Lisa has been with Bless Back since the initial trip in 2010. She is our Finance Director and Country Director for Haiti/Dominican Republic. Lisa has served in Haiti, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.
Lisa’s background in financial accounting and service in missions to Haiti since 2001 gives her a blend of unique skills needed within Bless Back.
In her free time, Lisa loves to travel with her husband, Bill, visit her grown kids, and spend time with her pets.
Here’s a beautiful quote from her: “I love volunteering with the Bless Back team because we are committed to doing short-term missions in a way that empowers those in the communities where we serve.”

Dalissia is a Physician Assistant by trade but a stay-at-home mom by choice! Recently, she had a side gig baking extravagant cakes. She has been involved with Bless Back since 2014 when she and her husband went on their first mission trip to Haiti as their “honeymoon.” Since then, she has worn many hats with Bless Back, from establishing the annual chili cook-off to now being a board member. She has a creative side, loves social media, and helps with events. Dalissia has been on several teams in both Haiti and Nicaragua. She says she always wants to help people, which brings her so much joy to be a part of this amazing team!

Mike serves Bless Back as one of our Medical Directors. He is a board-certified internal medicine and infectious disease physician with 25+ years of experience. Since 2001, he has worked at Atrium Health, previously as the central regional medical director for Carolinas Hospitalist Group, and currently at Perspective Health & Wellness. He has also served as the chief of medicine at both Atrium Mercy and Pineville hospitals.
Mike decided to be a physician in first grade, partly because he wanted to do medical missions. Inspired by a summer-long mission trip to Haiti as a teenager, he jumped at the opportunity to participate in Bless Back’s first trip after the earthquake in January 2010. Mike also serves on the American Leprosy Mission board and as a ruling elder at Christ Covenant Church. He is married to Andrea Johnson, M.D., and they have five children.

Carmen serves Bless Back as one of our Medical Directors and is board-certified in internal medicine. She attended UNC-Chapel Hill for both undergrad and medical school and is also a prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholar. Carmen holds a Master of Arts and Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Carmen recently launched her private medical practice, Teague Internal Medicine and Enrichment, where she can provide her patients with a personalized health plan to treat and prevent health issues.
Carmen also serves on the Board of Camino Community Development Corporation, the Leadership Council for the Christian Medical and Dental Association Charlotte Chapter, and as a healthcare liaison for the City of Hope.
However, she will tell you that her real job is as a full-time Mom! She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have four beautiful children. Carmen is an avid water skier, triathlete, and Peloton enthusiast. She is the author of Motherhood, Medicine & Mayhem: A Doctor’s Journey of Finding Calm in Chaos.

Kristine has served as our Nicaragua Country Director since 2019. She is a licensed Physical Therapist and holds a graduate certificate in Gerontology. She has participated in leading mission teams for over 12 years and has participated in medical missions in Guatemala, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. Her favorite part of her work with Bless Back is leading teams. “I love to lead teams of new and seasoned mission participants. Whether it is their 1st trip or their 100th, people experience personal growth and transformation when they step outside their comfort zones and use their talent and skills to help others. “

Ron is a visionary leader with a heart for service! He holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry, leads a global service division within a multinational corporation. However, his life-changing trip to Nicaragua with Bless Back Worldwide in 2015 shifted his focus. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of the Nicaraguan people and their limited access to essential business knowledge, Ron felt a strong calling to make a difference. Motivated by this experience, he founded the BlessBack Business Academy in Nicaragua that same year to empower and uplift communities through education.

Mike is a retired pharmacist serving on Nicaragua’s Community Health Promoter Program committee. Mike and his wife Sally regularly serve with teams in Nicaragua. Mike grew up in Southern California and attended pharmacy school at the University of Southern California where he received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Mike has served with several nonprofits in various roles. He was the Administrator of a Peruvian jungle medical clinic with Wycliff, and with JAARS, he served as their Coordinator of International Health. Mike also served with the Charlotte Eagles Soccer Club where he coordinated their youth club program and helped lead international tours. Mike finished his professional career as a retail pharmacist in Waxhaw, NC.
In retirement, Mike and Sally love to visit their children and grandchildren.
Mike says, “It’s an honor to serve our national partners because of the great healthcare needs in the developing world and the opportunities it presents to build relationships and share the Gospel.”