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Meet the Hope Alive! Staff
Caleb Smagacz
Executive Director - missionary supported through WorldVenture
Caleb grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and in 2017, he and his family moved to Uganda with a passion for children, a belief in the family, and a purpose of supporting the local church to engage the children in their communities. Hope Alive! aligned with Caleb’s vision, passion and purpose; partnering with Hope Alive! was a perfect fit. He accepted the invitation to serve as the Executive Director of Hope Alive! in 2021. Caleb holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. Before moving to Uganda, he spent nearly a decade as the Children's Pastor at Westside Church in Omaha, NE.
Carol Ajwang
Country Manager
Carol joined the Hope Alive! team in September 2011 as the assistant site manager for the Kampala office, and was promoted to site manager a few years later. She was then promoted to program manager, overseeing program staff and activities across all of Hope Alive!’s sites. In August 2025, Carol was promoted to country manager, providing leadership and oversight to all Hope Alive! operations in Uganda. Carol holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in management science.
Lonnah Arwako
Operations Manager
Lonnah has been part of the Hope Alive! team since 2008, initially serving as a mentor. After completing her undergraduate degree at Makerere University in 2010, she joined full-time as an assistant before being promoted to the role of operations manager. As the operations manager, Lonnah plays a key role in updating the Hope Alive! database, coordinating communications between sponsors and students, and assisting with financial record-keeping. Lonnah received her master’s degree in business administration from Uganda Management Institute in March 2024.
Rose Munezero
Site Manager - Masaka
Rose has led the Masaka office as site manager since 2008, bringing valuable experience from her previous work with Compassion International. Her deep care for the Hope Alive! children is evident in her leadership of mentors and students in Masaka, where she plays a crucial role in guiding their growth and development.
Sarah Oyella
Site Manager - Koro (Gulu)
Sarah joined Hope Alive! as the assistant site manager for the Koro site in 2011 and now serves as the site manager. With a background in education, she enjoys teaching the children and overseeing site programs. Sarah leads mentors, maintains communication with students and families, and collaborates with local schools, government offices and partner organizations.
Beatrice Nanyunja
Site Manager - Kyabakuza
Beatrice became the site manager for Kyabakuza in April 2021, after serving as the assistant site manager in Masaka since 2011. With prior experience at Compassion International, Beatrice brings a passion for teaching, prayer, and face-to-face interaction with students and their families. She leads the mentors, organizes student programs, and oversees financial records at the site. Beatrice holds a diploma in secondary education and a bachelor’s degree in social work and social administration.
Jenny Muhereza
Site Manager - Kampala
Jenny's love for Jesus shines through her deep commitment to living out her faith. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies from Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Welcoming and approachable, Jenny is gifted at listening to challenges and offering both encouragement and practical support. She joined Hope Alive! as a mentor in February 2022, and her dedication and compassion led to a full-time role in October 2024. Jenny's passion for making a difference is evident in every interaction as she walks alongside students and families on their journey toward hope and transformation.
Opiyo Samuel Baker
Site Manager - Koch Lii
Samuel initially worked as a mentor with Hope Alive! before joining the staff of World Vision. He later returned to Hope Alive! as the site assistant for Koro (Gulu), where he supports the site manager in planning programs, supervising mentors, managing finances, and engaging with the local community. In August, 2025, Samuel was promoted to lead Hope Alive!'s newest site at Koch Lii as the site manager.
Nyirankomeje Justine
Site Assistant - Masaka
Justine joined Hope Alive! as the site assistant for Masaka in 2021, following four years as a mentor. Known for her strong faith, integrity, and work ethic, she brings valuable experience in project management and child development to her role, where she aims to make a positive impact on the community.
Dorothy Nakayima
Site Assistant - Kyabakuza
Dorothy's journey with Hope Alive! began as a sponsored student in 2006. She graduated in 2023 with a diploma in social work and social administration, and is currently pursuing a degree in the same field. As the site assistant for Kyabakuza, Dorothy is passionate about Jesus, fellowship, supporting children, and encouraging others.
