About > The team
Siargao Masaya —
OUR
TEAM
Founder
Stéphanie Roth Gana was born in 1980. She grew up in Zinal, in the heart of the Swiss Alps. She studied ethnology and sociology in Sion and then at the University of Neuchâtel. After spending a year in Siargao, she decided to found the Siargao Masaya association. She enjoys sport, sharing with children, dance, herbal medicine and travelling, which gives her the opportunity to discover new cultures.
Co-Managers
Lola Dachtler (above) and Hélène Gapany (below) were born in 1994 and grew up in Switzerland. It was during a backpacking trip to the Philippines that they fell ‘under the spell’ of the island of Siargao and its inhabitants. Through a mutual friend, the two social educators met Stéphanie and decided to get involved with the Siargao Masaya association, first as sponsors and then as volunteers with the mobile library. Every year, they travel to the area to provide support and prepare materials for the start of the new school year. When they are in Switzerland, they work closely with Stéphanie and carry out various fund-raising activities in their region (support evenings, "rencontres de l'aventure" festival, etc.). These two friends love travelling, sport, adventure and nature.
Active Local Volunteer
Leah Marie Diaz was born in 1989. She grew up in Tagum City (Davao). She graduated from the University of Southeastern Philippines with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. Her love for a simple life close to nature made her decide to leave the city and settle on the island of Siargao. Leah enjoys gardening, travelling, sport and meeting new people.
Active Partner on site
Gelly BL was born in 1993 and grew up in Manila (the capital of the Philippines). In 2015, she graduated with a degree in Communication Arts from Ateneo de Manila University. Shortly after, she moved to the island of Boracay where she lived for two years. In 2017, she found her true home along the shores of Siargao. Gelly is passionate about yoga, art, music, surfing, and nature. Her family, friends, community service, and the pursuit of harmony in her practices are her current priorities.