Dr. Patrick Makokoro
Board President
Patrick Makokoro is an educational researcher and development practitioner with extensive experience working in community and international development. He is a dedicated child rights activist and passionate about social justice issues around the world. His experience working with children at an orphanage led him to establish the Nhaka Foundation. He has a BA in Community Development from the University of South Africa, a Post Graduate Diploma in International Youth and Child Care from the University of Victoria, Canada, an MSc in Development Studies from the Women’s University of Africa. He has a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Studies from the University of Victoria, Canada.
ROSS MOSCHITTO
Board Member | Business
Ross Moschitto has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Computer Engineering from Manhattan College (Riverdale, NY). He currently serves as President & CEO of E-Wiz Solutions, Inc. (established in 1999) and resides in New York with his wife and two children. Having been a firm supporter of Nhaka Foundation for several years, Ross is committed to the organization’s continued growth and success. Ross believes everyone has a “purpose”. What better way to find or amplify your own purpose than to help a child discover theirs? The act of giving is what counts, amplified by the sacrifice one makes!
LEA ANN CHRISTENSON
Board Member | Early Childhood Development
Dr. Christenson is passionate about early childhood development and brings her experience to the Board. She is an Assistant Professor of the Early Childhood Department at Towson University in Maryland. Before holding positions in higher education Dr. Christenson worked for 18 years in the California public school system as a Kindergarten-second grade teacher, ESOL teacher and Assistant Principal. Prior to her appointment at Towson University Dr. Christenson worked at the Maryland State Department of Education as a Race to the Top Reading Specialist. She has developed and conducted professional development for in-service teachers in a variety of contexts including El Salvador. Her research interests include emergent literacy acquisition, Pre-K and K STEM and teacher preparation and professional development
AMY YODER
Board Member | Registered Nurse
Amy is a Registered Nurse, with a compassion for those who need both physical and spiritual healing. Amy has had several opportunities to experience different cultures through various volunteer and mission trips in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Haiti, and Zimbabwe. She is also a co-founder of Rock Forward Inc., a non-profit working to create sustain rural communities through economic development. Amy is passionate about opportunities and conversations that bring awareness to social injustice, racial disparities, and socioeconomic inequality.
JERI HUNSBERGER
Board Member | Horticulturist
Jeri is a Horticulturist and brings to the board a beautiful contagious energy and passion for, community development, resource mobilization, horticulture and agricultural farming. Jeri and her husband are partners in a family business that cultivates over 1,800 acres. In addition, she has a passion for gardening and food preservation. Jeri brings a great deal of wisdom to our Board along with her passion for developing sustainable programs at Nhaka Foundation.
Otto Saki
Board Member | Law & Economy
Otto Saki is brings in great expertise and interest in global and regional political economy, regional economic communities, health, information technology, and governance. Otto has provided technical assistance to civil society, government ministries, and government agencies across sub-Saharan Africa on various law-related matters, including legislative reform. He has also litigated before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights on matters relating to freedom of expression, protection of the law, and forced evictions. In his spare time, Otto volunteers for community-based groups and start-ups on legal literacy, access to justice, technology, and law reform. Otto holds an honors bachelor of laws degree and two master of laws degrees, one in human rights law and the other in information technology law.
