Meet Our Team

Thomas Hollywood (he/him)

Executive Director

tom@gsvolunteers.org

(401) 207-5920

Tom Hollywood began his career in international relief and development soon after his formative and influential alternative spring break (HOPE) experience during his senior year at Stonehill College in 1998. He spent almost three years with Cabrini Mission Corps in two different posts—Argentina and Ethiopia. His first professional experience was with Good Shepherd Volunteers as International Volunteer Coordinator developing sites and placing volunteers in Peru, Paraguay and Mexico from 2002-2004.

Soon after acquiring his MA in Peace and Development Studies from Universitat Jaume I in Spain, he joined Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to tackle challenging crisis and entrenched problems that the poor encountered in Latin America and Africa for 17+ years (2007-2025). Ranging from aid to genocide-affected communities in Darfur, Sudan to emergency responses to disasters such as the earthquake that struck Ecuador in 2016, Tom has had to demonstrate strong leadership and management skills to achieve results and impact. He is eager to innovate new practices and strategies to bolster GSV to enhance the quality of the four tenets for domestic and international placements.

Finally, Tom is thrilled to be back working with GSV and hopes his contributions will be meaningful for the volunteers, participants, supervisors, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, alum and all of those who are affiliated with GSV—all guided by the spirit of St. Mary Euphrasia.

Sophia Sanchez (she/her)

Program Manager

sophia@gsvolunteers.org

(917) 832-7904

Sophia Sanchez earned her BA in Government and American Studies from Georgetown University, where she was actively involved in social justice and community‑based initiatives. During her time in Washington, DC, she worked with programs such as FoodPrints and Girls on the Run–DC, deepening her commitment to service and youth empowerment.

Motivated by her passion for community engagement and international development, Sophia joined the Peace Corps after graduation. From 2023–2025, she served as a Youth Development Coordinator in northern Belize. In this role, she collaborated with her local community and national organizations to design and implement programs that supported the growth and well‑being of Belizean youth and families. Through two federally funded USAID grant projects, she gained experience in program design, data analytics, federal grant management, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Upon returning to the United States, Sophia sought opportunities to continue advancing social justice and strengthening communities. This mission‑driven focus led her to Good Shepherd Volunteers, where she now steps into the role of Program Manager. She is excited to bring her experience in program management, partnership building, and community development to the GSV team. Sophia looks forward to connecting with GSV staff and volunteers as she supports the organization’s mission, growth, and impact.

Originally from Gainesville, Florida, Sophia enjoys swimming, hiking, surfing, reading, and traveling. She is grounded by her love of the outdoors, her family, and friends.