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
Katie Davis Majors
Founder & Chief Visionary

Rachel Weir, a Tennessee native, is the CEO for Amazima Ministries. Having adopted a daughter from Uganda and lived there…
Rachel Weir
Chief Executive Officer
Robin Booker
Managing Director
Simon Masembe
Executive Director of Discipleship (UG)
Byron List
Executive Director of Education (UG)
Ruth Mwebaza Kato
Executive Director of Discipleship (UG)
Larissa Rwakasiisi
Executive Director of Development & External Affairs (UG)
Matthew Foster
Executive Director of Administration & Support Services (UG)
Madison Dallas
Finance Director
Ben Merrill
Position: Chairman of the Board
Categories: Board of Directors
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
Chairman of the Board
Katie Davis Majors
Position: Founder & Chief Visionary
Categories: Board of Directors, Organizational Leadership
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 Davis Majors
Founder & Chief Visionary
Don Shepherd
Position: Board Member
Categories: Board of Directors
Don serves as the Chairman of Amazima’s board. He 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 serves as the Chairman of Amazima’s board. He is a classically trained marketer who has translated a consumer products…
Don Shepherd
Board Member
Megan Allred
Position: Board Member
Categories: Board of Directors
Dr. Megan Allred is a dentist in Nashville. She gained her B.S. in Chemistry from Murray State University and her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Kentucky. She joined the board initially as an intern through the Nashville Young Leaders Council, before becoming a board member. Megan and her husband, Cecil, are the parents to two daughters. The Allred family are active at their church, Christ Presbyterian Church, Music Row. Megan has previously served on medical mission trips to Nicaragua, Honduras, and Kenya. She is a former volunteer with End Slavery TN and The Make a Wish Foundation of Middle TN.

Dr. Megan Allred is a dentist in Nashville. She gained her B.S. in Chemistry from Murray State University and her…
Megan Allred
Board Member
Ryan Harris
Position: Board Member
Categories: Board of Directors
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
Jill Kaess
Position: Board Member
Categories: Board of Directors
Jill has over 20 years of experience as an estate planning attorney and CPA assisting clients with their personal planning goals. Jill received a B.S. in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and her J.D. from Wake Forest University. She lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with her husband, Jon, and their son, Braxton. Jill and Jon also have five nieces who were adopted from Jinja, Uganda. Jill and Jon are active members of Port City Community Church.

Jill has over 20 years of experience as an estate planning attorney and CPA assisting clients with their personal planning…
Jill Kaess
Board Member
John Feray
Position: Board Member
Categories: Board of Directors
John has over 30 years of financial, accounting, and strategy experience helping large public and private equity owned companies create value through a keen focus on people, partnerships and processes. John received a B.B.A in accounting from Sam Houston State University and is a CPA in Texas. He lives in Colleyville, Texas with his wife, Leslie, and has an older son and daughter and is an active member of his church. John serves on the Fort Worth Christian Cardinal Education Foundation as their president and has served as Chairman for the Fort Worth Christian Board of Trust.

John has over 30 years of financial, accounting, and strategy experience helping large public and private equity owned companies create…
John Feray
Board Member
Holly Stewart
Position: Board Member
Categories: Board of Directors
Holly has 20 years of experience in education. She received her B.S. in Chemistry and her M.A. in Teaching from the University of Memphis. In 2018-2019 Holly worked at The Amazima School in Jinja, Uganda teaching chemistry and other sciences. She lives in Spring Hill, TN with her husband and five children.

Holly has 20 years of experience in education. She received her B.S. in Chemistry and her M.A. in Teaching from…
Holly Stewart
Board Member
Daniel Iya
Position: Board Member
Categories: Board of Directors
Raised in Nigeria, Daniel has over 14 years of engineering, design, construction, and operations experience across two continents. He received his B.S. from LeTourneau University and M.S. from the University of Texas at Tyler. After living in Uganda for 10 years and serving with Amazima, Daniel, his wife Corinne, and their son now live in Elverson, PA. They are active members of Brick Lane Community Church.

Raised in Nigeria, Daniel has over 14 years of engineering, design, construction, and operations experience across two continents. He received…
Daniel Iya
Board Member
Amanda Williamson
Position: Board Member
Categories: Board of Directors
Amanda has over 10 years of human resources experience in the healthcare industry. She earned her B.A. from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University. Amanda lives in Nashville with her husband, David, 4 children, and two fur babies. Amanda and her family were involved in planting the Church at Nolensville and remain actively involved.

