Leadership

Jenipher Kaswarra

Chairperson, HEED Children Board

Jenipher is the chairperson of the HEED Children board. She is a teacher by profession and is currently pursuing a master's degree in counseling. Jenipher provides supervision and guidance as the board's liaison officer to the HEED education department. Jenipher was inspired to join HEED by the compassion of the founder toward the vulnerable children in the community. Jenipher felt HEED was aligned with her calling and ministry. The part of HEED's mission that speaks to Jenipher the most is education, counseling, and preaching to support and encourage the children in the community. Jenipher enjoys being outdoors when the plants are green and the weather is cool. She also enjoys empowering people to break the cycle of poverty and experience joy. Her hobbies are traveling and worship. Her favorite Bible verse is 2 Chronicles 32:7: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles."

Pastor Andrew Wesonga

Vice Chairman, HEED Children Board

Pastor Andrew serves as Vice Chairman on the HEED Children board, bringing a unique blend of financial, administrative, and pastoral leadership experience. Trained in accounting with several years of professional experience, he also has a background in administration and management, where he helps oversee children’s and youth ministry programs. In addition, he has been trained in Biblical theology and has faithfully served as a pastor since 2005. His strengths in financial oversight, discipleship, spiritual growth, and administrative problem-solving greatly support HEED’s mission. He was inspired by HEED’s vision to reach communities with the Word of God and help transform entire families. He is especially passionate about initiatives that equip individuals with skills for total transformation. Outside of his leadership responsibilities, he enjoys mentoring and coaching, teaching the Word of God, and playing soccer and volleyball. His guiding principle is: “We are overcomers—God is able to do more.”

David Kabonge

Director, HEED Children Board

David has served with HEED since 2010 and brings his invaluable wisdom and leadership to his role as our Ministry Coordinator. David is married to Catherine and they are blessed with two children. He studied accounting and then followed the Lord's call for service and ministry to children with our partner ministry UCOM, where he leads the Feed His Lambs Ministry. David has parented and mentored hundreds of children throughout Uganda and is passionate about raising others into their calling. David serves on the worship team at his church as well as in various other leadership roles.

Julie Secrist

President

BA Business Administration, University of Washington

Julie founded HEED Uganda after a 2005 mission trip to Uganda and serves as president and executive director for the US organization and president of the Ugandan organization. Julie also serves on the board of World Concern, an international development and relief organization. Julie has also served on the Westgate Chapel Missions Board, Maplewood K-8 School Board, and Africa Village Ministries Board. Julie began her career in sales and management with Procter and Gamble. She transitioned to the non-profit world doing fundraising and development for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. More recently, Julie worked in residential real estate from 2003-2013 and then retired to volunteer her time with HEED Uganda full time.

Harlan Patterson

Director

Harlan Patterson is an accomplished higher education and nonprofit leader with extensive experience in finance, administration, and strategic planning. He most recently served as President of Bastyr University and previously as Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of Washington Tacoma, where he led major initiatives in campus development, budgeting, and community partnerships. Earlier in his career, Harlan held senior leadership roles at the University of Washington, guiding strategic planning, capital projects, and financial policy across the university system. With HEED, Harlan lends his talents in the area of finance, success planning, and organizational management.

Norma Clauson

Treasurer (US & Uganda boards)

Norma serves as treasurer for both the US and Uganda boards. Norma got her start in accounting at age 12, helping her father with the church books. She learned most of her accounting knowledge from the bookkeeper of her father's business. Norma joined a moving company as a bookkeeper and steadily advanced to Accounting Manager and eventually a director role. She brings extensive experience in small-business bookkeeping, organization, and financial management to HEED. Norma joined HEED because she has always been interested in Africa, so she jumped at the opportunity to get involved. She is especially passionate about how HEED educates children who would have no other opportunity to attend school. Outside of her work with HEED, Norma has recently taken up golf and loves it. She also loves spending time with her grandchildren. Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:28: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."

Stephanie Evans

Director

BA English, Wheaton College

Stephanie began volunteering for HEED in 2013 and joined the board in 2018. Her volunteer focus is on marketing, communications and networking for HEED. She has three children, all of whom are involved and connected with HEED. Stephanie has worked in the marketing field for 25 years working at Safeco Financial Services, Starbucks and Habitat for Humanity. Stephanie is currently employed by Inviso Corporation as an online marketing consultant for Microsoft.

Steve Secrist

Vice President

BS Economics, University of Washington · Juris Doctor, Seattle University School of Law

Steve has served on the HEED Uganda board since the organization's founding focusing on legal, management and compliance advice. Steve is Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at Puget Sound Energy. He has been practicing law in Washington State since 1987. At PSE, Steve has chaired the Disclosure Practices Committee, was Secretary of the Corporate Ethics and Compliance Steering Committee and served two terms on the Diversity Committee. He served as a deacon on the board of Westgate Chapel in Edmonds, WA for six years. Steve has also chaired the Global Missions Board and Global Missions Executive Group at Westgate Chapel.