Aciro Jacqueline
Economic Development Assistant - Koro (Gulu)
Jacque joined Hope Alive!'s staff full-time in 2022 as the economic development assistant after serving Hope Alive! for several years as a mentor. In her current role, she is in charge of the finances for the Hope Alive! training farm, and oversees the various loan and saving groups of mentors, students, alumni, and caregivers at the Koro (Gulu) site. She also assists with general site activities whenever needed.
Vicky Odong
Assistant Site Manager - Koro
Vicky joined the Hope Alive! staff team in 2025 as the assistant site manager for the new Koch Lii site. She previously served as a mentor with Hope Alive! and has leadership experience as a project director with a Compassion International-assisted program. Vicky brings valuable experience in program management and child development, along with a deep commitment to serving children and families.
Odong Walter
Assistant Site Manger - Koch Lii
Walter joined the Hope Alive! staff in 2025 as the assistant site manager for the Koro (Gulu) site. His journey with Hope Alive! began in 2006 as a student, when he came to faith in Christ and experienced the love and care of the Hope Alive! community. After graduating from Gulu University in 2020, he served as a mentor with Hope Alive! and as a project director with a Compassion International-assisted program. Walter brings personal insight, faith, and leadership experience to his role, where he supports site programs, mentors, and students.
GJ Flikweert
Economic Development Officer and Ugandan Finance Lead - missionary supported through Shepherd's Staff
GJ, his wife Kate and their two sons are currently living in Kampala, after living in Gulu for more than seven years. He has served with Hope Alive! in various roles since 2008. As the economic development officer, GJ is involved in a wide range of projects including microloans, agricultural and skills training and forestry. His efforts to improve the land’s health and create job opportunities are supported by his master’s degree in business administration in non-profit management. He loves to be involved in discipleship training with current students and alumni. He also compiles the financial reports for Hope Alive!’s Ugandan non-governmental organization.
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Michael Seger
Educational Specialist - missionary supported through UG2 Ministries
Michael, his wife Kellie, and their two sons moved to Mbarara, Uganda in 2018, where they served for three years before relocating to Gulu. As the education specialist for Hope Alive! through a partnership with UG2 Ministries, Michael applies his background in biology education and school leadership to his work. He has over a decade of experience teaching and coaching in Mississippi public schools and serving in his local church.
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Cindy Deese
Sponsor Liaison - U.S. based volunteer
Cindy has been connected to Hope Alive! since its inception in the early 2000s, when it was called "Children of Hope." She and her husband became the program's first sponsors, and she has traveled to Uganda twice with her church team to see the ministry’s impact firsthand. Cindy is deeply committed to Hope Alive!’s Christ-centered, mentor-driven approach, where each child is guided by mentors who prioritize the child’s heart and salvation in Jesus. A devoted wife and mother, Cindy enjoys leading a women’s Bible study and fulfilling various roles in her church community. She and her husband love to travel and have explored the world together, recently sharing these adventures with their 10-year-old grandchild. Cindy finds joy in seeing lives transformed both near and far and remains dedicated to her faith, family, and Hope Alive!'s mission.
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Bianca Clark
Communications Manager - U.S. based volunteer
Bianca was introduced to Hope Alive! in 2022 and immediately felt drawn to serve the ministry. With a background in social media and program management, she began supporting Hope Alive!'s communications efforts and now serves as the Communications Manager, overseeing all external communications for the organization.She has had the privilege of traveling to Uganda twice, where she’s built strong connections with her Ugandan colleagues and the students and families of Hope Alive!. She deeply values Hope Alive!'s holistic approach to ministry and looks forward to volunteering with the organization for years to come.
Teal Keller
Communications Specialist - U.S. based part-time staff
Teal began writing communications content for Hope Alive! in January 2024. She is married to Drew and homeschools their two daughters. With a background in higher education administration, she believes that friendship and a strong connection to community are essential for educational flourishing. Her faith in Jesus is at the heart of who she is and shapes every part of her life. Teal values deep, meaningful friendships and is grateful that Hope Alive! prioritizes personal relationships with students and strong ties to the local church.
Fragile Families Flourishing in the Hope of Jesus!
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