Meet your Team Leaders
Randy Bautista
Randy Esteban Bautista is a 37-year-old Dominican native from San Juan de la Maguana. He holds a degree in Basic Education and brings over 10 years of experience working with Solid Rock International, where he served as an interpreter and Construction Area Coordinator. In this role, he led and supported multiple groups of American volunteers on construction projects, ensuring smooth communication and successful execution on the ground.
Randy is known for his open-minded attitude, strong sense of responsibility, and willingness to learn. He embraces new challenges daily and views mistakes not as setbacks, but as valuable steps toward growth and excellence (and yes, lessons learned the hard way tend to stick best!).
Starlin Montero
Starlin J. Montero B. is a Dominican translator and team leader from San Juan de la Maguana with over eight years of experience supporting nonprofit and community-based projects. He has worked with organizations such as Solid Rock International, Food For The Hungry, and Kids to Christ Ministry, leading teams and facilitating cross-cultural communication in both urban and rural settings.
Starlin is fluent in Spanish and English, with knowledge of French, and is known for his leadership, adaptability, and strong commitment to service.
About the Community
San Juan de la Maguana is located in the western region of the Dominican Republic and sits in a broad valley surrounded by mountain ranges. Known as the country’s agricultural heartland, approximately 85% of the province’s land is dedicated to farming, particularly beans, rice, and corn. The region’s fertile soil and open plains make it a vital contributor to the Dominican Republic’s food supply.
The climate is generally hot and sunny, with average daytime temperatures around 85°F (29°C). Due to its elevation and surrounding mountains, evenings tend to be cooler, especially after sunset. Rainfall is seasonal, resulting in lush, green landscapes during the rainy months and drier conditions at other times of the year.
San Juan is a predominantly rural province with limited infrastructure, simpler accommodations, and fewer commercial amenities. Visitors should be prepared for basic conditions, intermittent electricity, and limited internet access.