"Going to Bolivia to work with Smiles Forever is an experience that I will never forget.  The work that is done and the constant struggle that these women fight to overcome are astonishing. I arrived in Bolivia not very aware of the work that was ahead. Seeing how Sandy and her team uplifted the whole team was beautiful.  The women smiled and seem proud.  There were times that brought many tears, but in a good way, because I knew that these girls and their children would be ok with the help that was being given. 

I left Bolivia to had back to finish up my Human Development degree at Washington State University.  I made a proposal to on of my classes to collect toothpaste, toothbrushes, and any other toiletries that may be needed.  The proposal was successful and I plan to go back to Bolivia and continue with the great work that is happening to build a future for these beautiful women."

Lauren Covey

"The time I spent in Cochabamba working with Smiles is something that I will never forget.  I had intended to stay for only 3 months, but ended up staying for an entire year!  The work that the Smiles team does is amazing, and I will always be proud to have played a part.  The young women that Smiles trains are so impressive and deserving of opportunities, and seeing them graduate and begin to work in some of the best dental clinics in Cochabamba was incredibly rewarding.  They are role models for other Bolivian women and I know that they will be future leaders of their communties.

Working for Smiles also helped prepare me for an international career, and I've been able to apply the skills I learned in Bolivia to various international development jobs.

James Rider is currently working for an international development consulting firm in Washington D.C.

"First, I need to thank you a million time over.  I have never learned so much in one week in my entire life.  Translating for you was so good for me and I learned so much about non-profits.  I find myself reflecting back more and more on Bolivia and our talks about females education.  The summer with you in Bolivia has helped prepare me for dealing with the issues here."

Laine Buchanan is currently teaching English in Mozambique, Africa, with the Peace Corps

"Smiles Forever is an incredible program because it's solving problems on three different fronts.  The Dental Hygiene program provides valuable training and opportunity for young women who would otherwise be destined to a life of poverty.  Smiles Forever also provides essential preventive care in a country that desperately needs ti.  And thirdly, the program is shattering old stereotypes and racist beliefs held for generation by integrating indigenous people into the professional class of Bolivia.  When you support Smiles Forever, you are making the planet a better place on so many levels!"

Penny LeGate, news anchor for KIRO TV

Ashley Chanadiri visited Smiles Forever the summer of 2007.  She helped implement a new dental community service project in an out lying village in Bolivia.

"I realized how truly lucky I am to live in this country, and have the educational and health care opportunities we have.  To not spend the wealth and make the world a better place just does not make sense to me."

Ashley Chanadiri is currently employed at a RDH and graduated from Shoreline Community College Class of 2008

"The time I spent with Smiles Forever in South America made me realize how lucky I am to be living in such an advanced and stabilized country.  As a student attending Washington State University.  I have decided to major in the field of medicine with a minor in Latin American studies.  Hopefully, one day I will be able to make a large of an impact on children's lives as Smiles Forever is currently doing."

Jullian Cramer, completed her high school community service project (nutrition and exercise) in Cochabamba, Bolivia

 "Sandy's vision to teach these young women in Bolivia was and is an inspiration of many levels. Education of women is the key to social reform.  The beaming confident faces of this year's graduate say it all."

Mary Nunnam, Board President of Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences

"Dear Smiles Forever, It is wonderful to see loving and caring people such as yourselves.  Thank you for the work you have done in Bolivia, not only for the girls, but with the people that are around you like myself.  There are things you have done that have touched my life, which has changed my heart. It has made me think of how I can help others. Los Quiero!"

Sarah, one of our translators, Cochabamba, Bolivia

MarieTeresa is an educator and supervisor of the young homeless girls at the Madre de Dios Shelter

"I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. I come from a family of seven. Three sisters and three bothers. I have a husband and a 13 year old son. We love a lot of different sports, Golf, boating ,skiing.all outdoor activities. I have worked at Boeing in the Jet-Foil program. then owned and operated a commercial and residential cleaning business. I have known Sandy Kemper for many years. I love working for Smiles Forever, it is a wonderful organization."

Nancy Heintz is currently working in the Smiles Forever office in Seattle. WA.

"I am a native, lifelong Washington State resident. After graduating from Highline High School in 1972, I attended Highline Community College, followed by two and half years study at Seattle's Burnley School of Professional Art. Earning a Professional Diploma in 1978, I briefly freelanced before hiring on with the Boeing Company supporting various commercial and military divisions for over twenty-one years. After the layoffs in 2002, I returned to Highline Community College to update my computer graphics skills. Currently I am supporting Smiles Forever, a nonprofit organization training indigenous young women in Bolivia to be dental hygienists."

Thomas Parker, graphic designer and illustrator.