The Programs Department oversees the operations of Cross-Cultural Solutions programs worldwide. The team focuses on maintaining and improving program quality and content, as well as fiscal management. The Programs staff are all alumni of Cross-Cultural Solutions programs and are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence for all our volunteer programs.
Director of Programs
Lauren Maitland was born and raised in Moorestown, New Jersey where her passion for volunteering began. She spent her free time in high school and college volunteering locally. After graduating from Rutgers University in 2003, she volunteered with CCS in Costa Rica where she worked in an orphanage and a school for children with special needs. Since joining CCS Lauren has also traveled to Brazil, Guatemala, Morocco, Ghana, Peru, and Russia. She provides daily support for the in-country staff, serves as the volunteer advocate, and supervises the Program Site Specialists. Lauren conducts regular reviews and assessments of the safety and security of our programs and attends trainings to apply best practices to our global safety, security, and emergency management protocol. Lauren works directly with the Executive Vice President.
Senior Manager of Program Quality and Evaluation
Stephen Thompson is from Mechanicsburg, PA. As a student at Carleton College he studied African history and oral traditions, studied abroad in Mali, and earned a fellowship for individual travel throughout West Africa — all inspired by his CCS program in Ghana. Since joining CCS in 2006, Stephen has volunteered in Costa Rica, South Africa, Morocco, Peru, India, and Tanzania. Within the Programs Department at CCS, Stephen’s primary focus is monitoring and improving the quality and content of CCS programs. He also analyzes the impact of CCS volunteers on local communities and organizations, and offers support to the in-country staff and Program Site Specialists. Stephen works directly with the Executive Vice President.
