Our Story

It Started With A Realization

Since 2013 Sandra has been volunteering with Medical Mission Ecuador (MME) providing occupational therapy for children and supporting their families. On one of these trips, Sandra realized something important: a single week of therapy each year wasn't enough. Families need ongoing support - help that could continue long after the medical team left.

Sandra leads a hands-on workshop with a group of five caregivers, teaching them how to create simple, culturally relevant sensory boards using everyday materials. The session empowers caregivers with practical tools to support their children’s sensory development at home.

Sandra works one-on-one with a young child seated in a stroller, demonstrating the use of an adaptive writing device. As she engages the child, she also coaches the caregiver—equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to continue supporting their child's fine motor development.

During a medical mission trip, Sandra gently places a spoon on a young child’s tongue to promote tongue protrusion, a technique used to support oral motor skills. The moment captures the heart of her work—delivering compassionate, evidence-based therapy in resource-limited settings.

That insight sparked the beginning of a dream

In 2020, Sandra founded Missions for Love Beyond Borders (MFLBB), transforming years of hands-on volunteer experience into a sustainable, mission-driven initiative. Rooted in coaching, community collaboration, and equity, MFLBB is dedicated to expanding access to essential resources and empowering caregivers of individuals with disabilities locally and globally.

A movement in action

Since its founding, MFLBB has grown into a collaborative network of dedicated volunteers, healthcare professionals, and university partners working to break down barriers in care.

Together, the team has created:

Instructional videos and caregiver-friendly tutorials to teach practical strategies for feeding, positioning, and participation.

Live and recorded webinars to support professional development for therapists and other professionals working with individuals with disabilities, providing valuable insights, strategies, and continuing education to improve service delivery and support.

Bilingual digital resources to reach families across cultural and language divides.

Donations of therapy supplies and equipment to underserved specialized schools in Ecuador.

These tools are designed to meet caregivers where they are - offering flexible, accessible support that empowers them to confidently care for their loved ones.

A Defining Milestone: Our Official Incorporation

In 2025, MFLBB reached a significant milestone with our official incorporation as a nonprofit organization. What began as a grassroots initiative has now blossomed into a global movement, one that is making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with disabilities and the caregivers who support them.

This moment marks not just a legal milestone, but a reaffirmation of our mission: to break down barriers, expand access to care, and build lasting connections across borders. With this step, we are better positioned to grow our programs, deepen our reach, and continue empowering families around the world - one act of love at a time.