Guatemala Bound

Mary Novakoski, RN will be traveling with Cascade Medical Team and HELPS International to Solola, Guatemala June 16 - 27.   She will be part of a a team of medical professionals, support staff, and construction team providing free medical care to the Mayan people of the highlands.  On this medical mission general surgery, gynecological procedures, eye, and dental care will be provided at no cost to the Mayan people of Guatemala. Mary states, "This trip gives me the opportunity to give back to the underserved population and in return gain an invaluable experience and knowledge."


Mary Novakoski is a registered nurse who received her Associates of Applied Science from Portland Community College. Currently, she works at Hooper Detoxification and Stabilization Center in Portland, Oregon providing culturally competent care to the underserved population of the Portland- Metro area and has received several recognitions for her contributions throughout her employment as a RN. Additionally, Mary works at Kaiser Permanente in Clackamas, Oregon working in addiction medicine/mental health.  In her free time Mary takes continuing education courses, currently enrolled in a Medical Spanish for Medical Professionals to prepare for her medical mission to Guatemala.


Mary attributes her strong work ethic and compassion to help others to her grandparents who were farmers in Door County, Wisconsin. They instilled strong values which have carried over into raising her daughter as a single parent. Mary hopes to contribute her skills/knowledge gained from nursing and from her grandparents to the Mayan Indians in Guatemala and in return gain invaluable lifetime experience.