Team & Leadership

Anna holds an Associate's Degree from Southeastern Community College and has gained valuable experience through various roles over the years. In October 2024, she joined Hope Rises International, where she applies her adaptable approach to new challenges as she interacts with donors through phone and email and supports various departments with administrative duties. Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with family and exploring new experiences.

Ashley helps manage day-to-day accounting functions as well as payroll and employee benefits. Before moving to the Greenville area, Ashley lived in Rock Hill, South Carolina where she graduated magna cum laude from York Technical College with an A.S. degree in accounting. A mother of two teenagers has little free time, but Ashley makes the most of it by hiking with her family and taking care of her animals.

Craig supports the finance and program teams by monitoring and analyzing budgets and expenditures of Hope Rises International's programs around the globe. Craig is passionate about seeing an end to long-standing cycles of poverty. Before joining Hope Rises, he worked for Samaritan’s Purse in South Sudan as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and completed short-term disaster response deployments to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Bahamas. Craig has a bachelor’s degree in environmental health science from Baylor University and a master’s degree in international development from the University of Kentucky. When not working, he can be found running, cycling, camping, or doing just about anything outdoors with his wife, Sarah.

Katie provides cross-functional support to help increase the effectiveness and efficiency of operations. She champions project, process, and change management across the organization and helps manage and improve all aspects of human resources practices and processes.

Before joining Hope Rises International, Katie worked in full-time ministry for several years and taught English in Japan as part of the JET Program. She holds a B.A. in English and Psychology from Salem College and an M.A. in History of Decorative Arts from Smithsonian Associates and George Mason University.

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, Chris. When she’s not working, Katie enjoys baking, watching British crime shows and going to estate sales.

Andrew ensures donor data stays accurate and reliable in Salesforce while also handling gift processing, reporting, and system support.

With six years of military experience in network administration and IT security, he later transitioned to managing Salesforce at a Bible translation organization. He’s passionate about using technology to empower Christian ministries.

Andrew holds a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Moody Bible Institute and a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary. Outside work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Hannah, diving into new chess openings, or playing pickleball with friends!

As a donor manager, Angela fosters ongoing relationships with Hope Rises International's donors, connecting them to the ministry and the impact their gifts make around the world. She also works with churches in her region to grow congregational investment in the organization as Hope Rises works through the Church to alleviate the physical and spiritual suffering of people affected by NTDs.  Angela has over 15 years of experience leading marketing and communication programs that engage donors and drive fundraising success. She studied Public Relations at the University of Houston Honors College and holds a degree in Political Science from Chapman University. Angela has worked in donor communications and direct mail for one of the nation’s top pediatric and women’s healthcare systems, contributing to campaigns that raised over $500 million. Passionate about pollinators, Angela is dedicated to faithfully stewarding God’s resources on her East Texas homestead, where she runs a thriving apiary. She lives with her husband, two boys, and a variety of animals, including goats, chickens, rabbits, geese, dogs, and bees.

Bekah oversees the systems, strategies, and processes that support our fundraising and development efforts. She fosters relationships with donors and specializes in implementing national events and other types of engagements that build relationships with donors and churches. Although she’s a southern belle from Alabama, Bekah spent several years in Southern California working in ministry at Saddleback Church and then as a volunteer coordinator at a non-profit specializing in social services. Bekah holds a B.A. in sociology and broadcast communications, graduating summa cum laude from Jacksonville State University, and she earned a Certificate in Biblical Teaching from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in California. Bekah is married to Brian and is the proud mother of five children. She isn’t busy at all!

Dan connects donors to Hope Rises International's mission, discerning how their vision and passion align with the organization’s projects and ministry.

While Kentucky has always been his U.S. home base, Dan spent much of his childhood as a missionary kid in the Philippines. He continued exploring other countries as a teacher in Honduras and a short-term missions program director—experiences that shaped his work for two Christian non-profit organizations before Hope Rises International. He earned his B.A. in History from William Jennings Bryan College.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys reading, playing sports and going on adventures with his wife Laura and their two boys, Bryant and Benjamin.

As a donor manager, Erica fosters ongoing relationships with Hope Rises International's donors, connecting them to the ministry and the impact their gifts make around the world. She also works with churches in her region to grow congregational investment in the organization as Hope Rises works through the Church to alleviate the physical and spiritual suffering of people affected by NTDs.

Prior to joining Hope Rises, Erica served as the Executive Director of Align International, a nonprofit committed to providing essential resources to marginalized communities. In addition to her role at Align, she has held leadership positions in medically tailored meal and event planning companies. With over a decade of building relationships with local and global partners, Erica is passionate about using her skills and connecting others to make a positive difference in the world.

