Lima, Perú, where he graduated 10th in his class.  As a member of the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS), Dr Felipa serves on their Medical Mission Committee.  He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Cumberland.  He resides in Cumberland, Maryland and has worked with SIA since 2007.

Janice E. Felipa, R.N., B.S.  -  Strategic Development

Janice’s experience in nursing and healthcare administration stretches over 40 years.  She worked as Head Nurse and Clinical Instructor at Massachusetts General Hospital.  Her public health positions in Maryland included Director of Personal Care Program (Medicaid), and Coordinator of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.  She was honored as “Nurse of the Year” by the Maryland Nurses Association.  Janice has contributed extensively to non-profit organizations, being part of the international staff of the Hospital Amazonico, Pucallpa, Perú, and numerous medical expeditions in Perú.  As Chair of the Board for the Family Crisis Resource Center, she was instrumental in the building of the Center.  Janice has served on the Boards of Allegany County United Way, the Cancer Society, and she also served as President for the Alliance to the Allegany County Medical Society.  Janice received her nursing degree from the Albany Medical Center School of Nursing, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from St. Joseph’s College (ME), and is a Certified Nurse in Gerontology.  She holds membership in the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS) and the Rotary Club of Cumberland.  She resides in Cumberland, Maryland and has worked with SIA since 2007. 

Keren Call Rosser, M.D. – Pediatrics and Children’s Issues

"Tribute to Dr. Keren Call" 9 -9-2009

Dr. Call has practiced pediatrics in the Denver area since 1968.  She has had an interest in international medicine since spending 3 months as a resident in the American University of Beirut hospital in 1967.  Now retired from full time practice, Dr. Call’s community service work in Colorado includes volunteering at clinics for the under and uninsured, precepting pediatric residents at Childrens Hospital in Aurora, and serving as a docent at the Museum of Natural History.  She has volunteered with the Peruvian American Medical Society since 2001, working in Ayacucho (in the mountains) and with SIA (in the jungle).  Dr. Call received her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine.  She is a member of PAMS and resides in Aurora, Colorado.  Dr. Call has been with SIA since 2008.

Jan Le, MPH –  Women’s Issues and/or other

Jan Le brings fourteen years of experience in the health care field.  She is currently the Professional Services Manager at Centering Healthcare Institute.  She manages a national group of healthcare professionals who provides consulting and training services on group care model.  Jan was a volunteer with the Peace Corps in Guatemala (2000-2002) and Perú (2002-2003) working with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, respectively.  She received her Master’s Degree in Public Health with an emphasis on International Health from Loma Linda University in 2003.  She is also an alumnus of CORO’s Leadership in Healthcare Program.  She sits on the board of the Boston Return Peace Corps Volunteer as the Membership Chair.  Jan currently resides in Boston, MA, and has worked with SIA since 2008. 

Rosa Aranzabal - Project Coordinator

I, Rosa Enma Aranzabal Durand, was born in Lima-Perú. Since I was little I saw my mother working to help people in need, I lived in the United States for several years, and came back to Perú with my two kids.
I studied office mangement, and worked as a Manager Assistent, in the Ministry of Tourism in Iquitos-Loreto, Rigth now I’m working with the non-profit organization, Amazon Promise, as a coordinator.
I began working with Selva in Acción in April 2010, as a translator and right now as a Coordinator,
I’m so proud to work with people who are dedicade to help people in need.

German Navas - Logistics & Motorista

In his 40 plus years working on the water, Mr. Navas’ boat driving experience spans a wide array of watercraft, from canoes to yachts.  During his career, Mr. Navas has worked for several construction, petroleum, and petroleum transport companies,  His employment has taken him to Colombia and to the Amazon border of Brazil.  In addition, he has been employed by two lodges in the Amazon jungle and has been part of SIA since the beginning in 2006. He is a skilled boat motor mechanic and has a vast knowledge of the Amazon River, its flora and fauna, and it’s many tributaries, including the Yarapa, Nanay, Marañon, Ucayali, Napo, and more.  Mr. Navas was born in a boat on the river and currently resides in Iquitos, Peru.

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Stella Cruz, B.A.

Stella Cruz is one of the founders of Selva in Action (SIA.) For five years as the Project Administrator, she dedicated her life and soul to enable the residents of the Rio Momón to create their health care cooperative, which they simply called “La Cooperativa del Rio Momon”.  Stella continues to support the SIA project and organizes fundraisers in Southern California. She has a B.A. in Business Management and over 25 years of experience in developing and managing health and social programs.  She resides in La Mirada, California. 

Elizabeth Rodriguez

A native Peruvian, Ms. Rodriguez has 25 years experience working in the health, health education, and human services fields.  Elizabeth is a Licensed Psychologist and a nurse.  She received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the Inca Garcilazo de la Vega University and her nursing license from the Daniel Alcides Carrion Nursing School.  Both schools are located in Lima, Perú.  Elizabeth is a Supervisor for a case management program serving pregnant and parenting teens.  She resides in Monterey Park, California and has volunteered with SIA since 2007. 

Martha B. Ochoa

Martha Ochoa brings over 27 years experience working in the health and human services fields.  A native Peruvian, Ms. Ochoa has worked as a Clinical Psychologist, Case Manager, Educator, and Nurse.  Ms. Ochoa is a Licensed Psychologist and received her Bachelors Degree from the Inca Garcilazo de la Vega University and her nursing license from the Daniel Alcides Carrion Nursing School, both located in Lima, Perú.  Martha has been a case manager for pregnant and parenting teens for over 10 years.  She resides in Monterey Park, California and has been part of SIA since 2007.

Omar Mora, M.D.

Dr. Omar Mora is a sports medicine physician.  Dr. Mora has participated in high profile events such as the New York City Marathon and New York’s Triathlon.  His experience as an attending physician to victims of the 9/11/2001 tragedy in NYC influenced him to pursue his dream of becoming an actor.  After attending The School for Film and Television, Dr. Mora moved to Los Angeles, where he is still living.  His practice is located on the west side of Los Angeles, and his acting career continues to move forward.  Dr. Mora has been participating with SIA since 2009.

Antje Streit, M.A.

Antje Streit has extensive experience in counseling, program development and implementation, education, and conflict resolution. She worked with women’s group in Bosnia during war time, as well as other diverse international settings, including developing countries.  She lives in Wiesbaden, Germany.