Meet the Team
FRONT DESK
NESTOR COC
Front Desk Manager
I enjoy working in one of the most beautiful tropical environments in the world surrounded by the unspoiled natural beauty; I love meeting people and sharing our rich culture and values with them but most importantly ensuring they have a wonderful and pleas- ant stay. I was born and raised in a small Mayan village where I learned to speak Mopan & Q'eqchi' Mayan languages
KAREN CHUB
Front Desk
This place is paradise. The spontaneous and incredible view itself made me fall in love with this place. So many interesting things to enjoy: the colorful and melodious birds painting the sky, the alarming sound of the howler monkeys, the fragrant smell of flowers, the tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee just to name a few. In addition, I would like to share my culture and my back-ground to our guests.
GISELLE PARHAM
Front Desk
I enjoy getting the opportunity to meet new people and learn about their experiences and cultures. There is always a challenge to keep me on my toes. I thrive in this kind of dynamic environment, and it keeps me motivated and engaged. I am proud of my East Indian heritage and I love sharing my culture with others, whether it's talking about traditional food, music or practices.
TANYA TEUL
Front Desk
I honestly love meeting new people from all around and learning and sharing experiences. I love working with my coworkers with a positive atmosphere and most importantly, my Front Desk Team. I love that no matter if I am working, I'm laughing and enjoying the environment. I would love for guests to know that I am here to assist in any way I can to the best of my ability.
DINING
MARK EDWARDS
Food and Beverage Manager
I am the Food and Beverage Manager and have been here at Copal Tree Lodge since 2010.
I really love that the people you work for have a lot of love for the staff; I also love meeting new people and showing them this amazing lodge we have in Belize. I want our guests to know that we are a down to earth staff at copal and we are here to make you have the best experience of your life!
YVETTE RAMIREZ
Head Chef
I have been working at Copal Tree Lodge since 2008. I enjoy cooking, and what I love is our Farm to Table experience as it allows me to think and be creative with our meals. I also love our Snorkeling with the Chef for the fresh catch and especially when guests get to experience how I prepare the fresh catch. I am an open person so please feel free to ask me any question abour breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert!
AMBROSIO ICAL
Waiter
I am a Bartender and Waiter at Copal Tree Lodge. I enjoy meeting and interacting with our guests that come to visit our second home, Copal Tree Lodge. I would like our guests to know that I am an easy going, humble, family guy.
REVALDO CHE
Waiter
I am a bartender and waiter at Copal tree Lodge. The thing I enjoy most about Copal is getting to meet many wonderful guests and share some great memories with them while they stay with us here at Copal Tree Lodge. One thing I would like our guests to know about me, I enjoy every moment shared with them.
MELANIE CHEE
Waitress
I have been at Copal Tree since 2013, and shortly after completing my internship I took on a full-time position. I love working at Copal Tree. I keep learning as the days pass by. I have grown confident in doing my duties as a waitress, bartender, and coffee barista. Working with an amazing team allows us to learn from and moti- vate each other to do better and always want to be at work.
MELANIE POP
Waitress
I began working at Copal Tree Lodge in 2021. I am in love with nature itself; so Copal is a special and magical place for me. I am a proud Q'eqchi' Maya, and I am here to give our guests an amazing experience and excellent service!
ELISHA POP
Waitress
I started working at Copal Tree Lodge in 2022. What I enjoy about working at Copal Tree Lodge is our face to face interactions with various people from around the world, introducing our
beautiful Belize and the many adventures that awaits them while with us. I would love for our guests to know that I am a very funny, outgoing, and humble, spicy Mayan from a rural village of beautiful Belize.
CYNTHIA MONTOYA
Waitress
I began working at Copal Tree Lodge in 2020. I love to interact with my guests, making sure they have an amazing time with us at the lodge. I also love working with a wonderful team. I love adven- tures, my family, and my Job.
BAR
TIMOTHY CAL
Bartender
I started working at Copal Tree Lodge In March 2010. I enjoy the beautiful lush jungle and the sounds of nature. I am a proud Belizean and a Mopan Mayan descendant.
AINSLIE "DUCKY" VALERIO
Bartender
My position at Copal Tree Lodge is a Senior Bartender and Dining staff. I have been working at Copal Tree Lodge since 2000. I really enjoy working at the Lodge because I get to meet so many people, it is a beautiful lodge, my co-workers, the organic produce, and last but not least, my Copalli Rum. I want our guests to know that I am very humble, very active, always smiling, and excited to make the drinks they require.
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS
NEIDI CASTILLO
Senior Accountant
I am an Accountant here at Copal Tree Lodge. I have been with the company since November 1st, 2020. I really love the environ- ment and its beauty the most here at Copal Tree Lodge.
ROSA ACK
Head of Housekeeping
I began working here September 19th 2022. I enjoy that Copal has a team that shares the same vision and is dedicated to the same mission, ensuring every guest has a great experience when staying at the resort. My aim is to have myself and my staff prepare the rooms to the best standard so our guests can have the most memorable and comfortable experience when staying at Copal.
JOSEPH VANZIE
Garden Supervisor
My position at Copal Tree Lodge is the Head Gardener and I began working here in 2008. What I like most about working at Copal Tree Lodge is the diverse culture of the staff and the diverse activities that can be done onsite for our guests and local visitors to enjoy. I would like our guests to know that I am always willing to share with them the nature of my work I have been doing here since 2008!
FLORENCIO CHOC
Head of Security Department
I am the Head of Security at Copal Tree Lodge. I have been working here since 2022. I enjoy the team spirt at Copal, everyone works as a team; Copal Tree Lodge is also environmentally safe and clean. I would like our guests to know that they are safe, and we are ready to assist if anything should arise pertaining to guest safety.
MAYNARD JACOBS
Head of Maintenance Department
I am the Maintenance Manager at Copal Tree Lodge. I started here in 2012. I appreciate that Copal gives you the opportunity to grow, to move up in the company; Copal also provides the training needed to become better. I consider myself to be very helpful and dependable and I am always willing to go the extra mile when needed. Did you know I use to be the Head Chocolatier?!
FRANCISCO ACK
Head of Landscaping Department
I have been with Copal Tree Lodge since 2002. I love the many opportunities I was presented with while working at copal, including knowledge on general lanscaping, floral arrangements, and pool maintenance. These skills
I have learned here will be with me forever. I would like our guests to know that we do all our floral arrangements for weddings right here in house!
MANAGERS
WALUCO MAHEIA
Assistant Manager
I am an Assistant Manger at Copal Tree Lodge. I started working at Copal Tree Lodge in July 2018. I am also a Brand Ambassador for Copalli Rum. I love the atmosphere and environment that Copal offers, the many smiling faces of our staff, and the true sense of community. We strive for comfortable and welcoming guest experiences.
EMMANUEL CHAN
Assistant Manager
I began working at Copal Tree Lodge in March 2010. I love working at Copal because it is close to
home and it is a great pleasure to see us as a representation of Belizean Culture working in unity; there are at least 7 types of cultures here at Copal Tree Lodge. Nature is another great reason. I’m a birder and I enjoy that it's part of my big office and it is where I get the opportunity to explore and share what I know to our fellow guests far and near.