The Treasure House Advisory Board is a group of dedicated volunteers who bring a wide range of professional experience, community connections, and personal commitment to the organization’s mission. These individuals generously offer their time, insight, and leadership to help guide the growth and sustainability of Treasure House while supporting the girls and the staff who serve them. Their collective expertise and compassion strengthen the organization’s ability to provide a safe, nurturing home where girls rescued from familial trafficking can heal, belong, and build hopeful futures.

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Karen Watts Nauman

Karen Watts Nauman has lived in the Lake Chapala area with her husband, Jeff, for the past four years. Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, she spent most of her professional life in Southern California working in advertising sales for British publications specializing in international film location production, with a focus on Latin America. Throughout her career she organized large industry events and developed extensive international networks.

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Karen began volunteering with Treasure House three years ago through craft visits with the girls and quickly became inspired by the organization’s mission. She now leads awareness and fundraising efforts within the local expat community, organizing music events that introduce Treasure House to new supporters while raising funds for the girls. She also manages the organization’s website and social media and enjoys creating fun outings and meaningful connections with the girls she affectionately calls her “nieces.”

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Laura Marsh

Laura Marsh brings a lifelong love of horses and a deep commitment to supporting young people to her work with Treasure House. After many years working with at-risk youth, she now dedicates her time in retirement to volunteer efforts that create safe, supportive environments for young people facing difficult circumstances.

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Laura serves on the Treasure House Advisory Board and acts as the liaison between Treasure House and Free Spirit Ranch. In this role, she helps facilitate the girls’ monthly visits to the ranch, where they participate in trauma-informed Equus experiences and connect with the supportive community of women and horses there, creating space for confidence, healing, and belonging.

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Wendy Blake

Wendy Blake is a retired business analyst and human capital management consultant with more than 35 years of experience managing teams and building strong client relationships. Throughout her career, she was known for her client-first approach, her ability to build cohesive teams, and her success in helping organizations implement innovative solutions that improved operations and modernized outdated practices.

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Since retiring, Wendy has dedicated her time to supporting charitable organizations in the Lake Chapala community. She joined the Treasure House Advisory Board because of her strong belief in its mission to provide a safe, nurturing home for girls rescued from familial trafficking. Wendy also volunteers with Foodbank Lakeside, contributing to its marketing and “Dine & Donate” program to help provide food for families in need.

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David Duncan

David Duncan brings decades of experience in corporate leadership, operations, and project management. Throughout his career he has worked in roles requiring strategic planning, financial oversight, and the successful execution of complex initiatives, earning a reputation for thoughtful leadership and practical problem-solving.

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David supports the mission of Treasure House through his commitment to helping build a strong and sustainable future for the organization. He is currently collaborating with the leadership team and architect on the planning and development of Treasure House’s future residential facility, helping guide the project from concept to construction. David and his wife, Elaine, are deeply committed to supporting the girls and the long-term vision of Treasure House.

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Maru Grant

Maru Grant grew up in Mexico City as the youngest of four daughters and the first in her family to attend university. She earned a PhD in Chemistry and built a career as a researcher and educator, later becoming a Chemistry professor at Ohlone College in California. There, she developed a strong passion for mentoring students from underrepresented communities and founded programs encouraging young people to pursue science and technology. She was awarded Emeritus status upon her retirement in 2021.

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After retiring, Maru and her husband, physicist Paul Grant, moved to Ajijic. Following Paul’s passing in 2023, she became more involved in the Lakeside community and was introduced to Treasure House through Lake Chapala Baptist Church. Her connection with the girls was immediate, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and empowerment. She now hopes to help the girls of Treasure House grow into confident young women who aspire to be the best they can be.

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Susan Kaufmann

Susan Kaufmann brings a lifelong commitment to compassion, service, and community involvement to the Treasure House Advisory Board. With a professional background in nursing, she dedicated her career to caring for others and spent more than 15 years serving on hospital committees focused on improving patient care and organizational effectiveness.

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Beyond her professional career, Susan is passionate about children's welfare, animal advocacy, and social justice. As a poet and author, she also believes in the power of storytelling to inspire hope, healing, and personal growth.

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In 2025, Susan and her husband relocated to Ajijic, Mexico, where she continues to volunteer and support local charitable initiatives. They are the proud parents of three grown children. Susan's involvement with Treasure House reflects her desire to help vulnerable girls find safety, encouragement, and opportunities to build brighter futures. She is honored to contribute her experience and compassion to an organization dedicated to helping young women thrive.

 

Dylan Waintraub

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dylan Waintraub is a graduate of Instituto Terranova in Ajijic, Mexico, where he now teaches English. With a strong background in digital media and online engagement, Dylan volunteers as Treasure House’s Social Media Manager, helping strengthen the organization’s online presence, raise awareness of its mission, and connect with the broader community.

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In addition to his teaching career and volunteer work with Treasure House, Dylan supports his church by managing its sound system. Passionate about learning, personal growth, and serving others, he hopes to pursue a career in clinical psychology. His involvement with Treasure House reflects his commitment to using his talents to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, particularly young people who deserve opportunities to thrive.