KEN SPARKS
CEO & President
As HopeChest CEO and President, Ken encourages staff, volunteers, sponsors, and donors in fulfilling the vision and mission of HopeChest: to seek to respond to the revelation about God’s heart in James 1:27. He is a graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington, where he majored in political science with a minor in business and a certificate from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Although Ken’s “official” workspace is at his desk at the organization's U.S. headquarters in Colorado Springs, he works anywhere there is anyone willing to listen about what God is doing through HopeChest!
RACHEL ANDREWS
Vice President of International Operations
As Vice President of International Operations, Rachel has strategic and operational responsibility for management, engagement, development, and implementation of HopeChest’s Community-to-Community model within the countries HopeChest partners with. Based in Palmer Lake, Rachel is frequently on Skype or phone calls with in-country staff, reviewing Management Team reports, budgets and proposals, development plan creation and assisting with facilitating training overseas. She also travels frequently to our overseas offices and CarePoints around the globe for ongoing relationship building and program evaluation. When she is not working, she is spending her time with her husband, three kids hiking at their family cabin or cheering for Denver Broncos. If she had one day completely free, she would happily spend it on a beach!
TESFATSION (TESFA) TSEGAYE ABEBE
International Operations Director
In addition to extensive hands-on experience, Tesfa earned his Bachelor of Business Management as well as two master’s degrees in business administration and business economics. He works directly with our in-country staff and oversees the in-country implementation and management of our programs at our CarePoints. If he had one day completely free, he would spend the day with his wife, who he met at Children’s HopeChest, and his kiddos playing at home or taking them out to enjoy time outside together. His favorite book is “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.
WIL CROOKS
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Wil builds relationships with HopeChest partners and potential partners. Wil started out as a pastor partnering with HopeChest, and now he shares the same vision that he caught with other potential partners. When he’s not in his office in Portage, Michigan, Wil can be found playing board games, eating nachos, and visiting the zoo with his family.
ORION NETSANET
Strategic Partnership Director
Orion considers it his mission and privilege to amplify and elevate the voice of the vulnerable. As a Strategic Partnership Director, he does this through speaking with individuals who are also passionate about advocating for vulnerable children and families around the world. He attended Michigan State University, where he studied political science and pre-law. For Orion, a perfect day off work would be spent on the beach or by the lake with his wife and four-legged kid, reading a good book, kayaking, great conversations and exploring. He is an Ethiopian history buff and is involved with many civic and community groups. If he could choose any superpower, it would be teleportation!
ATKELTSION (ATKELT) SIMON
Strategic Partnership Director
Atkelt is a Strategic Partnership Director for Children's HopeChest. He received his Bachelor of Information Systems from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia and MBA from Colorado State University. If he had a whole day free, he would would take his wife and son out — enjoying nature, eating out, and spending time with them. His two favorite texts are the Bible and Francis Chan’s “Crazy Love.” When he’s not working or spending time with his family, he enjoys playing soccer and running.
WHITNEY SCHOLTENS
Partner Development Manager
As Partner Development Manager, Whitney advocates on behalf of the marginalized and impoverished of this world by seeking partners who want to participate in the transformation of these communities into thriving entities who would otherwise be vulnerable to oppression. She is a part of offering both trainings and opportunities for engagement to businesses, churches and networks who seek to engage. Having attended Hope College for her undergrad in Social Work, and achieving her Masters in Social Work from Michigan State University, Whitney’s heart for advocacy is ever-growing. If she could take any famous person to brunch it would be Harriet Tubman, because even as a child Whitney was inspired by her awareness and action toward righting injustices. On an off day you might catch Whitney watching one of her favorite movies (Patch Adams, Good Will Hunting, or Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) with her family. She has four boys – “two adopted, two biological – all nuts!”
LEONA STRAIT
Controller
Leona holds a Bachelor of Business Management from Arizona State University and an M.B.A. with a dual emphasis in finance and service management from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She oversees all aspects of Finance and Accounting for HopeChest, establishing integrity and trust for proper use of all donor funds. An avid hiker, one of her favorite books is “The Blue Bear” by Lynn Schooler.