Amanda has over 10 years of human resources experience in the healthcare industry. She earned her B.A. from Grand Valley…
Amanda Williamson
Board Member
Rachel Weir
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Categories: Board of Directors, Organizational Leadership
Rachel Weir, a Tennessee native, is the CEO for Amazima Ministries. Having adopted a daughter from Uganda and lived there for many years, Rachel knows firsthand the transformative power of excellent education and discipleship. Her journey began in 2018 after she moved to Jinja to work with Heal Ministries where she was deeply moved by the warmth and resilience of the people. With a professional background with HCA Internal Audit and a profound personal connection to Uganda, her passion for Uganda has only accelerated over time. She is the wife to Trey Weir and mother to three children: Hope, Hudson, and Hunter. She and her family have relocated from Jinja, Uganda back to Franklin, TN.

Rachel Weir, a Tennessee native, is the CEO for Amazima Ministries. Having adopted a daughter from Uganda and lived there…
Rachel Weir
Chief Executive Officer
Our Staff


The team in Uganda is the face of Amazima Ministries to the community members, students, and families impacted by our programs.
Robin Booker
Managing Director
Byron List
Executive Director of Education (UG)
Larissa Rwakasiisi
Executive Director of Development & External Affairs (UG)
Matthew Foster
Executive Director of Administration & Support Services (UG)
Ruth Mwebaza Kato
Executive Director of Discipleship (UG)
Simon Masembe
Executive Director of Discipleship (UG)
Maureen Nakalinzi
Community Engagement Director
Mildred Namaganda
Community Engagement Coordinator
Geofrey Magala
Education Program Manager
Timothy Ssekaggo
Community Liaison Manager
Cypriano Haba
Community Engagement Social Worker
Noel Mwebaza
Community Engagement Social Worker
Richard Kalongo
Community Engagement Social Worker
Peter Emmanuel Wanjala
Community Engagement Social Worker
Trevor Kagoda
Community Engagement Social Worker
Grace Isabirye
Community Engagement Social Worker
Farouq Kyagera
Community Engagement Social Worker
David Laaki
Community Engagement Social Worker
Asha Namulawa
Community Engagement Social Worker
Joseline Olive Nafula
Community Engagement Social Worker
Jesca Nampindi
Community Engagement Social Worker
Eunice Laaki Baluka
Community Engagement Social Worker
Andrew Wandera
Community Agriculture Manager
Samuel Wandera
Community Based Trainer - Agriculture Program
Emmanuel Sekweyama
Community Based Trainer - Agriculture Program
Simon Trevor Kamya
Field Officer - Livelihood
Juliet Aulo
Field Officer - Agriculture
Morgan Alise Dennis
Nursing Director
Agatha Nakitende
Medical Administrator
Christine Aluka
Head Nurse
Dennis Mande
Counselor
Redemptor Nansubuga
Counselor
Sarah Brenda Nalwoga
Nurse
Simon Jaromo
Nurse
Grace Amongin
Nurse
Kizza Segirinya
Nurse
Precious Amooti Kabasomi
Nurse
Asa Niwarimanya
Physiotherapist
Yosamu Wasswa
Clinical Officer
Lillian Ogwapit Akello
Head Teacher - Primary
Faith Atim
Primary School Coordinator
Abigael Chiteva Nasimiyu
Director of Studies - Primary
Sedulach Mpata
Social Studies Head of Department
Eron Nakityo
Primary Teacher
Faith Sylivia Nakirya
Primary Teacher
Gladys Nakibuule
Primary Teacher
Delaney Stephens
English Resource Teacher
Jane Nyabonyo
Primary Teacher
Justine Hope Nakiganda
Primary Teacher
Moses Musamba
Primary Teacher
Sharon Zawedde
Primary Teacher
Amos Ikute
Primary Teacher
Ronald Lubwama
Math/Science Teacher
Victo Talemwa
Special Needs Teacher
Isaac Wasswa
Math Teacher/MDD Teacher
Prize Ahumuza
Art Teacher
Brittany Watilo
Discipleship and Bible Resource Teacher
