The Ndoto Team
Team Members


Allison Schlack]
Founder & Executive Director
Allison Schlack grew up in Carrollton, Texas, and received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from Baylor University and a Master’s Degree in Cross Cultural Ministries from Dallas Theological Seminary. She loves to travel, is trying to learn Swahili, and enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her nephews, Riley and Logan. She has been back and forth to Kenya since 2003 and has lived permanently in Kenya since 2011. Although she misses home and has seen her first grey hairs, she is grateful for the work of Ndoto and the life God has given her in Kisumu alongside 250+ of her favorite young people. Allison is currently living and working in Kisumu, Kenya.
Combining the advancement of the gospel with social justice is my life goal—that holistic development where you’re helping people’s physical needs and spiritual needs.
Allison Schlack
Founder & Executive Director


Otuma Andako]
Kenyan Staff - Education and Discipleship
Otuma Okwaro Andako was born in 1973 and is the second born in a family of 10 siblings. He has lived a challenging life, staying out of school for 12 years after high school, unable to afford college. He joined college in 2005 to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Information Technology and worked part-time as a security guard to help pay his own tuition. After being awarded his degree Andako taught computer skills part-time and later secured a place as an office assistant. Eventually he enrolled for a Bachelor’s Degree in IT and upon graduation became assistant registrar of KCA University. He is now pursuing his Master’s in IT Management. He joined our team in 2022.
Andako is actively involved in the children ministry at his local church and at the same time enthusiastically participating in activities that aim to transform the face of the community he comes from. He is a loving husband and a father to three children.
“I really love God because he has stood with me through the rough times of life. I am excited to join this loving family to continue blessing the lives of many through the help of the Holy Spirit.”
Otuma Andako
Kenyan Staff - Education and Discipleship


Becky Awuor]
Kenyan Staff - Education and Discipleship
Becky Awuor Anyango was born in 1994 in Nairobi to Vincent and Elizabeth, who are both now deceased. She is the second-last born of five siblings, with two brothers and two sisters. She went to the Community And Progress Youth Empowerment Institute where she studied Hospitality, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. She aspires to go to university soon. She is a born-again believer and is the youth leader at her local church. She is a singer and songwriter, and she explores these gifts with the worship team of her church and local group Band Wima Imara. She is also very passionate about young people. Her desire is to see young people walk in the knowledge of who they are in Jesus Christ and excel in their God-given potentials and gifts. Through her passion for young people and music she was helping lead worship at Ndoto retreats before even joining the staff. She joined our team in 2021.
I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to work with Ndoto For Africa’s Future, an organization that is aligned with my purpose and passion. I am certain that Ndoto is place where I will get to experience and be part of transforming lives through the word of God and see them conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. I believe that people who know and walk with Christ are able to live a life that is successful in all its dimensions and I am so privileged to be part of it.
Becky Awuor
Kenyan Staff - Education and Discipleship


Gail Bell]
Accountant
Gail grew up in Oregon and attended the University of Oregon. She made her way to Texas through her long career in tax and accounting. Now she says she will never leave. Gail retired in 2018 and immediately began serving Ndoto as an accountant in her newfound free time. She is blessed with a wonderful family and friends and thanks God for all he has given her.
God is always working in your life. About the time I thought I was retiring from many years in the tax and accounting field a good friend introduced me to Allison. She offered me an opportunity to work with Ndoto and here I am. So looking forward to this. What a wonderful organization.
Gail Bell
Accountant


Mercy Gemini]
Kenyan Staff - Education and Discipleship, Team Leader
Mercy is a born again Christian and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and Biotechnology. She is the first born in a family of four, born and brought up in Kisumu County. Mercy has a passion for the holistic and sustainable development of the next generation. She has developed a background in Life Skills and Leadership training through the Kenya Life Skills Promoters (LISP), the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and Young Africa Leadership Initiative (YALI) and this has seen her through her journey of school mentorship. In addition, she has a background in Child Protection, with experience in Parenting and Positive Discipline trainings. She is also passionate about economic empowerment as one of the ways of breaking cycles of poverty. Mercy considers herself a leader with a responsibility to help restore hope to young people by equipping them with value-based life skills to build their capacity for the betterment of their everyday lives; and most importantly, to bring them to the knowledge of God. She joined our team in 2022.
It’s such a very humbling opportunity to serve at Ndoto: For Africa’s Future, and I really thank God for the honour. I feel privileged to serve the Obunga Community, knowing that this is what my hands can touch best with regards to my God given abilities.
Mercy Gemini
Kenyan Staff - Education and Discipleship, Team Leader


