Project: Pag-asa’s teaching staff are qualified teachers, some locally credentialed and some internationally licensed. Staff receive on-going professional development training on the effects of trauma, de-escalation techniques, and classroom strategies to reduce stress while supporting one another professionally and personally. We also have a counselor on staff, as well as a librarian and a number of other volunteers.

BETH POTTER: Education Director

As the Educational Director of Project Pag-asa, one might expect to see Beth behind a large desk or in a conference room with other administrators. Rather, she is on her feet most of the day, facilitating student intervention, consulting and mentoring teachers, instructing a class, and calling the copier repairman. As the mother of three, she understands that learning difficulties are not indicative of potential. Beth’s degree and experience in elementary ed led her to begin tutoring students from a nearby orphanage, and the rest is history!

Kim’s fifteen years in the Philippines have grown her fascination for scuba diving and underwater photography. A native of Chicago, big cities like Manila don’t scare her. But as a single mom of adopted son Daniel and two foster daughters, she is we…

KIM ABELS: Teacher

Kim’s many years in the Philippines have grown her fascination for scuba diving and underwater photography. A native of Chicago, big cities like Manila don’t scare her. But as a single mom of three adopted children, she is well-acquainted with the effects of urban poverty and institutions for orphaned and abandoned children. Before joining the Pag-asa team, Kim taught at an international school where exposure to ELL students helped prepare her for her current class.

LEONILYN TUGBONG: Teacher

Teacher Lyn aspires for her students to have a deep relationship with God and to see them have victory over past trauma. Her quiet demeanor makes her an excellent listener for her students, as well as the staff. Lyn is full of joy and puts her whole heart into her work as an elementary teacher. Working with kids from hard places, at Project: Pag-asa has challenged Lyn to grow in love, patience and understanding. In Lyn’s free time, she enjoys reading, listening to worship music and growing in knowledge from Christian speakers. 

LOTLOT UMIPIG: Teacher

Go to a party with Maria, known as Lotlot, and you’ll find her at the karaoke machine, microphone in hand. She also loves to accompany students on her guitar, and a sense of humor and joy contributes to her overcoming attitude. A family who accepted her in a difficult time inspires her to do the same for her students, believing that their “yet to be healed” state is temporary. A native of Davao City, Lotlot studied Early Childhood at? and completed Youth With a Mission’s Discipleship Training School. She is the mother of a beautiful little girl.

JUVIE GUBAT: Teacher

AGNES ZACHARIAS: Librarian

Agnes has a love for Jesus and books, which she shares with all her students. She has a gift for helping students select books that suit their interests. Having taught elementary school in her home country, Germany, Agnes knows how to encourage a love of reading in young readers. Through Pag-asa, Agnes enjoys seeing students' lives transformed, as they break the cycle they grew up with. During her free time, she enjoys cooking and baking with her Canadian husband, whom she met in the Philippines. And as a close second, she enjoys time with a good book! 

THADINE BENZONAN: Teacher

Thadine’s role as teacher of combined grades 3-5 is proof of her overcoming approach to life and her confidence that God’s embrace heals human heartbreak. Her personal encounters with bullying and isolation now serve to build empathy and strategy for her students. In her spare time, Thadine enjoys inspirational movies.

Sharing a bowl of sinigang soup after a hike with friends is Leah’s perfect day, but a close second is seeing the change in her kindergarten students who improve in self-regulation skills. This has made a deep impression on Leah who believes it reve…

LEAH ROMERO: Teacher

Sharing a bowl of sinigang soup after a hike with friends is Leah’s perfect day, but a close second is seeing the change in her kindergarten students who improve in self-regulation skills. This has made a deep impression on Leah who believes it reveals that God is always at work. Leah has been teaching at Project: Pag-asa since completing her Early Childhood degree from Our Lady of Fatima University.

AILEEN LAMPIOS NOE: Administrative Assistant

As the Administrative Assistant, Aileen is the go-to person for many important behind-the-scenes tasks. She is also available to help when a student is having a hard day. Prior to working at Pag-asa, Aileen worked as a caregiver at one of our partner orphanages, making her a familiar face for many students. Having lost her own mother at a young age, Aileen can understand some of the hurts and challenges of the students at Pag-asa. By God’s grace, Aileen was able to overcome adversity to complete her BS Administration. She now aspires to help the students of Pag-asa learn to trust God with all their hearts and walk by His word.

JENNIFER BRINAS: Teacher

Teacher Shirley’s diverse experiences with children began when babysitting her own siblings while her mom sold fish in the barangay, then expanded to teaching kindergarten in a children’s home, and then to interpreting for students learning English …

SHIRLEY LAMPIOS: Teacher

Teacher Shirley’s diverse experiences with children began when babysitting her own siblings while her mom sold fish in the barangay, then expanded to teaching kindergarten in a children’s home, and then to interpreting for students learning English at Project: Pag-asa. After beginning many years ago, Shirley has now fulfilled her passion to complete her teaching degree. In her free moments, she enjoys her family and serving in her church ministry.

SHARON CORNELSEN: Counselor

In Sharon’s counseling office, one sees puppets, play dough, art supplies, and emotion figurines. Here there are non-threatening ways students can heal from trauma. With her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Winnipeg and a degree in Art Therapy, Sharon is fulfilling her teenage calling to help heal the brokenhearted. Her unique approach flows from her own understanding of being silenced and using creativity to find a voice.

JANELLE WILLIAMS: Teacher

MATTHEW BEACK: Counsellor

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SUE DENNISON: Teacher

Sue volunteers at Project: Pag-asa part time as our art teacher.

BECKI BEACK: Education Assistant

 

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:7