Meet our Ecuador SST Leaders

From left to right: Kristin, Jan

Welcome!

Welcome to the 2026 Ecuador SST unit blog.

We are honored to co-lead this SST semester abroad.   Given all that our world is facing today, we believe one of the best ways to bridge divides is to live in close relationship with those from different backgrounds—to see and honor our shared humanity up close. Goshen College’s SST program embodies this beautifully.  Thank you for joining us on this journey as we get to know Ecuadorian people and culture, improve our Spanish language skills, and support one another in our journeys of growth and self-discovery.  As leaders, we hope to approach the coming months with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to grow through challenges. Here’s to new discoveries, deeper learning, and the joy of doing fun and hard things together.

Jan Kauffman, Ed.D.

Jan has been at Goshen College since 2016, serving as registrar, assistant dean of Student Academic Services, and currently as the associate dean of Student Success and Title V Project Director.  Jan also spent seven years working in Student Life at EMU and as a high school teacher to start her career.  What has been consistent throughout is her love of working with students. Whether it is offering advising and curricular insights, discussing personal, academic, or career goals, or encouraging students to be curious, Jan will always identify the best part of her day as the conversation with students.  While a GC student, she spent her SST experience in the Dominican Republic, followed by a YES term in Guatemala and Belize, and a short-term 10-day trip to Brazil with a group of 12 high school students. Areas of excitement include renewing her Spanish skills and immersing herself in another culture, with 19 amazing young adults who have chosen to embark on this journey.

Kristin Waltner

Kristin’s love of international travel began during her college semester abroad in Chile, and ever since, she has had a heart for cross-cultural immersion. She has since traveled to China, Iceland, and Mexico, and most recently returned from a visit to Ecuador – the very area where they will be living! – in the summer of 2025. Kristin has worked at Goshen College for ten years—first as an admissions counselor, then in the Registrar’s Office as Assistant Registrar, and now as Registrar. She is thrilled for the opportunity to join Jan, a close and trusted colleague, and 19 students in returning to Ecuador.