| BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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| FOUNDER/PRESIDENT AFRICA OPERATIONS |
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| NELSON YIGA born in Kampala, Uganda is an accomplished American Congressional award- Recipient. Nelson's work in the area of charity exceeds two decades of fund raising, musical performances, personal donations in cash and materials to various organizations. Nelson is presently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Medicine at Prairie View A & M University. Amongst Nelson's educational accomplishments are a Diploma in Electronic Computer Engineering Technology, Diploma in Journalism in 1992 from a scholarship by Munnakatemba Newspaper in Uganda, Advanced Level Certificate of Education in 1989 from St. Francis College Mengo in Uganda. Nelson is the father of three (3) wonderful boys - Prince Andrew Lord Yiga, Prince Nelson Featherstonehaugh Yiga and Prince Ethan Michael Yiga. |
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| CHAIRMAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS/PRESIDENT NORTH AMERICA |
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| Sam Blankson is known in the supply chain world as a man who believes that "If there is a better way to do it. Find it"- Thomas Edison. Sam's goal in life is not just to make money but to make major memories as well. During his 16 years of leadership in supply chain, Sam is credited with leveraging technologies and innovative processes that have expedited major cost reductions in the supply chain business of each organization he was associated with. Born Samuel Sebastian Blankson, in Birmingham, U.K. Sam received his B.S. degree in Business administration and Post Graduate Diploma degree in transportation at the University of London. He is also a Six Sigma Green Belt. His experience in managing various aspects of business and his desire to help others be better today and the future than yesterday is an added asset to this young organization many have seen as an angelic participant in the charitable world. |
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| BOARD MEMBER |
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| Michelle M. Dubovsky is a member of the board of directors of Life In Jesus International Foundation (LIJIF). Michelle was born in Cumberland, Maryland and currently resides in Gillette, Wyoming. Michelle graduated from the University of Wyoming, Laramie Wyoming with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She continued and earned a Masters of Science in Counseling and met requirements to become a National Certified Counselor.
During her academic career, Michelle was the recipient of various awards and honors as well as induction into The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, The Golden Key International Honor Society, and The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
Michelle’s work history demonstrates her passion for serving others in humanitarian fields. For seven years, she assisted developmentally disabled children and adults as a residential habilitation trainer, day habilitation trainer, employment specialist, team leader, and state certified respite and personal care provider.
Michelle spent a year as a District Marketing Director for PFL Life Insurance while continuing to serve as a residential habilitation trainer. She went on to advocate for at risk youth as a case manager at the Yes House Crisis Shelter. Michelle transferred into the therapy department after four years. She then provided mental health counseling for at risk youth and families for another three years. She remains employed with the Yes House as a part time youth advocate.
Michelle currently has a private mental health counseling practice with Summit Health Associates. Michelle has held membership in Toastmasters, the Wyoming Counseling Association, and served on the board for Habitat for Humanity. She is currently a member of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, the American Counseling Association, and the Wyoming Psychological Association. Michelle strongly believes the foundation for helping others change their lives begins with building solid relationships and she establishes lifelong friendships everywhere she goes. |
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| BOARD MEMBER |
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Ashley Wendland is a licensed professional counselor and nationally certified counselor, who come to the board of LIJIF bringing a variety of experience to the table. Ashley has a Strong background in human services, with an emphasis in working with children and adolescents. Experience in facilitating psycho-educational groups, group therapy, individual counseling, and family counseling. In addition to therapeutic skills, experience with human resource work and office administration also allows me to offer a strong business skill-set.
Ashley graduated at the University of Wyoming on 2008 with a M.S Counseling degree and received her Bachelors’ Degree in Family Psychology at Oklahoma Baptist University in 2003.
She is an EMDR trained Clinician, a Certified Strengthening Families Facilitator and Trained Theraplay Provider a program designed for Children with a variety of social and emotional difficulties including but not limited to:
- Adjusting to adoptive or Foster Care
- Pervasive Development Disorder
- Trauma and Abuse
Ashley’s work in Charity dates back as the origin of her professional work with families and individuals of psychological needs.
She has worked for Northwest Academy as a Therapeutics Boarding School Clinician, As a Case Manager, Counseling Intern and Prevention Education Specialist for Mercer House.
