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Carolyn Twietmeyer |
Founder and Executive Director |
| Family: Married to Kiel Twietmeyer (aka Squeeze and Squeezy) Mother to Matthew, Andarge, Kylie, Brendan, Sarah, Rachel, Ethan, Selah, Gracie, Samuel, Hank, Danny, Seth, and Sofia...... How I became Hope+: It all began with our first adoption when we realized that our child with HIV would not be able to come home at the same time as his brother and sister because of the immigration process for people with HIV. I was saddened by the idea of explaining to my 4 year old little guy why he would have to wait an extra 3-9 months to join his new family and knew we had to fight to change immigration policy. (Read more of Carolyn's Founders Story HERE)
Hobbies: Writing, reading, knitting, painting, making jewelry, decorating....I make a hobby of wanting hobbies.I fully intend to make running a hobby so that I can run in our 5k's! You Should Know: I dream of living on at least 10 acres with my family so that we can host tons of adoptive families and kids with HIV for some serious camp outs and bon fires. I want BIG school bus converted into an AWESOME tour bus so that our crew can travel more to advocate for children left behind. I fully intend to help Audrey make her soap! |
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Audrey Baker |
Associate Executive Director |
| Family: Married to LaRue - Mom to Kristi, Casey, Austin and Jacob How I became Hope+: Standing in church, singing "Beautiful Jesus", I was overcome by a completely off the wall idea – we should adopt! Although our youngest child was about to graduate from high school, we decided to step out in faith and see where God was leading. When researching adoption, I found Carolyn Twietmeyer's blog and we began to talk about what it was like to raise a child living with HIV. September 2009, we brought home our youngest son from Ukraine! It is an honor and a privilege to work with Project HOPEFUL and I feel so incredibly blessed to be a part of an organization that understands God's heart for the orphan.
Hobbies: Cooking, gardening, homeschooling, cleaning, laundry – oh wait – those are hobbies, right?? You Should Know: I dream of living on a farm with a huge garden, raising chickens and making my own soap! |
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Deb Steiner |
Director of Operations |
| Family: Single mom to Seth (Naperville, Illinois) and Leah Grace (Uganda). How I became Hope+: I was on a mission trip to Uganda in May 2010, in the midst of my second domestic adoption, when I met "Betty." Her orphanage informed me that she was positive as if it meant that no one would ever want to adopt her. God did something to my heart right there, after previously proclaiming that I would not "do" HIV positive. Once again, God said, "whatever." Leah Grace came home in November 2010. Hobbies: Reading, chasing toddlers (who are growing up quickly), volunteering. You Should Know: I would love to have a hubby to share this crazy life with but I am not ashamed of our non-traditional family. Instead, I wish I would have done it a decade sooner! |
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Lyndsay Boulton |
Director of State and Country Associates |
| Family: I married my high school sweetheart and best friend, Bart, in 1993. We have 5 children: Austin, Autumn, Asher, Aidan, & Batri (Ethiopia) How I became Hope+: God opened my eyes to His heart for orphans during a mission trip to India in 2009. In the spring of 2010 God told me we had a daughter in Africa. By June we started the adoption process. While filling out the paperwork God began to wreck my heart for special needs orphans and specifically for children with HIV. We first saw our daughters picture in August of 2010 and immediately committed to adopt her. With hundreds of families in front of us, some waiting up to 18 months for a referral, our beautiful daughter had been waiting for months for someone to come for her. We welcomed her home this past August 2011! In my research I found Project HOPEFUL and was able to meet Carolyn and some of the other Project HOPEFUL ladies at Together for Adoption Conference in October. I knew I had to be involved in the amazing work Project HOPEFUL is doing. Hobbies: worshipping, reading, going on dates with my hubby, playing with our kids, hanging out with friends. You should know: I am passionate about people, and especially women knowing their true identity in Christ. I am passionate about marriages and families staying together. I love Gungor and David Crowder Band! I wish I had a better singing voice. |
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Melissa Kinast |
Director of Events and Planning |
