Learn about what Travis is accomplishing at Kids Alive International!
Travis has been serving with Kids Alive in Guatemala for about five years, but his journey with the organization began much earlier. In 2016, while serving with a different ministry in Guatemala, he was introduced to the Oasis program.
“I was encouraged by the holistic and unique nature of the program and decided that I wanted to be a part of the work happening here,” he shared.
That experience stayed with him. In 2020, he returned to Guatemala and joined the Kids Alive team full-time. Not long after, he met Yeni, who was working with the Oasis program. The two crossed paths while Travis was teaching English classes to KAI staff members. They were married in April earlier this year, a joyful new chapter in their shared journey of service with Kids Alive.
Travis makes a habit of riding motorcycles all the way from Canada to Guatemala! He also enjoys camping in the USA and sampling tacos in Mexico.
As the Global Goals Manager, Travis leads Kids Alive’s measurement program that tracks progress toward four key outcomes for the children and families being served, that they would:
1. Enjoy a vibrant, life-changing relationship with God.
2. Experience emotional and physical well-being.
3. Be equipped for a life of independence and service.
4. Live life in family and community, free of fear and violence.
He works closely with national teams across nearly 50 programs worldwide to gather both numerical and narrative data that tells the full story of transformation.
"The best information comes from our in-country staff," Travis shares. Careful reporting from those closest to the families being supported helps Kids Alive understand the bigger picture—identifying trends, sharing successes, and ensuring that every child is on a path toward healing, wholeness, and lasting change.
Each year, Travis looks forward to the Quinceañera celebration at the Oasis site—a cherished Guatemalan tradition that honors girls as they turn fifteen.
“The Quince is a significant Guatemalan family event that celebrates the transition of a girl into a woman,” he says. For girls in residential care, the celebration becomes a powerful moment of dignity and joy. Kids Alive pulls out all the stops with a large tent, catered meals, elegant dresses, and heartfelt celebration. “It’s a special moment for us to celebrate and honor the girls on their special day.”
Travis encourages others to consider nonprofit service as a meaningful way to use their gifts.
“There is a great need for people, especially professionals, in the nonprofit world,” he says. “Technology makes it easier than ever to get involved.”
To Travis, KAI's tagline reflects the deeper work happening in each child’s life.
"I see justice that heals as a way of allowing a child to move forward with hope and purpose," he says. "When Kids Alive can walk a girl through the child protection process and get a criminal sentence for the abuser, it effectively closes that chapter of abuse in the girl's life. This allows her to move forward and find healing."
