Meet Our Team
Amazima Ministries is extremely blessed to have an incredible staff. An organization is only as strong as the people who are working toward the same purpose. Thankfully, we have a clear mission and some of the best people in the world.
Our Leaders
We are honored to be led by a group of men and women who love the Lord and desire to lead with integrity, compassion, and wisdom.
Katie moved to Uganda over a decade ago with no idea that this would be the place that God chose…
Katie Davis Majors
Founder & Chief Visionary
Doug Martin
Managing Director, U.S.
Mark Guthrie
UG Country Director
Darryl Thompson
Darryl serves as Chairman of Amazima’s board. He is married and has two teenage daughters. Darryl is a financial advisor at Raymond James and is active on the mission committee at his church in Nashville, TN.
Darryl serves as Chairman of Amazima’s board. He is married and has two teenage daughters. Darryl is a financial advisor…
Darryl Thompson
Chairman of the Board
Mary Pat Davis
Mary Pat is the mother of Katie Davis Majors and “Jjaja” to 15 beautiful grandchildren. She has been directly involved with Amazima Ministries International since its inception in 2007. She has experience with both state-side and in-country programs.
Mary Pat is the mother of Katie Davis Majors and “Jjaja” to 15 beautiful grandchildren. She has been directly involved…
Mary Pat Davis
Board Member
Mary Virginia Frist
Mary Virginia is a native Nashvillian, along with her husband Chet and their two children. She has a heart for mission work, especially in Uganda. She volunteers for many organizations in Nashville during her free time.
Mary Virginia is a native Nashvillian, along with her husband Chet and their two children. She has a heart for…
Mary Virginia Frist
Board Member
Sam Funk
Sam is a founding member of Sims|Funk, PLC, a litigation boutique located in Nashville. For 20 years, Sam has represented individuals and businesses in a wide range of complex business disputes. Additionally, Sam has been involved in several local and international organizations, including the International Justice Mission (legal mission trips to India, Kenya and Thailand), Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee (Board Member), and others.
Sam is a founding member of Sims|Funk, PLC, a litigation boutique located in Nashville. For 20 years, Sam has represented…
Sam Funk
Board Member
Mike Mayernick
Mike is a wealth management advisor with Mayernick and Associates. He joined the Amazima Board in 2008. Mike resides in Brentwood, TN with his wife Suzanne and their 7 children.
Mike is a wealth management advisor with Mayernick and Associates. He joined the Amazima Board in 2008. Mike resides in…
Mike Mayernick
Board Member
Jeff Schulte
Jeff is the founder and executive director of Tin Man, a ministry that invests deeply and personally in the lives of Christian leaders and the organizations they lead. In addition to counseling, coaching, and consulting, Jeff speaks nationally and internationally on relational and spiritual authenticity, the emotional life of a leader, spiritual formation, leadership, addiction, biblical masculinity, adoption, fatherhood, and parenting.
Jeff is the founder and executive director of Tin Man, a ministry that invests deeply and personally in the lives…
Jeff Schulte
Board Member
Jeff Tikson
Jeff has 30+ years of experience providing strategic counsel and fundraising services to national nonprofits. He received an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia, and is married to Peggy and proud father to three grown sons and one daughter-in-law.
Jeff has 30+ years of experience providing strategic counsel and fundraising services to national nonprofits. He received an M.B.A. from…
Jeff Tikson
Board Member
Don Shepherd
Don is a classically trained marketer who has translated a consumer products background into building award-winning customer benefit driven businesses. He has profitably grown billion-dollar brands, successfully launched new businesses and products, and led several nationally recognized real estate development projects. Don received his J.D. & M.B.A. degrees from the University of Texas. He lives in Franklin, TN with his wife, Kari, and their five children.
Don is a classically trained marketer who has translated a consumer products background into building award-winning customer benefit driven businesses….
Don Shepherd
Board Member
Ben Merrill
Ben has over 20 years of human resources experience helping large public and private organizations create a great employee experience and align people with the business and mission. Ben received his B.A. from Furman University and M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Karen, and two daughters. Ben currently serves as an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Nashville.
Ben has over 20 years of human resources experience helping large public and private organizations create a great employee experience…
Ben Merrill
Board Member
Ryan Harris
Ryan Harris is the Head of Middle School at Franklin Road Academy in Nashville, TN. Previously, Ryan taught and coached a variety of grade levels in Williamson County (TN) Schools prior to becoming the principal of Nolensville Elementary School. He and his wife Angie live in Brentwood, TN, and have twin girls. The Harris family is quite involved in their church, First Church of the Nazarene, in downtown Nashville where Ryan is an adult Sunday School class teacher.
Ryan Harris is the Head of Middle School at Franklin Road Academy in Nashville, TN. Previously, Ryan taught and coached…
Ryan Harris
Board Member
Katie Davis Majors
Katie moved to Uganda over a decade ago with no idea that this would be the place that God chose to build her home and her family. Today, she is a wife to Benji and mom to her fifteen favorite people. Katie and her family invest their lives in empowering the people of Uganda with education, medical care, and spiritual discipleship. She is also the author of two New York Times bestsellers, Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope.
