Meet the Team
The People Behind Ukids
Meet the passionate individuals who dedicate their time and talents to bringing hope, education, and transformation to children and communities in Uganda, creating a lasting impact through Ukids.
Director and Co-Founder
Bruce is a retired Family Practice physician having spent 35 years in private practice with a group of seven Christian doctors in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon. Bruce and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 45 years and have four children and 12 grandchildren.
Since 1997, Bruce has made 14 mission trips to Africa, initially as part of medical teams, and later partnering with a church in Uganda that had started an orphan village for displaced and vulnerable children. Bruce co-founded Ukids in 2006 and has since led teams to Uganda to build facilities and care for the people of Uganda.
Bruce has spent 31 years in church leadership and remains active in church. He enjoys fishing, farming, bird watching, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Co-Founder
Debbie helped co-found Ukids in 2006, and her passion lies in praying for, serving, and sharing Jesus with children and women in Uganda. She has been married to Bruce for 45 years and has served in Africa since 1999, specifically as a leader of Bible school for children and as a mentor and Bible study leader for women.
She is thankful to her mom and stepmom who mentored her and gave her a heart for opening her home and heart to vulnerable kids. In her spare time, Debbie loves playing with and praying for her 12 grandchildren.
Director of Student Education
Zion is a certified teacher with a degree from Namasagali University. She acts as a mentor, mother, and life coach to the young people supported by Ukids, helping them to put together an education plan, budget, and life goals.
She receives all Ukids funds related to student education and directly pays student university tuition and related costs, as well as monthly living allowances to students.
Co-Founder
Mark co-founded Ukids and has led many teams to Uganda, returning 20 times to continue Ukids' work with orphans and vulnerable children. His work emphasizes helping older children and young adults pursue higher education and establish themselves as independent adults.
Mark is an elder in his church and enjoys working on his two-acre farm and spending time on his John Deere tractor.
Co-Founder
Susan has been invaluable in planning and managing the multitude of logistics needed to coordinate Ukids' teams. She has visited Uganda over 20 times and earned the title "Mama Susan" for her loving dedication to children and mums served by Ukids.
In her spare time, Susan enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Board Member
Anna joined Ukids in 2009. She actively advocates for the end of extreme poverty and preventable diseases, balancing her advocacy work in the U.S. with her experiences in Uganda.
Anna and her husband enjoy living an adventurous lifestyle together.
Bookkeeper
Erin is a certified bookkeeper with over 10 years of experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and loves serving in children’s ministry at her church.
In her spare time, Erin enjoys reading, writing, crocheting, and embroidery.