Susan Mandera]
Kenyan Staff - Education and Discipleship
Susan was born in Maseno, Kenya, but grew up in Kisumu and attended Huma Girls Secondary School before attending college. She now lives in Nyalenda, a slum in Kisumu, and lives in a small house with her sister and three cousins who she takes care of. Susan went through a training program hosted by missionaries to receive counseling skills to help students through trauma and other life issues. She passed the course with straight A’s. Susan joined Ndoto’s team in 2012.
I love working at Ndoto because I get to meet so many people and know how to help them. I also work hard to make sure that I encourage students to be productive people in the future. God gives us the grace to minister to students no matter how difficult the situation is.
Susan Mandera
Kenyan Staff - Education and Discipleship


Christi Melton]
Sponsor Coordinator & Stephen Minister
Christi was born in Odessa, Texas and now resides in the Land of Enchantment, Ruidoso, New Mexico. Christi was commissioned as a Stephen Minister at her church in 2003. Serving in this capacity has allowed her to walk alongside many people through their darkest hour and remind them of the hope they have in Jesus Christ. Her greatest passions are listening to people’s life stories, watching documentaries, reading, exercising, and disco dancing. Christi is the Sponsor Coordinator for Ndoto and enjoys seeing the relationship between students and sponsors grow as they send their letters back and forth. She also volunteers as a Stephen Minister during her time in Kenya to help our students work through deep hurts and pains.
In June 2006, I had no idea what kind of an impact my first mission trip would have over my life. After touching Kenyan soil for the first time, my life was forever changed! I inherited a Kenyan daughter and heard from the Lord that serving in this community was my life's work. Experiencing life in Obunga shifted my very being. I learned how to need less, give more, and serve with my whole heart, no matter what the cost physically or emotionally.
Christi Melton
Sponsor Coordinator & Stephen Minister


Elizabeth Ndibile]
Kenyan Staff - Accountant
Elizabeth is a Certified Public Accountant in Kenya with a Bachelor’s degree from Kenyatta University. She was born and brought up in nearby Kakamega County, and has over 12 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management in Kenya. She has worked previously with renowned agencies and gathered immense experience. Elizabeth is the mother of two beautiful daughters, and she loves music and sometimes singing. She joined our team in 2021.
The opportunity to work with Ndoto is my joy because I get a chance to serve the community directly. Ndoto purposes to positively impact this community and I am glad to be part of this team that helps restore hope in families that had once lost hope.
Elizabeth Ndibile
Kenyan Staff - Accountant


Joshua Odhiambo]
Kenyan Staff - Director of External Affairs
Joshua is the first ever tuk tuk (three person motor taxi) driver in Kisumu, Kenya. He is married to Emily, and they are the proud parents of Mike and Michelle. When Joshua first met Allison Schlack, Ndoto’s Executive Director, she told him about Jesus, and he gave his life to Christ. Since 2011, he has worked for Ndoto as our first Kenyan employee, first as a driver and now as a mentor to our youngest Ndoto boys. He loves being part of Ndoto and says it has been used by God to grow him spiritually to a place where it is a joy to know Jesus.
First, Ndoto made me to transform spiritually to know God. I never even took my time to read the Bible, but now I discipline myself to know Jesus Christ. It is my joy. I have gained more experience learning how to work to change communities like Obunga.
Joshua Odhiambo
Kenyan Staff - Director of External Affairs