Outside of work, Erica enjoys cheering on her daughter at gymnastics meets, supporting her son at track and field, and cozying up with her family for movie nights.

Ismael fosters relationships with donors in the Northeast region, providing them with insight into the impact of their generosity, and deepening their engagement with Hope Rises International's projects and the people they serve.

Before joining Hope Rises, Ismael worked as a Grant Writer for several youth-focused nonprofits in New York City, forging partnerships with institutional donors and crafting compelling narratives that highlighted the power of their giving. Now, at Hope Rises, he draws on his storytelling expertise to guide donors on a journey of faith and hope, helping them to envision the transformation they make in people’s lives, in the name of Christ. Beyond his professional work, Ismael cherishes time with his wife and three children, striving each day to make Christ a living presence in their home.

Jessica oversees direct response communication, ensuring the effectiveness of the organization’s donor messaging and campaigns. She also manages relationships with our direct mail, radio, and telemarketing vendors, ensuring quality control and resource access.  In addition to serving as the direct response program manager, Jessica also works as the mid-Atlantic Regional Donor Manager.  Jessica fosters ongoing relationships with donors, connecting them to the ministry and the impact their gifts make around the world.

Jessica came to Hope Rises International with one goal in mind – to serve God by serving others. After graduating cum laude from Anderson University with a B.S. in Human Services, Jessica has worked in a variety of roles serving those in need. When she’s not working, you can find Jessica, along with her husband and two young daughters, out on the lake soaking up the sun or trying to catch “the big one.”

Morgan oversees the day-to-day strategy and execution of all marketing and communications efforts. She manages the organization’s online presence, develops compelling marketing materials, and crafts press releases, slides, and printed resources. Morgan also supports fundraising efforts by assisting with grant proposals and funder reports, ensuring clear and impactful communication that advances the organization’s mission. When she’s not at work, you can usually find Morgan outside on a walk with her dog, spending time with her friends, or at the gym!

Sophia fosters relationships with donors and churches in the Southeast region, enhancing engagement by connecting supporters with our projects and our mission.
When she isn’t at work, she’s traveling the world in her favorite Adidas shoes. She appreciates all things related to fashion and enjoys giving styling advice to friends and family.

Becky coordinates and manages clinical research for the leprosy vaccine candidate, LepVax. Her broad background in mycobacterial research, product translation, and regulatory affairs serves her key role as a liaison among groups supporting LepVax development. Becky received her doctorate at Colorado State University, during which time she developed, manufactured, and coordinated clinical testing of two leprosy skin test antigens in Nepal.  Her experiences have instilled a deep desire to help advance Hansen’s disease research and facilitate the translation of medical interventions to help patients. Becky is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and enjoys time with her family, hiking, skiing, and horseback riding.

As a Program Manager for Research and Innovation, Chriso leads the strategic planning, execution, and administration of research initiatives that drive impactful change. He collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative projects, manage research partnerships, and secure funding opportunities. His expertise includes conducting literature reviews, designing benchmarking frameworks, and overseeing budgets to ensure efficient project delivery.

With a background in law and global public health, Chriso brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to research management. His experience spans multiple sectors, including legal, banking, and chemical industries, equipping him with a strong analytical approach and a global outlook on innovation and policy. He is passionate about fostering collaboration, translating research into practice, and driving meaningful advancements in public health and beyond.

Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, cars, sports, and music.

Based in Accra, Ghana, Deborah is the Program Director, leading our Africa team and building strategic relationships to further the goals of Hope Rises International and our partners.
Deborah comes to Hope Rises with nearly 20 years of global health experience, including 10 years in the neglected tropical disease (NTD) sector. Deborah has worked closely with national governments in Liberia, Ghana, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire to develop health strategies, policies, and programs at national levels. She has also worked at the local level to implement community-based NTD and maternal, newborn, and child health programs, in conjunction with local health facilities and directorates. Deborah holds an Honors Bachelor of Science (Integrative Biology and Health Studies) from the University of Toronto and both a Master of Science (Public Health) and a Diploma in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She is also a PhD Candidate at the School of Public Health, University of Ghana. Deborah loves to laugh and make others laugh. She is a major foodie who is always on the lookout for a new restaurant or cuisine to try!

Evelyn supports Hope Rises International's projects in Africa through documentation and process management. Before coming to Hope Rises, Evelyn spent nine years in similar roles at two international NGOs, partnering with the Ghana Health Service’s maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) program and the  NTDs sector. Before her NGO roles, Evelyn was an operations control officer for a finance institution.

