Meet Hope Alive!'s Founder and Board of Directors
Wil Kirchner
Wil first connected with Hope Alive! through his involvement with Engineering Ministries International (eMi) on the Koch Lii project in 2016. Inspired by the ministry's commitment to mentoring and educating Ugandan children, he felt called to contribute his skills to support this vital work. With 35 years of experience in engineering and management at Marathon Oil across various global locations, Wil has dedicated his retirement to volunteering with organizations like Hope Alive! and eMi. Together with his wife, Pat, he is passionate about missions and the cause of Christ worldwide. They are blessed with four adult children, ten grandchildren, and share a love for ranching, which further motivates their commitment to serve and support communities in need.
Catharine Coon
Catharine is the founder and executive director emeritus of Hope Alive!. While she no longer leads the organization, she remains actively engaged, connecting with students and staff in Uganda and building partnerships with individuals, churches, schools, and organizations in the United States. She serves as an ex-officio member of the U.S. board, continuing to support the mission of Hope Alive!.
Beyond her work with Hope Alive!, Catharine has a vibrant ministry with middle schoolers in her local church in northern California, teaching Sunday school, participating in mid-week programs, and co-leading a released time program at a public middle school. She also volunteers with a large local non-profit and is committed to fostering redemptive relationships within her community. Catharine holds a Master of Divinity in Missions and a Doctor of Ministry in Transforming Leadership.
Janet Goodman
Janet has long supported Hope Alive!'s impactful ministry, inspired by its mission to transform the lives of vulnerable children in Uganda. Drawing on her connection with the ministry’s founder, Catharine Coon, and witnessing the organization's growth, she began advising Hope Alive! during a pivotal period focused on long-term sustainability. Her commitment to the ministry stems from a deep belief in empowering children and families to overcome challenges and thrive.
With a background as a retired business executive, she brings expertise in strategic planning, staff development, and fundraising to support Hope Alive!’s mission. Her career has included helping small businesses and faith-based nonprofits thrive, as well as serving on leadership teams for the San Francisco and Silicon Valley Prayer Breakfasts. Her involvement with Hope Alive! is driven by a desire to see sustainable growth and meaningful impact in the lives of Ugandan children.
In her personal time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and exploring history and mystery novels.
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Mike Clark
Mike’s involvement with Hope Alive! began after hearing Catharine Coon speak at his church's mission conference about serving Ugandan children. Drawing on his experience with GospelLink in Malawi, where he helped with school construction and solar power projects, Mike joined Hope Alive!'s board to assist with a major construction initiative in Koch Lii. Committed to expanding educational opportunities in STEM and increasing access to digital tools for Hope Alive! families, Mike has traveled to Uganda seven times to support the ministry. He also deeply enjoys sharing God's truth and love with the mentors and students.
Mike brings valuable skills to the ministry, supporting various technical needs and managing financial solvency through his expertise in data analysis and spreadsheet mastery. With over 35 years of experience in the tech industry, specializing in cyber threats and security, he continues to make a significant impact. Beyond his professional contributions, Mike is an active volunteer, particularly with Habitat for Humanity, and enjoys woodworking and gardening. He is married with two children and two grandchildren.
Dee Dee Gunther
Dee Dee became involved with Hope Alive! while teaching kindergarten Sunday School, where she was introduced to the ministry by a longtime teacher from Catharine Coon's church. Committed to this cause, her Sunday School class sponsors a group of students and prays for them weekly. In 2019, Dee Dee had the opportunity to visit Hope Alive! in Uganda with a global missions team, where she spent a week with the mentors and students in Koro (Gulu). The joyful faith and dedication to education displayed by the students deeply inspired her, leaving her with a profound sense of humility and gratitude for the blessings in her own life.
Outside of her involvement with Hope Alive!, Dee Dee is married and has two adult daughters. She enjoys serving in her church, reading, and very slowly learning Spanish.
Laura Odenthal
Laura's involvement with Hope Alive! began through her church's partnership with Catharine Coon and the ministry. Laura was inspired by Catharine's work and her Sunday School's sponsorship of a group of Hope Alive! students, motivating her to become more involved. In 2009, Laura had the opportunity to visit Hope Alive! in Kampala, Uganda. The deep faith, joy and dedication displayed by the students, mentors and staff taught Laura how God's love can change the trajectory of these students' lives. Since then, Laura has traveled to Africa and Hope Alive! a number of times, and each time returned changed for the better by seeing what God is doing in their lives.
Outside of her involvement with Hope Alive!, Laura is married and has three beloved dogs (her "fur kids"). She enjoys serving in her church and is passionate about sewing.
Becky Balog
Becky first learned about Hope Alive! in 2021 through a family member who introduced her to the ministry's mission. Since then, she has supported the organization and was invited to join the board in 2024, where she shares her insights to further enhance their efforts in supporting children.
She is passionate about Hope Alive!'s holistic mission to address the systemic factors impacting children's lives. As an occupational therapist, she supports families in times of need, particularly focusing on children with disabilities. Her expertise aligns with Hope Alive!'s commitment to empowering children from fragile families in Uganda, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their potential.
Outside of her professional life, Becky is a mother of two and is married to a wonderful husband. In her free time, she enjoys running, exploring the outdoors, and curling up with a good book.
Kelli Wellert
Kelli became acquainted with Hope Alive! in 2021 through her family’s friendship with Caleb Smagacz, the Executive Director. In early 2024, she joined the board, bringing over 20 years of experience in children's ministry to the organization. Kelli is passionate about teaching children God's truth and empowering families to live for Christ. She is dedicated to supporting Hope Alive!'s vital mission for fragile families in Uganda.
In the fall of 2024, Kelli visited Hope Alive! and was inspired by the ministry's holistic approach to caring for children and families, reinforcing the belief that God is actively working in the hearts of the Ugandan people.
Kelli and her husband have seven children, whom she homeschools. In her spare time, she loves gardening and spending time outdoors.