Musa Ojuok]
Kenyan Staff - Education
Musa was born in 1993 in Muhoroni constituency within Kisumu County. He is a born-again Christian fellowshipping at his local church. He holds a Bachelor of Education in Special Needs from Moi University and is happily married to his wife, and their baby is arriving in 2023. Musa has spent his life since competing his studies working with students. He is specially knowledgeable and skilled in working with orphans and vulnerable children in society and has also been trained in Mental Health and Awareness by the Scripture Union of Kenya. He is trustworthy, honest, and results-oriented. Musa is passionate about solving problems, networking, and mentoring learners to achieve academic success. He joined the team in 2023.
I am very much grateful to God having introduced me to the very wonderful and hardworking Ndoto team! I have gotten a chance to serve the community directly and rebuild my spiritual being in the discipleship at Ndoto and help in bringing hope to the less privileged in the society!
Musa Ojuok
Kenyan Staff - Education


Clinton Okoth]
Kenyan Staff - Sports and Gym
Clinton was born in 1995 in Obunga. He stayed with his mom in Nairobi until the age of 17, when they moved back to Kisumu and he got to know his father. He is the third-born in his family of four children and was sponsored through Ndoto in 2012 in high school. He was able to graduate in 2015 and attended Kenyatta University on an Ndoto sponsorship. He earned a diploma in crime management and prevention in 2019 and began to volunteer at Ndoto. He has moved from volunteering to part-time employment to full-time employment in 2021, and now works with the Discipleship team, leads the Ndoto Gym, the Ndoto Sports Academy, and assists with construction, IT, and other special tasks.
I thank Ndoto for giving me education and spiritual mentorship, and I would love to see the community of Obunga and other slums change. Through the mentorship we offer at Ndoto, and through football and boxing, I believe we can see the youths turning away from bad moral behavior and toward better things.
Clinton Okoth
Kenyan Staff - Sports and Gym


Aggrey Olwande]
Kenyan Staff - Compound Upkeep
Aggrey Olwande was born and raised in Siaya County, outside Kisumu, and is a husband and father to two children. He is very passionate about landscaping, having worked in two other ministries in the same capacity. He would say that he loves neat, nice, and cool-looking environments. Aggrey is excited to join the Ndoto team for an amazing journey that includes serving as office janitor. He works with the church, the office, and the school to keep things clean and working and keep the compound landscaped. He’s a trustworthy, hardworking, and servant-hearted part of our team. He loves one additional thing about Ndoto – the weekly staff Bible study. They really uplift his soul. He joined our team in 2022.
"I am glad that I am part of a team that treats work as divine. I desire to serve Ndoto with utmost honor to God, the author and finisher of our faith."
Aggrey Olwande
Kenyan Staff - Compound Upkeep


Michael Omondi]
Kenyan Staff - Pastor and Director
Michael is a former Ndoto-sponsored student who was raised in Obunga with his four siblings. He is a proud alumni of Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, where he studied theology. He was able to be the first in his family to receive a diploma from a university. In 2022 Michael will graduate with a Master’s in Transformational Leadership from Bakke Graduate University. Known to the students as Pastor Michael, he works with our older boys as well as teaching Bible study on Sundays to all Ndoto students. Pastor Michael loves serving, helping the sick, preaching the gospel, and walking alongside our students through life. He is married to Ndoto founder Allison Schlack and has two beautiful children, Michaela and Judah. He has been part of the Ndoto staff team since 2011.
My life has been transformed by the coming of Ndoto to Kenya, especially, since 2003. The difference can now be observed, as I am walking in the middle of the light at the end of the tunnel. I know that together with the staff here, we will walk together with students who have no parents or only single mothers, and we will hold hands with them as God is fashioning them to be like his Son, Christ the Lord, and giving them big dreams.
Michael Omondi
Kenyan Staff - Pastor and Director


