Locally Haiti Staff
Our small team, based in Haiti and the U.S., are committed to local leadership and vision, investing in locally led programs and community-based work. We are dedicated to learning from local people, strengthening relationships, and sending resources to the hands of our local partners who know their community best. Our team members in Haiti serve as a bridge between our partner organizations and our U.S. team, coordinating grants and projects, and sharing photos and stories from Petit Trou.
Joseph Alvyns,
Special Projects Coordinator
Joseph brings a diverse experience and skillset to our team and supports local leaders and local institutions in a variety of ways. He is currently developing a youth chess program, assisting in communications and photography, and helping to equip the hospital staff residence.
Learn more about Joseph in this video.
Florkensie Lapointe,
Scholarship Coordinator
Florkensie, a 4th year student at the Business and Technology Institute (BTI) in Les Cayes, coordinates enrichment activities and supports our 15 higher education students currently enrolled at BTI.
Lisson Michel,
Hospital Liaison
Lisson is the primary liaison and point of contact between Locally Haiti and the leadership and administration of the Petit Trou Community Hospital. He has an office in the hospital and is integrated in management, finance, human resources, and planning. Lisson also serves as the Assistant Manager of ASFPN, a key Locally Haiti partner working in Girls’ Empowerment, Health, and Agriculture (see below).
Dr. Vanessa Suffren,
Health Officer
Dr. Vanessa currently serves as a volunteer with Locally Haiti. She is a licensed physician with significant training in psychology, post-trauma, and participatory methods in community development. Vanessa first engaged with Locally Haiti after the earthquake of August 14, 2021, when she came to assist in counseling, focus groups, and psychological support initiatives. She continued to visit each month, building relationships and providing seminars and continuing education at St. Paul's School, with the girls' empowerment programs, and with Locally Haiti supported community health workers.
Johnny Verneus,
Project Coordinator
Johnny comes to Locally Haiti with years of experience supporting rural development and has previously worked with USAID, Save the Children, and DINEPA. Prior to joining Locally Haiti, Johnny lived in Jeremie, supporting water and community education and engagement projects. He has a degree in social work from the State University of Haiti and is passionate about agriculture, education, and girls' empowerment. He brings immense value to our work, coordinating projects, reporting and communication, and serving as a key bridge between U.S. supporters and local partners in Haiti. He speaks Kreyol, French, Spanish, and English.
Johnny is the 2025 recipient of the Ted Lewis Award, an honor that recognizes individuals who make a significant impact in our community.
Learn more about our work in Petit Trou through Johnny’s eyes in our newest short film, Limyè Titwou: The Light of Petit Trou.
Wynn Walent,
Executive Director
Wynn first traveled to Haiti after the earthquake of 2010 to assist with relief efforts. He intended to stay for two months before returning to the U.S. for graduate school, but was inspired by the work, progress, and possibility he witnessed and ended up staying for over two years, working to support Haitian led development efforts in health, education, and agriculture. Prior to his time in Haiti, Wynn worked in Peru and Central America as well as for a non-profit based in Harlem and the Bronx in New York. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Government & Psychology from the University of Virginia, and more recently a Master’s Degree in International Development & Global Health Affairs from the University of Denver. Wynn has published writing in the Denver Post, Huffington Post, Colorado Independent and Latterly Magazine, and has been interviewed on Haiti-related issues for various publications including the Washington Post, NBC News, and ABC News. He is a proud father of two young men, Paul and Vlad.