Our Team

Executive Director

Andrea McGinniss

Andrea has been intricately involved with Hands and Feet Project since the very beginning. Her first visit to Haiti was in 2001 and three years later Andrea linked arms with her husband, Will McGinniss, as he joined Mark Stuart to found the Hands and Feet Project. Before HAFP, Andrea served several local businesses with finances and marketing. She started to work with the HAFP US Office in 2006 serving in finance and operations.  She then took on the role of Childcare Director, serving in childcare programming and Children’s Village operations. In January of 2018, she accepted the position as Executive Director.

With a heart to serve others, including the kids and staff at HAFP and her personal family, Andrea leads with compassion, vision, and joy. Andrea, her husband Will, and their three children all live in Franklin, TN.

IKONDO Director

Rebekah Foshee

Rebekah started leading teams to HAFP ten years ago and has remained an integral part of the team ever since. Before serving with Hands and Feet Project, Rebekah completed a term with AmeriCorp and moved to Nashville to finish her degree at Trevecca University. She has served Hands and Feet Project through leading short term mission trips, interning in Jacmel, working in the US office, and living in Haiti with her husband from 2014 to 2015. Since returning stateside, Rebekah has worked remotely in Florida with her husband, Quinton and two sons. Most recently, Rebekah was HAFP’s Trip Administrator.

Furthering her passion for family, social justice, and orphan care, Rebekah leads us with empathy, grace, and loyalty. With her leadership, we are able to deeper connect with the heart of Haiti and each other.

Child and Family Advocates

The McGarveys

Psalms 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act

It all started with a gift certificate. After receiving a gift certificate to a FamilyLife Weekend to Remember marriage conference as a wedding gift, Denise and Randy McGarvey attended the conference within a month of getting married. This sparked a desire in their hearts for helping others, focusing on helping people improve their marriage and family relationships. They volunteered at the marriage conference the following year and never looked back, volunteering every year since then. They led the western New York efforts to help make every home a godly home for many years.

Denise and Randy have served on short term mission trips to other countries with a variety of organizations for many years and Denise was drawn to Haiti through their church soon after the earthquake. On their first trip to Haiti together (in 2012) they taught that same material from the marriage conference they had attended 14 years earlier. The audience was from Morne Oge, a small community outside Jacmel that was growing in their faith and learning about God’s plan for marriage and family. They have made annual visits since 2012, building relationships with many people of all ages as their love for the Haitian people grew. They have developed a love for Haiti and the Haitian people through their visits, and look forward to what God has in store for the next phase of their lives. They have worked in a village near Jacmel doing things like teaching nutrition, leading medical teams and working in a medical clinic, working in a computer lab, and delivering back-to-school backpacks.

In the Fall of 2015, while Randy was in Haiti, he was invited to meet with Will McGinniss to resolve a computer issue at the Hands and Feet Project (HAFP) children’s village in Jacmel. Who knew that was God’s way of introducing us to our next adventure?

In late 2015, Randy and Denise began a search for more meaningful work that lead them to investigate opportunities with a variety of ministries, and through a series of events that were truly the hand of God, they were led to start a conversation with Hands and Feet Project. As interviews with other ministries progressed, it became clear that God wasn’t calling them to serve anywhere but with HAFP. After many conversations, prayer and a visit to the Jacmel campus, they said, “Yes Lord, send us.” They will be overseeing the Jacmel Campus and serving as Child Advocates.

Denise and Randy McGarvey were married in 1998 and have 2 adult children, Emily & Forrest. They live in Rochester, New York, where Denise works in the health and fitness industry and Randy works in computer programming and testing. Denise has a background in motivational speaking, teaching, fitness coaching, nutrition and weight loss. She leads women’s ministry, and she also organizes and speaks at women’s retreats. Denise has a certificate in dental assisting and worked in the dental field for many years. Randy works in clinical research as a software validation engineer. His background is in software development and testing, web development and information technology. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering Technology and a Masters degree in Business Administration. Randy and Denise are deacons at their church and lead small groups and events focused on marriage and family.

