Village Project Africa Leadership Team
Margaret Lewis
As a child, Margaret dreamed about traveling to foreign lands. As an adult, those dreams came true — her journeys have taken her to over 60 countries around the globe.
After traveling the world leading tour groups, volunteering at work camps and visiting mission fields, she eventually landed in Kenya. Beginning in 1996, she volunteered at Kima International School of Theology (KIST), and in 2006, started Village Project Africa. Margaret holds a master’s degree in library science from the University of Kentucky. Additionally, she was a pastor’s wife, Associate Director of Tri-S (international education) at Anderson University, and a graduate of Asbury College.
Margaret has a passion for the people of Makutano and is investing her life in making their lives better.
Davis Otieno Reuben
Davis began his connection with Village Project Africa with the little that he had to give – a dream, a small house, a salary of less than $2 per day, and lots of hard work.
Davis leads CHERSCENT (Community Health Education and Resource Centre), the Kenyan organization that partners with VPA to provide services in Makutano.
Davis earned a theology degree from Kima International School of Theology (KIST). He worked as a telephone repairman in Nairobi and served on staff at KIST. Both places gave him the necessary training for directing the program in Makutano. In the last several years, Davis has witnessed exponential growth from his investment. He continues to be amazed by God’s gifts as the program moves forward. Davis is a humble man who leads with excellence.
US Volunteer Staff
Manages US operations and works alongside Kenyan staff
Jamie Stone
In spring 2012, Jamie took early retirement from her banking career where she worked solely with not-for-profit organizations. Jamie loves international travel, but she hadn’t specifically desired to travel to Kenya. In summer 2012, a friend took a mission trip to Kenya and urged Jamie to join her. During that trip, Jamie instantly fell in love with the Kenyan people, the children and staff at Heritage Academy, and witnessed the undeniable evidence of God’s work there. She knew she wanted to get involved with the work she saw happening and joined Margaret and the volunteer staff of Village Project Africa. She helps coordinate all of the functions of VPA while she continues to focus on development. She can be reached by email: jamie@villageprojectafrica.org
Mary McDaniel
Mary’s involvement with Village Project Africa began in November of 2011 when she began sponsoring a child. Fulfilling her desire to meet her sponsored boy, she made her first trip to Makutano in the summer of 2012. During that visit she fell in love with the children and staff of Heritage Academy. Her involvement with VPA has grown in many ways over the years. Mary has traveled to Kenya many times, working and doing projects with the sponsored children, helping organize the sale of bags and beads made by the village women, and working closely with Heritage Academy staff to coordinate sponsors with children in need. She became director of the sponsorship program in 2016. Mary is a graduate of Anderson University. Mary’s email address is mary@villageprojectafrica.org.
Matt Pugh
Matt’s first visit to Kenya in 2024 was life-changing. Spending time in the villages
around Heritage Academy, he quickly fell in love with the people and their
joy. Deeply moved by the work of Village Project Africa, Matt felt called to
contribute in any way he could. He is working closely with Margaret Lewis and assists with donor relations, striving to connect supporters with the impactful work VPA is doing in Kenya.
Matt lives in Lexington, KY, with his wife Mary, and together, they enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures. He is a graduate of Liberty University with a degree in
business administration. He can be reached via matt@villageprojectafrica.org.
Melody Wilburn
Melody can be reached by email at melody@villageprojectafrica.org.
Carolyn Caldwell
Carolyn’s father, Glenn Falls, was one of the early visitors and supporters of the Village Project Africa program. She and her husband have had many international experiences living in both England and Iraq. When Carolyn retired from teaching accounting at Anderson University in 2011, she visited the village of Makutano and VPA with her father. As a life-long educator, she was very impressed with the work of Heritage Academy on behalf of children who might not otherwise have an opportunity for a good education. She returned in 2018 with her sister and their families to participate in a dedication of a girls’ dorm built in memory of their mother and was pleasantly surprised to see how the academy had grown. In 2020, when Margaret asked Carolyn to join the volunteer staff, she was glad to use her skills to help manage VPA’s finances. Carolyn can be contacted by emailing carolyn@villageprojectafrica.org.
Gabriel Wilburn
Driven by a deep belief in the power of purpose-driven work, Gabe is passionate about building relationships, developing sustainable solutions, and helping others reach their full potential. With a background in business development, communication, and mission-aligned leadership, he was drawn to Village Project Africa because it is committed to empowering communities through education, health, and spiritual development.
Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of leading teams, forging partnerships, and navigating complex challenges—all with a heart for service and a mindset rooted in integrity and impact. Gabe says, “Whether working in the private sector or volunteering in faith-based initiatives, I thrive when my work contributes to something larger than myself.”
He believes every person has value and potential, and he is excited by the opportunity to help build systems and relationships that allow communities in Kenya—and around the world—to flourish. Gabe can be emailed via gabriel@villageprojectagafrica.org.
Anna Webb
Anna’s passion for Village Project Africa blossomed after her husband’s inspiring fall
2024 trip. Her own visit in February 2025 solidified this connection. Witnessing the
organization’s impactful work firsthand, Anna fell in love with Village Project Africa’s
mission and the people it serves. She is now a dedicated advocate, eager to support
their continued growth.