| Family: Married to Chip Eldredge. My children are Monica, Jonathan, Eleanor, Charles, and Ainslie How I became Hope+: Project HOPEFUL combines three of my greatest passions: faith, children and HIV/AIDS awareness. Growing up one of my close family members had AIDS during the early years of the disease. I was able to witness the wonderful quality of life my family member acheived. I also saw how devastating stigma can be. Fast forward 20 years. We know so much more about how to manage HIV/AIDS, yet stigma still remains. Unnacceptable! I am extremely honored to be a part of this team! I feel incredibly blessed to be HOPE+! Hobbies: Decorating, gardening, entertaining, and restoring vintage properties. Pilates and studying the art of ballet (but only in my living room) You Should Know: My sense of navigation is awful. If you need directions, I am the last person in the world you should ask. |
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Michele Vetter |
Director of Spiritual Formation |
| Family: Married to Jerry. Proud mother to Gerald, Mia and Sarah. Proud Step-mother to Bailey; future adoptive mother! How I became Hope+: Author, Max Lucado, wrote something that deeply impacted me; "No one can do everything, but everyone can do something." I have been praying for the work of Project HOPEFUL from the organization's very beginning. I had been asking for God to send me where He wanted me to go, although I didn't always know where that was. God opened the door for me to direct the spiritual support team and it is a blessing and a honor to me.God never ceases to amaze me. Prayer has always been my communion with the Lord; an ongoing conversation of praise, thanksgiving, and intercession. In my role as Spiritual Support Director I continue to pray for Project HOPEFUL and the Orphan. (Psalm 68 5-6, James 5:16) Hobbies: Staying at home keeps me busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way! I love to read, cook (when my meal turns out!), and spend time with my family. I especially value time alone with my husband. You Should Know: I love any and all live music! I am learning to play the piano a bit, and I secretly love to sing. |
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Nancy Porter |
Director of HOPE+ Sisterhood |
| Family: Married to Kirk Porter since 1998, adoptive mother to 2 amazing kids: haan and eden How I became Hope+: I met Carolyn (and Selah) in Ethiopia 2 1/2 years ago when we both had an extended stay in Addis and stayed together in a guest house. I was able to see firsthand how very ill Selah was in Addis and then watch the transformation once she was home. Looking back now, I realize that the extended stay had a larger purpose, and my eyes were opened to the plight of the HIV+ child and the amazing ministry that is Project HOPEFUL. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help further Project HOPEFUL's mission and spread the word about its amazing work!!!
Hobbies: Yoga, reading, hiking, making jewelry, advocating adoption, and friday night dates with Kirk! You Should Know: We chose to build our family through adoption. We believe it was God's Plan A for our family. |
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Tamara Loveing |
Director of Human Resources |
| Family: Still accepting applications for a husband ;-) Future adoptive parent. Favorite Aunt and and full-time Honorary Au Pair to Luke, Graham, Ethan, and Rissa (Uganda) How I became Hope+: God turned my heart toward the international orphan crisis while reading "Radical" by David Platt. Not long after, my sister's family brought home my niece from Uganda who was born with HIV antibodies. As we all prepared for a probable HIV-positive diagnosis I became educated about what HIV is and is NOT, drawing on my knowledge as a nurse and Project HOPEFUL resources. My niece was miraculously found to be HIV-negative - but a passionate fire had been lit within me for HIV adoption advocacy and education. In my career as Lead Nurse and Clinical Educator over several clinics I am on the forefront of medicine and draw on this to help fuel my HIV education. I'm thankful to the Lord for the events that led to me becoming HOPE+. Hobbies: Pretending to host my own Food Network show while I cook (You know you do it too!), reading too many books at once, belting out worship tunes at full volume (can I get some Church up in here!?) You Should Know: I cannot whistle or cross my eyes... I've tried much to the humor of those around me. I can, however, beat most of my friends at Jeopardy... years of "training" with my father. |
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Traci Heim | Director of FIG Programs |
| Family: Married to Scott since 1993, Mom to the Sassy Six: Biruk, Svetlana, Hanna, Andy, Mel and Dasha How I became Hope+: All 6 of my children have entered our family through adoption. Initially was this was due to infertility, but more recently because God opened my eyes to the needs of His children. I first began volunteering my time with Project HOPEFUL. Later, we adopted two of our kids who needed a new home after their mom died due to AIDS. Most recently, our youngest, came to us off of an HIV+ waiting child list. We could not imagine our lives without her.