ANGELA ZOTT
Travel Manager
Angela is the Travel Manager for Children's HopeChest. She has her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Colorado Christian University and her master's in Biblical Counseling from The Master's University. She has served on the mission field in over 16 different countries and has a heart for equipping the Church and seeing God glorified in the nations. Angela loves spending time with her husband, Tim, and their baby boy, Hudson. Some of their favorite family activities include going for long walks with their three-legged dog Nyla, having adventures outdoors, binging episodes of The Office, and cheering on OU every weekend in the fall....Boomer Sooner!
MADDIE SCHWARZ
Constituent Care and Accounting Specialist
Maddie graduated from Taylor University with a bachelor’s degree in Orphaned and Vulnerable Children and a minor in Psychology. She serves HopeChest by creating and maintaining a positive experience for constituents and serving the finance department. A perfect day for Maddie would include hiking with her family in the mountains, journaling at a coffee shop, and reading a good book (particularly if it is historical fiction)!
BETHANY KERSTETTER
Director of Marketing
Bethany graduated from John Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, and also holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She oversees HopeChest’s web presence, digital communication, and marketing campaigns. When Bethany is not working, she can be found spending time with her husband and two daughters, playing board games with friends, or trying a new recipe in her kitchen.
ANNA KERR
Creative Marketing Specialist
Anna graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication. In her role at Children’s HopeChest, she supports the marketing team with her writing and social media marketing skills, as well as her passion for serving and uplifting marginalized children. In her free time, Anna is playing pickleball with her husband or training for her next half marathon! Her ideal day would start with a trip to the beach (enjoyed with some fruit and a cheesy rom-com book) and end with a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a movie — bonus points if it’s the Parent Trap!
CHRIS NELSON
IT Manager & PSE TouchPoint Owner
Chris supports every employee at HopeChest as a member of the IT Department through the management, interpretation, and distribution of information. Chris is a maker and a creative. He earned his bachelor’s degree in media education and a master’s degree in theology and film. Chris’s ideal day includes sleeping in, having a big breakfast, brewing a batch of beer, going hiking with my family, eating a nice dinner at home, and watching a movie with his wife before going to sleep. His favorite book of all time is the sci-fi classic, “Dune!”
STEVE MARTIN
Operations Manager
Steve facilitates numerous aspects of the sponsorship process at Children’s HopeChest. He earned a bachelors with a double major in intercultural studies and theology with a minor in anthropology at Lee University in Tennessee. (He also studied environmental biology, but the school system limited him to one minor!) He later earned a Master of Science in Administration with an international emphasis. For Steve, a perfect day away from the office would be spending time individually with his wife, two daughters, and parents doing something together that they would be able to connect over, such as board games, hunting, hiking, or watching the Star Wars or Harry Potter series.
TERI ROBERTS
Special Projects Manager, Office of the President
Teri’s direction and exceptional project management skills contribute to HopeChest by helping our organization execute and complete projects that help us grow and expand our mission. She earned her bachelor’s degree in information systems and accounting at Emporia State University, and later graduated from Denver University with a master’s in telecommunications. Outside of work, a perfect day for Teri would be spent in nature, doing a long, hard hike in the mountains or kayaking on a mountain lake. After walking her two big dogs, she might unwind by watching her favorite movie, “Young Frankenstein.”
ELLERY SADLER
Strategic Partner & Relationships Manager
Ellery has dedicated her career to connecting partners with meaningful causes to help them reach their philanthropic goals. Through her work with over a dozen nonprofits, Ellery has had critical visibility into both building internal development infrastructure as well as the major donor side of the experience and harnesses this knowledge in her holistic, strategic approach to building authentic, exciting partnerships. When she’s not working, Ellery enjoys traveling, reading, and serving on staff at her church.
HAILEY SADLER
Strategic Partner & Relationships Manager
Hailey brings a broad base of global experience to her passion for building partnerships around making a transformational impact in the humanitarian sector. She has served on the ground and as a strategic advisor for over 25 nonprofits and advocacy organizations across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Previously, Hailey served for over six years as a Communications Director, Policy Advisor, and Strategic Communications Advisor for members in the U.S. Congress in Washington, DC. She holds a masters degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies. When she's not working with nonprofits, Hailey loves photography.