Katie moved to Uganda over a decade ago with no idea that this would be the place that God chose…
Katie Davis Majors
Founder & Chief Visionary
Our Staff
Amazima is made up of incredible team members in both the United States and Uganda. With a team of over 150, the large majority are local Ugandans. It is always our goal to provide jobs to Ugandans first, before Westerners, so they can support their families and their community.
The team in Uganda is the face of Amazima Ministries to the community members, students, and families impacted by our programs.
Katie moved to Uganda over a decade ago with no idea that this would be the place that God chose to build her home and … Katie Davis Majors Read More »
Katie Davis Majors
Founder & Chief Visionary
Mark Guthrie
UG Country Director
Shana Penner
UG Assistant Country Director, Scholarship Program Director
Adria Tate
Head Teacher
Geoffrey Lwalanda
Deputy Head Teacher, Sports Director
Kelly Miller
Dean of Student Life
Ruth Mwebaza Kato
Student Life Director
Matthew Foster
Business Manager
Daniel Iya
Project Manager/Operations Director
Adria Tate
Head Teacher
Geoffrey Lwalanda
Deputy Head Teacher, Sports Director
Steven Segane
Director of Studies & Assistant Sports Director
Solomon Tatwebwa
Head of Science Department
Steve Fernandes
Science Teacher
Geofrey Kimera
Science Teacher
David Musiige
Science Teacher
Ezekiel Mugerwa
Science Teacher
Holly Stewart
Science Teacher, TASCS Teacher
Joanita Asianut Itogot
Head of English/Literature Department
Deogracious Siminyu
English/Literature Teacher
Elizabeth Akwee
English/Literature Teacher
Susan Ruth Nakayima
English/Literature Teacher
Samantha (Wai Yu) Yau
English/Literature Teacher
Amanda Wallace
English/Literature Teacher
Kayleigh Darling
English/Learning Specialist
Justus Nuwamanya
Head of Mathematics Department
Stella Nsangi Mugenyi
Mathematics Teacher
Emmanuel Afema
Mathematics Teacher
Sarah Nardi
Mathematics Teacher
Stephen Adoit
Head of History Department
Noah Ssemakula
History Teacher
Brian Ottaala
History Teacher
Rob Ames
History Teacher
Daniel Isabirye
Campus Pastor, Bible Teacher
Bob Kalago
Bible Teacher
Matthew Angell
Campus Ministry Pastor/CRE Teacher
Erick Mugabi
ICT/Commerce Teacher
Enyou Pius Opio
ICT Teacher
Noah Owere
Agriculture Teacher
Mary Achen
Entrepreneurship Teacher
Gloria Fayida
Fine Arts Teacher
Honorine Tumukunde
French Teacher
Hannah Richardson
Learning Specialist
Heather Higginbotham
Librarian
Kelly Miller
Dean of Student Life
Ruth Mwebaza Kato
Student Life Director
Simon Masembe & Viola Katushabe
Family Mentors
John Paul Wasswa
Family Mentor
Jackie Ngabire
Family Mentor
Zach & Mackenzie Dalton
Family Mentors
Theresa Akello
Family Mentor
Joe & Robin Booker
Family Mentors
Derick & Ruth Kato
Family Mentors
Martin & Jocelyn Jacoby
Family Mentors
Bitijuma Nabukalu
Family Mentor
Denny & Sandra Thompson
Family Mentors
Brian Alinaitwe
Family Mentor
Adam & Lauren Bonertz
Family Mentors
Ahamada Musana
Family Mentor
Ben & Tally Updike
Family Mentors
Neema Nera
Family Mentor
Anthony & Jen Manginelli
Family Mentors
Sylivestre Sabiiti
Family Mentor
Sean & Katie Olson
Family Mentors
Sandra Doti Akoli
Family Mentor
Marshall & Tara Nessa
Family Mentors
David Musinga
Respite Family Mentor
Comfort Paricia
Respite Family Mentor
Sharon Achieng
Respite Family Mentor
Amy Denning
Student Life Activities Coodinator
Grace Isabirye
Ministry Programming Coordinator
Matthew Foster
Business Manager
Laura Sserunjogi Steele
Accountant
Sarah Ibiara Okimait
Office Manager
Martha Nakale
School Adminstrator & Receptionist
Faith Taaka
Office Administrator
Isaac Okello
IT Manager
Alicia Shinska
Human Resources Manager
Danlyn Miller
Member Care Director
Tory Angell
Assistant Member Care Director
Keith Burgess
Director of School Partnerships
Ashley Staples
TASCS Principal/Teacher
Claire Amico
TASCS Teacher
Rachel McClure
TASCS Teacher
Kirstin Vanada
TASCS Teacher
Holly Stewart
