What We Do
CURE has a comprehensive approach to providing surgical care for children with disabilities. We support their families and strengthen the capacity of local church and healthcare systems in the countries we serve.
About CURE
CURE began over 25 years ago when Dr. Scott and Sally Harrison responded to God’s call to provide expert surgical care and ministry support to children living in poverty around the world through permanent hospitals.
President/CEO
Chief Program Officer
Chief Medical Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Ministry Officer
Chief Administrative Officer
Chief Ministry Officer
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
Counseling Director
Spiritual Director
Chief Medical Officer
Lead Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Lead for Anesthesia & Critical Care
Deputy Director
Medical Director
Medical Director
Medical Director
Medical Director
Medical Director
Medical Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Global Director of Marketing, Communications, and Brand
Head of Supply Chain Operations
Head of Technology
Director of Prosthetics and Orthotics
Head of Facilities
Global Director of Human Resource Operations
Head of Nursing, Quality & Patient Safety
Controller
Global Director of Grants and Foundation Relations
Global Director of Donor Relations
Director of Physiotherapy
Director of Clinical Quality Improvement
President/CEO
Chief Program Officer
Chief Medical Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Ministry Officer
Chief Administrative Officer
Chief Ministry Officer
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
Spiritual Director
Counseling Director
Spiritual Director
Chief Medical Officer
Lead Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Lead for Anesthesia & Critical Care
Deputy Director
Medical Director
Medical Director
Medical Director
Medical Director
Medical Director
Medical Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Executive Director
Global Director of Marketing, Communications, and Brand
Head of Supply Chain Operations
Head of Technology
Director of Prosthetics and Orthotics
Head of Facilities
Global Director of Human Resource Operations
Head of Nursing, Quality & Patient Safety
Controller
Global Director of Grants and Foundation Relations
Global Director of Donor Relations
Director of Physiotherapy
Director of Clinical Quality Improvement
CURE International is a global nonprofit network of children’s hospitals providing surgical care in a compassionate, gospel-centered environment.
We are a top-rated nonprofit committed to financial transparency. Learn how we make the most of every gift we receive.
We've been changing the lives of vulnerable children—one surgery at a time—since 1998.
Our board is committed to helping kids heal with CURE.
Dr. Scott and Sally Harrison have dedicated their lives to giving hope to children suffering from treatable disabilities throughout the developing world.
9 million children suffer with treatable disabilities in the countries we serve. Here’s our plan to reach them.
Justin Narducci serves as the President and CEO of CURE International, among the largest pediatric surgical hospital networks in the world. In this role, he is responsible for the development and implementation of the organization’s strategy to provide high-quality surgical care and intentional ministry support to children living with disabilities.
He joined CURE in June 2020 and brings over 15 years of faith-based nonprofit leadership and international business experience to the position. Justin began his career with The Boeing Company in its international finance and contracting departments. Prior to joining CURE International, Justin served for seven years as the President/CEO of Lifewater International. He holds a master of business administration in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a bachelor’s in business administration.
He serves on the advisory board of The Global Surgery Foundation and as a board member for Christian Connections for International Health.
Corné serves as the Chief Program Officer for CURE International, providing oversight to CURE hospitals in Africa and the Philippines.
Corné is a trained Nurse Anesthetist who completed the Dutch Military Academy as a Medical Platoon Leader. Prior to CURE, he served with Mercy Ships for five years on board the Africa Mercy as an Operating Room Manager and Hospital Director. He then worked for years at the organization’s headquarters in Texas as Vice President of International Programs.
Corné is excited to serve with CURE to bring hope and healing in tangible ways to children throughout the CURE network through our world-class surgical care and spiritual ministry services.
Outside of work, he enjoys competing in Spartan Ultra races, reading, taking family road trips, and gardening. Corné is married to Petra, and they have three children, Charlotte, Olivia, and Lukas.
Dr. Vaughn Frigon serves as CURE’s chief medical officer, where he supervises all aspects of CURE’s clinical care.
Dr. Vaughn has a bachelor’s degree in management from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, and a master’s degree in healthcare management from the Vanderbilt University Graduate School of Management. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Tulane University, where he was chief resident.
Prior to serving at CURE, he spent 10 years as the chief medical officer for TennCare, the Tennessee Medicaid program.
Dr. Vaughn is excited about the quality of the medical work CURE does and the difference we make in children’s lives both physically and spiritually.
Outside of work, he loves to exercise and watch sports with his family.
He is married to Frances, and the couple has three adult children: Ben, Jake, and Vanessa.
Dave Helman serves as the chief financial officer at CURE International, where he provides oversight into the financial operations across CURE’s hospital network.
Before serving with CURE, Dave worked in public accounting as an auditor specializing in nonprofit organizations and became a certified public accountant (CPA). In 2013, he joined CURE as the manager of financial reporting, and in 2017, was promoted to the director of finance. Dave is passionate about the mission of CURE and has enjoyed the opportunity to serve alongside many amazing co-workers and volunteers all around the globe.
