As the OA staff in the U.S.A. and Brazil, we do this work solely to benefit those we serve. We desire to build peace between nations by providing assistance to those who are most vulnerable– the 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 help the 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 and has worked in the field for almost 30 years with pediatric/neonatal and adult critical experiences. Liza also received her Master in Pastoral Study from Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry. 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 twelve 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.
David Skoor, OA Board Member
Dave joined the OA Board in September 2011 while on-site in Tanzania as an OA volunteer. It was Dave’s desire to venture “outside his comfort zone” and answer the heartfelt call to service beyond himself that led to both the trip to Tanzania and the acceptance of the board position. Dave has worked for the Boeing Company for 33 years and is employed as a Senior Operations Analyst. He and his wife, Leslie, live in Everett, WA. with two greyhounds and one cat. They have three sons and five grandchildren. Dave has a bachelors degree in Industrial Technology Education from the University of Washington and is an ordained minister with Community of Christ.
Leslie Ryan, OA Board Member
Leslie Ryan came to OA as a volunteer in September 2011. Her volunteering came after having a discussion with her 14-year-old son, Nicholas. Nick was upset that Leslie would not buy him yet another game. She responded by saying that he had no idea how lucky he was and that there were children in Africa that didn’t even have electricity. From that moment Leslie knew that she needed to educate Nick on how truly fortunate he was. Vowing to take Nick to Africa someday, Leslie went first to get an understanding of some of the difficulties that come with traveling to a third world country. Leslie lives in Portland, Oregon, and has worked in the nonprofit field for a number of years as a senior accountant.
Pablo Rodriguez, International Consultant
Pablo first volunteered with Orphans Africa in Tanzania in 2009, when the Mwaji Secondary School was struggling for existence due to government restrictions. Through his resourcefulness and sheer determination, Pablo was able to help the school reopen, giving the children and the community hope. Pablo continues to volunteer for OA, not only in Tanzania, but from his home in Sao Paulo, Brazil, consulting with the Board of Directors on project and organizational development and management.
Monica Arruda, International Consultant
Monica first volunteered for Orphans Africa in 2011, spending three weeks in Tanzania as the official photographer. But Monica’s contribution soon expanded beyond photographs as her creative and insightful spirit brought a fresh perspective to Orphans Africa. Monica continues to act as a consultant for OA concerning project and organizational development and management. With a professional background in banking, Monica lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with her husband, Pablo Rodriguez, also an OA consultant.
Elizabeth Else, OA Coordinator
Elizabeth is a Canadian who has travelled extensively and lived and worked in three 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.
