Mark Thiessen, Program Director

Mark brings several years of experience as a teacher, primary and secondary school principal, and school district administrator to his role as Wellspring's Program Director.

Mark and his wife Tracey, along with their four children–Brooklyn, Sam, Jonah and Eli–join Wellspring from Williams Lake, British Columbia.

Read the Thiessen Family blog:
"The Thiessen Gang's Rwandan Adventure"

Kirsten Lake, Program Manager

Kirsten is helping prepare Wellspring trainers to deliver the Whole School Development Program. She loves using her heart, head, and hands in a project she passionately believes in.

Olive Bugembe, Parenting Course Coordinator

Olive joined Wellspring as a volunteer in early 2008 to help develop a course for parents. She has a heart for children and desires to use her life to empower them to bring out the best in themselves. "A child's smile brings meaning, joy, and satisfaction to my life."

Wellars Nkwaya, Parenting Trainer

Wellars joined the Wellspring Team as our Parenting Trainer in May 2010. Raised in a large family, Wellars falls in the middle of eleven siblings, although three of his brothers were lost during the genocide in 1994. For the past five years, he has been the father to his niece and nephew as they have attended secondary school in Kigali. Since he was a small boy Wellars wanted to be a teacher, just like his father.

Ladislas Nkundabanyanga, Trainer

Ladislas was a member of ACT Rwanda before joining Wellspring as a trainer. He wants to be a part of the great change he believes Wellspring is bringing to education in Rwanda.

Ernest Ntamugabo, Trainer

Ernest is extroverted, lively, and has a contagious joy. He enjoys investing in relationships, something he learned from growing up in a family of ten.

Mary Nankya, Trainer

Mary is a mature trainer who has been raising four children on her own since her husband's death. She is a respected, determined, and independent woman.

Benigne Nikuze, Trainer

Benigne is thrilled to find a job where she feels she can really serve God. She strongly agrees with Wellspring's focus on truly transforming hearts and minds.

Desire Nimpano, Trainer

Desire feels he now has a great purpose: being part of a team and working together for a common goal to impact a nation. He has been deeply impacted by training in peace and reconciliation and servant leadership.

Gilbert Bisengo, Trainer

Gilbert has a calm and contented presence and loves learning through observation. He has immense faith in God's work in his life and trusts his daily circumstances into God's hands.

Mercy Musembi, Trainer

Mercy is the last born in her family of ten. She moved to Rwanda with her husband in 2004 and is excited to be part of making a change in her new country.

Beatrice Namango, Trainer

Beatrice is a spunky 38 year old with 12 years of teaching experience. She has a strong burden for children and feels her heart is finally at peace since joining Wellspring.

Jeanne Tuyisenge, Trainer (Parenting Course Facilitator)

Jeanne joined the team of trainers in October, 2008. With experience as a Head Teacher and in Socio-Therapy (working with victims of trauma), she is ideally suited to be part of the Whole School Development Program.

David Mugenyi, Trainer

Since 2004 when David attended Wellspring's very first training, he has been excited about the work Wellspring is doing in Rwanda. He has been exposed to work in the military, media, and management, but his heart has always been with education. He was happy for the opportunity to join our staff in January 2009.

Theogene Kayiranga, Trainer

Theogene is also a new trainer as of January 2009. He began teaching because he needed a job, but it quickly became his passion. Although Theogene is only 27 years old, his passion has already led him to gain experience as a Head Teacher. His heart for people is evident and he is thankful for the team of staff he has become part of.

John Ruzima, Program Assistant

John has been with Wellspring since 2006 as the man who keeps our office running. He handles everything from the photocopying to purchasing of office supplies to the serving of tea.