Dave received his bachelor’s in accounting at Messiah University and a master of business administration at the University of North Alabama.
Dave, his wife Laura, and their adorable dog Surrey live in Grand Rapids. They enjoy playing games, visiting local coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family.
Earnest Kioko serves as chief ministry officer for CURE International, where he oversees the ministry operations of CURE’s network of children’s hospitals. Earnest provides leadership for strategic ministry planning, sets goals for ministry teams, collaborates on program implementation, and ensures ministry activities run according to established policies and practices.
Until late 2023, Earnest served as head of spiritual ministry at CURE International, and prior to that, he was the spiritual director of CURE Kenya. He joined CURE Kenya immediately after completing his theological studies at Scott Christian University in July 2005 and served in various roles—including chaplain, clubfoot counseling coordinator, and assistant spiritual director—until transitioning to spiritual director in 2015.
An ordained reverend with Africa Inland Church–Kenya, Earnest is currently pursuing a master of science in organizational development from United States International University Africa and a PhD in theology and development from Africa International University, Kenya.
He is married to Winfred, a high school teacher, and they are blessed with three daughters—Ruth, Blessings, and Angel.
Peter serves as Chief Administrative Officer for CURE International. In this role, he leads three critical support functions that ensure the safe and effective delivery of CURE’s mission: human resources, supply chain and procurement, and facilities and maintenance.
Prior to serving with CURE, Peter spent more than 22 years at Cornerstone University as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President. He has a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Clarks Summit University, an MA in education from Cornerstone University, and a PhD in leadership and organizational development from Michigan State University.
Peter is dedicated to CURE’s mission to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God. He likes that his role as CAO allows him to use his unique gifts and experiences to collaborate with other CURE team members to provide life-changing surgeries for children.
In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking and reading biographies. Peter and his wife, Karen, have been married for over 30 years and have three children—Sawyer, Jacob, and Issi.
Earnest Kioko serves as chief ministry officer for CURE International, where he oversees the ministry operations of CURE’s network of children’s hospitals. Earnest provides leadership for strategic ministry planning, sets goals for ministry teams, collaborates on program implementation, and ensures ministry activities run according to established policies and practices.
Until late 2023, Earnest served as head of spiritual ministry at CURE International, and prior to that, he was the spiritual director of CURE Kenya. He joined CURE Kenya immediately after completing his theological studies at Scott Christian University in July 2005 and served in various roles—including chaplain, clubfoot counseling coordinator, and assistant spiritual director—until transitioning to spiritual director in 2015.
An ordained reverend with Africa Inland Church–Kenya, Earnest is currently pursuing a master of science in organizational development from United States International University Africa and a PhD in theology and development from Africa International University, Kenya.
He is married to Winfred, a high school teacher, and they are blessed with three daughters—Ruth, Blessings, and Angel.
Chimwemwe serves as the spiritual director of CURE Children’s Hospital of Malawi. In this role, he leads the hospital’s ministry activities and outreach for patients, families, staff, and the wider community.
Chimwemwe holds a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and a minor in Christian education from the African Bible College. Prior to joining CURE, he was the hospital and university chaplain at Daeyang Luke Mission Hospital and Daeyang University, respectively. He was also an assistant pastor at Daeyang Presbyterian Church.
Chimwemwe is married to Deliwe Lungu. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Christian Leadership with Malawi Assemblies of God, enhancing his knowledge and skills in spiritual leadership and ministry.
Terence Kombe serves as the Spiritual Director at CURE Zambia. In his role, he provides spiritual care to CURE staff, oversees spiritual outreach events in the community, and ensures that proper spiritual patient care emanates from every discipline within the hospital.
He graduated from the Theological College of Central Africa and obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology with majors in pastoral care, education, and missions. Previously, he served as a pastor at Brethren in Christ BIC and as a senior pastor at Kingdom Assembly Ministries. In addition to ministry, he worked as a vice principal for a secondary teacher training college as well as a part-time lecturer at the University of Zambia.
Terence likes the fact that his role at CURE consolidates his three majors (pastoral care, education, and missions) and provides the rare privilege of reaching out to children and others beyond the pulpit. He is married with four children (three girls and a boy) and spends time playing soccer, badminton, volleyball, and chess in order to reach out to more people.
Jonathan Ligero serves as the Spiritual Director of the Tebow CURE Hospital in the Philippines, where he is responsible for leading the spiritual life at the hospital. He guides patients, families, and staff by engaging in spiritual ministry activities.
