MCC founder and former director, Winnie is a Physician's Assistant and Paramedic specializing in emergency medicine. Serving as Chair Emeritus on the Executive Committee, she consults for MCC, providing guidance and technical assistance. Instrumental in MCC's creation in 1998 and MCP's 501(c)(3) establishment in 2001, she conducts field evaluations and monitoring.
Michael Farley has been on the MCP board since 2006 and served as board chair from 2020 to 2024. Michael first arrived in Makindu in 1977 as a Peace Corps Volunteer working for the Ministry of Agriculture. He has returned to Kenya over 35 times working on various projects. Since 2002, he has organized and led 17 Proper Walks in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, which have become the signature fundraiser for the MCP. Over the years, the Walks have raised over $1.3m. In the US, Michael spent 40 years working in the human services nonprofit field first as a practitioner and then as an administrator. He was the CEO of Elk Hill for 21 years. During that time Michael received three gubernatorial appointments and was recognized by Virginia’s largest private specialized education association with a leadership award named in his honor. Since retiring from Elk Hill in 2020, Michael has been a public speaker and consultant providing guidance to organizations on values-based leadership and organizational culture. However, he has mainly been enjoying life on his small farm in rural Virginia with his wife, Lee.
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Steve has been a MCP Board member since 2005 and has served several years as Chair or Treasurer , Steve served in the Peace Corps in Kenya (1977-80) as a Horticulture Officer in Ministry of Agriculture In Machakos - northwest of Makindu. He has returned to Kenya six times including Proper Walks in '04, '06, '12, and '21. Educated at St.Mary's College, Oregon State and Cornell, he retired from Oregon Food Bank after 28 years in program management in non-profit agencies. He worked in various human services roles including support of over 900 OFB-affiliated agencies and assisting homeless families in Portland . Steve now lives in Boise, Idaho. He continues to be devoted to making a difference in the lives of Makindu's children.
Nancy has served as MCP Board member since 2011. Nancy is a retired teacher with a PhD in Education, specializing in special education research. She has played a vital role in planning and organizing the MCP annual fundraiser and organizes smaller fundraising efforts throughout the year, by using her extraordinary cooking abilities to raise funds for MCP.
Long-time MCP supporter, retired Dental Hygienist Marcia volunteers in Africa and Asia in dental health. Board member since 2014, she leads 2-3 Kenya safaris yearly, called Safaris & Moore, raising funds and awareness. Her vision: all children deserve an opportunity for hope. Marcia continues to engage in various projects to support MCP's mission.
Cheri Villa has served on the MCP Board of Directors since 2016 and is currently in her second term as Board Chair, following three terms as Vice Chair. She is the founder of Nexus Executive Nonprofit Consulting, where she helps nonprofits thrive through strategic board development, fundraising, and sustainability planning. Cheri brings more than 25 years of executive-level experience in human services nonprofits, with a career dedicated to addressing homelessness, child welfare, food insecurity, and mental health. She has also taught university-level courses on Nonprofit Management and Fundraising Principles, and is a certified Leadership and Life Coach where she uses horse-facilitated coaching to help individuals and organizations grow with clarity and confidence. Cheri’s deep commitment to Makindu stems from a passion for the well-being of vulnerable children. She believes in the power of community and is honored to help the Makindu Children’s Center expand its impact and legacy of love and support.
Introduced to MCP while traveling with Marcia Moore, Niki is a long-time nonprofit advocate. Niki was elected Secretary in 2024. Retired, she focuses on supporting international groups empowering women and children. With a history of developing housing for special needs populations, Niki contributes valuable expertise and is dedicated to MCP's mission.
After her first Africa trip in 2022 with Marcia Moore, Kelli fell in love with the region and now supports the Makindu Children's Center. With 30 years in disability services, she works at Fraser, aiding those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kelli is passionate about helping others and enjoys spending time at the lake, cooking, traveling, and crafting.
Deborah joined the board in January 2023 and elected Treasurer in 2024, driven by her passion for the children. With a background in education, she now focuses on community outreach for children's wellness and safety. Inspired by John F. Kennedy, Deborah aims to make a transformative impact at the Makindu Children's Center.
Lisa has been a board member since 2023, after completing her first Proper Walk in that same year. Lisa is a retired Air Force Medical Service Corps Officer and current employee of the Defense Health Agency. She is committed to public service and global healthcare and is excited to lend her passion and experience in support of Makindu Children’s Program.
I was blessed to meet Michael Farley in 2005 and came to learn about his amazing adventures and Makindu Children's Program. I was enamored by how impactful the grass roots efforts were for the children and community of Makindu. As a child I was fortunate enough to spend some years in my mother’s native Zimbabwe and fell in love with both the continent and the people of Africa. Proper Walk & Safari 2025 will mark my 5th trip in support of MCP, and the first as a board member!
Kristen joined the MCP board in December 2024 after joining a Safaris & Moore trip where she was inspired by the dedication of the guardians and how they pool their limited resources to help those most in need. A project manager by day, Kristen is a former President of the Minneapolis Women’s Rotary and has served as silent auction captain for numerous non-profits. Kristen currently serves as Vice Chair.