Anna lives in Kentucky with her husband, Ben, and their daughter. She loves to spend
time with her family and volunteer at her church in the children’s program.
She is excited that she can be involved with the Heritage Academy children by helping to facilitate and manage the Sponsorship Program. You can contact Anna at anna@villageprojectafrica.org.
Janette Brown
Janette Brown has a heart for Village Project Africa and loves the opportunity to introduce others to this special place! She first traveled to Kenya in 2014, one year after her husband’s first trip to the village. Her early involvement was centered around coordinating the Backpack Project, a ministry of Church at the Crossing, that provided school supplies and hygiene items to students at Heritage Academy. Annual trips to the village followed that first trip, and a deep love for the people and country developed. With each visit, she is blown away by what God is doing here in this special place.
Janette and her husband, Matt, live in Indianapolis and have four grown children (and–inspired by the Heritage graduating class of 2020–four chickens!) She is the CEO of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, combining her love of music and passion for nonprofit work. In her free time she loves to read, practice yoga, drink coffee, play the piano, and travel! If you’re interested in visiting the village, contact her at janette@villageprojectafrica.org.
Cathy Drake
Cathy Drake
Cathy and her husband, John, spent two years teaching in Kenya during the mid-1980s—a time that left a lasting impression on their hearts. Cathy fell in love with the country and its people, and even got married while living there. So when the opportunity arose to support students through Village Project Africa, it felt like a meaningful way to reconnect with a place they cherish deeply.
Understanding the transformative power of education—especially in places where access can be a challenge—they were drawn to VPA’s mission. In the fall of 2024, John and Cathy returned to Kenya to witness firsthand the impact of the work being done. That visit reaffirmed their commitment and deepened their appreciation for the difference VPA is making in the lives of students and families.
Now, Cathy is honored to welcome and support guests visiting Village Project Africa. Her hope is to create a warm, inviting atmosphere so others can also experience the beauty of Kenya and see the powerful work God is doing through this incredible ministry.
Leads students and staff in Makutano
Noah Buchwa
Noah began teaching at the Makutano Primary, a public school, in 2004 and quickly discovered may of the children came to school hungry and many were sent home because they could not pay their school fees. In 2014, he joined Heritage Academy’s teacher college so that he could earn a diploma. Upon finishing, he was invited to join the primary teaching staff. Now he is the Head Teacher and leads the teaching staff in the Pre School and Classes 1 through 8. He knows everyone in the community and makes sure the students have what they need to learn and stay in school. He is a humble and effective leader.
He is married to Susan Wekesa and they have 5 children and one grandson.
Charles Aol
Charles Aol was born in 1996 and attended a public school, where he studied from ECDE through his secondary education.
In 2014, Charles began his teaching career at a primary school, where he taught Mathematics to Grades 7 and 8. He then taught at a private school in Kisumu where he took on the role of Headteacher. Alongside his administrative duties, he also served as a Sunday school teacher.
In September 2017, Charles enrolled at University where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, specializing in Mathematics and Chemistry, completing his studies in 2021. In 2022, Charles worked in Nairobi as the Director of Studies at Glorious Group of Schools.
In May 2023, he joined Heritage Secondary School as a Mathematics teacher. His dedication and leadership saw him promoted to Deputy Principal in 2024 and
subsequently to School Principal in May 2025. Charles is making a big difference at Heritage Academy and is a compassionate leader.
Violet Nyangweso
Violet has taught at Heritage Academy since 2016. She came from a humble background where school fees were very difficult to come by for her grandparents, who raised her. She understands the challenges many of the Heritage children face and is grateful to teach where there is a sponsorship program and children can go to school without worry. She likes being close to these children so that she can guide and counsel them through their different situations.
Violet loves to lead, to set an example and to bring smiles to those in her care.
She is married and has two daughters.
Chepkemoi Zeddy
Zeddy has worked at Heritage Academy since 2013, her first place of employment.
She has many responsibilities including tracking income and expenses, monitoring supplies, and overseeing the roster and attendance. She works closely with Noah and knows every child in the school by name. Zeddy knows that Heritage Academy has changed many lives in the community and other parts of Kenya and she enjoys being a part of the team working to improve the lives of the less fortunate. Zeddy is a valued member of the staff and works directly with the Director of Sponsorship to provide sponsorship accountability.
She is married and has two young children.
Shirley Sagao Lunyasi
Shirley has taught at Heritage Academy for several years. She is a leader and embraces new teaching practices so that every child can learn. She believes teaching is a ministry and she has learned much from the children she teaches.
In 2024 she helped implement a new approach to teaching at Heritage. In Kenya, it is common for even the very young children to have 8 teachers each day. Now, one teacher stays with the lower primary classes and teaches them all subjects. Shirley has lead this classroom style transition and is thrilled with how well it is working. She is grateful to the Administration for implementing this education model.
She is married to Etrice Lunyasi Mudali and they have four children.