Jonathan graduated from Asian Seminary for Christian Ministries with a bachelor’s degree in Theology. Before serving with CURE, Jonathan has had experience working as the Dean of Students and Faculty Member at Davao Bible College, a Missions Mobilizer at the Asian (World) Center for Missions, NCR (a Missionary Training Arm of CBN Asia), a Technical Specialist at Intercessors for the Philippines, and a Sound Engineer and Proprietor of a sound recording studio. He then moved to Thailand and lived there for ten years. In addition, Jonathan served as a Director for the Media Hub Project at Foundation for Applied Linguistics in Thailand and a Co-Founder and Spiritual Director at AIM Thailand Foundation. He also serves as a Project-Based Field Recording Specialist for Southeast Asia at Faith Comes By Hearing.
Jonathan’s mission is to move according to God’s anointing upon him in ushering ministry partners, as the Lord would open doors, in reaching out remaining hvideost (the least and unreached) in these last days. He is excited to use his God-given talents and skills to serve the patients and their families at the Tebow CURE Hospital.
He is married to Ethel Servanez Ligero, and together they have three children named Marco Nathan, Mae-Anna Faith, and Matthew Ethan.
Grace is the spiritual director for CURE Zimbabwe. She coordinates all of the hospital’s spiritual programs, chapel services, staff devotionals, ministry outreach to patients, volunteers, and community outreach programs. She is committed to CURE’s mission to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God—a complete picture of the gospel.
Grace has an associate’s degree in practical ministry from Charis Bible College.
When she’s not at CURE, Grace loves to spend time with her family and enjoys picnics. She is married to Mubaiwa and they have two sons: Michael and Daniel.
Emanuel Mayaki serves as the spiritual director at CURE Niger. In his position, he is responsible for leading the spiritual life at the hospital. He guides patients, families, and staff by engaging in spiritual ministry activities. Emanuel served as spiritual director assistant from 2016 to 2021, so he is familiar with life at CURE Niger.
Emanuel holds a bachelor’s degree in English and humanities from Abdou Moumouni University. He has further developed his skills with training and professional development through various courses. Emanuel is excited to serve patients and their families in need of Jesus’s love.
Outside of work, he enjoys reading and learning. Emanuel is married to his wife, Dorcas, and they have a son, Josué Mainassara Emanuel.
Victor serves as spiritual director for AIC-CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya. In his role, he provides spiritual care to CURE staff, oversees spiritual outreach events in the community, and ensures that proper spiritual patient care emanates from every discipline within the hospital. He also establishes and models standards of Christian conduct for CURE staff, patients, patient families, and the community the hospital serves.
Since 2001, Victor has served as a local pastor in the Kisii region. He has also worked as the principal of a Bible training center and chaplain of an academy. Victor holds a diploma in Bible and pastoral ministries from Pwani Bible Institute and a bachelor’s degree in Bible and theology from Africa Theological Seminary.
In his personal time, Victor is a gospel artist and has recorded two albums, with more than 20 songs. He is married to Rose Rabera, and they have two sons: Alfa and Ebenezer.
Mesfin Taye serves as the counseling director at CURE Ethiopia where he ministers to patients, their families, and coworkers. In addition, Mesfin works with local churches to identify more children who need medical care. He joined CURE International in 2007 as a CURE clubfoot coordinator before being promoted to counseling director the following year.
Mesfin holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from the Evangelical Theological College and two master’s degrees in social psychology from Addis Ababa University and in Christian counseling from Vision International University. Additionally, he holds various certifications in leadership, counseling, and church administration.
He and his wife, Mahlet, have three children: Brook, Bitsiet, and Emnet. Outside of work, Mesfin loves to spend time with his family, participate in church ministry, and build support groups for adults with disabilities. One of his greatest passions in life is preaching the gospel and helping to expand God’s kingdom.
Pastor Fred Wangwa serves as the spiritual director at CURE Uganda. In his role, he provides general oversight to all spiritual ministry programs and ensures that spiritual care to is given to CURE staff, patients, and caretakers. Fred oversees spiritual outreach events in the communities and ensures that proper spiritual patient care emanates from every discipline within the hospital. He also establishes and models standards of Christian conduct for CURE staff, patients and their families, and the communities where CURE is serving.
Fred was a local church pastor for eleven years and a missions coordinator for a church planting team for six years before joining CURE. He is passionate about making Christ known to all people in all nations – John 17:3.
Pastor Fred holds degrees in theology, psychology, and counseling and a master’s degree in public health from Bugema University. He lives and serves the Lord and his people in Mbale area with his family.
Dr. Vaughn Frigon serves as CURE’s chief medical officer, where he supervises all aspects of CURE’s clinical care.
Dr. Vaughn has a bachelor’s degree in management from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, and a master’s degree in healthcare management from the Vanderbilt University Graduate School of Management. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Tulane University, where he was chief resident.
Prior to serving at CURE, he spent 10 years as the chief medical officer for TennCare, the Tennessee Medicaid program.
Dr. Vaughn is excited about the quality of the medical work CURE does and the difference we make in children’s lives both physically and spiritually.
Outside of work, he loves to exercise and watch sports with his family.
He is married to Frances, and the couple has three adult children: Ben, Jake, and Vanessa.