Evelyn holds an M.A. in management and administration from the University of Ghana and a B.S. Honors in administration and human resources management from Central University College in Accra. Evelyn loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Patrick is responsible for managing and directing finances and accounting, including budget development and tracking, reporting and analysis, contracts and grants, and taxation. In addition, he supports the development of financial and operational guidelines and reporting formats for the country projects. Patrick joined Hope Rises International in 2018 with six years of experience in accounting, finance, and office administration, including financial management of sub-awards. For five years, Patrick ensured the successful implementation of the annual work plan budgets of the End in Africa Project in Ghana through Ghana’s NTD Program. Patrick has a bachelor’s degree in Business Studies from Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, and a Higher National Diploma Certificate in Accounting from Koforidua Polytechnic, Ghana. He earned his MBA in Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies in Accra, Ghana.

Paul received his medical degree from Cambridge University and has been involved in leprosy work since 1981. He remains involved in various research-related initiatives at Hope Rises International and is also part of the Editorial team at Leprosy Review, the main international scientific journal devoted to leprosy. Now semi-retired, Paul has served on several World Health Organization (WHO) advisory and technical committees and as a member of the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP) Technical Commission. He enjoys making the most of the outdoor life around his home in Norway.

Saidi supports program implementation and grant administration in Francophone countries, including reporting, implementing industry best practices, and managing grant funding. Saidi ensures that projects are on track to accomplish their desired impact. Previously, Saidi worked at different levels of individual health systems, as well as with international organizations, to increase the efficiency of health services and improve equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and care in local communities. With LifeNet International, Saidi served as the country director for DR Congo, with previous experience in feasibility studies, nurse training initiatives, quality assessment, and project coordination. He worked in Burundi with Médecins Sans Frontières health projects, including measles, cholera, and malaria response, obstetric fistula screenings, and food security and nutrition assessment. Saidi graduated in 2008 from the University of Ngozi with a Bachelor’s degree in health sciences and he completed a Master’s course in international cooperation and humanitarian aid through the Kalu Institute.

Dr Shyamala Anand is the Senior Technical Advisor for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with Hope Rises International and is based in India. She is a medical doctor specializing in ophthalmology, with 40 years of clinical and programme experience in the NGO sector in India. She is currently involved in programmes and research targeted at reducing transmission of NTDs, improving care and quality of life for people with severe NTD disabilities, and in digital technology for last-mile delivery of services to improve outcomes and bring lasting change for people affected by NTDs and NTD-related disability.

Solomon is a seasoned expert with experience in research, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects focusing on malaria, maternal and child health, and adolescent reproductive health in Africa. Much of his work has addressed issues of behavioral change and supporting health institutions (Ghana Health Service and faith-based institutions) using quality improvement tools and methods to increase effectiveness. Before joining Hope Rises International, Solomon worked with PATH, the University Research Company, and two local NGOs, where he helped deliver project outcomes according to the reporting needs of the organizations. He has also facilitated quality improvement training in Ethiopia and Ghana for mentors/coaches and built capacity and mentoring skills at JSI Universal Immunization by training Family Health Services staff and key partners in quality improvement methodologies. Solomon holds a Master of Research degree in Health Geography from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.

Sundeep leads research initiatives, evaluating relevant projects, ensuring results and technical perspectives are published, and providing technical support and training to staff and partners on translating NTD research into clinical application. He is based in the Structural Biology and Biocomputing Group at the Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge. Sundeep was born and brought up at Bethesda Leprosy Hospital in South India where his father worked with leprosy-affected people for many years. Having seen the suffering of leprosy patients from his childhood, he developed a strong passion for a scientific research career in leprosy. Sundeep received his doctoral degree in Molecular Biology and Immunology of Leprosy while working at the Stanley Browne Research Laboratory of The Leprosy Mission Trust India in New Delhi and later continued his research work at the Schieffelin Institute of Health-Research and Leprosy Centre in Karigiri – India. Sundeep loves traveling and reading books. Now, he often waits for the weekend to explore places in and around Cambridge.

Sunil is the Asia Regional Director for Hope Rises International, leading our work with a network of partners in Asia to research and implement innovative and scalable programs to end leprosy and other high morbidity NTDs and improve the well-being of affected people and communities. Sunil leads the implementation of our strategic plan in Asia, including developing strong implementing coalitions and partnerships, guiding the development of major programs and related grants, and overseeing program design and management.

Sunil is a Dermatologist, Leprologist, and Reconstructive surgeon and has more than 35 years of clinical and field experience in leprosy. He has proven strategic leadership skills with the ability to manage change effectively.