Follow the McGarvey’s journey here: 
Blog: http://haiti.denran.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/McGarveyHaitianAdventures

Special Projects Coordinator.

Sam Ponder

Samantha has been traveling to Haiti since 2013 through multiple organizations. Two months after her first trip, she connected with Hands and Feet Project and has become a vital part of the team. Over the next few years, she went on to return to Haiti three more times, intern for HAFP in the states, and join our staff.

Samantha’s story speaks to her passion around the orphan crisis. When she was younger, Sam lost her father; she still has an amazing mother who raised her to be who she is today. In the context of her story, Sam strongly feels that God is using her father’s death to fuel her passion to advocate for children around the world who are orphaned. With a strong heart for connection, Sam leads us with confidence, perspective, and an eye for endless possibilities.

Samantha graduated from Auburn University in 2020 with a Global Studies degree with a minor in Business. She now lives and works in Auburn, AL as a Live-In Support to Baby Steps, a nonprofit organization that serves her alma mater, Auburn University.

Resource and Support Administrator

Sara Trapp

Sara’s story with the Hands and Feet Project started in the summer of 2015, when she visited the Jacmel campus on a short-term trip. Fascinated by the country of Haiti and excited about the work that the Hands and Feet Project was doing, she came back the next summer to intern in Jacmel. Over the next couple of years, Sara graduated from Asbury University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and began her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Kentucky, but her love for Haiti stayed steady in her heart. Drawn by the artisan charm of Jacmel and the idea of getting to connect with the children and staff again, Sara came back to Jacmel in the summer of 2019 to intern for a second time. When she returned at the end of the summer to her home in Lexington, Kentucky, she began working remotely on the Hands and Feet Projects stateside staff as their Resource and Support Administrator. Sara is passionate about advocacy and community development and believes wholeheartedly in the mission of the Hands and Feet Project to both holistically care for the orphaned and do their part in providing sustainable solutions to combat the orphan crisis. 

Programming Directors

Patti and Marty Bearden

Marty and Patti Bearden have been married and serving in ministry for the past 28 years. They are currently licensed foster parents in Alabama. They have 2 biological children – Stephen (age 27) and Savannah (age 23), along with one son pending adoption for December 2019 – Sylas (age 16). Their lives as parents are a huge part of the story of how they’ve become a part of the HAFP team. 

Patti graduated with her Masters of Social Work in May 2018 from the University of Alabama School of Social Work. She has worked with at-risk children and families for more than 8 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with children of trauma. She specializes in behavior modification planning and strategies, psychological assessment, and individual service / treatment planning. Marty graduated from Athens State University with a degree in Psychology and has worked with the Alabama Department of Human Resources as a Foster Care Service worker for the past 17 years. He is a seasoned professional with strong resource management, assessment and outcome measurement, and individual service planning skills. Marty has also served as a pastor and bible teacher for the past 28 years.

After an Audio Adrenaline concert hosted by their home church in Arab, Alabama, Marty and Patti’s daughter, Savannah (then 12 years old), started to get curious about a call on her life for mission work in Haiti. The family joined HAFP on their first adventure in 2012 and they  have continued to return and become a part of the heartbeat of this team ever since. In 2018, Patti was working to complete her Masters and pursued the opportunity to complete an international field placement with HAFP. Living on campus in Jacmel, Patti was able to begin the development of the social work program that will ensure each child has the opportunity to reach their God-given potential. 

As Social Workers,  Marty and Patti realized a system of “one size fits all” just doesn’t work. Because of this, they seek to see each child’s plan will look and feel different as it is based on his/her strengths/needs/desires. The Beardens are excited to  follow and assist with each child’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) process providing guidance and support along the way. Additionally, they look forward to continuing to work with HAFP staff to enhance the standards of care and provide each child the opportunity to reach his/her God given potential.  