Dr. Andrew Hodges serves as the lead consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon for the CURE network, practicing at CURE Zimbabwe.
He studied medicine at Birmingham University and trained to be a general surgeon. In 1992, Andrew and his wife, Dr. Sarah Hodges (lead anesthesiologist at CURE Zimbabwe), moved to Uganda to serve in a Church of Uganda mission hospital for seven years.
Motivated by the huge need he saw for pediatric plastic surgeons in places of poverty, Dr. Andrew returned to the UK to retrain in this specialty. Upon completion of his training in 2005, he returned to Uganda to work in Kampala, developing a new plastic surgery department as well as a postgraduate training program at CoRSU Hospital.
In 2020, the Hodges moved to the Philippines, where they joined the team at Tebow CURE. There, Dr. Andrew established and grew the plastic and reconstructive service line. The Hodges moved to Bulawayo, where they serve with CURE Zimbabwe, in 2023.
Dr. Andrew loves the ability to work alongside his wife while furthering the mission of CURE.
Dr. Sarah Hodges serves as the lead for anesthesia and critical care for the CURE network and practices at CURE Zimbabwe. In her role, she develops and maintains the highest standards in anesthesia care—ensuring safe surgery and recovery for all CURE’s patients.
Dr. Sarah received her medical degree at Liverpool University Medical School in Liverpool. She then started training in anesthesia and obtained her diploma in anesthetics from the Royal College of Anaesthetists. After working for a few years, Dr. Sarah and her husband, Dr. Andrew Hodges (lead plastic and reconstructive surgeon for the CURE network), moved to Uganda where they served in a mission hospital for several years.
They returned to the UK in 1998 where Dr. Sarah resumed her postgraduate training in anesthesia and passed her final exams with the Royal College of Anaesthetists in 2002. Dr. Sarah and Dr. Andrew returned to Uganda in 2005 and served in several hospitals throughout the country. Dr. Sarah specializes in pediatric anesthesia, with a special interest in the difficult airway. She has also been involved in advocating for improved anesthesia provision in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2020, the Hodges moved to the Philippines, where they joined the team at Tebow CURE. There, Dr. Sarah led a team of anesthesiologists. The Hodges moved to Bulawayo, where they serve with CURE Zimbabwe, in 2023.
Doctor Eide Amparo serves as the Deputy Director and an orthopedic surgeon at the Tebow CURE Hospital in the Philippines. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany at the University of the Philippines Diliman and took up post-graduate Medical Education at the Davao Medical School Foundation Inc. In addition, he has undergone Clinical Observership and Training in Pediatric Orthopedics at the Primary Children’s Medical Center of the University of Utah Medical Center and Clinical training in the Ponseti Technique at the University of Iowa Medical Center. Eide is thrilled to share his knowledge and put his expertise to use at CURE Philippines and contribute to the organization’s mission. Eide is married to Addie and together they have four children: Edman, Tommy, Cheenee, and Castielle. When he is not performing hospital duties and surgeries, Eide enjoys carpentry, playing video games, and dabbling in cooking.
Dr. Fasto Ladu serves as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and medical director at the CURE Children’s Hospital of Niger. In this role, he is responsible for setting and maintaining the highest standards of surgical and medical care for the patients CURE treats. He views serving children as a way of serving God, and he believes surgical scars demonstrate the hope, faith, and love of Jesus.
Prior to joining CURE Niger in 2021, Dr. Fasto served as a medical officer and as a general orthopedic surgeon at several hospitals and health centers in South Sudan, South Korea, and Ethiopia. In 2019, he joined the team at CURE Kenya, where he served as the program manager for training, research, and development.
Dr. Fasto received his medical degree at the University of Bahar El-Ghazal College of Medicine and Health Sciences in South Sudan and was a surgical fellow at the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH). He completed postgraduate training in pediatric orthopedic surgery at CURE Kenya in partnership with The College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) and through the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS).
In his spare time, Dr. Fasto enjoys spending time with his family, his friends, and with God. He is married to Anita and they have four daughters: Keji, Poni, Jowan, and Abong.
Dr. Giorgio Lastroni serves as the Medical Director at CURE Zambia. He graduated from Milan University in Italy in 1997 and always dreamed of working in Africa, with a specific interest in pediatric orthopedics. In 2001, during his postgraduate training, he had the opportunity to work in Uganda with Dr. Norgrove Penny, setting up the first Ponseti clubfoot project in underserved countries. After completing his education at the Institute for Orthopedics in Milan, he started working as an orthopedic consultant for a public hospital in Italy in 2002, where he could be exposed to a wide spectrum of orthopedic and trauma surgery. During those years he was in charge of trauma, pediatric orthopedics, and foot surgery. In 2009, he was able to spend three months with Dr. Mark Myerson at the Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction in Baltimore and had the chance to meet Dr. John Herzenberg, one of the first surgeons utilizing the Ponseti method for clubfeet in the United States. He moved to Zambia in 2009 and started working as a volunteer at the CURE Hospital in Lusaka.
