Our Team

A Multidisciplinary Team for Real World Solutions

Leadership

JOHN BARRIE

Founder & Innovation Officer

John is the creative genius behind ATC. It was his vision back in 2008 that led to the development of the Design Library, offered open-source to support humanitarian projects worldwide, and dozens of successful Appropriate Technology projects in the US and Guatemala. John's background is in Architecture, and Industrial Design & Mathematics. He is recognized as a Michigan Sustainability Champion, IBM Smarter Planet Challenge, Inventor of Solar Vaccine Refrigerator, and Boston Innovation Prize winner.

MARILENA CHOGUAJ

Mayan Power and Light Director

Marilena runs the Mayan Power and Light program from the Guatemala field office in Quetzaltenango. She set the program curriculum, manages alliances with municipal and community organizations and leads 4 divisions of staff members running the women's entrepreneurship program, solar training and demonstration projects. Marilena's background is in Social Work, specializing in women’s empowerment. She has 12+ years leading educational programs to overcome gender barriers to economic participation for rural women in Guatemala.

STAFF MEMBERS

LUIS CAHUEX

Administrator

Luis manages alliances, logistics and finances of MPL and the distribution of appropriate technologies in Guatemala. Luis joins us after more than 15 years in the administration of non-profit organizations.

ROSY ORDOÑEZ

Solar Mentor

Co-owner of MPL’s first Solar Business, Soluciones Energéticas Apropriadas, Manages client relationships and sales of large & small solar power systems.

SAUL CANASTUJ

Business Consultant & Trainer

Specializing in financial analysis, business strategy and sales, Saul has accelerated over 20 businesses in Guatemala. MA Financial Administration

RICARDO OCAÑA

Solar Electrician

Certified Electrician, Ricardo apprenticed with Jose Ordonez for 3 years. Now, Ricardo has designed & led over 18 solar installations teaches introductory solar power workshops.

EVERILDA PÉREZ

Social Worker

A bilingual social worker, Eve works directly with community groups. She facilitates trainings and follows up on projects.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHRISTINE WATSON

Board President

IT Leader at Western Governors University, 20+ years of IT management experience in global environments.

DIANA WONG PHD

Board Member

Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Eastern Michigan University as well as CEO & President of Sensei Change Associates, LLC.

Chance Lyman

Board Member

Biography and photo coming soon.

John Bottenberg

Acting Executive Director

Program Manager and Quality Leader at Ford Motor Company, with Startup Experience and Volunteer Service Abroad.

OUR TEAM IN GUATEMALA

Rubén Mata

ATC Project Coordinator — Guatemala

Born and raised in Antigua Guatemala, Rubén Mata has supported ATC for 18 years, helping with volunteer trips, providing transportation, and connecting volunteers with communities. He brings 22 years of experience in tourism and has run his own business for more than 16 years. Since 2024, Rubén and his family have expanded their involvement with ATC to include solar panel installations. Rubén has also helped with solar dehydrator installations, supporting ATC’s work in Guatemala.