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

NDABA NKALA

Board Member | ICT Education & Development

Ndaba Nkala brings to the board wide ranging experience on ICT in education and development. He is an Information Communication Technology (ICT) specialist with nine years of industry experience specializing in IP-based technologies; currently, he is the Business Development Manager at Telco. Ndaba is passionate about working with less privileged children and giving them an opportunity to grow and develop into responsible citizens; he is using his ICT experience and knowledge to develop a program that will bring computers and technology to bear on education.

KATE HANNON THOMAS

Board Member | Education & Development

Kate Thomas brings in wide ranging experience in education and development. She currently serves as an Education Advisor at Cambridge Education. With more than 10 years of international education and management experience, she has a Master’s of Art in Teaching young children and a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Before joining Cambridge, Kate managed international projects for the National Association for the Education of Young Children in Washington, D.C., served as Country Director for A Partner in Education in Kigali, and was an Assistant Professor for Early Childhood Education at Kigali Institute of Education in Rwanda.

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.

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ABOUT US

At Nhaka Foundation we believe every child deserves an education, yet for many it’s more of a privilege than a right. The barriers are great and the resources are few.