WAACS Speakers (2025)
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Meet the Voices Leading Child Care Reform in West Africa
Kenneth Ayebazibwe
African Regional Director (BEB)
Kenneth’s role at Both Ends Believing (BEB) is African Regional Director where he works to leverage BEB opportunities across the African continent as well as oversee the implementation of CFS in partner countries. He grew up in Mbarara, Uganda, where he still lives. He holds a BA in Information Technology and a master’s in information systems. Before coming to BEB, Kenneth worked as Head of Information Technology for the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development. He also was an ICT lecturer at Management Training and Advisory Centre. He is inspired by how ICTs and social care have bridged technology to transform lives of communities, especially children.
Dr. Julie Cooper
President, Trauma Free World
Dr. Julie Cooper works with Trauma Free World, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping individuals and organizations to respond to trauma with competence, compassion, and hope. Through training, coaching, and ongoing support, the organization empowers professionals, caregivers, and faith communities around the world to create healing-centered environments where children and adults can thrive. With experience across diverse global contexts, Dr. Cooper brings practical tools rooted in research and real-world application. She integrates biblical truth, psychological insight, and relational wisdom to help churches and caregivers reflect God’s heart to those impacted by trauma. She is also deeply committed to the well-being of caregivers themselves, recognizing that sustainable transformation must include support for those doing the work of healing.
Dr. Ken Merrifield
International Director CAYM
Ken Merrifield serves as the International Director for the Christian Association of Youth Mentoring (CAYM). He is the founder of the Appalachia Mentoring Project (AMP) which is a mentoring program designed to help children living in the tri-state region of Appalachia. Ken received a Doctorate from Anderson University School of Theology focusing on Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. The Merrifields have six children – two of whom are adopted through international adoption and foster care.
David Nowell
Executive Director at Hope Institute
David Z. Nowell is a respected author, speaker, and thought leader. He is co-founder and executive director of Hope Institute, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of orphans and vulnerable children by strengthening the systems that care for them. He has written several books including Dirty Faith: Bringing the Love of Christ to the Least of These. He holds a Ph.D. in historical theology from Baylor University.
Sarah Ellis
Back2Back Haiti Stateside Manager
Is the Founder and Global Director of Kingdom Kids Klub, a Non-Profit Organization that focuses on care and support of orphans and vulnerable children. She possesses a Bachelor's degree in International Studies and is a master trainer on Child Protection and Case Management. Sandra is a Certified Care Transition Coach from the 1st cohort of the CAFO Research Center Transition Accelerator Academy in partnership with Stamford University, Ohio, USA. She is a member of the Alternative Care Technical Working Group for Plateau sponsored by UNICEF and SOS Village. She is the Vice President Northern Region and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), supervising the operations of member organizations in the Northern States of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory. She is also the Plateau State Coordinator for the Child Protection Network and the North Central Zonal Coordinator for the National Child Labour Elimination Action and Response Team. She upholds the Best Practices in Orphan Care and the Best interests of the child, which is paramount in decisions taken at different levels. She is a certified Care Transition Coach working with Children’s Home, interested in transitioning children to family-based care.
Philemon Audu Daffi, ESQ.
Attorney-General, Plateau State
A seasoned legal practitioner with over three decades of experience, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990 after earning his LL.B from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and completing legal training at the Nigerian Law School. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Legislative Drafting from the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. He is a founding partner at Peace Attorneys, where he practiced law extensively from 1991 until his appointment as Attorney-General in June 2023. He is also Hon Commissioner of Justice. His legal expertise spans Constitutional Law, Taxation, Election Petitions, Criminal and Civil Law, Land Law, and Legislative Drafting. He is also a chartered mediator, negotiator, and ICT expert. Philemon Daffi is widely respected for his legal scholarship and public service, and currently serves as a Member of the National Council of Legal Education.
David Adoke
Country Director (Uganda) - Child's i Foundation
David Adoke is the Country Director at Child’s i Foundation and a social work professional with over 15 years of experience in child protection, safeguarding, and community development. He has led national and district-level reforms promoting family-based care over institutionalization and played a key role in developing Uganda’s National Framework on Alternative Care. His expertise spans child safeguarding, conflict resolution, and project management, with a focus on strengthening community resilience. He is a passionate advocate for policy reform and the professional development of emerging social workers. Through his leadership, David continues to champion sustainable, child-centered care systems that prioritize family and community support.