My desire with Project Hopeful is to spread the word about how very hope-filled an HIV+ adoption is so that no one misses out on this joy these children bring. My passion is to encourage others to advocate for these children as well. Hobbies: My children say they are working on the computer and talking on the phone. I would say that I enjoy skiing, reading, and spending alone time with my husband. (figure out how we can make that happen!) You Should Know: I am not a good listening ear. If you tell me about a problem, I will offer you a solution. Kind of like talking to your husband! |
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Ali Heglund |
Associate Director of Human Resources |
| Family: Married to Justin for 17 years, 5 children (Carleigh, Noah, Alayna, Abby and Isaac). How I became Hope+:While sitting at the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit in 2011 listening to Carolyn share her amazing story, God woke me up. I was convicted that more has to be done to help HIV orphans. It is my passion to see these children have their forever families that they desire and deserve Hobbies: Baking, making cards, and spending time with my family. You should know:: I love listening to Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin and Steven Curtis Chapman while enjoying a hot cup of coffee. |
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Debbie Spikings |
Executive Assistant to the Staff Directors |
| Family: Married to Rick. Our children: Jennifer, Carrie, Wendy, Christopher, Brian, Elizabeth, Victor, Matthew, Andrew, Jamon How I became Hope+: After my husband and I married in 2003 we wanted a ministry we could do together. Our youngest child was in high school and we were almost empty nesters. The answer to our prayers came in the form of a three month old baby boy! The Lord really opened my heart and eyes to the need for people to care for orphans, especially those with HIV/AIDS and other special needs. I prayed about how to serve and the Lord and He led me to Project HOPEFUL. Hobbies: Playing guitar, singing, collecting antique school boooks (I know that sounds weird!). I enjoy traveling to our cabin in Michigan with my husband. You Should Know: I "random sing" all the time. Also, I can never leave my house without having to go back inside at least once (sometimes more) for something I've forgotten. |
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Jenni Johnston |
Director of Waiting Children and Orphanage Liaison |
| Family: Married to Josh. Mother to three crazy kiddos: Chloe, Jack (Ethiopia) and Liam How I became Hope+: After the birth of my son Liam I became depressed. My new career as a stay at home mom didn't seem to compare to my previous work as a bomb tech in the military. I cried aloud to God. I needed a renewed sense of purpose. While praying I heard one word: ADOPTION.About 15 months later we brought home our son Jack-Jack from Ethiopia. Once Jack was home, God led me to the issue of HIV/AIDS. I discovered project HOPEFUL and am excited to be a part of this amazing organization. Hobbies: Running, doing make-up, reading, and chasing after my three small kids. You Should Know: I've been to bomb tech school and beauty school. I am very random and super girly. I'd like to home-school my kids, become a nurse and a missionary in Africa.... We'll see what happens! |
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Jennifer Kooshian |
Director of Communications Director of Information Technology (interim) |
| Family: Married to my best friend, Brian since 1992, and so far I am mother to Peter, Jeremiah, Emma, Noah, and Mercy. How I became Hope+: I have been passionate about adoption and orphan care since I was a child, but when I started learning the truth about HIV and AIDS in 2010, I was shaken. I was upset to learn I had believed lies for more than twenty years. It sickened me that I was one of the Moms who always moved quickly past the photolistings of any waiting children with HIV out of ignorance and fear. Now I'm passionate about doing everything in my power to see them adopted into loving families and to conquer stigma with TRUTH! We have not adopted yet, but are praying God opens that door to us very soon. Hobbies: Embroidery, gardening, idealistic daydreaming, and playing board games with my family. Chronic Facebook, Twitter, and Blog junkie. You should know: I can't get enough of 'Gotcha Day' videos. I love to witness children becoming un-orphaned! |
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Kimberly Balts |
Associate Director of Jr. FIG Programs |
| Family: I married my high school sweetheart in 1991. In 2004, I became a mom to Ellie, then twin boys, Zander and Connor, and Madison (Uganda) How I became Hope+: Through our adoption process, God opened my eyes to His heart for adoption and stirred within me a passion for adoption. Since our own adoption, I have been praying for God to break my heart for what breaks His, and to show me an area where I can serve Him. I began learning more about HIV and adoption and that is how I found Project Hopeful. I am so excited to share my passion with young people and get them involved with advocating for orphans, and to see where God leads the Jr. Fig program. Hobbies: photography (wish I was better at it), reading, playing scrabble, and I love traveling. You Should Know: I crave McDonald's french fries. I also would love to live in the mountains and have horses and lots of kids, or live and serve in Uganda and still have lots of kids. |
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