AUSTIN STAFF

Sharla Megilligan, Executive Director

Graduated from Cedarville University 1997 (Biology, Secondary Education)
Graduated from The University of Texas at Austin 2004 (Master in Public Affairs)
Originally from Berne, IN
Fun fact: Sharla adopted fun twins.
Sharla’s Blog

Chuck Walker, Director of Development

Graduated from Baylor University 2000 (Religion)
Originally from Waco, TX

Jamie Lamb, Austin Office Coordinator

Majored in Drama at the University of Houston
Originally from Wyoming
Fun fact: Jamie used to tell people that her mom gave birth while she was parachuting. Jamie was born on an Airforce base, so that made sense to her!

John Reynolds, Accounts Manager

Graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1992 (Management)
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Fun Fact: John spent 7 1/2 years in the US Navy but was only on a ship for 7 months — which is good because he really didn’t like shipboard life!!

Robin Jamison, Project Coordinator

Graduated from Tarleton State University (Agricultural Services and Development with a minor in Communications)
Originally from Slaton, TX
Fun Fact: When the guys of the family are out of town, Robin and her daughter love to watch the entire mini-series of Pride and Prejudice.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC STAFF

Chris and Erika Snapp, Field Coordinators

Chris Snapp
Graduated from West Texas A&M 2005 (Psychology)
Originally from Joshua, TX
Fun Fact: Chris’ dream job (aside from working at Makarios, of course) would be to be a spy for the C.I.A.

Erika Snapp
Graduated from Baylor University 2004 (Journalism)
Graduated from University of Texas at Austin 2009 (MSSW)
Originally from Lorena, TX
Fun Fact: As a child, every night, Erika slept with a colorful patchwork bear from Haiti called “Haiti Bear.”
Marriage Fun Fact: Chris and Erika will celebrate their one year anniversary March 2010.
The Snapp’s Blog

Lauren and Andy Upton

Andy Upton
Construction Coordinator
Graduated from the University of Texas in 2005 (Sociology)
Originally from St Paul, MN, though he’s been an Austinite for many years
Fun Fact: Andy had the nickname “Boat” in high school because of the large 1973 Pontiac convertible he drove.

Lauren Upton
Health Administrator & Sponsorship Coordinator
Graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2005 (Chemistry)
Graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Masters of Physician Assistant Studies)
Originally from Austin, TX
Fun Fact: Lauren loves to cook, and sing, though typically not at the same time.
Marriage Fun Fact: Lauren and Andy have known each other since Jr High youth group at Austin Ridge. They are known to their families as Laurandy.
The Upton’s Blog

Johan Castillo, 1st Grade Teacher

Originally from Santo Domingo, DR
Fun Fact: Johan wants to be able to speak 6 languages fluently. He speaks Spanish, English and French. He hopes to learn Creole, German and Italian.

Odilsia Derriari, School Cook

Hometown: Los Algodones, Dominican Republic
Fun Fact: Odilsia has five sons and no daughters. Two of the brothers are twins. Odilsia also sings in her church choir, making a beautiful noise for Jesus.

Beyaliren Lopez Martinez, PreK Teacher’s Aide

Hometown: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Fun Fact:  Bella can play the drums, guitar, and piano.

Marnelia Costanios de la Rosa, Kindergarten Teacher’s Aide

Hometown: Monte Llano, Dominican Republic
Fun fact:  Marnelia got married in December 2010!  She is enjoying life as a newlywed.

Nicole Frica, PreK Teacher’s Aide

Hometown: Los Ciruelos, Dominican Republic
Fun Fact:  Nicole is currently enrolled in the local university.  Her favorite subjects are psychology, history, and geography.

Yosmeiry de la Cruz, PreK Teacher

Hometown: Nagua, Dominican Republic
Fun Fact:  Yosmeiry is a masseuse and has also been known to give dance lessons.

Monica Belier, School Cook

Hometown: Los Algodones, Dominican Republic
Fun Fact:  Monica is married to Odilcia’s brother.  They are sister-in-laws!