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.”

PRESIDENT OF ASAP-USA 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-USA 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.”

Our newest board member, Cheryl retired from Emory Healthcare Systems in Georgia where she served as an Assistant Manager and Coordinator in the IT department of an acute care satellite facility . She relocated to North Carolina and serves as a Safety and Security Background and Employment Assessment Coordinator at a bio-pharmaceuticals company. Cheryl has a special love for South Africa.

“The lyrics to the song, ‘The Greatest Love’ echo sentiments I feel should be possible for all children.  As a member of ASAP-USA ‘I believe the children are our future; Teach them well and let them lead the way; Show them all the beauty they possess inside; Give them a sense of pride to make it easier; Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be.’ ASAP is my opportunity to help make these words a more meaningful reality each day.”

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 18 trips to South Africa for honor students. In April 2024, Kevin led a trip to South Africa with friends of ASAP. 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.”

TREASURER ASAP-USA BOARD FO DIRECTORS

Retired as a Partner from Price Waterhouse Cooper, an international accounting firm. Linda is president of the The Emergency Relief Association Food Pantry and on the board of 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.”

This certificate is presented to the Board of ASAP USA in recognition of your extraordinary generosity, unwavering dedication, and compassionate contributions to the community of PEN. Your tireless efforts and willingness to give not only of your time but also your own resources have made a lasting impact on those we serve. You truly are a star that shines in our hearts. By Dr. Marinda van Niekirk, CEO PEN.

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.

See left for more information about Evette and above in ASAP-USA Board of Directors for information about Linda.

Janet was the office manager at a church in Pennsylvania for over 30 years. She used her proficiency in desktop publishing to create newsletters and maintain the church’s website. After retirement, she was delighted to volunteer her assistance to the property manager at her apartment complex, where she helps with the calendar and newsletter. When the opportunity arose to assist with the newsletter for ASAP, Janet eagerly accepted the challenge.

“Children, regardless of their geographical location, possess an inherent joy and curiosity. Witnessing their playful nature, engaged in activities such as toy play, reading, and games, evokes a profound sense of warmth and contentment.”

ASAP WEBSITE MAINTENANCE

Casey is a hospital chaplain working with palliative care, and spends their off time listening to podcasts.

“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.”

COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR ASAP-SA

Louise is a retired physical therapist, photographer, and mother of grown daughters. She has been part of the ASAP team in South Africa since our mission began in 2020. She handles Instagram and has taken many of our best photos of children learning through play in the preschools served by ASAP and PEN.

“Impossible is just an opinion.”

ASAP-SA BOARD MEMBER

Annél is a retired professor of law and university executive, and the proud mother of three children and grandmother of two young boys. She devoted her career spanning 45 years to furthering the ideal of providing quality education for all South Africans. As a member of the ASAP-SA board of directors, she continues serving that ideal, sharing Maria Montessori’s belief that:

“Early childhood education is the key to the betterment of society.”

Retha is the co-founder and managing director of G3 Business Solutions, established in 2005, as a professional services company pioneering stakeholder and social performance management. With a broad portfolio of blue-chip corporate clients operating across the African continent she gained valuable expertise in social impact management.

“Investing in early childhood development is not just about improving individual outcomes – it is about building a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the economy”.

This quote by Nobel Laureate James Heckman articulates my conviction that access to quality childhood development can break the poverty cycle - providing vulnerable communities equal opportunity to partake in mainstream economic activities.

TEAM LEADER, PEN YOUNG CHILDREN, PRETORIA, SA (www.pen.org.za)

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.”

REGIONAL MANAGER: GAUTENG NORTH

Lucie brings 21 years of experience as an ECD practitioner and manager. She oversees three hubs in the North of Gauteng, with a staff of 3 in each, and approximately 95 Ecd centre's. She is also responsible for our Support Centre in Senekal where we have 2 staff members and 20 ECDs centre's. Lucie is working with extraordinary women, who are totally dedicated to their calling and towards our vision. “We see a South Africa where every child can thrive through access to quality Early Childhood Development.”

Quote by Benjamin: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

REGIONAL MANAGER: GAUTENG SOUTH AND STEELPOORT

Busisiwe has years of experience as an accredited instructor in the national certification program for Early Childhood Development (ECD). In this role she has supported many preschool principals and staff. She is a natural in this field having grown up immersed in the preschool center her mother established in 1994. She was employed as a preschool teacher. At PEN she manages the educational toy library hubs in Soweto, Kagiso, Johannesburg, and Steelpoort (Limpopo) and leads a team of 12 Coaches. Together, they share a common commitment to “same Love, same Spirit, same Discipline, and same Attitude,” as they uplift and support local ECD centers. Their primary focus is to ensure children receive quality education, fostering their development and success in school and in life.

Busisiwe’s favorite quote is “Excellence in education is when we do everything that we can to make sure our students become everything that they can.” - Carol Ann Tomlison

COO, PEN

Tinneke is passionate about helping organizations and individuals operate effectively to achieve excellence and realize their vision. At PEN, she is responsible for developing operational strategies that support team leaders in implementing strategies to meet PEN’s vision and donor requirements. With over 25 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Tinneke has a particular interest in the value created when not-for-profits and the private sector collaborate to drive sustainable change.

“In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” – Marianne Williamson