Steven Hammer, M.D. has been a practicing physician for over thirty years. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and finishing his residency in Family Practice, he spent a total of nine years serving as a missionary doctor in the Latin American nation of Guatemala. He worked in various regions, including Chichicastenango, Chuabaj, Antigua, Guatemala City and San Benito, Petén. It was during those years that he began compiling the terms in this glossary. Now Dr. Hammer enjoys using his Spanish with patients in Wisconsin where he lives with his wife, Jodi. They have twin daughters, Kristen and Susan.

Bringing this project to completion was a labor of love for Dr. Hammer, his daughter Kristen, the rest of the Hammer family and several friends who have a heart for the Guatemala people.