Board of Directors

Sandra Rader | Co-Founder and Board President

As the Board President, Sandy has played an active role in the financial growth, strategic management and development of AVFP programs as well as healthcare educational training and service through regular trips to Kenya. After meeting Beldina Opiyo-Omolo while here in the USA for her graduate studies, Sandy joined AVFP in 2005 to assist in the development and initial funding of this project. Inspired by her mother’s work in missions, she assisted in the initiation of Jane’s African Orphan Mission, a program of AVFP dedicated to the educational, physical and psychosocial support of orphans and vulnerable children.

Sandy graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) with a BS in Physical Therapy. She was a certified specialist in vestibular and balance disorders with most of her career in neurological rehab and research. She also worked in outpatient settings, taught continuing education in her field of specialty and worked in home healthcare prior to her retirement in 2019. Sandy resides in Delaware Water Gap, PA.

Nancy Gould | Vice President

Nancy has been working with AVFP since 2005. She has assisted in the coordination of all Mission trips to Kenya since 2006 to present. Among her many duties as USA Board Secretary, Nancy also coordinates and implements fundraising activities as well as coordinates and works with AVFP volunteers.

She is an active member of the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain where AVFP had its humble beginnings in the USA.

Nancy worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant until her retirement in 2020 and resides in Delaware Water Gap, PA.

Sherry Blackman | Board Member

Rev. Sherry Blackman is an internationally published journalist, award-winning poet, and author of Call to Witness, A true story of one woman’s battle with disability, discrimination and a pharmaceutical powerhouse. She earned the “Outstanding Biblical Achievement Award" from the American Bible Society while in seminary, and was ordained with the Presbyterian Church of America in 2007. Rev. Blackman currently serves as a truck stop chaplain and as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, Pa.. She joined the International Board of AVFP in January after having traveled to Kenya on a former mission trip.

Grace Nolt | Board Member

Since 1992, Grace has worked as a graphic designer and writer on the marketing team at Spruce Lake, a large Christian Retreat, Conference and Youth Ministry Center in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. For 9 years she ran a maple sugaring operation as part of her job, and has facilitated adventure activities (zip line, climbing tower, etc.) She has a degree in Christian Ministries & Journalism from Eastern Mennonite University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She feels blessed to have grown up surrounded by faithful people who helped form a sturdy spiritual foundation. Over the years she has served as a Sunday School teacher, worship planner and leader, and now sings in the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain choir. Grace also volunteers at a local organic farm, a way of expressing a deep-rooted aspect of her faith -- a love of the land and the outdoors, where she is most at home

Lisa Paulette

Lisa Paulette, retired Supervisory Intelligence Analyst, began her career in the FBI’s Miami Division, and retired from FBI Headquarters after 32 years of service. During her career, she supported investigations of Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking, Health Care Fraud, Financial Institution Fraud, International Terrorism and Domestic Terrorism. She currently spends her time volunteering with her church, and within her community where she directs her concerns towards emergency management in addition to church security.