U.S. Staff

OA’s staff in the USA are all volunteer and unpaid. We do this work solely to benefit those we serve. We are interested in building peace between nations by providing assistance to those who are most vulnerable, orphans and widows.

Carl Gann, Co-Founder, President

Carl Gann is a co-founder of Orphans Africa with his wife, Michele Torrey, and friend, Liza de Guzman. He began donating his spare time in 2007 to orphans and widows in Tanzania. This resulted in the creation of Orphans Africa in 2007. Carl has a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Missouri and a Master’s degree in Religion from Graceland University. Carl continues his work as a rehabilitation counselor in the Tacoma and Seattle, Washington area. He is an ordained minister with Community of Christ.

Elizabeth (Liza) de Guzman, Co-Founder, Vice-President

At eleven years old, Liza moved from the Philippines to a small farm town in Iowa. She remembers the hard life living in a third world country and continues to support her relatives with necessities, funds, and tuition. From an early age, her family lectured Liza on the importance of an education. Liza graduated with a bachelor degree in nursing. She is currently working as a pediatric flight nurse for a medical air transport company in Seattle. Liza also received her Master in Pastoral Study from Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry. She uses this degree volunteering as a congregational support minister. Her passions are traveling around the world and making a difference in the lives of people.

Michele Torrey, Co-Founder, Secretary-Treasurer

Michele Torrey is a co-founder of Orphans Africa, along with her husband Carl Gann and friend Liza de Guzman. Ever since she can remember, Michele has wanted to help the children of Africa. Having lived for ten years overseas and traveled to over thirty countries, Michele understands the challenges and rewards of working in partnership with other cultures. She is the author of ten books for children and young adults, is a professional speaker and presenter, holds a B.S. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Washington, an M.A. in Religion from Graceland University, and is an ordained minister with Community of Christ.

Elizabeth Else, OA Coordinator

Elizabeth is a Canadian who has travelled extensively and lived and worked in 3 additional countries. With a Master’s in Education from Western Washington University and ESL training from the University of Cambridge, she has been involved with international education for 28 years. She is passionate about cross cultural experience, learning and teaching and trying to make the world a more equitable place. She has a daughter and two grandchildren and is an ordained minister in the Community of Christ.

Sean Langdon, OA Benefit Co-Chair

Sean Langdon resides in Tacoma, WA, and works for the Guardianship Office of the Share & Care House organization. He is an ordained minister of the Community of Christ and involved in various ministries including Congregational Leadership, Youth Camps, and Co-Leader of YAPS (Young Adults of the Puget Sound). In his spare time he enjoys camping, going to concerts, and spending time with friends.