Who We Are
The Volunteers
Besides the people listed here by name, many volunteers in both the United States and South Sudan have donated countless hours to make possible our work with the people of South Sudan. Volunteers in the US have been especially effective in fund-raising and preparing grant applications. The volunteers in South Sudan have constructed several buildings, handled government relations, walked hundreds of miles on foundation business, and maintained an undeviating vision of what could be accomplished.
Southern Sudan Humanitarian is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Stephanie Bywater
Executive Director and Trustee
Stephanie Bywater, her husband and their five children have been involved in humanitarian efforts for communities in Mali, Africa for many years. Stephanie is involved in her local community in the Parent Teachers Association and other organization to make her community a better place to live. Stephanie enjoys running and bicycling to stay fit.
Akol Akol Deng
Program Advisor
Akol Akol Deng is a native of Gok Machar, South Sudan. He serves as a language and cultural advisor to SSH’s work in Nyamlel. He has a deep knowledge of transportation and logistic matters in South Sudan and is proficient in a number of local languages and dialects. He was an expedition member to Juba, Nyamlel, and Gok Machar, South Sudan, in 2007 and 2009.
James White
Trustee
James White’s involvement with Southern Sudan Humanitarian began while he was a law student at the University of Utah. James is now an attorney in California where he runs a small law office focused on family law and adoptions. Having previously been teachers, James and his wife strive to embed in their children the importance of education and service to others.
Michelle Seage
Trustee
Michelle has extensive experience working in resource-limited settings and is passionate about improving the health and welfare of vulnerable populations around the world.
Stephen Biel
Trustee
Stephen Biel is a native of Akobo, South Sudan. He serves as a cultural advisor, ensuring that SSH works in a way that is culturally appropriate and relevant to the people of South Sudan. He also interprets the Nuer language. He has visited South Sudan several times and is an essential link in the operation of the SSH program.
Kristina Gale
Trustee, Treasurer
Kristina’s interest in Africa began through fostering unaccompanied refugee minors from African countries, an experience that deepened her commitment to global health and humanitarian work. She holds a PhD in Public Health and is passionate about expanding access to education and opportunities for better health.
Paul Israelsen
Trustee
Paul Israelsen first met the people of Nyamlell while serving as a missionary in East Africa in 2009, and then volunteered with SSH during his time at BYU. His love for the people of Africa runs deep. Paul is an ophthalmologist and currently lives with his wife and four children in Utah.
Scott Jenkins
Emeritus Trustee, Co-Founder of SSH
Claron Twitchell
Emeritus Executive Director, Co-Founder of SSH
Claron helped to form SSH in 2007. He served as Executive Director for many years and has led multiple expeditions to South Sudan in person to evaluate and enhance the impact of SSH. His heart is deeply intertwined with the people of South Sudan, and he has left an indelible impact on the lives of those he has helped in their country.
Mark Ethington
Trustee, Emeritus
Mark Ethington previously served as Board Director for Southern Sudan Humanitarian. He also made two trips to South Sudan in which he worked with the people in Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan on education projects. He also made an assessment visit to the SSH school in Nyamlell.
