About Us
OUR MISSION
We're supporting the educational efforts of students in Central America.
Opportunity Tree’s commitment is to help children and youth in Central America improve their lives through education. We currently work with students in under-resourced rural communities of Nicaragua & Guatemala.
Meet Our Team
Co-founder, Executive Director
Beret E. Strong
Beret E. Strong holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Brown University and an M.F.A. in poetry from Warren Wilson College. She is the author of several books, and is working on a book on medical experimentation and ethics. Beret is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and owner of Landlocked Films. She has traveled extensively internationally and worked as a volunteer for many nonprofits. She speaks Spanish and French.
Education Consultant, Fundraiser
Mickey Tennis
Mikaela (Mickey) Tennis is a lifelong educator. She holds a BA in International Studies, French and Environmental Studies from UW-Madison. She has been an English language teacher in Thailand, an Environmental Educator with the Peace Corps in Mexico and an online educator to youth around the world. She is a certified Environmental Educator, permaculture designer, and passionate traveler. She has lived in Mexico for 7 years.
Co-founder, In Loving Memory
Nancy B. Printz
Nancy was an attorney with more than 20 years of experience practicing business law in Colorado. She received her J.D. from Yale Law School and her B.A. from Emory University, Summa Cum Laude in political science, where she was a National Merit Scholar. Nancy was involved with a variety of nonprofits over the years. She spoke Spanish fluently and was Opportunity Tree's first Executive Director. She died in 2018 and is greatly missed.
Opportunity Tree's History
2008
DISCOVERY
In 2008 the founders of Opportunity Tree traveled to Nicargaua to observe a variety of NGOs working there. Through various conversations, they learned that Nicaraguans' priorities lay less in clean water or better access to health care than in education. The people of Nicaragua believe their future will be vastly improved by educational opportunities for their children. They know that rural children are often forced to stop studying early in their secondary school years because of family economic needs.
2011
FOUNDING
The founders of Opportunity Tree were moved by the Nicaraguans’ commitment to education and inspired by the realization that a small amount of money can make a significant difference in the lives of young people and their communities. Opportunity Tree was formed in 2011 after extensive research and communication with other NGOs with a goal to facilitate education opportunities for youth in under-resourced areas.