Kickforhope does not have paid staff members. The following team members work year-round to contribute to the success of kickforhope by graciously donating their time and talents. We are also thankful for the hundreds of event volunteers who help make kickforhope possible.
Kristen Chandler, Co-founder & President 
Growing up in Venezuela, Kristen is no stranger to the plights of the under-resourced. With three children, Kristen has been involved in both AYSO and competitive soccer. She was inspired to start kickforhope after her oldest son's mission trip to Africa in 2008. As a partner in Design Marketing, a San Diego based advertising agency, Kristen is the creative and marketing force behind kickforhope and loves using her gifts to help those in need.
Abel Martinez, Co-founder & Tournament Director
Abel, a loan officer for Torrey Pines Bank, is a native of Peru. Soccer has always been a big part of Abel's life. Since playing soccer in college, he has stayed in the game by coaching competitive soccer in San Diego and playing in adult leagues. Abel committed to the vision and success of kickforhope after seeing a video of African women collecting water from the same pond cows were drinking from. Abel is relentless in his pursuit of teams-because without teams there is no tournament!
Heidi Solis, Co-Tournament Director
Heidi started playing soccer at 5 years old and didn't stop until she graduated San Diego State University. After playing collegiately, she started coaching so she could give back to the kids and to the community who helped her become a student athlete. Heidi went on to achieve a teaching credential from San Marcos State University. She is currently enjoying being a mother to 4 year old Micah and 8 year old Kaylee. Heidi loves going to the movies, reading and simply being with her family. She was inspired to work with kickforhope after bringing one of her teams to the inaugural tournament.
Andy Blank, Vice President
Andy is the owner of Ping IT, Inc., an IT consulting company in San Diego. Having played, coached and refereed soccer on many levels - Andy enjoys many facets of the game. Andy's wife and son have spent time in Africa which motivated the involvement in a valuable organization like kickforhope. In addition to coordinating with referees, managing our communications, and pitching in anywhere he's asked, Andy has appointed himself team clown and keeps us laughing with his great sense on humor!
Nathan Reams, CFO/Treasurer
Nathan grew up playing competitive soccer in Northern California and the game has always been a driving force for good in his life. He is currently a senior financial analyst at HD Supply and recently earned the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation. Nathan enjoys the opportunity to use his twin obsessions of finance and soccer to aid those in need and further the kickforhope cause.
Patti Weigand, Secretary
Patti grew up in San Diego and considers herself a "Jill of all trades." She believes a life worth living is helping others. Working at Torrey Pines Banks with Abel, she heard about kickforhope and decided to volunteer. She spends her spare time with family and Mulligan (part basset hound mix). Patti is the newest member of our team, and we are excited to have her on board.
Ingvild Denison, Sponsorship Director & Volunteer Coordinator
Ingvild grew up in Norway were a passion for soccer was fed from early on. Kick for Hope's focus on Africa fit perfectly with her desire to make a difference in the world. As a mom of 3, she knows the importance of introducing kids to opportunities to help those in need. Ing believes kickforhope is an opportunity for those she invites to support it, and her enthusiasm is contagious. So its not surprising she recruited over 100 volunteers last year for every aspect of the event.
Heather Locke, Field Director
Heather is an artist and a sales representative for Acholi Beads. A mother of two soccer players and an avid volunteer, working with kickforhope has allowed her to combine her passion for children, global awareness and soccer into one amazing charity. Heather works tirelessly to secure fields, sponsors, and whatever else she can to promote the success of kickforhope. Heather believes in the adage, "its not what you know, but who you know." And we are grateful she knows a lot of people!
Rachel Locke, Youth Ambassador
Rachel Locke is a high school student at La Jolla Country Day school who is involved with many community service projects and plays competitive soccer. She has played soccer for over 8 years and loves being able to use soccer to help other people through Kick 4 Hope. Rachel brings fresh ideas to the table and promotes kickforhope among her peers.
Arturo Martinez, Field Marshall Director
Arturo is currently the accounting manager for the San Diego branch of Expeditors International of Washington, a fortune 500 company, which offers value added global logistics services. A sports fan of every level of competition, Arturo enjoys the power of togetherness that only soccer can bring to fans of all ages world wide. After helping his brother Abel on the field last year, Arturo decided to put his management skills to work for kickforhope.
Sallie Saltzman, Advertising & Program Director
Sallie has a passion for volunteering in our community and has held many board position in a variety of organizations. Sallie also has a passion for soccer that she discovered when her oldest of 3 daughters first started playing soccer 17 years ago. Coaching her daughters and playing soccer herself formed her firm belief that sports is an important and positive influence on the development of our children. kickforhope brings her two passions together - knowing that we are reaching out to our children and developing their compassion for other children across the world is great thing!
Jon Cartmell, Advisory Member
Jon a teacher and soccer coach who recently moved from Scotland to San Diego. He has traveled in western Africa and experienced the poverty there as well as seen the good that organizations like kickforhope do to help aid development across the continent. Jon was moved to get involved in the project upon hearing about the success kickforhope experienced in 2009.
Brian Berry, Board Member
Brian is a High School youth pastor, and was responsible for taking a team of High School youth to Uganda in 2008. He and his wife Shannon have five children including twins they adopted from Uganda. Brian coaches youth soccer and has been a strong supporter of kickforhope since its inception.