U.S Board of Directors

I’m deeply grateful that my family and I have been part of advancing the mission of John Paul Secondary School since 2011. After 15 years working alongside our dedicated board and the incredible administrators on the ground at JPSS, I can honestly say this has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I’m excited to see what the next 5, 10, and 15 years will bring for our students, teachers, and the Chelekura community.

After spending nearly three decades working with African nonprofits, I was thrilled to join the board of Friends of John Paul School. The school and board have accomplished herculean things on a tight budget. So much good comes from JPSS and I’m happy to be a small part of it.

I started helping Paul and Nancy with JPSS in 2024 and I am honored to be joining the board.  My wife and I have always made education a fundamental part of raising our family.  I feel truly blessed to be able to help the JPSS students advance their education possibilities.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Having spent 9 years in different roles at a Detroit Jesuit High School serving inner-city boys, I understand the financial and other challenges of educating under-privileged youth.  I am passionate about the mission of John Paul Secondary School and am honored to be invited to the team and to have the opportunity to contribute to the school’s future success.

On a personal note, I live in Farmington Hills with my husband of 32 years and have two wonderful adult daughters.

“I have been involved in the development of JPSS since its inception and have watched it develop into a highly-regarded institution of quality education.    Serving on its Board of Directors gives me tremendous satisfaction and a renewed sense of hope for these children . . . who only want a chance to achieve their potential.” 

“Recently we were asked to donate to the  John Paul secondary school and Debbie and I did so because educating the youth and upholding strong religious values in Uganda is an outstanding cause. After our initial donations we discovered that the founders of the JPSS were Paul and Nancy our old neighbors in Farmington Hills 30 years ago. We wanted to get more involved and now we are honored to be on the schools board . “

“For God loves a cheerful giver” II Corinthians 9:6-8

Though we are relative “newcomers” to the John Paul Secondary School board, we are so very thankful that we have become involved. Sharing our time, along with “some” talent and treasures for the benefit of JPSS, has been rewarding above and beyond ever imagined.