Haley Millet

Director

BA Medical Anthropology, BA Public Health, MS Global Health, University of Washington

Haley has volunteered with HEED Uganda since 2011 and has served as a board member since 2015. She focuses on strategic planning efforts and programmatic areas of disease prevention, adolescent health, gender equity, and food security. Professionally, she has partnered with Health Tanzania Foundation since 2017 to design and implement programs addressing substance abuse, gender-based violence, and sexually transmitted infections in low-income neighborhoods of Dar es Salaam. In the US, she has worked as a strategy and evaluation consultant for social impact organizations such as The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), The Rockefeller Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the National Development Council. Haley currently works as a Program Manager at Days for Girls International in Uganda, and serves in an advisory capacity to HEED's in-country leadership team.

Cheri Herzer, RN

Director

BS Nursing, Shoreline Community College

Cheri has been volunteering and traveling with HEED since 2010, and has been a board member since 2011. In her travels to Uganda, Cheri utilizes her medical skills to train school and medical staff to implement effective health initiatives in the area of sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, maternal health and malaria prevention at the schools and in the community. Cheri is a registered nurse who has worked at Children's hospital since 1990 as a floor nurse, trainer and most recently in the neo-natal ICU.

David Kabonge

Ministry Coordinator

David has served with HEED since 2010 and brings his invaluable wisdom and leadership to his role as our Ministry Coordinator. David is married to Catherine and they are blessed with two children. He studied accounting and then followed the Lord's call for service and ministry to children with our partner ministry UCOM, where he leads the Feed His Lambs Ministry. David has parented and mentored hundreds of children throughout Uganda and is passionate about raising others into their calling. David serves on the worship team at his church as well as in various other leadership roles.

Patricia Heesi

Assistant Ministry Coordinator

Patricia serves as the Assistant Ministry Coordinator at HEED and brings a strong background in social work and administration to the organization. As a trained social worker with over 10 years of experience in administrative roles, she is passionate about advocating for the rights and social wellbeing of children, staff, and the wider community. Her organizational strengths in documentation, staff management, and community advocacy play an important role in supporting HEED’s mission and daily operations. Patricia was inspired to join HEED because of her deep love for community service and her desire to continually serve and uplift others. She is especially passionate about empowering communities and helping improve the physical quality of life for those in need. Outside of her work, she enjoys writing and pursuing opportunities to inspire positive change in the lives of others. Her favorite guiding quote is: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Robinah Nalugya

Head Teacher, High School

Robinah serves as the High School Head Teacher at HEED and is a dedicated Christian educator with extensive experience in teaching and leadership. She began her teaching career in 2004 and has served in educational leadership and administration for more than 18 years. Holding degrees in theology and education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, along with strong values of teamwork, commitment, integrity, wholehearted service, and living an exemplary Christian life. Robinah was inspired to join HEED because of its Christian foundation and her desire to serve the Lord in response to the calling on her life from Isaiah 58:12. She is especially passionate about providing education and training that equips vulnerable children for a brighter future, as well as supporting the local church in sharing the Word of God. Outside of her work, she enjoys helping those in need, listening to Christian music, and encouraging others in their personal and spiritual growth.

Nicholas Makalu

Head Teacher, Primary School

Nicholas serves as the Primary School Head Teacher at HEED and brings nearly 15 years of experience in education, school leadership, and management. Trained as a teacher, he has taught and managed junior schools and has experience in business management. He contributes strong leadership skills through effective and Godly administration, as well as a passion for team building and mentoring others. Nicholas was inspired to join HEED because of its Christian foundation and its commitment to nurturing the whole child academically, spiritually, and socially. He is especially passionate about education and the spiritual upbringing of children, reflecting his deep love for working with young people and helping them grow in faith and character. In his free time, he enjoys sharing the Gospel with children, reading, playing soccer, driving, and helping those in need. His favorite guiding quote is: “Thus far the Lord has brought us.”

Cotildah Mwebaza

Head Teacher, Preschool

Cotildah serves as the Preschool Head Teacher for HEED and brings more than 10 years of experience in education through her work in two schools as well as homeschooling. She is passionate about nurturing and guiding children both academically and spiritually, using her strengths in caretaking, children’s ministry, and preaching the Gospel to support HEED’s mission. She was inspired to join HEED because of the freedom it provides to worship and serve God wholeheartedly. The part of HEED’s mission she is especially passionate about is demonstrating love and “stopping for one,” making a personal impact in the lives of individuals and families. Outside of her ministry and educational work, she enjoys cracking jokes, singing, dancing, reading, and watching inspirational movies. Her favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28: “God works everything for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Jotham Musiime

Community Development Coordinator

Jotham serves as HEED’s Community Development Administrator. He is a community development professional and educator with more than 13 years of experience in education and grassroots development programs. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Kyambogo University and a master’s degree in development monitoring and evaluation from Uganda Christian University. Since joining HEED in 2019, Jotham has served as Head Teacher of the high school, and in 2025 transitioned to Community Development Administrator. He brings expertise in community needs assessment, program design, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization, and integrated community development. His work has focused on education, WASH, health initiatives, and household economic empowerment. Jotham is inspired by HEED’s community-led approach to development and is passionate about empowering families and communities to become self-reliant. He believes sustainable transformation happens when local people are equipped to lead their own development. Outside of work, he enjoys prayer, reading, reflection, and gardening. His favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:27: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act".

