ABOUT | AMA

Our Story

Our journey began when Planned Parenthood Foundation reached out to our founder, Hannah Freiwald, the sole professional midwife in Guatemala at the time. With extensive experience in sexual and reproductive health and a deep passion for humanitarian work, Hannah embraced the opportunity to make a difference. For five years, we partnered with PPFA, laying the foundation for our mission.

Throughout our trajectory, we persevered, developing a hybrid model with scaled costs to ensure every woman who seeks our care receives it, regardless of their resources. Led by Hannah and her daughter, Diana S. Freiwald, our center embodies a commitment to midwifery-led, humane care.

Diana, now at the helm, carries forward her mother's legacy with unwavering dedication to elevating midwifery and championing sexual and reproductive rights for all. She fondly recalls how AMA has empowered the entire staff, enabling them to become the first in their families to pursue higher education.

For Diana, AMA represents not just healthcare but also a beacon of hope and resistance against the global decline of midwifery.

During these 16 years, the entire AMA team has been fundamental to what we are today. Thanks to their effort and dedication, we have been able to provide quality care and empower thousands of women in Guatemala. Together, we are not just providing care; we are shaping futures, empowering women, and ensuring that every girl and woman in Guatemala can exercise their sexual and reproductive rights with dignity and autonomy.

Join us on this transformative journey.

Certified Midwives

Our center is directed by midwives certified by the Network of Certified Midwives of Mexico and the Osa Mayor Association. We also train our nurses in professional midwifery with a focus on sexual and reproductive rights.

Nurses

It is a requirement for our midwifery apprentices to complete a nursing, a neonatal resuscitation course, obstetric emergencies, among many others.

Pediatric care

Our pediatrician graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of San Carlos University and specialized in homeopathic alternative medicine in England.

Services

The Team

Expertise. Passion. Empathy.

Diana Samayoa Freiwald

Senior Midwife/Executive Director

Midwife with extensive clinical experience and additional training in breech birth, neonatal care, preconception health and placental medicine. Supervises the clinical operation and specific cases under a social business model. As well as supporting midwifery staff, in her role as CEO she seeks to secure vital resources for the AMA. Her commitment to learning reflects her dedication to maximizing contributions to the nonprofit sector.

Maria Bocel

Midwife/Nurse Auxiliary

Mary, who has been with us for 13 years, has grown professionally under our support. She progressed from primary school to secondary school, then sought training as a nurse practitioner before we trained her to become a midwife.

Originally from Yepocapa and of Mayan descent, she is deeply committed to the defense of sexual and reproductive health rights and care, embodying a strong sense of dedication to her community.

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Astrid Torres

Administration and HR

Astrid, with experience in Guatemalan Law, has been an integral part of our team for over 6 years. Her experience in daily management and human resources ensures smooth operations. Astrid's unwavering commitment to sexual and reproductive rights further strengthens our mission, ensuring effective and ethical practices in all aspects of our work.

Evelyn Bocel

Midwife/Auxiliary Nurse Apprentice

With our support, Evelyn completed her schooling, training as an auxiliary nurse and is now finishing her midwifery apprenticeship with us. Equipped with comprehensive training, she functions as a secondary provider, capable of providing care independently. Evelyn's passion for sexual and reproductive rights is matched by her enthusiasm for learning clinical procedures, reflecting her dedication to providing quality care.

Miriam Santos

Midwife/Maintenance Apprentice

Miriam plays a vital role in maintaining the center part-time while learning midwifery care. Currently enrolled in nursing school, she is the newest addition to our clinical team and shows great enthusiasm for learning. Miriam's dedication to her learning and her enthusiasm for expanding her knowledge make her a valuable asset to our team as we work together to provide quality care.