Special Hope Network is governed by a Board of Directors who oversee all aspects of the organization’s vision and its implementation, both in the US and in Zambia. Our board members bring a diverse set of skills, gifts, and experience but share a common passion for Jesus and enthusiasm to love orphans and vulnerable children with intellectual disabilities.

As Special Hope Network continues to grow as an organization, we prioritize excellence in every area of our work. Therefore, we also brought together a group of various talented support professionals to form our Advisory Council. Special Hope looks to these individuals to provide specific expertise to SHN staff and Board of Directors.

Min Kim | Board Chair

Ms. Min Kim is a former humanitarian worker who has traveled to many remote parts of the world to serve God’s children. Min was drawn to Special Hope because of its mission to improve the lives of the children and their families who have limited access to proper support and help. By profession, Min is a CPA and currently leads the internal audit department at New York Racing Association. Prior to joining New York Racing Association, she served as the Director of Global Audit at World Vision International, where she gained extensive global audit experience and found her passion for helping children in need. At home, she is a busy mother of two young children and married to Mathew. They reside in Long Island, New York.

Ben Menenberg | Board Secretary

Ben is a CPA and the proud father of an adopted Zambian son with intellectual disabilities. In addition to serving Special Hope, Ben is on staff at Highlands Community Church as Executive Pastor. Ben is married to Laura, and together they have four sons.

The Menenbergs live in Bellevue, Washington

Elizabeth DeWitt, Ed.D.

Elizabeth DeWitt is a Curriculum Designer and Implementation Specialist, a former Get Set for School Complete Pre-K Curriculum Designer and Curriculum Specialist, Content Advisor to the Handwriting Without Tears NEW edition of Cursive Kickoff for 2nd grade, a national early childhood consultant, keynote speaker and early childhood conference presenter with experience in teaching educators and children beginning in 2001. Before joining Learning Without Tears, she was an inner-city public school inclusion preschool teacher. She has presented educational material on developmentally appropriate practices at many educational conferences across the country including: the Texas Region 13 Education Service Center Summer Preschool Conference, the Chicago Metro A.E.Y.C.’s Opening Minds Conference, the Lake County IL Pre-K for All Conference, and the Alabama Preschool Conference. Dr. DeWitt earned her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Educational Leadership. She earned her Master of Education degree from the University of South Alabama in Early Childhood Special Education, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Collaborative Teaching K-6 with a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education where she later served as an adjunct professor in the College of Education.

Rebecca Fry

Rebecca Fry has been a special education teacher since 2000, a life skills coordinator, and has spent the majority of her life passionately engaged in the work of serving children with disabilities and their families. She has served as a special education state trainer and independent consultant for school districts since 2010. Rebecca has traveled to Zambia for extended periods of time to donate her incredible energy and organizational skills to our annual Night to Shine prom for young adults with intellectual disabilities. When she visits, her love for fitness inspires our team to exercise with her daily!

Brandon Harkless

Mr. Brandon Harkless has a driving passion to take care of those who are neglected and overlooked. He fell in love with what Special Hope was doing in Zambia and has been a longstanding partner with Special Hope in advancing the Gospel through their work with children, and families of children with special needs. His goal is that everyone that Special Hope has the privilege of serving feels loved, valued and genuinely cared for. Brandon graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Finance and owns multiple technology companies. He lives in Kirkland Washington.

Emma Mwanza

Emma Manda Mwanza is a Social Worker who until September 2016, when she moved to Washington State, USA, was a Child Protection Specialist with local authorities in the United Kingdom. Having started her professional experience in Zambia, Emma has extensive experience working with community based organizations. She previously worked with Care International Peri-Urban Self Help programs and Irish Aid Community programs in Zambia. Emma is married to Dennis Mwanza and together they have three wonderful children. Emma lives in Bellevue, Washington with her husband and last born son.

Dr. Rebecca Scharf 

Dr. Rebecca Scharf is a neurodevelopmental pediatrician who has the wonderful privilege of caring for children with special medical needs. She sees patients at University of Virginia Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric Neuromuscular, Myelomeningocele, Cerebral Palsy, and Neurocardiac Clinics, as well as the International Child Development Clinic. She teaches child development, global health and epidemiology at UVA Medical School, and does research on early childhood malnutrition and developmental stimulation around the world. She is grateful for organizations like Special Hope, who advocate for the world’s most vulnerable children.

William Chabala

William Chabala has twenty years of experience working in the Public Service, Zambia in various Government Ministries. He is currently Chief Human Resource Management Officer for the Ministry of Finance. William has also served as Human Resource Consultant with AGIS project, USAID, Lusaka, Zambia. William has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Cavendish University and a Diploma in Human Resource Management from Evelyn College in Lusaka. He is married, with two children and enjoys spending time relaxing with his family.

Ntazana Kaulule

Ntazana Kaulule is an experienced economist and legal practitioner with experience in the financial services sector, academia, independent consultancy, and currently as an Associate Advocate at a local law firm. He enjoys having the opportunity to give back to his community by serving on the SHN Board. Ntazana especially enjoys spending time with his wife, Mwitti, and their beautiful daughter. He also loves to read, travel, and both play and watch sports.

Annalena Musonda

Annalena Musonda received her Master of Science in Human Resources Management from the University of Zambia. She eagerly became an SHN board member to support children with disabilities and their families. As an HR practitioner, she missed getting to work directly with children, but through SHN she feels she is able to support children in a fulfilling way.

Mutinta Mupela

Mutinta Mupela graduated from the college of nursing and midwifery at Lusaka University. She is a registered operating theatre nurse. Mutinta adopted a passion for children with disabilities after giving birth to her own child with Crouzon Syndrome. She spent many hours in the hospital receiving care for her child, and frequently met other parents of children with disabilities. She learned about Special Hope Network and was compelled to serve as a board member. Mutinta is married with 4 children and enjoys cooking and reading.

Chalwe Nyirenda 

Chalwe Nyirenda received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Development Studies. She currently works as a Tearfund Advocacy and Policy Advisor for Southern and Eastern Africa. Chalwe enjoys serving on the SHN Board because it gives her the opportunity to support children with disabilities who are bearers of God’s image like everyone else. She knows these children are often discriminated against in a society that does not reasonably accommodate them. Chalwe has over 6 years experience as a Disability Equality Trainer, and also received her Project Management Certificate from the University of London. Chalwe is a lifelong learner!