Godwin Nasasira
Physical Education Teacher
Zaidi Makai
Primary Teacher
Benjamin Ngobi
ICT Teacher
Michael Okurut
Primary Teacher
Charles Othieno
Primary Teacher
Jesca Nantege
Primary Teacher
Martin Abuku Oonyu
Primary Teacher
Margaret Mercy Akello
Primary Teacher
Elizabeth Amedo
Primary Teacher
Samuel Esiangu
Primary Teacher
Julius Byaki
Primary Teacher
Lovinsa Namuzungu
Primary Teacher
Sarah Atukuri Keliki
Primary Teacher
Christine Kyomugisha
Primary Teaching Aide
Doreen Abao
Primary Teaching Aide
Joseph Nsubuga
Primary Teaching Aide
Joy Achan
Primary Teaching Aide
Judith Kisakye
Primary Teaching Aide
Marvin Mukoka
Primary Teaching Aide
Mariam Mugabi
Primary Teacher Aide
Byron List
Executive Director of Education (UG)
Bruno Tindimwebwa
Head Teacher - Secondary
Martha Nakale
Secondary School Coordinator
Solomon Tatwebwa
Director of Studies - Secondary
Henry Ddumba
Head of Science Department
Joanita Asianut Itogot
Head of Language Dept.
Stella Nsangi Mugenyi
Head of Mathematics Dept.
Stephen Adoit
Head of Humanities Department
Daniel Isabirye
Secondary School Chaplain
Meddy Mapesa
Receptionist
Brian Mulyagonja
Science Teacher
Amelia Watson
Science Teacher
Jessica Melki
Science Teacher
Asuman Mudeebo
Science Teacher
Mathias Ochan
Science Teacher
Maureen Akello
Science Teacher
Alex Muhindo
Science/Mathematics Teacher
Gerald Kakolo
Science/Mathematics Teacher
Gerald Wanambwa
Science/Mathematics Teacher
Lokeris Bwambale
Science Teacher
Brian Waiswa
Science Lab Technician
Moses Musooli
Assistant Lab Technician
Noah Owere
Agriculture Teacher
Deogracious Siminyu
Language Teacher
Susan Ruth Nakayima
Language Teacher
Lilliane Namala
Language Teacher
Benjamin Samanya
Language Teacher
Samantha (Wai Yu) Yau
Language Teacher
Patrick Mujuni
Language Teacher
Rachel Janet Muyama
Language Teacher
Emmanuel Afema
Mathematics Teacher
Mathew Oketch
Mathematics Teacher
Elizabeth Akumu
Mathematics Teacher
Erick Mugabi
ICT/Commerce Teacher
Robert Balambula
ICT Teacher
Benard Mbusa
ICT Teacher/Lab Technician
Noah Ssemakula
Humanities Teacher
Brian Ottaala
Humanities Teacher
Christine Nakke
Humanities Teacher
Mary Grace Mokodir
Humanities Teacher
Gloria Fayida
Humanities Teacher
Joan Lilian Bayogera
Humanities Teacher
Joshua Kibirige
Humanities Teacher
Harriet Nabisere
Humanities Teacher
Ben Gyaviira Kirabo
Humanities Teacher
Erimia Kayogera
Humanities Teacher
Gloria Oyella
Humanities Teacher
Cricent Kukundakwe
Humanities Teacher
Vicki Brumbaugh
Resource Teacher
Victoria Nampeera
Librarian
Ruth Mwebaza Kato
Executive Director of Discipleship (UG)
Simon Masembe
Executive Director of Discipleship (UG)
Solome Nyaromo
Student Life Manager - Girls
Bosco Otto
Student Life Manager - Boys
Suzan Namono
Student Life Coordinator
Neema Nera
Family Mentor
Sylivestre Sabiiti
Family Mentor
Arnold & Joan Nsumba
Family Mentors
Joseph & Diana Kasule
Family Mentors
Felister Nakityo
Family Mentor
Wilson Kananga
Family Mentor
Jerry & Cheryl Davison
Family Mentors
Misach Wasswa & Jackie Ngabire
Family Mentors
Derrick Olweny
Family Mentor
Emma Mwesigwa
Family Mentor
Simon Okoli & Sarah Kansiimi
Family Mentors
Raymond Mengezi
Family Mentor
Joshua Mubiru
Family Mentor
Sharon Achieng
Family Mentor
Akiramu Muluga
Family Mentor
Clive Tomusange
Family Mentor
Majourine Namyalo
Family Mentor
Willy Eromu
Family Mentor
Winnie Nyakato
Family Mentor
Julian Nabwire
Family Mentor
Daphine Nayiga
Family Mentor
Alan & Diana Stewart
Family Mentors
Dulton & Esther Mutaawe
Family Mentors
Julius & Phoebe Othieno
Family Mentors
Faith Nanziri
Family Mentor
Miriam Kyalikola
Family Mentor
Charles & Marion Labalpiny
Family Mentors
Joel & Angella Omara
Family Mentors
Arnold & Belindar Kakoza