Sharif Ssenyengule

Clinic Director

Sharif is the Clinic Director at the HEED clinic. Sharif has a degree in clinical medicine and community health. He brings clinical skills to HEED, as well as leadership and direction for the medical team. Sharif is passionate about working with HEED to equip people for healthy living and giving them knowledge about healthy lifestyles. Sharif loves to travel and enjoys times of worship and fellowship. His favorite Bible verse is 2 Timothy 2:20: "In a great house there are many vessels."

Philbert Agaba

Farm Manager

Philbert serves as Farm Manager and brings training in agriculture, livelihoods, and sustainable farming practices. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Livelihoods from Mbarara University of Science and Technology and earned a Certificate in Pesticide Safe Use and Handling Techniques from Makerere University. His expertise includes animal husbandry, crop agronomy, and agricultural management, equipping him to support initiatives that strengthen food security and community well-being. Philbert was inspired to join HEED because of his deep love for agriculture and his desire to serve others. He is especially passionate about HEED’s mission of helping children and their families experience fullness of life through holistic care, empowerment, and opportunity. Known for his heart for people, Philbert finds joy in seeing those around him happy and thriving. His favorite Bible verse is Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Norbert Nabasa

Lead Accountant

Norbert serves as the Lead Accountant at HEED and brings more than 10 years of professional experience in auditing, accounting, and taxation. As a Certified Public Accountant, he provides strong financial leadership and oversight to support the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. His strengths in teamwork, analytical thinking, efficiency, and process improvement help ensure that HEED maintains financial accountability and uses its resources effectively and responsibly. Norbert was inspired to join HEED because of its commitment to helping others through the Gospel, and he wanted to contribute by supporting both the ministry and the organization’s financial integrity at every level. He is especially passionate about HEED’s mission of holistic transformation, impacting lives spiritually, socially, and economically. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys listening to worship music. His favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:8, which says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.”

Resty Mukisa

Scholarship Program Coordinator & Community Development Officer

Resty serves as the Community Development Officer and Scholarship Coordinator at HEED, bringing a background in law, advocacy, and community service. As a law graduate, she has provided free legal services to community members through the law clinic program at Kampala International University and has also gained experience in customer care services, helping address concerns and provide effective solutions. At HEED, she contributes valuable skills in advocacy, community mobilization, project oversight, documentation management, meeting facilitation, and follow-up support for community initiatives. Resty was inspired to join HEED because of her passion for serving others and her personal connection to the organization’s mission, believing that beneficiaries can receive the same hope and future that she experienced in her own life. She is especially passionate about bringing restoration and hope to a place once nicknamed “unlucky,” helping individuals and families see new possibilities for their future. Outside of her work, she enjoys reading novels and traveling. Her favorite mottos are: “In God I trust” and “Everything is possible.”

Christine Nannyunja

Vocational School Coordinator

Christine serves as the Vocational School Coordinator with HEED, bringing valuable expertise in fashion and design alongside a strong passion for Christian ministry and community empowerment. She completed her Advanced Education at Nakanyonyi Girls School in Jinja and later earned a diploma in Fashion and Design from YMCA Institute in Wandegeya, Kampala. Through her vocational skills, she helps train students in fashion, design, and tailoring, equipping them with practical skills to earn a living. She was inspired to join HEED because of its Christian foundation, believing that all things fall under God’s guidance. She is especially passionate about evangelism and empowering individuals through vocational training. Outside of her work, she enjoys singing, dancing, and building positive relationships with those around her. Her guiding principle is to put God first in everything she does, trusting Him for guidance in all areas of life.

Annet Kayaga

Chaplain & Pastor, Kyakitanga Worship Center

Annet serves as the chaplain for HEED's schools and as lead pastor at Kyakitanga Worship Center. She brings a background in theological training and practical ministry development. She has completed theological studies with a certificate from Africa Resource Ministry and has participated in “Doers of the Word” training, equipping her for both teaching and hands-on ministry work. At HEED, she contributes through prayer leadership, pastoring the church, and facilitating skills-based training, helping integrate spiritual growth with practical empowerment. She was inspired to join HEED through a personal calling from God to serve in ministry. She is especially passionate about evangelism in schools, where she actively supports sharing the Gospel with students and nurturing their faith. Outside of her ministry work, she enjoys animal rearing. Her guiding motto is: “In Christ we trust.”