Dr. Samuel Maina serves as the Medical Director at CURE Malawi. He completed his medical training at the University of Nairobi before proceeding to Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, for his residential training in orthopedics and trauma. He capped it off with a fellowship in orthopedics and trauma from the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa. Prior to his residency training in orthopedics, he worked as a medical officer in orthopedics at CURE Kenya.
Dr. Maina lives in Blantyre, Malawi, with his wife, Tabitha, and their three children. His passion is serving the less privileged that are often ignored by society.
Dr. Tim Nunn serves as the Medical Director at CURE Ethiopia where he manages the day-to-day operations of surgery and treatment for patients at the hospital.
Dr. Tim Nunn completed a biblical and intercultural studies course at All Nations Christian College. He trained in Yorkshire, United Kingdom, and completed fellowships in Sheffield, United Kingdom, where he worked as a pediatric orthopedic consultant. Dr. Nunn also worked in South Africa and Kenya before coming to Ethiopia.
He is passionate about helping the most vulnerable children in low-income countries by sharing his skills and knowledge to build the national orthopedic surgical capacity while also sharing the gospel in deed and word.
He and his wife, Rachel, who works as a general practitioner, have three children, Matt, Beka, and Joel. Outside of work, Nunn enjoys working in his tool shed and fishing.
Since 2011, Dr. Joseph Theuri has served as the Medical Director of CURE Kenya, where he manages the day-to-day operations of surgery and treatment for patients at the hospital.
Dr. Theuri received his bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Nairobi and completed his internship at AIC Kijabe Mission Hospital. In 1998, he joined CURE Kenya as the hospital’s first clinical resident, where he was trained and mentored by CURE Kenya’s medical director at the time, Dr. Tim Mead. At the time, the only real orthopedic training program for the region was in Uganda, so in 2000, CURE sponsored Dr. Theuri to receive a degree in orthopedic surgery from Makerere University. He graduated in 2003 and served as CURE Kenya’s assistant medical director from 2004-2011.
In 2005, Dr. Theuri established a national clubfoot treatment program called Clubfoot Care Project for Kenya. In 2006 and 2007, he helped establish the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) orthopedic program at CURE Kenya and the Moi University Master of Medicine in Orthopedics program. He now oversees the COSECSA orthopedic training program at CURE Kenya. This training program, which is also supported by the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, trains orthopedic residents who serve throughout Kenya and beyond.
Dr. Theuri is involved in leadership at the AIC Kijabe Local Church and is also a children’s Sunday school teacher. He and his wife, Lillian, have four children: Daniel Macharia, David Mburu, Josephine Wairimu, and Reuben Mburu.
Dr. Emmanuel Wegoye serves as the medical director at the CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda. In this role, he is responsible for setting and maintaining the highest standards of lifesaving surgical and medical care for the patients CURE Uganda treats.
Dr. Emma completed medical school at Uganda’s Mbarara University of Science and Technology. He completed his master’s in neurosurgery and fellowship training at the University of Cape Town. Prior to joining CURE, Dr. Emma served at BethanyKids at AIC Kijabe Hospital, where he was head of pediatric neurosurgery.
Dr. Emma and his wife, Florence, have three children.
Adey Abate has served as the executive director of CURE Ethiopia since September 2007. She was integral in opening the hospital and overseeing its operations since the facility’s first surgery in January 2009.
Adey is originally from Ethiopia but moved to the United States during high school. She moved back to her birthplace to serve with CURE in Addis Ababa. Adey is very grateful for the opportunity to give back to her birthplace and be part of CURE’s mission.
Her experiences before joining CURE and returning to Ethiopia include roles at The Boeing Company, both on the commercial and defense programs, her last position being a subcontract manager for the Missile Defense Program at Boeing. She also worked for Booz Allen Hamilton, one of the largest US federal government contractors, as a senior consultant. Adey has a master’s degree from Seattle University.
Adey enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures. She also enjoys the outdoors and sports. She is an avid tennis player and played competitively both in high school and college.
Elly Chemey began service as the Executive Director at CURE Malawi in 2019. Originally from Kenya, Elly is no stranger to the country of Malawi, having served there with various mission organizations and NGOs for 17 years prior to joining CURE. Elly most recently worked for Child Legacy International and previously for Clinton Health Access Initiative, Catholic Health Commission, and Trinity Mission Hospital.
Elly trained and practiced as a clinician in Malawi before earning his bachelor’s degree in HIV/AIDS management from International University of Management (Namibia). Later he attained graduate degrees from Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and United States International University (Kenya).
Elly and his wife, Maggie (a registered nurse and intellectual property expert), have two sons, Ethan and Keagan.
Peter serves as the Executive Director of CURE Philippines. In this role, he leads the overall operations of the hospital including external relationships and linkages with local pastors and churches. He has a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Cal State University Stanislaus, and a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. He has also obtained a healthcare management certificate from Cornell University.