Tobias Onyango]
Kenyan Staff - Facilities and Special Projects
Tobias is an Ndoto alumnus who was born and raised in Obunga. He is also a proud alumni of Amboseli School of Hospitality and Tourism where he studied tour guiding and administration. Tobias now has his own family – one loving wife and one handsome son. He is the second in the family to attain a Diploma at college level, and for that he gives thanks to God for bringing Ndoto into his life. He has recognized the dire need to serve people, give back to the community, and most importantly to know that God loves him and everyone else in Obunga. Tobias has served Ndoto in a variety of ways, from maintenance and security to leading worship at church. He joined the team full-time in 2018.
God had a plan for every experience growing up, even when I was down and almost giving up. He sent Ndoto into my life in 2006. Transformation in my life has been in stages and it's by the grace of God that I am here. Having been given the chance to serve at Ndoto I look forward to sharing the word of God with other people and using the little I have to serve others. Working with Ndoto is all about serving people and giving back to the community.
Tobias Onyango
Kenyan Staff - Facilities and Special Projects


Samson Jared Opiyo]
Kenyan Staff - Communications
Samson was born in Nakuru but raised in Kisumu County. He is the first born in a family of five siblings. He is a journalism and communications practitioner with experience in print and electronic media productions and public relations. Samson has worked at a government radio station and a Christian TV station in roles such as news writer, assignment editor, and head of programming. He is passionate about positive and transformative social, economic, and spiritual impact through media as a sphere of influence and believes media can be used to change social norms, empower people, educate, entertain, and inform. He is also passionate about ministry to young people and uses his skills to equip, restore dreams, and bring back hope to the lifeless. Samson also loves the visual and performance arts. He joined the team in 2023.
It’s a privilege and honor for this opportunity granted me to be part of the Ndoto family. I thank God and Ndoto and I am fully persuaded that God is doing a great thing in the lives of people from all walks of life through and in Ndoto and am so glad to be part of the great awakening story that will be told in years to come. I am here ready to partake, witness and participate in it.
Samson Jared Opiyo
Kenyan Staff - Communications


John Seale]
Director of US Operations
John has lived his entire life in Texas but has a vision for the world. He is a member at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Carrollton, Texas, where he grew up involved in mission work in 4 countries, including his first trip to Kenya in 2006. He has been involved in ministry in Kenya ever since, including cofounding the organization as Ndoto’s volunteer business manager. After 8 years working at a local church planting and community development organization, John joined the Ndoto team officially in 2017. He has a business degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Masters in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Katie, who is a worship leader at Prince of Peace, son Daniel, who was born in July 2016, and daughter Hannah, who was born in February 2021.
I wasn't sure I wanted to go to Kenya in 2006...I already had a very busy summer planned and didn't have a paying job so I told a spiritual leader in my life that I thought it was too much. He told me, 'Never deny God the opportunity to stretch you.' I signed up, raised the money, and my life was changed. That trip turned into seven, and then into my full-time job. It's amazing what the Lord will do when you aren't even expecting it.
John Seale
Director of US Operations
Board Members


Richard Cockcroft]
Chairman
Richard and his wife, Jane, who live in Dallas, both grew up in South Africa. They have two grown children who live in the Dallas area and are proud grandparents to the best grandchildren in the world. Richard loves to travel and is a wonderful cook. We like to call Richard our “African American” board member as he was raised in Africa and is now a naturalized American! Richard works at Gartner, the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company. Richard says, “Technology is a great enabler, even in the heart of Kenya’s slums there are cell phones everywhere and even the occasional Internet café!”
I am passionate about helping people help themselves, especially those that happen to be born into poverty. We need to help “break the chains” that keeps them poor. What better way to do this than to provide a quality education and a Christian community? My dream for Ndoto is that through education, the sponsored children will have a future, get to help others in pursuing their dreams, and most importantly, experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Richard Cockcroft
Chairman


Ken Towe]
Vice Chair/Treasurer
Ken was born and raised in Iowa but found his way to Texas Christian University (TCU) where he met his wife Janet and has been a Texan ever since. He and Janet have been married 37 years and have 4 sons and 2 grandchildren. Ken spent his career working in finance for Lockheed Martin until his recent retirement. Ken has passion for giving people in need a hand up. He works in the food bank and delivers meals for Metrocrest Services, mentors a young man through the Big Brother Program and stays active in his church. He sees Ndoto as tangible proof that you can transform people and even a community through the providing of educational and job opportunities and a sharing of the Gospel.
Ken Towe
Vice Chair/Treasurer


