Meet the Team « Bridges Of Hope

INTERNATIONAL STAFF
	Dennis Wadley, International Director, Bridges of Hope International Dennis has served as pastor and leader in two church ministries, directing the staff, providing vision and direction. In 2002, his wife Susan and he founded Bridges of Hope International and in 2003 founded Bridges of Hope South Africa. They co-directed multiple community development projects and founded Bridges Academy, an orphan boarding school and leadership development retreat center. Contact Dennis at: DennisW@BridgesWorldwide.org

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF
	Lulama Nkoloti, Community Development Area Director I was born in Cape Town, and have been the Community Development Director for Brigdes of Hope since 2005. I give thanks to God for allowing me to partner with Bridges of Hope. I believe that it was meant to be and was a dramatic turning point and fulfillment in my life. It rekindles my soul to be more connected to community members, especially knowing what Bridges of Hope stands for: bringing hope to desperate people. I have learned to be more tolerant and more hopeful.
	Michael Bixa, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Coordinator “Bridges is great at digging through the rubbish and finding a piece of gold. We then clean it and polish it and put it up where it belongs, alongside the other valuable treasures.” I am originally from the Eastern Cape–a small beautiful town called Mount Frere. I now live in Philippi. I have been the Coordinator of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s Ministry (OVC) since June of 2008. I oversee OVC programs in four communities. Being a part of Bridges has been like heaven for me because I have the great feeling that comes from serving the Lord.
	Sisanda Sibotho, Assistant Community Development Director I am originally from the Eastern Cape, but now I live in Cape Town. I’ve been with Bridges of Hope as a volunteer since 2005 as an After School Program facilitator. I joined the full time staff in January 2008 as a CHE Trainer for the community of Sweet Home. I am currently the Assistant Director of Community Development. Being a part of Bridges has meant absolutely everything to me. It has given me a sense of purpose. From the time I was a facilitator, Bridges of Hope empowered me and gave me a lot of self-confidence. I started to believe in myself, knowing that I have something to offer to other people.
	Thobela Dlakiya I am originally from the Eastern Cape, but now live in Cape Town. I have worked with Bridges of Hope since June 2007 in several positions: as Coordinator of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s ministry, as a House Parent at Bridges Academy, and currently as a CHE Trainer. Bridges of Hope has built and empowered me in many ways, and encouraged me to follow my calling as a Pastor. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am now. I have learned a lot. Bridges of Hope is a life-giving organization.