Peter is the Founder/CEO of Seeds of Dignity Ministries, Inc., the primary local partner of CURE Philippines, and has been living in the Philippines since 2008. Previously, he worked as a missionary in Singapore and held several senior leadership roles in local government in the United States.
While not at work, Peter enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, and outdoor sports. He is married to Pellen and they have four adult children and five grandchildren.
Tim serves as the executive director of the CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda. CURE Uganda is one of the world’s leading hospitals for treating children with hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and other neurosurgical conditions.
Tim has a bachelor’s in economics and accounting from Gordon College and a master of business administration from Penn State University. He is an avid reader, golfer, water skier, and guitar player. Tim and his wife, Kiera, are blessed with three energetic young kids-—Isaiah, Isabel, and Micah.
George Găvruș began serving as the executive director of CURE Niger in 2018. Previously, he served in the same role for CURE in Afghanistan, from 2014-2015.
Between his CURE assignments, George provided leadership to Fundatia APME, a missions foundation in Romania. With a passion for empowering others and a heart for education, George’s career has seen these threads interwoven through a variety of projects and settings, from leading a school for impoverished children to running a business incubator that taught job skills in a war-torn country. George has served with a number of humanitarian organizations and has also held professorships at several educational institutions.
A native of Romania, George holds a bachelor’s degree in pastoral theology and education from the University of Bucharest, received a master’s degree in biblical studies from Continental Theological Seminary in Belgium, and an MBA from Hull University in the UK.
George and his wife, Georgiana, have three children.
Frida serves as Executive Director for CURE Zambia. In this role, she maintains overall accountability for the operational, financial, spiritual, and clinical health of the hospital. Frida holds an MSc in development management from Open University (UK) and a BA in public administration from the University of Zambia. Previously, she has spent much of her career at international NGOs and has worked as the country director for Voluntary Services Overseas, ActionAid, and mothers2mothers.
Frida joined CURE to unapologetically serve the Lord in the course of her daily professional work. She sees her position as a great opportunity to do good works as well as engage spiritually with the people that she is serving. Frida and her husband, Jerran Phiri, are blessed with four lovely children, Natasha, Angela, Dumisa, and Chimwemwe. Outside of work, Friday enjoys time with her family, especially during Christmas when everyone gets together.
Dr. Evelyn Mbugua serves as the executive director of CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya, located in Kijabe, Kenya.
Dr. Mbugua comes to CURE with more than 16 years of experience as a clinician, seven of which have been in senior management in a clinical setting. As a physician in internal medicine, she completed her residency at Aga Khan University Hospital in Pakistan. From there, she went to AIC Kijabe Hospital where she served as the head of internal medicine, the director of graduate medical education, and most recently as the director of clinical services. Dr. Evelyn completed her bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Nairobi, her master’s degree in internal medicine from Aga Khan University, and is currently pursuing a master of business administration degree from the University of South Wales.
She is passionate about serving kingdom purposes especially by impacting future generations. She enjoys reading, getting to know people, and hearing their life stories.
Jonathan serves as CURE Zimbabwe’s Executive Director. In this role, he maintains overall accountability for the operational, financial, and clinical health of the hospital, as well as related programs within the country.
Jonathan has a postgraduate degree in geographical spatial development and 13 years of experience within the nonprofit sector. He has worked as Tearfund’s design monitoring and evaluation advisor for Southern and East Africa, Tearfund’s ECHO project manager, and World Vision’s Zimbabwe program information officer.
Jonathan believes in the necessity of addressing people’s needs in a holistic way–spiritually and physically–and he is grateful to work at an organization with holistic healing as their mission statement. Jonathan was born in Zimbabwe and loves his country. The opening of CURE Zimbabwe will bring hope and much-needed healthcare to the nation; he is thrilled to be a part of it.
Joshua Best serves as the global director of marketing, communications, and brand. He’s responsible for reaching new audiences, elevating the CURE brand, and conveying the ministry’s mission in a compelling way.
Originally from Canada, Josh holds a degree in advertising and design from OCAD University and comes to CURE with over 15 years of creative experience. Josh came to CURE because he wanted to run with people of action who don’t just talk about doing good, but rather do the work that good requires.
Josh currently lives in Zeeland, Michigan, with his wife, April, and their three children. In his free time, he enjoys writing books, traveling, and exploring nature with his family.
Luke serves as CURE International’s Head of Supply Chain Operations, where he leads the supply chain team in delivering key medical equipment and supplies to CURE’s hospitals, ensuring safe and effective surgeries. He’s also in charge of equipment refurbishment and maintenance support, logistics, and inventory management.
Luke has a bachelor’s degree in integrated supply management from Western Michigan University. Prior to serving at CURE, he worked for more than 13 years in neurosurgical instruments sales at Stryker and five years at Enterprise Holdings.
