Meet the Team: Ana María
This week's featured staff member is Ana María Salas, our psychologist and Program Coordinator for our Families United program.
Ana María is genuinely one of the most joyful people you will ever meet. She has a huge smile, a hilarious sense of humor, and a positive attitude during even the most challenging situations. We asked her a few questions to help you get to know her.
How long have you worked at Casa Bernabé?
8.5 years
Why did you want to work at CB?
Because it's a ministry that serves children and adolescents, and I wanted to be part of that service and put the talents God has given me to work. Since I owe what I have only to Him, my desire was to put what He has given me to His service. I have a calling, and I love helping those in need.
Why do you like working at CB?
I love my job: visiting families, being able to help them in their spiritual life, praying for them, introducing them to Jesus as their Lord and Savior, sharing with them, being able to laugh, enjoying the time spent visiting, and helping them as much as I can.
Everything I do everyday fills my heart with happiness and gratitude to God. I have so much to give to the children and their families. Since working at Casa Bernabé, I am a better person, more grateful, and God has blessed me greatly. My leaders strive every day to give the children everything they need and love them as their own. While I take care of these children, God takes care of mine.
Tell us a little bit about yourself (your interests, family, etc.)
My husband passed away in 2014, and my youngest daughter was 11 years old. Two years later, I joined Casa Bernabé. I have two children, a 34-year-old son named Bryan, a 22-year-old daughter named Pamela, and a 3-year-old grandson named Pablo Andrés, who I love with all my heart. I have a 5-year-old Rottweiler named Bruno, and my grandson loves him and enjoys playing with him.
I love spending time with my children, especially my grandson. I teach him so many things, play with him, take him to swimming lessons and to church on Sundays, and also go horseback riding. I love watching my daughter compete in equestrian competitions.
I really like studying, and my greatest desire is to pursue a master's degree in speech therapy. I want to continue serving the Lord at Casa Bernabé for as long as I live, or as long as He desires.
How can we be praying for you?
Pray that God will watch over us during each visit, as the places we visit are all very dangerous and high-risk. Pray that God always protects our coming and going and that He protects the vehicle we drive, as well as spiritual support for us.
Pray for the program, that God always provides for our salaries so that the program can continue to exist. Pray that God fills us with wisdom and discernment when we have to present reports to the court and make recommendations or requests to the judge that always favor the children.
Pray for the families we visit that they can make the necessary changes and be able to recover their children. Pray for provision for the families so they never go without food.
Pray for my health—I suffer from asthma, glaucoma, and painful knees—for financial support for my home, for my two children, Pamela and Bryan, and my grandson, Pablo Andrés.
Thank you so much for partnering with us in this work. It's so encouraging to know we are cared for and prayed for by all of you.