BRIDGES ACADEMY STAFF
	Annelise LaGrange I am from the Cape Town area and have worked as the Administrator for Bridges of Hope since October 2004. It has been wonderful to see how the Bridges projects have expanded over the years, and how many people have been reached and changed by the good news of Christ. The model is working!
Picture coming soon!	Peter Pedersen I have spent most of my early life and school going years in the Eastern Cape and much of my adult and married life in the Western Cape of South Africa. In December 2010, I was asked to assume the position of Acting Principal at Bridges Academy. I held that position until April 2011 when I was appointed as Principal. It was a very joyous day! Bridges Academy is one very special place with extra special students and staff. There is surely none other like it in South Africa! Apart from administrative duties, I also teach several classes across all the grades. I also deal with the various challenges that such a school brings each day! Working at Bridges Academy has meant a lot of different things to me. There is a real sense of peace that I am in a working environment where God wants me to be. Interacting and making a difference in students lives is most rewarding and very exciting. Allowing God to work in and through me is what I strive towards each day. Giving hope, guidance and encouragement to individual students daily and seeing the smiles when they come through, is probably the best reason for working here. The influence and impact that other people and staff bring to the Academy also adds value to daily life.
	Ronelle Swart I grew up in Caledon, Western Cape and now live in Paarl. I’ve been a teacher at Bridges Academy since 2008, teaching History, English and Creative Writing for grades 10-12. I love and appreciate the opportunity that Bridges of Hope offers me to make a contribution to the future of our beautiful country and its people. I find it very rewarding to be part of the Bridges team and I thank God for giving me the chance to be here.
	Thulani Simayile I am from Stellenbosch and have worked at Bridges Academy since 2009 teaching Xhosa and Geopgraphy. I’ve appreciated working at Bridges Academy because it is a Godly, dedicated institution which cares about the disadvantaged future generation.
Pictures coming soon!	Rebecca Turba I am from San Pedro, California USA and have worked at Bridges Academy since April of 2011. I teach Life Orientation, After School Drawing, and Drums/Music. Working here means quite a bit to me. I work here under complete obedience to Christ and his divine plan in my life. I am blessed that He wants me to be a role model to these students and be a member of the staff. I find joy everyday in the fact that I am where God placed me.
	Russel Mukondwa I am from Zimbabwe and have worked at Bridges Academy since March 2011 as the Maths and Religious Studies teacher. I also help with the running of hostel activities. To me this is more than just a job, it’s a ministry that I came to realize I have a calling to. It has given me a chance to make a difference in someone else’s life to the glory of God. Kristy McGunnigal I am from Galesburg, Illinois USA and have worked at Bridges Academy since January 2011. I teach computer literacy and assist as the school nurse. Working at Bridges Academy has meant making a difference by investing in the lives of South African children, and challenging them to work harder and to set goals. Washington Manyonga I am from Zimbabwe, specifically Harare South – Beatrice. I have worked at Bridges Academy since January 2011 teaching English grades 8,9, 11 and 12 and Religious Studies grades 10 and 11. I have adopted and adapted to a caring working environment, learned to love and share knowledge, as well as to mix and acknowledge God’s wisdom at international level.
	Stephanie Cowell I am originally from Torrance, California USA and came to Bridges after living and working in Cairo, Egypt. I’ve worked at Bridges Academy since June 2010 teaching science and math, and coaching soccer. Working with Bridges has been an opportunity to use my education, passions, and experiences to meet a tangible need in the lives of our students. It has been wonderful to work with others who share the desire to see these students grow and mature in their faith and academically and to guide them towards a future of hope. I would love to see our students pursuing careers in the sciences or at least developing a fascination with how the world around them works and awe for the God who created it.
	Rachele Witbooi I was born and raised in the Cape Town area, and now live in Franschhoek. I am the Housekeeper and Cook at Bridges Academy, and have worked with Bridges since January 2007. I have learned many things here, and met many people from various situations. I love my job, and I also love the Academy children a lot. It is special to be here.
	Joanna Sterkse I was born and raised in the Cape Town area and now live in Franschhoek. I’ve worked as a Housekeeper at Bridges Academy and Retreat Centre since November 2008. I feel blessed to be a part of the Bridges ministry. I am a single parent of five children and am able to provide for them through my work for Bridges. I have learned so much in the past years, and look forward to many more years.
	Elizabeth Nyumbane I am originally from Lesotho, but now live in Gugulethu, Cape Town. I’ve worked with Bridges Academy since March 2010 as a Houseparent. I like to have a job where I can be passionate, loving and caring.
	Nontle Ndikila I am originally from the Eastern Cape, and have worked as a Houseparent at Bridges Academy since February 2010. I’ve enjoyed learning how to take care of children, talking with them and telling them what is wrong and right.
Picture coming soon!	Nombulelo Mgwatya I am from Philippi and began with Bridges in 2010 as a volunteer facilitator there. I have been a House Parent at Bridges Academy since May 2011, which means a lot to me.
	Sithile Nontyida I am from Khayelitsha, in Cape Town and have worked with Bridges since August 2010 as a Houseparent. I enjoy teaching the students respect and discipline, and motivating them to focus on their studies and to participate in school activities and excel in what they are doing. Most of all I enjoy teaching them to love and respect one another.
Picture coming soon!	Siphumeze Ramcwana I am from Philippi and have been a House Parent at Bridges Academy since April 2011. I believe that building and growing a child is a privilege.
	Nomfusi Guquka I am from Philippi and have worked as a Houseparent at Bridges Academy since January 2009. It has meant a lot to me to work with Bridges because it has taught me how to deal with vulnerable kids and also the training that we receive helps me to be open minded.

	James Ndlambe I am originally from the Eastern Cape, and now live in Franschhoek. I’ve worked for Bridges since October 2006 as the Head of Property Maintenance at Bridges Academy and Retreat Centre. I love my job. I’ve met many people and learned a lot from them. I also love the Academy children a lot.
RETREAT CENTRE STAFF
Picture coming soon!	Di Babb I am from Cape Town, South Africa (Fish Hoek to be exact) and have worked for Bridges of Hope since April 2011 as the Retreat Centre Director. I am blessed to be able to promote and provide a place where groups of people can come and fellowship, relax, rest and experience the beauty of God’s creation and be refreshed in His presence in this beautiful environment.
	Catherine Maarman I live in Stellenbosch, not far from Bridges Retreat Center where I am the Housekeeper/Caretaker. I started with Bridges in April 2010. What I enjoy most about working with Bridges is meeting so many new people and being appreciated by others.