- Nate Kaunley
- Executive Director
Nate graduated from Evangel University with a Bachelor’s degree of Science in Sociology and a minor in Social Work. He is responsible for leading the executive committee and directing the logistical aspects of the organization. He has lived and worked in East Africa. He has worked alongside nationals to help facilitate grassroots initiatives in impoverished areas. He has formed relationships with many different organizations in East Africa, who will be working alongside Dusty Feet. Nate is an avid outdoorsmen with a great passion and devotion to mountaineering and climbing.
- Jess Heugel
- Communications Director
When Jess was 15 he moved to Kenya and spent his high school years amazed by the beauty, sorrow, and humor of East Africa. After completing a degree in journalism, Jess spent a few years as a newspaper photojournalist. Since 2008, he has been working as a freelance media producer in over 30 countries. Jess is excited about taking the message Echo Alliance do to a new level. Partnering with people he respects and a deep belief in the dignity of every person are the motivating factors of Jess' life goals. He keeps busy chasing those goals but is always glad to return home at the end of the day to his wife, Kelly.
- Andrew Earle
- Development Director
Andrew is married to Whitney and has two beautiful children: Alyvia and Jacob. Three years ago, Andrew visited the slums of Nairobi. It was then that the children of Mathare Valley grabbed his heart. He was amazed by the joy they possessed despite their horrific living conditions. Over the past years he has owned and operated several business ventures from a real estate holdings company to an outdoor marketing company. Currently he serves as the Support and Trips Coordinator but will also contribute to inspiring and establishing sustainability through various channels of micro-enterprises for the people of Kenya.
- Grant Heugel
- Operations Manager
Grant moved to Kenya in 1996 and spent his high school years playing sports and traveling with his family around Africa. His background is in media production and project coordination. He has traveled to over 25 countries producing, shooting and editing promotional and awareness videos. Grant loves adventure and is always eager to try exotic foods, chat up strangers and take the road lest traveled. He has recently returned from Iraq where he worked as a Civil Affairs specialist on a provincial reconstruction team. Since joining Echo Alliance, Grant has been instrumental in developing alternative methods to help struggling communities in developing countries. It is his goal to create sustainable, profit-making businesses in areas where traditional methodology has failed to make a lasting impact.
- Celia Plumb
- Social Programs Manager
Before setting foot in East Africa, Kenya had Celia's heart. Since recently visiting, a deep love and respect for Kenyans and their culture have only grown. She believes that every person possesses great value and the world's most vulnerable are those who do not live in this truth. That is why she lives to encourage, empower and advocate on behalf of those deemed untouchable. With Dusty Feet Celia is living out her passions. She is proud to be a member of such an incredible team!
- Becky Earle Kaunley
- Director of Special Projects
Becky graduated from Evangel University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. While at Evangel, Becky met her husband Nate who she now works alongside at Dusty Feet. Becky has the desire to educate and love young women and children who have been trafficked. Becky is passionate for people and believes the only way to defeat hopelessness is by focusing on rebuilding and restoring relationships. She loves singing and hopes to attend additional schooling for music in the future.
- Patrick Maina
- East Africa Coordinator
Patrick was born in one of Nairobi's most dangerous slums, Huruma, in Mathare Valley. He overcame circumstance and was able to graduate from high school in 2005. He came to Dusty Feet as a friend, but after traveling to Uganda with Dusty Feet, became a brother. When Patrick discovered the mission and vision of Dusty Feet, he felt compelled to join the organization because it dealt with what he has known his whole life. With an African mindset, he brings understanding of the culture, the daily struggles of the street child, and what can realistically be done to improve the lives of street kids, orphans, and those living with HIV/AIDS.
- Fredrick Ouma
- East Africa Coordinator
Freddie was born and raised in the slums of Nairobi. He completed high school in 2002, and graduated from college in 2007 with a degree in computer engineering. He has a passion to change the lives of people whom are living in the streets and are being mistreated by those who are more financially stable. His vision is to one day be able to open a home where street kids can have a place to eat, learn how to read, write, and obtain life skills that will lead to self-employment. He is willing to do whatever he can to see the street children moved from the streets and into a better life.