International Operations
Carolina Cardona
Country Director, Guatemala
I grew up in a small village in the beautiful country of Guatemala. We only had running water for two hours a day. We didn’t have any restaurants, washing machines were considered a luxury, and bicycles were our main form of transportation. I clearly remember as I was growing up, that God was giving me big dreams. I was determined to study hard so I could help my parents have a better life. Although, I had big dreams that I wanted to achieve, I had never imagined that God was going to give me the honor of attending a Christian university in the U.S. for my college education. While I grew up with a lot of economical limitations, God took me to a country with a lot of people willing to help those who have limitations. I have no doubt that God allowed me to experience both ends to be a bridge between those who need help and those whom God wants to use to help. When I graduated, I knew that God had called me to serve others, and I returned to my beautiful country. There was no question of what my mission was to be. I had to serve the poor in my country. I am so blessed for the opportunity God has given me to join the Children’s HopeChest Guatemala Team. This is the place where He is moving to transform the lives of the children. It is an honor beyond definition to serve others every day here.
Wendy Gatica
Operations Manager, Guatemala
Samuel Montero
Program Manager, Guatemala
Jose Carlos
Program Coordinator, Central Guatemala
Celeste Garcia
Program Coordinator, Southwest Guatemala
Milkias (Mickey) Taye
Country Director, Ethiopia
When I look back on my life, I can see how God was leading me along the path of serving orphaned and vulnerable children. During my childhood I attended a church, which was located in Finland Mission Orphanage. The children living in that particular orphanage were my best friends, and we sang together in the church choir. This sparked my passion for the cause of orphaned children in Ethiopia. During June 2018 my family moved back to Addis Ababa, because I sensed closure for my job. God again counted me faithful, putting me into Children’s HopeChest’s ministry. I am looking forward to what God will do in my new responsibility as a Country Director. Being part of Children’s HopeChest Ethiopia will give me a great opportunity to impact the lives of orphaned children positively throughout the nation. Working with children, emphasizing on orphaned and vulnerable children, will provide a bright future for the supported children in particular and for the nation of Ethiopia at large. Forgetting these children will create unthinkable consequences for the future of the whole country. Finally, I want to thank you and to say may God bless you, for those who have devoted their lives to the cause of the disadvantaged children of Ethiopia.
Habtamu Elias
Operations Director, Ethiopia
Daniel Alemayehu
Capital Projects Manager, Ethiopia
Tenbit Zeleke
Community Relationship Manager, Ethiopia
Yifrut Abebe
Program Director, Ethiopia
Andualem Negussie
Program Manager, Ethiopia
Fikre Fiseha
Program Manager, Ethiopia
Mesfin Yohannes
Program Manager, Ethiopia
Yared Ayele
Program Manager, Ethiopia
Joseph Elotu
Country Director, Uganda
God has blessed me with a beautiful and wonderful wife, Anne Grace, and our marriage is blessed with six wonderful children. My work for God includes serving on the Leadership Team in my local church in Soroti, where I have participated in spearheading church development and coordinating both local and international missions. The region I come from was affected by insurgency that lasted for more than 20 years, during which time many people lost their lives, property, and were physically abused. It is also one of the poorest regions in Uganda, with many orphaned children and child-headed households who cannot afford education, food, medical, and other physical needs. I have always had a passion for the disadvantaged, especially children and youth. My wife and I regularly open our doors and commit resources to youth ministry and supporting vulnerable children. We believe that for the Uganda of tomorrow to become better, our country needs a new generation of leaders that fear God, love justice, and are committed to change. The arrival of Children’s HopeChest to the eastern region in Uganda was timely, and I consider my involvement a golden opportunity for me to fulfill my calling “to give hope to those in need, positively influence those around me and leave every situation better than I found it.” I want to thank everybody who has responded to the cause of the suffering children all over the world. Thank you for being a big part of what God is doing in the lives of people in Uganda!
Hellen Makani
Country Director, Kenya
Hellen Makani leads Mt. Elgone CarePoint with her husband, Pastor Richard. Mt. Elgone CarePoint, located in Kenya, lies on the gentle slopes of Mt. Elgone. The CarePoint is about an hour northwest of Kitale, Kenya and serves an impoverished rural area. This project is highly committed to serving the children, as well as their parents and guardians. Mt. Elgone is HopeChest’s first CarePoint in Kenya in partnership with Seeds Ministries. Seeds was founded by Pastor Richard and Hellen and through their tireless work they are seeing despair, hopelessness, abandonment, and abuse being replaced by a sense of hope, love, and belonging.