Roxane Malecek]
Secretary
Roxane was born and raised in Minnesota but is very happy to be in Texas with her husband of 43 years and to live near her two grown daughters and their husbands. Being a math teacher for many years and having lived in two third-world countries gives her a heart for participating in a foreign mission involving education for underprivileged children. Roxane volunteers as a Stephen Ministry Leader, serves on the Community Care team of her church, leads a Moms in Prayer International group, and enjoys doing some administrative duties for Ndoto stateside. Her hobbies include sewing, quilting, doing large jigsaw puzzles, and visiting with friends and family.
“Being involved with Ndoto is so important to me because I know that my family is helping change lives in a slum in Kenya by supporting two students to go to school. These students, in turn, will make a difference in their community in ways that I personally cannot do. Also, I love how Ndoto guides the students with Biblical truths that will challenge their spiritual lives to grow closer to God.”
Roxane Malecek
Secretary


Richard Ray]
Board Member
Richard is a retired television journalist who anchored and reported at KDFW-TV, the Fox affiliate in Dallas/Fort Worth, for 36 years. He’s moved on to a second career as an actor and writer, through Linda McAlister Talent, one of the top agencies in Texas. Born and raised in Minnesota, he and his wife, Catherine, have been involved in mission work in Africa since 2004, and were part of the Ndoto dream before it became a formalized nonprofit effort. He and Catherine are faithful sponsors of Ndoto students and have been heavily involved in business development in Obunga. The Rays love to travel and explore the natural beauty of God’s creation and have now been to more than 50 countries around the world.
The work Ndoto does in offering young people an education, an opportunity at a better life, and raising them up to be followers of Christ is something that I give thanks for daily.
Richard Ray
Board Member


Dr. Emily Sloan]
Board Member
Emily grew up in Houston, Texas. She completed her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University and went to medical school at The University of Texas-Houston. She came to Dallas to complete her residency at Children’s Medical Center and is now a pediatrician at Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic. She volunteers at local schools near the clinic by sharing the importance of education and medicine. Emily also serves as a board member for LINC North Texas and is involved in her church’s missions department. Previously, she has focused on Hispanic outreach and was very involved with outreach in Guatemala. She took her first trip to Kenya with Ndoto in 2010 and was captivated by the people and their great need. Since that first trip, she has become a frequent traveler to Kenya, a sponsor, an advocate, and a board member.
Even from my first days in Kenya, I knew that God was changing the direction of my heart, and that my first trip would not be my last. Over the years, I have had the privilege of bonding with a group of precious preteen girls, learned a little Luo (their tribal language), and been given the opportunity to use my medical background to serve the people of Obunga. I treasure the friendships that have grown; I have been blessed beyond measure.
Dr. Emily Sloan
Board Member


David Schroeder]
Board Member
David grew up in Houston, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007 with a degree in architectural engineering. For 11 years, he was a construction manager and licensed engineer for a Fort Worth-based civil engineering firm. He was involved in several water projects before taking a major role in DFW airport renovations, continuing that work with a new firm. In 2021 he began working for the Tarrant Regional Water District. His friend, John Seale, invited him to come to Kenya with him in 2009, and that led to a second visit in 2011. These trips sparked a passion for the world in him, and he and his family have traveled extensively across the United States, Europe, and Israel. David is also an entrepreneur, with notable side businesses including being a travel blogger, Airbnb host, and LEGO collector and reseller. David married Rebekah in 2012 and they have two kids, Ephraim and Pearl. He joined the Ndoto Board of Directors in 2021.
My friends were starting a non-profit organization in 2009, and I was tagging along, assisting whenever possible. It was a wonderful trip, with many exciting and new experiences. The Kenyan people are amazing, and I now have many lifelong friends on the other side of the world. Ndoto is doing impressive work and I was honored to be asked to be on the Board of Directors after so many years as a supporter.