At ConTextos,

our name is our mission.

Since our inception in 2010, we have directly served over 3,300 people and reached nearly 76,000 in Chicago, El Salvador, and beyond.

We work con textos, with words and stories, to develop trauma-informed, healing centered programs and trainings that strengthen literacy, critical thinking, personal identity, and emotional well-being.

We also work en contexto: with awareness of the histories, cultures, and lived experiences that shape every person and place we serve. Rather than challenge conflict, we are in relationship with it. We strive to listen, learn, and collaborate with educators, institutions, and communities navigating complex realities.

Whether in Chicago, El Salvador, or anywhere we are invited, we walk alongside our partners to co-create spaces of safety, growth, and connection, rooted in dignity and mutual respect.

Executive Team

  • Dr. Cecilia Cardesa

    ConTextos Global CEO - Read Bio

  • Johnny Page

    Executive Director
    Chicago

  • Zoila Recinos

    Co-Founder & Executive Director
    El Salvador

Our Team

  • Ahnika

    Community Advocate
    Chicago

  • Belky

    Project Referent
    El Salvador

  • Daisy

    Psychosocial Technician
    El Salvador

  • Daniela

    Content Producer
    El Salvador

  • Eduardo

    Psychosocial Technician
    El Salvador

  • Esmerelda

    Mathematics Education Specialist
    El Salvador

  • Flor

    Budget Management & Administration Coordinator
    El Salvador

  • Gabriela

     Development Referent
    El Salvador

  • Guadalupe

    Office Assistant
    El Salvador

  • Jackeline

    Psychosocial Technician
    El Salvador

  • Jaqueline

    Facilitator
    Chicago

  • Jennifer

    Program Coordinator
    El Salvador

  • Jeremiah

    Gallery & Events Assistant
    Chicago

  • Jonathan

    Associate Director of Programs
    Chicago

  • Justin

    Facilitator
    Chicago

  • Kali

    Program & Compliance Manager
    Chicago

  • Kalief

    Arts Program Coordinator
    Chicago

  • Killian

    Media & Communications Specialist
    Chicago

  • Kristina

    Grantwriter

  • Laura

    Psychosocial Technician
    El Salvador

  • Lisa

    Deputy Executive Director & Director of Programs
    Chicago

  • Lyric

    Communications Intern
    Chicago

  • Maria de los Angeles

    Administration & Finance
    El Salvador

  • Michael

    Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning Referent
    El Salvador

  • Mirian

    Project Referent
    El Salvador

  • Natalie

    Operations & Finance Manager
    Chicago

  • Nelson

    Teachers Trainer
    El Salvador

  • Nicholas

    Fund Development Manager
    Chicago

  • Paola

    Mathematics Education Specialist
    El Salvador

  • Paola

    Referent of Educational Quality
    El Salvador

  • Rebecca

    Communications Referent
    El Salvador

  • Rene

    Project Referent
    El Salvador

  • Rosondunnii

    Mental Health Consultant
    Chicago

  • Sandra

    Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning Specialist
    Chicago

  • Spankey

    Community Advocate
    Chicago

  • Trevor

    Lead Facilitator
    Chicago

  • Tyler

    Gallery & Events Assistant
    Chicago

  • William

    Logistics Assistant
    El Salvador

Board of Directors

  • Katie Hill

    Board Chair

  • Ricardo Cevallos

    Vice President

  • Suzanne Maleck-McKenna, Ph.D

    Secretary

  • Francesca Jessup

    Treasurer

  • Anthony Barash

    Board Member

  • Larry Ford

    Board Member

  • Jill Gross

    Board Member

  • Darlene McCambell

    Board Member

  • Caroline Murphy

    Board Member

  • Mark Payne

    Board Member

  • Gabriela Poma

    Board Member

  • Jose Rodriguez

    Board Member

  • Kristin Rosekrans, Ph.D

    Board Member

  • Sadie Stockdale Jefferson

    Board Member