Mattie Stepanek
Helen Keller
Our international board is made up of dedicated volunteers who offer their time and expertise to help guide our organization.
Dave has been involved in Arms of Love since 2008. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California in 1966 and his law degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego in 1969. Dave is a founding partner in the Santa Ana, California-based law firm of Brobeck, West, Borges, Rosa & Douville LLP, specializing in civil litigation. He has volunteered in many Christian ministries over the years and has been an advisor to other non-profit organizations. He also was a board member of the Reasons to Believe ministry for more than 15 years. Dave and his wife Gaye reside in Dana Point, California, near their son David, daughter Holly, and four grandchildren
Tony has been involved with Arms of Love since his first trip to Nicaragua in 2016. Tony graduated from Lindbergh High School in 1977 and went on to work for his family business for 20 years. He left the family business to start his own in 1999. He currently co-owns Appliance Discounters with his sister, Denise. Tony has three daughters and 5 grandchildren. He loves staying healthy and playing golf. He lives with his wife, Lisa, and his adorable dog, Max.
Lisa has not yet visited Nicaragua or the Philippines, but she has been involved in helping to fundraise for the orphanage in Nicaragua with her husband since 2016. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in French from Baylor University in 1992. She then started teaching 8th grade Social Studies, English, and French for two years. During that time, she completed her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and then went on to complete 30 more graduate hours. She changed schools and taught middle school French and World Cultures for 21 years at her alma mater. Lisa retired in 2016 after teaching for 23 years.
A native of Southern California, Kelly lives nestled among generations of family and friends. Kelly and her husband, Ryan, aim to keep eternity before their four school-age children. The dog-well–that’s another conversation. The plight of children worldwide tugs at Kelly’s heart, and she loves spending her time with little ones near and far. While a student at Stanford University, Kelly traveled to Arms of Love Nicaragua and is privileged to now serve on its Board of Directors as Secretary of the Board.
Jenn has served on the International Board for Arms of Love since January 2006. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1989 and taught Math at San Francisco’s University High School before starting a niche tutoring business. Active in church ministry, Jenn has over-seen children’s and family ministries, taught parenting classes, and given Sunday morning teachings. Jenn has a passion for catalyzing the church to greater levels of partnership, coordinated movement, and inter-dependence. She blogs on this topic at fashioningthebride.com. John & Jenn were married in 1989 and currently live in Redwood City; three of their children are in college or beyond, and the two youngest are still being homeschooled.
Gary first became familiar with Arms of Love through a team trip to Nicaragua in 2014. This was followed by a trip to Arms of Love Philippines in 2015. Gary is the benefactor of wonderful parents who led him to Christ, and an incredible wife who made him better than he dreamed. He has three daughters who are each making their mark in the world. Gary has BS degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics. His working career includes 20 years in information technology and 16 years in global telecommunications. Gary has been an active volunteer and church leader for years. He enjoys playing sports of all kinds. Gary is looking forward to expanding his relationships with the Arms of Love children, staff, and volunteers, while using his talents to support the Arms of Love mission.
Our international staff is comprised of individuals who began as dedicated volunteers, who continue to pour their hearts into our mission.
Jess has been involved as a volunteer with Arms of Love since 2008. She was humbled by opportunities to travel and serve in Nicaragua 15 times over 5 years. Then, beginning in August 2014, God blessed her with the opportunity to utilize her M.S. in Social Work, B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies, past work, and volunteer experiences, and her love for the Arms of Love children and staff in the role as the Director of Partnerships & Programs. Jess is passionate about education, partnering with marginalized communities, working with individuals who have survived trauma, watching movies, and spending time with family.
Geoff’s first involvement was on a service team in Nicaragua in 2011. He answered the call when the International team had a staff need. Geoff has engaged with the ministry in many capacities, including as a volunteer, as an employee, as a project donor, and as a child sponsor. In addition to working part-time for Arms of Love, he is a musician and independent real estate broker in Fort Collins. Geoff is a native Coloradan with a B.S. in Business Administration from Colorado State University. He loves the outdoors, guitars, songwriting, family, serving in leadership roles in his local church and being an encouragement to others.
Sophia joined the Arms of Love team in 2020. Her undergrad studies were at Colorado State University, and she is completing her Master’s at the University of Chicago. Sophia has volunteered in Nicaragua and is excited to join the team. She brings a wealth of passion and organizational expertise to Arms of Love.
Melessa (aka Mel) has been involved with Arms of Love since 2013 as a volunteer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University and spent time working at Colorado Mountain College with marginalized populations. After hundreds and hundreds of volunteer hours, both domestically and internationally, the opportunity came for Mel to join the Arms of Love staff in early 2019 as the Director of Administration, meeting a very critical team need. Mel enjoys spending time with family, being active, creating art, and drinking coffee.
Arms of Love believes in empowering nationals, and that mission begins with our devoted Directors in Nicaragua and the Philippines.
Ewner has been involved in community work since he was a teenager. At the age of 15, he was already volunteering with street children in Jinotepe. After receiving a degree in Business Administration, Ewner returned to his passion of service by helping poor children in rural communities outside his hometown. At present, he is leading a movement that provides school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and small projects in the community. All of this is the result of the philanthropic values instilled by his family and his love to serve others. For the past four years, Ewner has served in different job roles at Brazos de Amor, Nicaragua, including: Administrator, Community Care Program Coordinator (a program he created and implemented), Interim Director in October 2014, and then most recently, the position of Director in January 2015. Ewner has an enormous and enthusiastic commitment to serve and foster the development of the children, adolescents and young adults at Brazos de Amor. His life’s motto is: “Have a job that you are passionate about, and that gives the opportunity to serve without any doubt or hesitation”. At Brazos de Amor, Ewner continues to live by his motto, and enjoy pleasant moments.
Gaudie joined the Arms of Love family in 2018, taking over for interim director and longtime staff, Lovely Granada, who had served after the unexpected passing of Randy Pepito. Gaudie was a blessing to our family, bring with her miles of experience, including working for World Vision. After 15 years of service, Gaudie and her husband felt called to international missions, which was their life for 8 years until joining Arms of Love. We are excited to have her wisdom and heart for children at the helm of our Filipino family. Her experience will serve Arms of Love Philippines well for years to come.
We have a special mix of exceptional and generous volunteer board members in each country.
Mother Teresa
We believe prayer is powerful! Get involved by praying for children who are orphaned, abused or living in extreem poverty around the world. Learn more about being a partner in prayer!