She as well as a Pre-School teacher at the Children’s Development Center of Bozeman Montana. Ashley is also a well-trained Human Resources and Accounting Clerk a position she held from 2004-2006 at Elenburg Exploration Inc
.Ashley is also a member of the following Professional Clubs and Organizations and having her at LIJIF is quite a blessing;
- 2009 - Present National Counseling Association
- 2007 – 2008 Theraplay Association
- 2006-2007 Wyoming Counseling Association
- 1999-2002 Oklahoma Baptist University Class Cabinet –
Planned and organized fund raising events including concerts,
Auctions and intercollegiate sports events
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| BOARD MEMBER |
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| Freddie Ruise is a member of the board of directors of Life In Jesus International Foundation (LIJIF) and an Associate Ordained Elder of Grand Memorial Church of God in Christ, Brookshire, Texas
Freddie Ruise was born in Sanderson, Florida. Graduated from Baker County High School in Florida with a High School Diploma. He went on to the North Florida Baptist Theological Seminary in Jacksonville Florida. He later trained as a Psychological Counselor with the Florida Department of correction. A career he held for twenty-two (22) years. Freddie's believe in God and Jesus Christ led him to serve as a Youth Counselor for the In Crisis Organization in Florida from 1999 - 2000. In 1996 Freddie was ordained as a non-denominational Elder at Malone Memorial Church of God in Christ (Orlando, FL.) by His Holiness Bishop Chandler Malone. He was later honored by His Holiness the late Bishop M.L.Sconiers for his exemplary service in leadership.
Freddie continues to standout as a man that believes in mentoring the youth, guiding them through life and ensuring their safety. A great encourager, who believes that tough times don't last. Tough people do. |
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| BOARD MEMBER |
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| Fredrick Q. Smith is a member of the board of directors and Public Relations Officer of Life In Jesus International Foundation (LIJIF). Fred Q. Smith was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and currently resides in Cypress, Texas. Fred graduated from Webster State University, Ogden Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Masters degree in Industrial labor Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana Pennsylvania. In addition to Fred's academic accomplishments are a Teacher's certificate from St. Thomas University in Houston, Texas, a Certificate in TQM from the University of Nevada and a Lean Six sigma Certification from the University of Houston. Fred's career paths have positioned him very well for the task ahead. A Juvenile Officer, school teacher, Human Resources leader, youth at risk leader and an entrepreneur. Fred is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, 100 Committed Men and T each a Phew. Fred attended Weber State University on a football scholarship. Was recognized as first team all Sky Conference in 1991, Sports Illustrated Best of the Best in 1991, Pre-season All American Big Sky Conference in 1991. A man who continues to make a difference in the lives of the youth of today.
Fred has been involved in coaching football for over a decade and continues to work in the lives of at risk youth. |
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| ADVISORY BOARD |
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| Dr. PRAVEENA SINGH-KAW, Ph.D., M.A., M.B.A., B.S.
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW |
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| Dr. Singh-Kaw is an ex-South African whose ancestors migrated from India to Durban, South Africa in the 1800’s. She has a Bachelor’s of Science (Biochemistry), Master’s of Arts in Science (Biochemistry), and a Ph.D. (Biochemistry) from SUNY Buffalo. In addition, she has and M.B.A. from the University of Toronto, Canada and a J.D. from the College of Law, University of Toledo, in Ohio. Dr. Singh-Kaw has enjoyed an impressive academic career. While at law school, she graded onto Law Review and worked as a Note and Comment Editor on Law Review. In addition, she was frequently on the Dean’s list and obtained the College of Law Merit Scholarship. She graduated in the top 10% of her law school class and earned her J.D. cum laude. Prior to starting her law firm she worked with a renowned immigration attorney in Houston, Texas. She has also been employed as in-house counsel at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas and as an associate at one of the largest patent law firms in Michigan. She has been a member of The American Association of Cancer Researchers (AACR) the American Bar Association (ABA) and vice-president of the Black Law Student Association (BLSA). She is currently a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Prior to embarking on a legal career, Dr. Singh-Kaw worked as a cancer research scientist. Her intimate knowledge of the university system will be a great resource to clients in academia. She has several professional publications and has presented original research at national and international conferences. |
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| FITNESS CHEF |
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| Charlene Oesterling is a fitness chef, trainer, jump rope artist, and the creative mind behind many products in development. The experiences from her life in 4 countries have led her to become who and what she is and does today. Although some of her knowledge has been studied in the pages of books she teaches and leads through the experiences, places and people who have touched her life. Hippea’s Healthy Concepts was created by Charlene, whose passion is to get America as well as the world healthy and fit. Statistics show that obesity and diabetes are on the up rise and something must be done to reverse the direction in which this statistic is going.
The facts are staggering; one third of our country is obese. It is everywhere from individuals to parents to children and families. In a quest to help change this statistic, the vision of this site is to give you some simple, motivational, fun ways to start moving and get healthy through fitness and nutrition. It will be a basic start to getting you up and moving again or start moving for the first time.