Pouring all his time and energy into serving children made vulnerable by disability and being part of a community of Christ followers that encourages one another in their faith journey make serving CURE a joy every day.
When he’s not working, Luke enjoys spending quality time with his family and doing anything outdoors, including golfing, taking walks, and playing fetch with his dog, Bear. Luke is married to Heather, and they have two daughters, Emily and Olivia.
Kevin serves as the Head of Technology for CURE International. He is responsible for managing, developing, and implementing technology strategy and new digital transformation initiatives across the CURE Hospital Network and Mission Support Center. Kevin has more than 20 years of experience in the technology field, leading teams to develop software and data solutions and implementing technology projects at various high-tech companies based in Silicon Valley.
Kevin is passionate about serving marginalized children and enjoys that working for CURE brings together his love for technology and desire to see the healing, hope, and love of Jesus shared with children in need.
Kevin and his wife Karen, both originally from South Africa, live in the San Francisco Bay Area in California and love to mentor young married couples. They have adult, twin sons who are both a few years into their post-college careers. When not working, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family, traveling internationally, and getting outdoors to enjoy God’s creation while camping, hiking, and backpacking.
Margaret serves as Director of Prosthetics and Orthotics. In this role, she oversees the setting up and running of prosthetics and orthotics clinics across the CURE network. Day-to-day, this involves supporting and training staff and ensuring every clinic offers the highest possible standard of care.
Margaret has a master’s degree in public health from the University of Edinburgh and a bachelor of science in prosthetics and orthotics from the University of Strathclyde, both in Scotland. She’s worked for nonprofit organizations in the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
She loves that CURE is taking seriously the need for good-quality prosthetics and orthotics services because it has a significant impact on restoring kids’ mobility and independence so they can live life to the fullest. It’s also exciting that they get to hear about Jesus at the same time.
Outside the hospital, Margaret likes to play the viola, the horn, and a little bit of piano. When she’s not making music, you can find her curled up with a good book.
Mike Hulland serves as Executive Director of CURE Philippines. Mike earned his BSc in prosthetics and orthotics from the University of Salford and his MBA from the University of Ulster. He started his career in prosthetics and orthotics. For several years he worked in Sri Lanka for an international NGO as a specialist advisor, responsible for the development of prosthetic and orthotic services in the post-conflict North and East of the country.
In time, Mike transitioned into management consultancy and was employed as a strategy consultant for a leading multinational firm, specializing in both international development and healthcare projects. Prior to joining CURE, Mike worked as the national lead for research and development for the largest prosthetic and orthotic company in the UK.
Mike and his wife, Rachel, are from Northern Ireland. They have two sons, Joshua and Isaac. Outside of work, Mike is an avid kitesurfer and keen cyclist.
Heather Hunter serves as CURE’s global director of human resources operations. Heather gives oversight to CURE’s Global Outreach Department (volunteer mobilization and coworker travel desk). She had an integral part in the creation of the Global Outreach Office and CURE becoming an accredited member of MissionExcellence. She has assisted in mobilizing over 10,000 volunteers since she began working for CURE in 2004.
Heather graduated from Nyack College with a degree in social science. Before coming to CURE, Heather worked for World Relief in church and volunteer relations.
Originally from New England, Heather currently resides in central Pennsylvania with her husband, Chad, and their daughter, Hannah.
Sylvia Kawira serves as CURE’s director of nursing quality and patient safety. She manages the development, implementation, and evaluation of the network’s overall quality improvement (QI) program to ensure appropriate accreditation compliance.
Sylvia is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Kenya Methodist University and MSC Healthcare Management from Kenyatta University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in MSC health systems management at Kenya Methodist University.
Sylvia comes to CURE with almost 25 years of work experience, including extensive nursing administration and hospital accreditation systems management. She loves the opportunity to serve children and families at CURE!
Sylvia is a blessed mom to her two kids, Nixon and Melissa. She loves being with friends and family, playing games, practicing photography, and traveling.
Julie serves as controller for CURE International and oversees the financial and accounting functions across the organization, supporting the hospitals in their operations.
Prior to her role at CURE, Julie worked in public accounting and as an accountant for a manufacturing company. She also spent many years as a stay-at-home and homeschooling mom.
Julie has a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Ohio Northern University and is a certified public accountant through the state of Michigan.
In addition to her Controller duties, Julie enjoys seeing the photos of all the kids CURE helps across the world and hearing about their lives before and after life-changing surgery at CURE.
Outside the office, Julie loves spending time with her family, including her two children, Brendan and Allison. She also enjoys exploring the woods along the beautiful West Michigan lakeshore and strolling the Grand Haven boardwalk.
Laurie serves as Global Director of Grants and Foundation Relations for CURE International, where she leads the grants team.
Prior to serving with CURE, Laurie worked as a Private Banking Account Manager at Bank of America and Coutts & Co. Most recently, she was Chief Operations Officer at the Institute for Global Healthcare Missions and Vice President of Development at MedSend.