Consultants
Encourage and assist US and Kenyan Staff
Michael Ransom, M.S. Ed.
Michael first learned about Village Project Africa in 2021 through Margaret Lewis, VPA’s founder. The more he learned about Heritage Academy and Secondary School and the hope these schools bring to children and families; the more he felt a growing connection to the mission. That eventually led to his first trip to Kenya in 2025, where meeting the students and seeing the schools firsthand made a lasting impact.
Today, Michael and his family are proud sponsors of a Heritage Academy student. He also shares his professional experience—more than 30 years in higher education advancement, consulting, and nonprofit leadership—by serving as VPA’s Strategy and Leadership Advisor. His heart is to help strengthen VPA’s leadership and build the resources needed to support Heritage Academy for the future.
Michael has held leadership roles at the University of Denver, Syracuse University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and has served on several national and local nonprofit boards. He holds both an M.S.Ed. and a B.S. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and lives in Denver, Colorado, with his life partner, Stephanie.
Linda Thompson, Ed.D.
Linda’s life passion is educating children! She earned a doctorate degree in educational administration from Ball State University specializing in curriculum and educational technology. For 20 years, Linda led development of K-12 curriculum and trained teachers and administrators in the most effective instructional practices.
Linda admired the faith, commitment, and work ethic she saw in the Heritage Academy staff and students. She eagerly joined God’s work there partnering with the Academy staff to provide the best possible education for students in Makutano and surrounding communities. Linda continues to help Heritage use technology to support face-to-face professional development, foster teacher collaboration, and improve student learning. Linda is excited to see what God continues to do at Heritage!
Cathy Berger, M.Ed., ESOL
Cathy worked for Indianapolis Public Schools her entire career, feeling called to help children from diverse and sometimes challenging backgrounds. In her early teaching years, she taught kindergarten, first and fourth grades and then became an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, which became her passion.
She loves working with and along side children. Her greatest joy was helping students acquire a new language and spending time with families from different cultures. She learned so much from them. When she was asked to help lead teacher enrichment sessions at Heritage Academy, she was excited to say yes. She’s so excited to be part of our committed team.
She is married, has three daughters and two grandsons. She loves to travel and spend time with her friends and family.
Sandra Chappell, M.S. Ed.
After working as a preschool and elementary teacher for several years, Sandra Chappell enjoyed a 22-year career in higher education, retiring in 2012 from Saint Mary -of-the-Woods College with emeritus distinction.
Her dedication to children and families continued with her work at Heritage Academy and in advisory roles to childcare centers in Indiana. As a former president of the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (IAEYC), Sandra’s background in establishing and maintaining educational quality standards through the IAEYC influences her work to this day.
In her spare time, Sandra enjoys gardening and spending time with her two sons, two grandsons, and their families.
Nancy Hoffman, Ed. D.
Education has been a devotion of Nancy’s from her early years. Earning an undergraduate teaching degree and a doctorate in early childhood and adult education, Nancy taught the spectrum of preschool, kindergarten, high school, university and adult education.
Nancy’s love of travel led her to Kenya where she saw a welcoming atmosphere, the children’s curiosity and their love for adults and each other. She now regularly visits to see friends she’s made and to help the early childhood teachers, but believes she learns more than she teaches.
Nancy finds Heritage is truly a community, each giving to the other while exploring the needs of young children and the cultural differences that color our worlds.
John Drake
John and his wife, Cathy, first went to Kenya in 1985, for a two-year teaching assignment. They formed
wonderful friendships and developed a lasting love for the people, the culture, and especially their students. Looking back, John is deeply grateful that God opened that first door and changed his life.
Years later, John’s connection to Kenya deepened when he traveled back to Kenya to experience VPA. He was moved by the warmth and openness of the students and teachers and by the incredible vision and heartfelt dedication of Margaret, Davis, and their leadership team. Their work was clearly transforming lives, and John knew he wanted to be part of it.
That visit led to several more trips to Makutano, where John became a valued teacher/consultant with the Music Program. He looks forward to encouraging and equipping young musicians and teachers and sharing in the joy that music brings to the heart and soul.
Board of Directors
Makes strategic decisions to advance our principles and mission
Steve Meyer, M.B.A.
Steven Meyer has served on the Village Project Africa board of directors since its formation. He is a former banker, electric utility and railroad executive. He recently retired as chief operating officer for Wheeler Mission Ministries in Indianapolis. Steven also manages several energy investment partnerships and serves on the board of a healthcare trust fund. Steven has a bachelor’s degree in business and finance from Indiana University and a masters degree in business administration from Butler University.
Karen Wilson
With a masters degree from Butler University and post masters hours in Purdue’s Reading Recovery certification program, Karen served as a reading intervention teacher for Indianapolis public and Perry Township schools for 21 years.
As a close friend, Karen watched Margaret fall in love with the school and the people of Makutano. She provided the teacher’s salary when Heritage had no sponsored or paying students in the first class of 50 preschoolers, and she has served on the board since its formation. Karen has visited Makutano four times conducting teacher training workshops.
