Meet Our USA Team
Diane Reiner
Executive Director
I went to Uganda in 2006 to study photography, and Ronnie Sseruyange became my guide into the slums of Kampala. As I saw him offer hope to street children who had nowhere to go and nothing to do, I developed a deep respect for his commitment to their welfare. The fact that he himself had been a street child made his work more compelling, and the decision to help him help others was easy. Jajja’s Kids has grown steadily from that simple beginning.
After 30 years working for New York state government, I wanted to utilize my organizational and managerial skills in an international setting. Developing Jajja’s Kids allowed me to apply my abilities and the result has greatly exceeded my expectations.
Mary Kozlowski
Board Member
I am excited to join the Board of Jajja’s Kids and contribute to the vital work being done for the youth of Uganda. With a solid foundation in project management and technical expertise honed over years as an internal auditor, I am eager to leverage my skills and creative problem-solving abilities to tackle challenges head-on. I look forward to collaborating with the team at Jajja’s Kids and supporting their mission of fostering development and education for young people. I am committed to making a meaningful impact and advancing this important cause.
Connie Frisbee Houde
Board President
One of my passions is combining my love for photography and travel with working for humanitarian aid organizations. This helps me have a perspective of other cultures and their importance. I have been fortunate to visit Jajja's Kids in Uganda several times, and enjoy working with the children and staff there.
My background and job experience are in the nonprofit sector, working as director of a small house museum, consultant to historical societies and small museums, and now as curator in a major museum. My varied experiences have helped Jajja’s kids grow as a nonprofit, especially my knowledge of grant writing and program development.
Steve Kozlowski
Board Member
I am thrilled to be joining Jajja’s Kids USA Team. I am happily retired and looking forward to contributing to this amazing effort. My work history has been in project development and coordination. I am looking forward to supporting Jajja’s Kids through my organizational skills and in any other way I can help. I have made a lifetime commitment to community service and to making life on earth more equitable.
Scott Reinhart
Board Member
I am excited to become part of a group that is passionate about, and committed to, making a difference in the lives of the former street kids of Uganda.
Spending thirty-eight years as a teacher and school principal in the Rochester, NY area, provided me the experience and perspective necessary to educational program planning and the understanding of the varied stages of adolescent development.
I was drawn to join the board in 2023 because Jajja’s Kids recognizes the value of saving the world one child at a time. It is great to be part of something that is truly making a difference.
We mourn the passing of our beloved supporter, volunteer, and friend, Mark Saker.
Mark was originally from England and came to the United States in his twenties, where he built a life after meeting his wife, Susan Fowler.
Susan, a teacher, first became involved with Jajja’s Kids in 2015 when her second-grade class in Albany connected with the children in Uganda through Skype. By 2017, Susan and Mark had both joined the Board of Directors and made their first trip to Uganda to visit the program firsthand.
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Our Partners
First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush, NY
Global Law Firm,
Albany, NY
Maestro Dentistry
Albany, NY