Child and Family Advocates

The Zornes

At The Hands and Feet Project, our passion is to care for our children with excellence. We have assembled a great crew of full time staff to care for each of our children with the love of Christ. Our full-time staff members have not only given up the comforts of the first world, but have stepped out in faith, raising their own financial support to serve these beautiful children.

The Zornes Family was introduced to the Hands and Feet Project in 2008, and fell in love with Haiti right away. Ryan, an ordained pastor and professional firefighter of 17 years, was the first to visit Haiti. He then brought his wife Alicia, elementary school teacher of 20 years, and their daughter Abby along with him. Every trip they took with HAFP was longer than the last, until they became full-time missionaries living in Haiti.

The Zornes are now using their backgrounds in education, management, emergency services and pastoral care to serve as Child and Family Advocates for the Hands and Feet Project. They also serve as Race Directors for HAFP, traveling between Haiti and their home in Kentucky.

Your partnership with The Hands and Feet Project by way of sponsorship of one of our missionaries with your monthly, quarterly, or yearly financial commitment is greatly appreciated! Thank you for helping us share the stories of our amazing kids!

Driver

Pelio Desrosiers

Kitchen Supervisor

Marie Silianne Pierre (Mdm Renord)

Office & Hospitality Supervisor

Rachelle Eustache

Child Advancement Supervisor

Josue Formil

Staff Advancement Coordinator

James Jean Toussaint

Education Advocate & Daycare Supervisor

Eliezer Joseph

Special Projects Manager

Odius Jean Charles

Operations & Finance Supervisor

Eloge Edouard

Operations Supervisor

Merlande Louis

Circle of Care Assistant, Grand Goave

Jesula Lapaix

Board Member // Co-founder // CEO of Haiti Entrepreneurial Initiative

Will McGinniss

Will McGinniss is currently CEO of h.e.i. (Haiti Entrepreneurial Initiative), a job creation initiative that establishes dignified and sustainable jobs in the developing nation of Haiti. In tandem with his wife for their passion to serve others, in 2004 Will joined friend Mark Stuart to found Hands and Feet Project, a non-profit organization bringing sustainable solutions to provide family-style residential care for children in crisis, to help families stay together, and to thrive in their communities.

While serving as Chair on the board of Hands and Feet Project, Will helped oversee the creation of Haiti Made, an active product line united around quality products, dignified jobs, and economic sustainability in an effort to diminish the poverty cycles in Haiti and to join a real fight against the orphan and child slavery crisis in Haiti. He first made a name for himself as the bassist for the award-winning Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline. In more than two decades together, the band produced eight No. 1 radio hits, collected two consecutive GRAMMY Awards for Rock Gospel Album of the Year and numerous GMA Dove Awards, as well as toured around the world. Andrea and Will have three children and reside in Franklin, TN.

Board Member // Co-Founder

Mark Stuart

Mark is a founding member of Hands and Feet Project. His connection with Haiti roots back to his first trip as a high school student with his father, 25 years ago. Mark instantly fell in love with the nation and its people. In 1991, Mark founded Audio Adrenaline with Bob Herdman and Will McGinnis. The band went on to enjoy a 17 year long career and two Grammy wins, with Mark as their lead singer. In the aftermath of the band’s career, Mark founded Hands And Feet Project alongside his bandmates in 2004.

Shining a light on the dignity of the Haitian people, Mark leads us with insight, dreaming, and passion. He now travels the country with his wife, Aegis and two children, meeting with partners and sharing the story of Hands and Feet Project.

Board of Directors Member

Steve Fair

Steve has been near and dear to the Hands and Feet Project family since 2006, when he attended an Audio Adrenaline concert with his church’s youth group. Shortly after that concert, Steve made his way to Haiti to visit our campus and see, first hand, what God was doing. Over the last several years, Steve has served as the Chair of the Board on two different occasions for a total of six years. Outside of HAFP, Steve works as the President of Fair Salvage in Claire, Michigan. His heart overflows as a passionate leader, husband, father, and grandfather. Steve’s vision to care for the orphaned and abandoned pushes us to love more deeply and intentionally. He is a defender of the fatherless and focused on caring and advocating for each child put into our path.