Science Teacher, TASCS Teacher
Rebecca Busikwa
TASCS Office Assistant
Jennifer Fernandes
TASCS Teacher Assistant
Larissa Braun
Nursing Director
Isaac Ibanda
Medical Administrator
Christine Aluka
Case Coordinator
Sarah Brenda Nalwoga
Nurse
Daniel Iya
Project Manager/Operations Director
JT King
Operations Manager
Ismael Wandera
Building Maintenance Manager
Traver Mukisa
Farm Assistant
Abraham Segujja
Facility Attendant
Francis Omoo
Facility Attendant
Joseph Okello
Facility Attendant
Lakana Ocen
Facility Attendant
Edirisa Muyanja
Facility Attendant
Simon Peter Osangen
Facility Attendant
Godfrey Makoha
Facility Attendant
Denis Ochaya
Facility Attendant
William Kalema
Facility Attendant
Patrick Omunet
Facilities Attendant
Merabu Logose
Head of Kitchen
Betty Achilo
Cook
Boazi Musinguzi
Cook
Brian Asiimwe
Cook
Micheal Otenge
Cook
Suzan Nabatanzi
Cook
Steven Isabirye
Cook
Isaac Muwereza
Cook
Emmanuel Esebu
Cook
Patrick Omunet
Facilities Attendant
Andrew Kasenene
Head of Transportation
James Tumwesigye
Driver
Rashid Ssekitoleko
Driver
Micheal Kyegombe
Driver
Leny Jimmy Cosmas Ebil
Head of Security
Martin Ocen
Security Guard
Deborah Amuge
Security Guard
Denish Omony
Security Guard
Joan Acen
Security Guard
Naume Awero
Security Guard
Raphael Egwang
Security Guard
Ruth Kevin Akot
Security Guard
Sarah Kobusinge
Security Guard
Micheal Oluka
Security Guard
Moses Acila
Security Guard
Kennedy Apale
Security Guard
Godfrey Kuchana
Security Guard
Joel Elasu
Security Guard
Alfonsio Ojwiya
Security Guard
Collins Agadra
Security Guard
Raulent Muhindo
Security Guard
Fortunate Jakuma
Security Guard
Shana Penner
UG Assistant Country Director, Scholarship Program Director
Benard Mukama
Scholarship Program Manager
Rebeccah Khakasa
Scholarship Program Administrator
Haba Cypriano
Scholarship Program Mentor
Geofrey Magala
Scholarship Program Mentor
Richard Kalongo
Scholarship Program Mentor
Marion Nandera
Scholarship Program Mentor
Lisa Waigolo
Scholarship Program Mentor
Stephania Ayebale
Scholarship Program Mentor
Noel Mwebaza
Scholarship Program Mentor
Trevor Kagoda
Scholarship Program Mentor
Mildred Namaganda
Scholarship Program Mentor
Peter Emmanuel Wanjala
Scholarship Program Mentor
Daniel Iya
Project Manager/Operations Director
JT King
Operations Manager
Patrick Ouma
Assistant Operations Manager
Andrew Wandera
Farm Manager
Samuel Wandera
Farming God’s Way Trainer
William Kayondo
Farm Assistant
James Obedi
Farm Assistant
Samuel Wancha
Farm Assistant
Seera Hawa
Facilities Attendant
Geofrey Opio
Facility Attendant
Deborah Neumbe
Cook
Joan Maturu
Cook
Bruno Abatumbi
Cook
Lazarus Okello
Cook
Larissa Braun
Nursing Director
Isaac Ibanda
Medical Administrator
Yosam Wasswa
Clinical Officer
Christine Aluka
Case Coordinator
Agathur Atuzoore
Nurse
Simon Jaromo
Nurse
Andrew Kasenene
Head of Transportation
Enoch Mugabi
Driver
James Tumwesigye
Driver
Rashid Ssekitoleko
Driver
Kauma Kaloli
Security Guard
The stateside team provides operational support for Amazima‘s programs and ministry. Their work is integral in connecting our donors with the programs they support. This team oversees scholarship, finances and donation processing, communications, donor development, prayer, and retail sales.
Doug Martin
Managing Director, U.S.
Derek Bell
Director of Partner Relations
Kelli Reed
Partner Relations Manager
Erika Rogers
Finance & Administrative Manager
Jené Sarchet
Assistant Finance Manager
Lauren Dotterer
Digital Communications Manager
Sarah Crane
Communications Manager
Amy Martin
Retail Manager & Prayer Coordinator
Sarah Gerald
Ministry Assistant
Kahlie Calderon
Ministry Assistant
Doug Martin
Managing Director, U.S.
Derek Bell
Director of Partner Relations
Kelli Reed
Partner Relations Manager
Lauren Dotterer
Digital Communications Manager
Sarah Crane
Communications Manager
Erika Rogers
Finance & Administrative Manager
Jené Sarchet
Assistant Finance Manager
Sarah Gerald
Ministry Assistant
Kahlie Calderon
Ministry Assistant