As a Michigan native, Charlene was the youngest of three children. Her father worked for the state as an officer of the law and her mother worked a variety of jobs. At the age of 5 she began a passionate love affair with basketball, which became her life on the court for over 30 years. That dream put her through college and into the professional ranks. A full ride scholarship to Western Michigan University and completion of her
degree program at Saginaw Valley State University were all part of this dream. Her basketball career lead her to Austria, England and New Zealand until injuries and a growing interest in fitness and the impact of food led her in a different direction. |
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| INTERNSHIP TRAINER |
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| DR. SIEBERT graduated from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA and completed his internship training at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL and
Newington VA Hospital in Newington, CT. In addition, Dr. Siebert has taught in Europe
as a Clinical Professor at Hogeschool van Utrecht, The Netherlands. This European
influence has provided Dr. Siebert with experience and knowledge of alternative
treatments for various ocular problems that are not commonly practiced in the United
States.
While traditional optometry treats the eyes as separate organs, Dr. Siebert understands
that eye health occurs as part of the systemic health of the whole body. His holistic
approach includes detoxification, herbal aids, nutritional counseling and spiritual
counseling to improve overall well being and eye health. Eye conditions, such as,
Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma can often be prevented and improved through
these methods.
Dr. Siebert is an ambassador for the field of optometry and living hope for thousands of
people in need of eye care. Practicing in Miami Beach, Florida, Dr. Siebert has been
involved with Gift of Sight, Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity and The Heiken
Children's Vision Fund providing charitable eye care to children and others who cannot
afford services.
Dr. Siebert understands the importance of being a strong role model, he takes the
responsibility to heart and has become an avid champion for the young, especially those
who are financially and/or physically- challenged. Dr. Siebert participates in up to three
Gift of Sight missions each year to help children and adults in poverty stricken countries
improve their vision. In 2005, he went o Cambodia with six other doctors seeing 3,000 -
4,000 patients per day for eight days. Overall, they examined 28,500 people in
Cambodia and fitted many of them with donated eyeglasses. His charitable contributions
have taken him to several countries, such as, Bolivia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Cambodia,
China, Honduras and Ecuador. He is also well regarded for his local charitable work with
The Heiken Children's Vision Fund. Three to four days a week Dr. Siebert visits a local
school to provide free eye care and glasses to children who cannot afford to see a
doctor. To maximize services he utilizes a mobile unit fitted with the latest optometric
equipment.
His generosity has not gone unnoticed and is often the subject of conversation in local
newspapers and he has received numerous awards for his work. His comforting and
supportive communication methods have established a growing clientele list helping to
spread the word about health, happiness and the true spirit of giving.
Dr. Siebert is an honored member of the Luxottica Retail Horizon Club. The Horizon
Club Award (“horizons are nothing but the limits of your sight”) was given to Dr. Siebert
in 2006 for his work with the Gift of Sight Foundation. This award is the most prestigious
award given by Luxottica Retail. |
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| PROFESSIONAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR |
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| Mr. Burton Wolfeis a professional Artistic Director of World Wide Stage specialized in Strategic Planning; National and International Negotiations including work with global Ambassadors, Ministers of Culture and Commerce, Actor's Equity, Musicians and Stage Hand Unions; work with designers and architects to develop auditorium and building facilities; program and product development; budget determinations and the creation of future markets for growth opportunities. Burton believes in multiculturalism and that "The interdependence of World Culture and Commerce can lead to global Peace and Prosperity..."
Mr. Wolfe has received outstanding critical reviews for his playwriting and play direction. His international productions have taken places in Toronto, Canada, Beijing, Guiyang and various cities in The Peoples Republic of China. Burton Wolfe received a Gold Medal from The peoples Republic of China for his poetry and musical theatre lyric writing. He was awarded: The Sarasota County Art's Council Award as "Outstanding Arts Leader," From Natural Awakenings Magazine: "The Bridge Builder Award"; From West coast Center for Human Development: Award for "Actively Supporting and Promoting Productions that enhance Diversity in the Arts." The Mayor of Houston, Texas called Mr. Wolfe's Cultural Exchange "A Breakthrough Event." The Mayor and City Commissioners of Sarasota, Florida awarded Mr. Wolfe a Special Citation for his work producing "Diverse Multi-cultural Productions and Events." The Mayor of Boca Raton, Florida said "Burton Wolfe has brought Theatrical Magic to Boca Raton...."
Burton Wolfe's performing Arts enterprises have spanned the globe. He negotiated "ASIAFEST" with 10 Asian Nations and it was acknowledged by President Ronald Reagan as "strengthening the ties between the Pacific Rim and the United States..." Burton believes in producing culturally diverse theatrical presentations that are entertaining, enlightening, as well as economically successful. Burton raised millions of dollars for the United Nations-UNICEF by creating, producing and directing productions with Audrey Hepburn, Julio Iglesias, Liza Minnelli and other noted celebrities. In addition, Mr. Wolfe is a prolific Author.
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