Our Board
Directors
Elaine Griswold
Executive Director, Real partners Uganda and Board Co-Chair, Tree of Life Ministries-Uganda
In 2003, on the way out to see the mountain gorillas, we stopped in Lukaya, Uganda. We met several young leaders, and the gospel choir of the local school performed for us. I was captured by the children and came home determined to do something. With a lot of help, that ‘something’ materialized into Mustard Seed Academy.
Dana W Hiscock
Treasurer, Real Partners Uganda and Director, Tree of Life Ministries – Uganda
I am one of the four Americans who first met the children of Kalungi/Lukaya in 2003. How could I have known that my already full life, as husband, parent, lawyer, environmentalist and committed Christian, would take on a new purpose. I treasure my connections with the children and with the teachers and staff. They have added purpose to and become a vital part of my life.
Kathryn Hiscock
President, Real Partners Uganda and Director, Tree of Life Ministries – Uganda
I am a retired chemist and artist. Church connections led my husband and me to travel to Uganda with the Griswolds in 2003. The people we met in the village of Kalungi changed our lives forever. We continue to work with these same leaders at the Mustard Seed School in Lukaya.
Diane Falk
Vice President & Secretary, Real Partners Uganda
I am Professor Emerita of Social Work at Stockton University, where I directed the MSW Program, created a statewide education program in child welfare, and led several international study tours. Colleagues, students and friends who have joined me on trips to Mustard Seed Academy have helped introduce service learning and career exploration. My interviews with numerous students in the Career Opportunity Pathways program confirmed the importance of such efforts and moved me to become coordinator of COP sponsorships.
Amy Straub
Board Member, Real Partners Uganda
In addition to being the proud mom of two, I am the Owner and Principal Designer at Amy Straub Design, which specializes in designing and installing custom storage spaces, in residential homes in northern New Jersey. I am passionate about creating community and supporting the efforts of organizations that lift up others through skills, knowledge, and confidence building. That passion drives my ongoing support for and involvement with Real Partners Uganda.
Judy Sconyers
Board Member, Real Partners Uganda
I live in a rural area of West Virginia with my husband and our dogs and cats. I volunteer three days a week at Hart for Animals. I like traveling, learning about other cultures, reading, and watching birds and other wildlife. I’ve enjoyed being involved with RPU and traveling to Uganda yearly since 2006
Robert Barney
Board Member, Real Partners Uganda
I am an Associate Professor and Chair of the Masters in Social Work Program at Stockton University. My teaching and research have focused on cross cultural service delivery and international social work. I have helped lead several international study programs for students, including a trip to Mustard Seed Academy.
Christine Sproat
Board Member, Real Partners Uganda
Real Partners Uganda has been part of my life since 2008, when we started sponsoring Hamden Kivumbi. In 2023, my family finally traveled to Uganda to see for ourselves the incredible work happening at Mustard Seed Academy. It was heartwarming and humbling to meet the children, teachers, and staff who have now become my friends.I have been a pediatric occupational therapist for 25 years and own a therapy practice. I also serve as adjunct faculty at New York University. With my expertise in rehab medicine and child development, I am passionate about empowering children, families, and educators, and I am eager to share this knowledge with the RPU community.
Advisors
Donna Paakkonen
Advisor, Real Partners Uganda
I first visited Uganda in 2010 at the invitation of my friend Judy Sconyers. We went on an amazing Safari and visited Lukaya and the Mustard Seed Academy. I have returned nearly every year since. I have made many good friends and have come to love this country. Through the years I have given a little and received a lot. MSA has become an important part of my life.
Kristen Pettet Haley
Advisor, Real Partners Uganda
I graduated from Western Washington University with a BS in Community Health Education in 2011. Soon after, I began working as a volunteer with RPU as the Health Programs Coordinator and had the opportunity to live in Lukaya, Uganda for the duration of 2012. I now work as a Senior Health Educator at the Washington State Department of Health. I keep in close contact with my many friends and special students from my time in Uganda.
Joe Everett
Advisor, Real Partners Uganda
I work in the Child Welfare Education Institute at Stockton University in New Jersey, administering programs that use social work education to improve the state public child welfare system. I also serve young people and adults as the Head Deacon of St. Anianus Coptic Orthodox Church in Monroe, NJ.
Volunteers
Mandi Bray
Volunteer, Coordinator of the Primary and Nursery School Sponsorships
My family and I have been sponsors since 2010. In 2015, I traveled to Uganda with my husband and youngest daughter to visit Mustard Seed Academy. We met our student and his family and spent time in the classroom as well. The trip was life-changing and since then, I have volunteered with RPU and have very much enjoyed the involvement.
Michele Carbone
Volunteer
After a career in technology and leadership development, I am now retired. I feel blessed to work with RPU and Elaine and be a small part of the huge difference they make in the lives of Ugandan children.
Sally Marshall
Volunteer, Accounting
I graduated from Calvin University with a BS in Accounting and am currently working at KPMG in Finance & Accounting. Volunteering for Real Partners Uganda gives me an opportunity to use my skills to give back and reflect Christ’s love.
