Board of Directors

A professional web developer, Brent has fully embraced the cause of LoveGrows. His eyes were opened to the plight of Ugandan orphans in 2009, and it has altered his entire paradigm of life. He adamantly believes that the unified efforts of individuals and organizations across America will positively affect the lives of countless Third-World children, and he considers himself honored to be a part of such efforts.

"We are an affluent nation with the burden and responsibility to give our resources to those who have nothing. As hard as I try, I could never imagine what it would be like to live in absolute poverty without a mother or father. Praise God for people like Jalia Kayondo who see the problem and are willing to make the sacrifices required to make a difference. LoveGrows exists to support people like her."

Zach is a cardiac sonographer at Presbyterian hospital in Charlotte, NC. Although he has always held a passion for medical missions, he felt like God placed a unique passion in his heart for the Royal School and Orphanage. He was one of twelve individuals who traveled to Uganda in March to provide basic medical care for the children at the facility. They captured his heart, and he feels a long-term calling to help develop the sustainability of the Royal School in any way possible.

Sidney has been involved with the Royal School longer than anyone at LoveGrows, and she was integral in the formation of the organization. She was one of four people who made the pioneer trip to Uganda in 2009 to evaluate the general conditions of the school.

Sidney lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, James.

Born on the Caribbean island of Curacao, Noël came to America at the age of 19 to study finance in Pittsburgh, PA. When his studies were finished, he started his career in Charlotte, NC as a Commercial Product Manager for a large bank.

From childhood, Noël has loved music, painting and dancing. He enjoys learning about life, people and cultures. "My fiance Kristen got involved with LoveGrows a few months ago and she would tell me about the school and all the great things the team was doing. I had to be part of it as well. I hope that through our efforts we’re able to help make Royal School grow into a self-sufficient entity. Once that has been achieved, we will take on the next people in need of growth by sharing our experiences, cultures, and love."

Michelle is a Registered Nurse and an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics. She is happily married to her best friend Andy.

"I first got involved with Royal School and Orphanage when I went there on a medical mission trip. My life was completely changed the moment I met the children from the orphanage and I fell in love with each of them. I hope and pray daily that LoveGrows is able to drastically change the living conditions for the children and workers of the Royal School and Orphanage and change the lives of many other people around the world!"

When Kristen heard about the Ugandan Royal School project, she knew in her heart that God wanted her to join the LoveGrows team. Initially she got involved working behind the scenes, contributing to the medical trip, assisting with marketing campaigns and finding new sponsors.

Kristen works for herself as a broker and Spanish tutor and dances salsa in her free time. She is passionate about learning other languages and cultures and has visited over 30 countries to date

"It's essential that we look beyond ourselves and our own needs to help others that face adverse circumstances because that's what God has called us to do. We at LoveGrows have a vision to compile our resources for the improvement of others, no matter what their needs may be or where they are."

A graduate of the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Jordan is a highly energetic and valuable addition to the LoveGrows team. She was captivated the moment she saw the Royal School choir tour, and she has since heavily invested her life in the improvement of theirs.

Jordan is a Sales Director with Mary Kay cosmetics and views her career as an opportunity to share the love and peace she has found in Jesus Christ.

An educator by trade and a nomadic servant at heart, Erin has learned that life is all about experiences. The children at the Royal School quickly made a home in her heart, and her encounter with them lives on as she works with the LoveGrows team to meet their basic human needs.

"In the face of what most Americans would deem as inadequate standards these children have an abundance of joy. I'm part of this team to help create a self-sustaining environment so that many more children will encounter this joy."

Cincy's passion for helping orphans is obvious to anyone who dares broach the subject with her. A coronary critical care nurse and an integral part of LoveGrows' medical mission team, she has formed a particularly special bond with the students at Royal School. She is absolutely convinced that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference.

"I knew before we left for the trip that God had ‘something else’ for me to do with my life. I knew this trip would impact me. We went to help the children, but they helped me more than I could have ever imagined. Through them, God opened my eyes, my mind, and my heart. I completely fell in love with the kids, the staff, and the country. Going to Uganda changed my life - forever. I left my heart and my kids in Africa. I miss them terribly and cannot wait for the day I can see them again! I know God has bigger plans for the orphanage, the kids, and our team. I am so excited to be a part of this and to see what BIG things our BIG GOD has in store."

Charlene is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. She went to nursing school at Miami University in Ohio and completed her Nurse Practitioner education and training at UNC Chapel Hill. She enjoys working with children and has always felt particularly called to serve children who are orphans. She first heard about LoveGrows through a board member who was in her hospital orientation class, but at that time did not imagine that she would have the opportunity to be a part of the team that traveled to the school in March of 2011.

"One of the things that stands out to me about LoveGrows is the pursuit of excellence in all things, a general sense of unity in vision and purpose, and the utilization of strategic partnerships. I am humbled and incredibly grateful to be a part of what God is doing through this organization -- one that is not just seeking to bring temporary help or monetary aid to these precious children, but through a long-term relationship is empowering them to utilize their unique gifts as children made in the image of God."

Her favorite color is light tan. Her favorite animal is puppies. She likes serving the Lord, hiking and playing volleyball.

Andy is a programmer and support technician for an international networking firm, and he is passionate about leveraging the blessings and abilities God has granted him to enrich the lives of others. He and his wife Michelle were invaluable to the success of the 2010 and 2011 Medical Missions to the Royal School.

“I'm excited to be part of an organization that networks with other non-profits, businesses and churches to raise awareness, money, and support for orphans in need. We will do whatever it takes to provide long-term support by way of medical assistance, construction projects, fund raising and anything else they need to develop a sustainable existence.”

After seeing a Facebook album of pictures from Royal School, Alyson decided to become involved with LoveGrows stateside operations. She has always loved children and is always excited about the next mission to Africa.

Alyson currently works at a North Carolina law firm and has her own photography business.

"We as Christians are called to do BIG things for God and for His people. There is NO LIMIT to what God can do and I pray that that He uses this organization to make a huge impact on the lives of children, not only in Uganda, but all over the world. I also pray that, if you are reading this, YOU feel called to get involved as well."