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Leadership
President and Executive Director- Julie Martinez
Julie has a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications from Asbury College and has pursued master level courses in Intercultural Studies at Biola University. She brings a knowledge of non-profits, understanding of organizational structure, a desire to make a difference in the world plus an unending supply of ideas. She and her husband live in Nicholasville, Kentucky and have two children. International Director- Karen Roller
Karen has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Asbury College and brings a strong understanding of the needs of those living in undeveloped countries, a great ability to communicate across cultural boundaries and a tremendous desire to serve the poor. She and her husband, Leonard, have three children and live in Wilmore, Kentucky. Malawi Country Director – Ernest Phiri
Ernest brings a strong leadership capacity, the ability to relate across cultures, and a deep desire and determination to assist the people of his community. He and his wife, Nalesi, have five children and three adopted children. They live near our project in Nama Village, Malawi.
Education Coordinator- Melissa Beckley
Melissa brings a knowledge of education, curriculum development, academic assessment and a desire to use those skills to make a difference in the world. She and her husband, David, have three children and live in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
Board Members: Michael Martinez Michael Martinez serves as the treasurer of Circle of Hope. He has more than 8 years of project management experience in the financial services industries. His background working for Fortune 500 companies such as the Charles Schwab Corporation, Lending Tree and Levi Strauss & CO provides an excellent foundation for our financial structure. Michael has a degree in Organization Studies from Pitzer College. He brings a strong business background, understanding of organizational structure and desire for excellence to Circle of Hope. Michael lives with his wife and two children in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Andy Yardy Andy Yardy brings both a strong international background as well as business background to our board. Andy grew up in the Philippines before returning to the United States for college. After earning a degree in Media Communications from Asbury College, he started a media production company that he continues to operate. Andy has traveled extensively to most corners of the world documenting non-profit organizations and creating award winning videos. Andy lives in Los Angeles, California. |
More About Us |
Julie Martinez comes to Circle of Hope International with ten years of experience running a media production company. As co-owner and executive producer for New Link Media, Julie was responsible for overseeing award winning multimedia productions for a variety of international clients. Her responsibilities also took her to over thirty countries for video production and documentary filmmaking including projects as diverse as world religions, medical care in third world countries and guerilla warfare in southeast Asia. 
Karen Roller has over fifteen years of experience living and working in Africa. She and her husband served as cross-cultural workers in the Congo, Nigeria and Malawi before returning to live in the United States. She has a diverse background in education, curriculum development, leadership development, literacy training and translation. Karen speaks Chichewa, the native language of Malawi, fluently and also has studied Effik, a regional language of Nigeria, and Swahili.
Ernest Phiri has over fifteen years experience leading people in his community. After attending bible school, Ernest began working in the Namanda Community where our projects are based. His deep understanding of his people, his love for the children and his wisdom in dealing with crises provide a bridge for Circle of Hope to help the poorest of the poor with dignity and compassion.
Melissa Beckley has joined the Circle of Hope community bringing more than 12 years experience in education and special education. Melissa currently teaches a combined 1-2 class at Wilmore Elementary School in Wilmore, Kentucky. She loves devoting her spare time to the development of curriculum and lessons for our Learning Center. Melissa has spent two summers in Malawi training local public school teachers, coordinating assessments for our children and gaining cross-cultural experience. 