Christel House International and Fundación Santo Domingo are partnering to transition Colegio Barbacoas to the Christel House model.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — August 21, 2026 — As Founding CEO of Christel House Colombia, Catalina Pimienta Gómez is leading the launch of a new Christel House school in Colombia through a partnership between Fundación Santo Domingo (FSD) and Christel House International (CHI). The partners will transition Colegio Barbacoas, an established school in Barú, to the Christel House model in January 2027, making it Christel House’s first school in Colombia.

Since joining Christel House in March 2026, Pimienta Gómez has led the development of Christel House Colombia, advancing preparations for the transition while building relationships with teachers, students, families, and community stakeholders in Barú. “Education can change the trajectory of a child, a family, and an entire community,” said Pimienta Gómez. “Beginning in Barú, we have an opportunity to build something transformative by combining Christel House’s proven approach with the strengths, aspirations, and potential that already exist within Colombian communities.”

Pimienta Gómez brings more than 16 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. “Catalina is a talented and purpose-driven leader with a deep commitment to creating opportunities for children and families,” said David Harris, President and CEO of Christel House International. Most recently, Pimienta Gómez served as Executive and Strategic Director of Fundación Juanfe, where she led institutional strategy, fundraising, and expansion initiatives. Throughout her career, she has built cross-sector partnerships and advanced efforts to expand opportunities for underserved communities.

For more than 30 years, Fundación Santo Domingo has worked alongside the Barú community through investments in education and development, including its longstanding support of Colegio Barbacoas.  “This partnership brings a world-class education model to Colombia, beginning on the island of Barú, “ said Daniel Gonzáles, Director of Social Investment at Fundación Santo Domingo. “I am particularly thrilled to develop this initiative under Fundación Santo Domingo’s leadership, working closely with the educators, families, and students it has partnered with for decades. We aim to make every decision based on trust, collaboration, and creating a lasting impact.”

Under the Christel House model, students will receive rigorous academics alongside comprehensive support that includes nutritious meals, healthcare, counseling, character and leadership development, family engagement, and college and career preparation, all at no cost to students.

About Christel House International

Christel House International (CHI) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for children from underserved communities. Through schools in five countries, Christel House provides comprehensive, long-term support—including rigorous academics, nutrition, healthcare, counseling, family engagement, and college and career support—from early childhood through career success. All services are provided at no cost to students. Its 18+ year model is designed to help students achieve upward economic mobility and create lasting change for families and communities.

About Fundación Santo Domingo

Fundación Santo Domingo (FSD) is a nonprofit organization that for 65 years has driven high-impact initiatives for social transformation in education, health, the environment, housing, and economic inclusion. Working with public and private partners, the foundation leads educational initiatives throughout the school journey, seeking to improve the quality of life for thousands of families in the Caribbean region and across Colombia.