The Team

Founders and presidents

The couple met in Haiti in 2017 and were drawn together by a shared passion for showing Christ’s love to those in need. Married in Haiti in 2020 after working together for three years, they have served on the mission field for over 8 years side by side. 

They are currently residing in Missouri where Nelson works full time. They have plans to move back to Haiti in the future. The couple has recently welcomed their first child, one year old daughter, Nelinah, into their family. In 2025 they will be taking her to Haiti for the first time and plan to continue taking yearly trips together until doors open for them to move there permanently.

Nelson has a passion for helping people and believes that the only way to enjoy what we are blessed with is by sharing it with others. Rachel enjoys taking time to notice the needs of those around her and loving in hands-on and practical ways.  

Vice presidents and treasurers

Andy grew up in India with his parents doing full time mission work, and Alyssa has traveled to Haiti 4 times including a 4 month long internship the Summer after she graduated High School! They met and fell in love in 2020 and got married in 2022. They are currently residing in Ohio and expecting their first child in September of 2025. Andy has a full time job at a civil construction company, and Alyssa is a part-time barista and soon to be stay-at-home mom! 

They are passionate about serving and blessing people by using their God-given gifts and talents in small and big ways, in their community and internationally. They enjoy being with friends and family, the outdoors, pickleball and volleyball, and traveling together! 

Secretary

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Field coordinator and lead doctor

Together with his wife Michelle, Valery has been a huge part of making the vision of Espwa Demen a reality. Parents of two children who are 8 and 3, their desire to help other children in need drives them. 

Although he joined the team in 2023, Valery is a founder at heart. He exclusively manages all of the on-the-ground operations of the mission.

Valery is compassionate and passionate. For the past decade he has been a head doctor of one of the largest public hospitals in Haiti. Specializing in maternity and pediatric care. 

Main driver and logistics manager

Steeve is the main driver and logistics manager of Espwa Demen. He is also the touch point of our operations in Saltadere, as it is his home town. 

Steeve is engaged to his high school sweetheart. Has a full time job with the largest internet service in Haiti, Digicel. Volunteers with the mission. And is a father to his two year old daughter. 

Joining the team in 2021, Steeve has been a vital part of getting our personal safely around Haiti. 

He enjoys serving others, treating friends to home cooked meals at his home, and being flexible to help whenever needed. 

Head security

Joram became the head security for Espwa Demen Mission in 2022. He and his group of men escort our team on every outing ensuring safety. He is also a photographer and uses that skill for the mission as well. 

In 2024 Joram married his childhood sweetheart and welcomed their infant son the same year. The couple is a huge part of our heart and mission. 

Before Mirebalias came under gang control Joram was working at a local radio station as a dj and journalist. He is now unemployed but makes money on the side by using his computer skills to assist with visa forms, documents, websites, and social media. 

Chairperson

Matthew Koehn joined the team in 2025 when the structure of the mission adopted a board. But was a vital part of sharing the ministry with others and fundraising long before then. 

The CEO of a lawncare and landscaping company in Missouri, and the father of 9 children with his wife of 28 years Abigail, Matthew keeps busy. 

He is outgoing, compassionate, and always looking for ways to help the less fortunate locally and abroad. 

Chairperson

Text coming soon