Volunteers
The Manna Wellness Network
is a global community of volunteers who give their time and resources with their hearts wide open.
They are teachers, caseworkers, students, artists, parents; people from every corner of society. Some once needed help themselves. Others recognized an opportunity to share. What unites them is the belief that true wellness requires resilience and a support system rooted in holistic care.
Whether behind the scenes or leading bold initiatives, Manna volunteers work tirelessly to fill the gaps that healthcare and education often leave behind.
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Angela Ruiz – School Social Worker
Los Angeles, United States -
Noah Patel – Registered Nurse
Toronto, Canada -
Layla Aiken – HR Specialist
Dubai, UAE -
Charmaine Cheng – Speech Therapist
Hong Kong -
Adel Guia – Crochet Artist
Baguio City, Philippines -
Rina Tan – Occupational Therapist
Singapore -
Jordan Ellis – Youth Program Coordinator
Melbourne, Australia -
Fatima Khan – Community Health Worker
Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Nathan Li – IT Support Technician
Vancouver, Canada -
Rosebelle Rosario-Cawas, Nurse Adelaide, Austraila
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Marcus Lee – Fitness Trainer
Sydney, Australia -
Keira Wong – Art Instructor
Hong Kong -
David Martinez – High School Counselor
Austin, United States -
Serene Lim – Mental Health Advocate / Peer Facilitator
Singapore -
Leah Torres – Stay-at-Home Mom & Volunteer Coordinator
Sydney, Australia
Whether it’s a one-time gift, a helping hand now and then, or a lifelong calling, every act of care matters. We believe the best kind of giving comes from the heart, not obligation.
With volunteering at the heart of their daily rhythm, Leslie, Isha, Valerie, and Francis are coming together to launch Soulful Flow, a brand-new offering under The Foundry pillar. This online wellness space is designed for those who thrive through gentle movement, creating an accessible environment where participants can restore, connect, and build a supportive community.
Whether you're seeking mindful movement or a place to share your expertise, this is an opportunity to uplift others through compassionate teaching. If you're a yoga instructor passionate about guiding others on their wellness journey, we'd love to have you on board!
Francis Baltazar, Founder
(California, USA)
In 2013, Francis founded Manna Wellness to offer meaningful resources and support for underserved communities striving to build lasting health and resilience. With over 15 years in the nonprofit sector, he brings firsthand insight into the realities of poverty and the systemic barriers that shape it. Today, Francis serves as Chief of Staff at one of San Francisco’s leading nonprofits focused on behavioral health and housing, where his work bridges operational strategy with a deep commitment to holistic, sustainable, and community-rooted care.
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Mahal Montes, Co-Director of Development
(California, USA)
Driven by a deep commitment to inclusive wellness, Mahal transforms complex data into powerful stories that inspire action. With a degree in Cognitive Science from Yale and a background in tenant organizing, she bridges analytical precision with lived community experience. Her work weaves together compelling storytelling, striking visualizations, and strategic donor engagement to illuminate the link between economic stability and health equity, sparking meaningful investment in wellness-centered solutions.
Valerie Hunter, Strategic Advisor
(California, USA)
Valerie’s passion for educational equity is rooted in their experiences growing up in California’s Bay Area, where they saw firsthand the impact of inclusive learning. With a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts, an Educational Specialist Credential, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Cal State East Bay, they’ve built a career focused on reshaping education to truly support every learner.
Valerie is committed to building systems that uplift students and creating environments where acceptance and opportunity thrive. Connect with Valerie at Tutoring Transition Support.
Leslie Dulfo, Strategic Advisor
(Philippines)
​Leslie is a dedicated mental health advocate, writer, and community leader. With a law degree and a deep passion for mental wellness, she integrates her legal expertise and advocacy to advance mental health awareness and support in underserved communities. Through her influential writing and podcast, Leslie sparks essential conversations that empower individuals and communities to break barriers and thrive. Leslie's work directly aligns with Manna Wellness' mission of fostering holistic wellbeing and creating lasting, transformative change.
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Ping Xue, Lead Researcher
(California, USA)
Motivated by her goals for equitable access in education, Ping is a dedicated writer and researcher with a degree in English from UC Davis. She is committed to transparent and sustainable development and education for all. Through her ongoing work in educational writing and editing, she aims to help underserved communities navigate the difficulties of the education system. She knows that education is something that is meant for everyone and she works to make sure it is made accessible to everyone.
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Matt Rossi, Music Programs Manager
(Adelaide, Australia)
Matt is a professional musician and teacher with over ten years of experience using sound to build community and create space for healing. At Manna, he runs music sessions that help people connect and support each other through shared cultural stories and sounds. He teaches music to children in foster care, using rhythm as a tool to build confidence and a healthy form of emotional expression.