Dr. Nick Ellis

Founder, MEDLIFE and Good Life Expeditions

As a high school student, Nick set off for Latin America for the first time from his hometown of Bangor, Maine on a school trip. He was hooked and later did college semesters abroad in Ecuador and Panama, while studying International Development and Math at McGill University. The focus was on tangible, on-the-ground education, truly transformative experiences that changed the course of his life – influencing his decisions to study medicine, and start MEDLIFE. Read more about how Nick started MEDLIFE here.

As an emergency medicine doctor, Nick serves as the primary healthcare provider for underserved populations in the United States, mirroring what MEDLIFE provides for thousands of people across Latin America and Africa through its clinics. He later started Good Life Expeditions as a for-profit travel agency with profits funding MEDLIFE, so the two are inextricably linked.

At the core of Good Life Expeditions is the belief in travel as a life-changing, transformative experience, which stems directly from Nick’s early experiences. This is what he wants to offer all travelers – whether you’re a student embarking on a service learning trip, or a company executive taking a quick luxury vacation. It’s the chance to experience beautiful places, have an authentic connection with the culture and people, and reflect on your own life and purpose.

Nick divides his time between the US and Lima, Peru. With his wife he loves exploring national parks, and the chance to connect with nature. In his downtime, his three dogs Charlie, Maya and Luna keep him busy.

Heidy Aspilcueta

Cusco Operations Manager

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Heidy is originally from Cusco but has also lived in Costa Rica and Lima, where she completed an MBA. She loves that her work involves applying her business knowledge and ideas but for the benefit of an NGO that she’s proud to work for. One of her favorite parts of the job is constantly seeing faces full of gratitude. Gratitude on the faces of poor communities that MEDLIFE works with, and gratitude on the faces of volunteers for the life-changing experiences they’ve had.

Heidy believes this feel-good effect also applies to people who travel with Good Life Expeditions – the chance to travel to Latin America or Africa is a life-enriching experience. Travelers return home with a changed perspective of the history and culture of where they’ve visited, but also the communities and their needs, knowing that they’ve made a positive impact on the people they meet along their journey.

She’s traveled around the continent and on her honeymoon in Chile and Argentina developing a love for nature and understanding of the important need to protect it for future generations. Much of her spare time is spent playing with her son, taking him to the park and running behind him to keep him entertained.

Jhon Mejia

Sales Consultant

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John is a seasoned professional in tourism and hospitality with nearly a decade of experience in the industry. He is passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and is an avid traveler who cherishes exploring new cultures and forging connections worldwide. At MEDLIFE, John is excited to blend his industry expertise with his commitment to social responsibility, helping to enhance the lives of those in need while empowering future changemakers.

Now working with Good Life Expeditions, John appreciates the unique opportunity to extend his impact. He finds great fulfillment in offering travelers life-enriching journeys through Latin America and Africa, ensuring each trip supports local communities and promotes sustainable practices.

Outside of his professional endeavors, John is a devoted dog owner, with five dog friends at home, and enjoys unwinding with a good cup of coffee and his favorite music.

Nayhua Gomez

Operations Coordinator

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Nayhua, a Business Administration graduate from Universidad Andina del Cusco, holds a deep passion for Andean culture, music, arts, and cosmovision. Through her work with organizations like LAFF, SVP Project, and Casa Mantay, she has developed a dynamic approach to teaching financial education and independent living skills, focusing particularly on empowering young girls and adolescents.

In her role at Good Life Expeditions, Nayhua integrates her cultural passion and educational skills to enhance the travel experiences of visitors, ensuring they receive authentic and impactful insights into the local traditions and communities. Her work helps connect travelers deeply with the places they visit, fostering respect and support for local cultures.

Beyond her professional life, Nayhua is an avid violinist, continually honing her musical skills. She relishes spending her leisure time with family, engaging in folkloric dances, and making music with friends, which enriches her connection to her cultural roots.