Family Mentors
Ambrose & Joan Nkurunziza
Family Mentors
Bruce & Birgid MacCallum
Family Mentors
Norah Namirembe
Family Mentor
Drake Ssenkutte
Family Mentor
Peter Abala
Family Mentor
Prossy Teresa Nakalinzi
Family Mentor
Barbara Lanyero
Family Mentor
Matthew Foster
Executive Director of Administration & Support Services (UG)
Hope Meda Ibale
Human Resources Manager
Laura Sserunjogi Steele
Accountant
Sarah Ibiara Okimait
Accounts Officer
Isaac Okello
IT Manager
Abraham Naaya
IT Support Officer
Joshua Duhimbaze
Procurement Manager
John Ongom
Accounts Officer
Julie Nyombi
Communications Specialist
Moses Odonyo
Staff Life Pastor
Tim Smith
Staff Life Pastor
Suzan Faith Akurut
Assistant Staff Life Pastor
Kristin List
TBRI Coordinator
Annet Ayenyo
Administrative Coordinator
Deborah Nanfuka
Procurement Assistant
Babra Joy Acan
Humans Resources Assistant
Goerge Ssekyanzi
IT Support Assistant
Esther Mirembe
Staff Life Coordinator
Joanna Catherine Asiimwe
Executive Assistant
Emmanuel Mwesigwa Iga
Student Pathways Advisor
Gary Brumbaugh
Operations Director
Edward David Ggaliwango
Operations Coordinator
Joe Booker
Facilities Manager
Ismael Wandera
Head of Maintenance - Njeru
Denis Ochaya
Head of Maintenance - Buziika
Marion Nalweera
Facilities Storekeeper Associate
Samuel Juuko
Technician
Isaac Ssempebwa
Technician
Paul Okada
Technician
Edwin Sanya
Technician
Agnes Moraa
Technician
Traver Mukisa
Groundskeeper
Abraham Segujja
Groundskeeper
Joseph Kamali
Groundskeeper
Francis Omoo
Groundskeeper
Geofrey Opio
Groundskeeper
William Kalema
Groundskeeper
Patrick Omunet
Groundskeeper
Andrew Odongo
Groundskeeper
Emmanuel Kibwika
Groundskeeper
Simon Peter Ladda
Groundskeeper
Thomas Okiru
Groundskeeper
William Wabwire
Groundskeeper
Eriabo Mbigo
Groundskeeper
Moses Mulinda
Groundskeeper
Samuel Wancha
Groundskeeper
James Obedi
Groundskeeper
Seera Hawa
Custodian
Lucia Asuru
Custodian
Hajira Nasuna
Custodian
Racheal Zawedde
Custodian
Mariam Mutesi
Custodian
Rose Tatusa
Custodian
Rogers Mbazira
Custodian
Aggrey Mpaabe
Custodian
Judith Akello
Custodian
Bridget Nakayiza
Custodian
Lydia Nakaluba
Custodian
Yasin Tabbo
Custodian
Moreen Muzaaki
Custodian
Gary Brumbaugh
Operations Director
Edward David Ggaliwango
Operations Coordinator
Merabu Logose
Head of Kitchen - Njeru
Deborah Neumbe
Head of Kitchen - Buziika
Bruno Abatumbi
Cook
Joan Maturu
Cook
Suzan Nabatanzi
Cook
Lazarus Okello
Cook
Samson Ekisu
Cook
Scovia Nakafu
Cook
David Eguru
Cook
Stella Akia
Cook
James Okullu
Cook
Ronald Oyuki
Cook
Joseph Aliddeki
Cook
Tonny Opong
Cook
Amos Odonyo
Cook
Isima Mutebi
Cook
Gary Brumbaugh
Operations Director
Edward David Ggaliwango
Operations Coordinator
James Tumwesigye
Driver
Rashid Ssekitoleko
Driver
Kalimu Semugabi
Driver
Tom Nyombi
Driver
Musa Kasule
Driver
Tadeo “Jude” Mbaziira
Driver
Gary Brumbaugh
Operations Director
Edward David Ggaliwango
Operations Coordinator
Leny Jimmy Cosmas Ebil
Head of Security
Martin Ocen
Security Guard
Deborah Amuge
Security Guard
Joan Acen
Security Guard
Ruth Kevin Akot
Security Guard
Sarah Kobusinge
Security Guard
Kennedy Apale
Security Guard
Moses Acila
Security Guard
Micheal Oluka
Security Guard
Joel Elasu
Security Guard
Collins Agadra
Security Guard
Raulent Muhindo
Security Guard
Fortunate Jakuma
Security Guard
Julius Boyi
Security Guard
Musa Wandega
Security Guard
Manasi Mademaga
Security Guard
Geoffrey Acellam Komakech
Security Guard
John Muwereza
Security Guard
Samuel Okalany
Security Guard
Kauma Kaloli
Security Guard
James Ochieng
Security Guard
Peter Kwoba
Security Guard
Manaseeh Peter Samba Ajabo
Security Guard
Timothy Agiru
Security Guard
Daniel Osilo
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, and prayer.