ASAP FOUNDER, USA COORDINATOR

Nancy is a psychotherapist in private practice, and the retired Director of Student Counseling at Princeton Theological Seminary. She has had a longstanding interest in preschool education.

“It has been a lifelong dream to participate in an international initiative like this and a privilege and thrill to be part of such a dedicated and capable team! All children are our children. It is a joy to help them thrive.”

SOUTH AFRICA ASAP COORDINATOR

Retired owner of preschool educational toy store, Marlese orders 30 of each toy and resource aligned with the theme-based PEN preschool curriculum. She trains coaches in the developmental benefits of each toy.

“It is not beyond our power to create a world in which all children have access to good education. Those who do not believe this have small imaginations.” Nelson Mandela

“This is exactly why working with ASAP excites me: To help as many children as possible to get the best foundation possible on which to build their further educational development.”

FINANCIAL COORDINATOR

Author and retired professor following 30 years at the University of Pretoria and 13 years at Vista. In the ministry over 50 years, Malan has mentored countless pastors in South Africa, providing access to ministry training for those serving congregations already who could not afford higher education.

“What happens in life is determined by what happened before a child turns six. Education is not everything but without it, everything else becomes almost impossible.”

TEAM LEADER, PEN YOUNG CHILDREN

Maria brings 40 years of experience as a child educator and oversees a staff of 24 with warmth, joy, extraordinary energy, total dedication, prayer, and high standards. “Together we will work tirelessly towards PEN's vision: ‘We see a South Africa where every child can thrive through access to quality Early Childhood Development.’”

Maria’s favorite quote by Rita Pierson: “Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.”

CHAIRPERSON OF OUTREACH COMMITTEE

Louise serves on the Council at Stella Street Dutch Reformed Church, Pretoria, a congregation invested in social action. She is also a physical therapist, photographer, and mother of grown daughters.

“Impossible is just an opinion.”

PASTOR FOR OUTREACH AND ECOLOGY

Fay is the mother of two young children.

Sir Anthony Seldon: “Education is a once in a lifetime opportunity to open children’s hearts and minds to the unbelievable wonder of the universe.”

“In a country where unemployment and poverty are rife I believe that providing children with a good education is one of the most important and meaningful things we can do.”

FORMER DIRECTOR, PEN YOUNG CHILDREN

Rieneke has worked with PEN for more than 20 years. She continues to support and supervise the PEN early childhood development coaches as they train staff of informal daycares in impoverished townships in the greater Pretoria area. Her husband Schalk builds shelves for ASAP toy libraries.

My favorite quote is from I Corinthians 13: “Everything - love = nothing.”

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING VOLUNTEER

Evette Pettaway is a former church treasurer who enjoys numbers! She, Linda McGowan (board treasurer), and Nancy Schongalla regularly review and update "all things financial" as they prepare board and end of the year reports.

ASAP WEBSITE MAINTENANCE

Rick is a hospital chaplain working with palliative care, and spends his off time listening to podcasts and walking his dog.

“The way that ASAP enables the local community to take pride in their children will develop children who care about the world - leading to a better world that lasts.”

Chairman of ASAP Board of Directors

Ruth’s career has included various preschool teaching and teacher training positions. She has served as a Director of Christian Education and Pastoral Care Associate at Langhorne Presbyterian Church, Langhorne PA. Her current work is as a Spiritual Director and trainer of spiritual directors.

“I have had a passion for early childhood education all my adult life. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they learn and explore with toys provided by ASAP brings me joy.”

Secretary ASAP Board of Directors

Michele is retired from the Hun School in Princeton NJ where she served as Assistant to the Dean of Students. She served the Tinicum United Church of Christ in Pipersville as past time pastor and is currently one of the clergy in residence at the United Christian Church in Levittown PA.

“I am delighted with the opportunity to support a worthy cause like ASAP. The joy on the faces of the little ones we see in photos and videos as they play with new toys is infectious. “

Treasurer ASAP Board of Directors

Retired as a Partner from Price Waterhouse Cooper, an international accounting firm. Linda is currently on the board of Innovations for Good, The Emergency Relief Association Food Pantry and The Counseling Center.

When asked about her involvement with ASAP Linda replied, “I am excited about making a difference in the lives of young children.”

Director, April 2024 South Africa Tour

Kevin recently retired from West Chester University where he taught Communication Studies for over thirty years, and also served as Founding Chair of the Honors Department.

He has led many trips– 18 to South Africa; and 30+ trips to other countries. He serves as Liaison to the Norwegian Nobel Peace Institute and Co-chair of the International Education Division – National Collegiate Honors Council.

“I hold a deep passion for education and highest admiration for the people of South Africa. I find ASAP’s model of educating not only children but also adults, providing them leadership training as facilitators, most inspiring.”