Board of Directors Member, Treasurer

Dean Cline

Dean has been involved with Hands and Feet Project for almost 10 years now, and it all started by meeting Mark and Will at a concert for his church. Since 2010, he has traveled to and from Haiti several times. After each trip, Dean says he feels refreshed and encouraged by seeing the work done by Hands and Feet Project for the Kingdom of God. He has fallen in love with the country, the people, and the organization’s leadership. Stateside, Dean owns a business in North Carolina and is in leadership at Discovery Church. His  hope to see Haiti transform plays out in his vision to see kids in the care of the Hands and Feet Project grow in their relationship with the Lord, pursue their education, and become leaders in their community.

Board of Directors Chair

Shannon Keeran

Shannon has been involved with Hands and Feet Project for 10 years now. Starting out as a classmate of Mark and Will’s in college, he has been a close friend for 25 years, and has been a loyal, trusted voice to our team since the beginning. Shannon has a mind and heart to cover many bases at one time as he owns several companies as well as a non-profit called the Know Hope Foundation. He pushes us to dream time and time again with his vision to see our care for the orphaned and abandoned expand to other parts of the world, as well as throughout Haiti.

Board of Directors Member

Braden Jones

Born in California and educated at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Business and minor in Economics, Braden Jones has put his entrepreneurial passion to good use even at an early age.  Braden first became involved with Hands And Feet Project when he attended one of our events in 2012. As well as serving on the board of the Hands and Feet Project, Braden sits on the Board of Pelago Corporation (makers of “Intervals” time and task management software). When not working, he is traveling, surfing, and enjoying his family. Braden’s mind for business pairs well with his heart to see Haiti transformed. His ideas keep us dreaming, planning, and boldly moving forward.

Advisory Board Member

Greg Rosinski

Greg has been an important part of the Hands and Feet Project family since August of 2015. He’s been a trip goer as well as a trip leader, and he passionately sponsors many children in our care. Greg works as a Strategic Business Manager with Triumvirate Environmental Inc. Outside of work, family takes top priority with Greg. This focus overflows to a vision to be a voice for those who can’t speak (Proverbs 3:18) and to support widows and orphans (James 1:27). We’re grateful that Greg’s passion and vision go hand-in-hand with Hands and Feet Project as he prays that we may continue to be a beacon that sets a standard for orphan care and rebuilding a nation.

Advisory Board Member

Tim Lowe

Because of the Hands and Feet Project’s Christ centered approach, Tim and his wife, Terry have been avid supporters even before their first trip to Haiti with Mark several years ago. They believe in the way the Hands and Feet Project cares for the children in our care by putting Christ first in all that we do. The Lowes have two married daughters and six grandchildren. When not working as the President of Asheville Staffing Resources, Inc., Tim and Terry enjoy working with the youth at their church, spending time with their family, and visiting Haiti as often as possible. By providing a Christian home, education, and training for their kids, the Lowe’s prayer is to be a small part in the changing of the culture of Haiti.

Advisory Board Member

Kerry Hasenbalg

Kerry became familiar with the Hands and Feet Project in 2010 when our team began our collaborative work with Show Hope, an organization for which her husband Scott was the Executive Director. As a friend and believer in the work of the Hands and Feet Project, she has been advocating in support of our efforts for many years, both in government spheres and philanthropic spaces.  She was able to travel with Mark Stuart to Haiti for the first time in 2015 and again in 2016, and then came to join the Hands and Feet Project advisory board in 2019. She is passionate about the work of caring for vulnerable people. She has worked in orphan care for more than 20 years, most notably as the founding Executive Director of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.  Currently, she homeschools her four children, teaches and facilitates Bible studies along with spiritual formation retreats, and works in tandem with her husband, Scott, to advise culture leaders and philanthropists on stewarding their platforms and resources for the greatest common good. Because of her belief in the Hand and Feet Project’s ability, humility, and continual pursuit of unity in the body, Kerry champions this team to be a force of great good in Haiti for many years to come.

Social Worker

Paul Mernard Matin

Child and Family Advocate

Michelle Meece

Michelle Meece, a Southern Indiana native, is a graduate of Kentucky Christian University. She holds degrees in Elementary Education and Bible. Michelle, a veteran Haitian missionary, has served in Haiti since the mid 1980’s. She is very passionate about caring for and educating the children of Haiti and has served as a full-time staff member since January, 2007. Many people consider Michelle the heart and soul of our organization. We treasure having someone with so much experience and a deep love for helping children in distress.

“I have always been passionate about helping and caring for children. I am so blessed that I have been called to the country of Haiti to live out God’s purpose for my life. I was raised in a loving, supportive family and I pray I can share that kind of love with these kids. I believe every child needs to know there is someone who loves them and that they matter. Our God is so great and I’m so thankful I get to serve these beautiful children” Michelle Meece

“When I think of Michelle, I see someone who demonstrates the “fruit of the spirit.” Her spirit is one of giving and sharing of her faith and herself to others. She is an asset to the Kingdom of God.” James Petty, D. D. Minister

Social Worker

Guyteau Laloi

Facilities Advancement Supervisor

Walkens Casimir

Transition and Mentorship Program Manager

Joy Fitterer

Joy has been committed to working toward restoring Haiti’s future through education since her first trip to Haiti in 2008. Prior to her work with Hands and Feet Project, Joy served on the Board of Directors for another ministry working in Haiti, studying the nation’s education system and working directly with Haitian educators to increase educational outcomes for students. 

Joy lives with her husband and two daughters near Nashville, TN. She and her husband are currently in the process of growing their family for a second time through adoption. In addition to her role at Hands and Feet Project, she works as a Missions Director for The Bridge Church where she also helps to oversee their No More Fatherless orphan care ministry. Joy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and English from Butler University, a Master of Arts degree in Language, Literacy, and Specialized Instruction from DePaul University, and a Master of Arts degree in Cultural and Educational Policy from Loyola University-Chicago where she conducted extensive research on the Haitian education system for her Masters Thesis. Most recently, Joy earned a Doctor of Education degree in Leadership, Learning Organizations, and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University. 

It is Joy’s privilege and goal to use the gifts and experiences and knowledge the Lord has given her to raise up a generation of young people who will become leaders and make positive changes in Haiti.

Sponsorship Program Manager

Dana Hunt

Dana’s passion for Haiti began in 2013. One year prior Dana had one of those undeniable God moments, the kind that shake you to the core and change the direction of your life. From there, Dana began learning about Missions and trying to understand more of what God was calling her to do. She attended the Lead internship at Bethany Global University, then became a ministry intern working in their Media and Marketing Department. Through the years, she has been on four short-term trips and two 3 month stays in Haiti, the last of which she interned at Hands and Feet Project. Dana has been on other mission trips serving and filming missionaries, but God has always continued to open doors for her to come back to Haiti. Through her own creative endeavors, working with kids at church camp and in Haiti, life’s circumstances, and continuing to growth in her faith, she began to understand the calling she felt so strongly her senior year of high school. She discovered it was more about who God was calling her to be in every circumstance, and that Haiti is the place where she can best thrive with the gifts and talents God is continuing to grow in her. Dana didn’t know her journey would lead her here, and she continues to be in awe of God’s timing and faithfulness. She is thankful to be a part of our team using her work and life experience serving Hands and Feet Project’s vision and values.

Transportation & Procurement Specialist

Mackendy (DiDi) Laloi