Laurie has a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from California State University, a master’s in finance from City University in London, and a master’s in Christian ministry/leadership from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Laurie enjoys working with CURE’s loyal donors and inspirational partners to fulfill our mission to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God.
Outside of work, Laurie enjoys spending time at her cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, reading books, traveling, gardening, and going for walks.
Debbie serves as the Global Director of Donor Relations at CURE International, where she leads the major gifts team in aligning philanthropy and generosity to advance CURE’s mission.
Debbie joined CURE in 2014, serving in various communication roles, and loves the opportunity to build bridges that connect coworkers, partners, and donors to the mission and ministry work of CURE. She brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit work and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Wheaton College.
Debbie lives in Grand Rapids with her husband, Matt. They have been married for over 25 years and have three children—Maggie, Sophie, and Eli.
As director of physiotherapy, Christine helps improve rehabilitation services across CURE’s network of hospitals. This includes mentoring and building a team of physiotherapists, developing operating protocols and guidelines, and collaborating with physiotherapy providers locally, regionally, and internationally.
Christine is passionate about improving the quality of life for children with disabilities. She was inspired to become a physiotherapist through her younger sister, Maureen, who had cerebral palsy—a condition that cut her life short. In addition, Christine credits her mother, Winifred, as being the first to teach her how to love and care for Maureen—and by extension other children in need.
Christine received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physiotherapy from the University of Western Cape in South Africa. Prior to serving with CURE, she worked at Katalemwa Cheshire Home for Rehabilitation and CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital (both in Uganda).
In her spare time, Christine enjoys dancing, reading, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.
Kayla serves as CURE International’s director of clinical quality improvement. In this role, she leads organizational process improvement initiatives and strengthens data collection, management, and analysis activities across the network. She also assists with the implementation of clinical research initiatives and quality improvement projects at the hospitals. Her primary focus is to strengthen clinical efficiency and quality to improve CURE’s impact.
Kayla attended Calvin College for her bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minor in Spanish and went on to work as an ER nurse and volunteered with Mercy Ships in Madagascar and Benin. Kayla then received her master of public health degree from Harvard University, concentrating in global health and humanitarian studies, ethics, and human rights. She comes to CURE with a demonstrated passion for helping people all over the world and is excited to do the same at CURE.
Outside of work, Kayla loves to garden, read, sing, play piano, and travel with her husband, Phil.
Justin Narducci serves as the President and CEO of CURE International, among the largest pediatric surgical hospital networks in the world. In this role, he is responsible for the development and implementation of the organization’s strategy to provide high-quality surgical care and intentional ministry support to children living with disabilities.
He joined CURE in June 2020 and brings over 15 years of faith-based nonprofit leadership and international business experience to the position. Justin began his career with The Boeing Company in its international finance and contracting departments. Prior to joining CURE International, Justin served for seven years as the President/CEO of Lifewater International. He holds a master of business administration in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a bachelor’s in business administration.
He serves on the advisory board of The Global Surgery Foundation and as a board member for Christian Connections for International Health.
Corné serves as the Chief Program Officer for CURE International, providing oversight to CURE hospitals in Africa and the Philippines.
Corné is a trained Nurse Anesthetist who completed the Dutch Military Academy as a Medical Platoon Leader. Prior to CURE, he served with Mercy Ships for five years on board the Africa Mercy as an Operating Room Manager and Hospital Director. He then worked for years at the organization’s headquarters in Texas as Vice President of International Programs.
Corné is excited to serve with CURE to bring hope and healing in tangible ways to children throughout the CURE network through our world-class surgical care and spiritual ministry services.
Outside of work, he enjoys competing in Spartan Ultra races, reading, taking family road trips, and gardening. Corné is married to Petra, and they have three children, Charlotte, Olivia, and Lukas.
Dr. Vaughn Frigon serves as CURE’s chief medical officer, where he supervises all aspects of CURE’s clinical care.
Dr. Vaughn has a bachelor’s degree in management from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, and a master’s degree in healthcare management from the Vanderbilt University Graduate School of Management. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Tulane University, where he was chief resident.
Prior to serving at CURE, he spent 10 years as the chief medical officer for TennCare, the Tennessee Medicaid program.
Dr. Vaughn is excited about the quality of the medical work CURE does and the difference we make in children’s lives both physically and spiritually.
Outside of work, he loves to exercise and watch sports with his family.
He is married to Frances, and the couple has three adult children: Ben, Jake, and Vanessa.
Dave Helman serves as the chief financial officer at CURE International, where he provides oversight into the financial operations across CURE’s hospital network.
Before serving with CURE, Dave worked in public accounting as an auditor specializing in nonprofit organizations and became a certified public accountant (CPA). In 2013, he joined CURE as the manager of financial reporting, and in 2017, was promoted to the director of finance. Dave is passionate about the mission of CURE and has enjoyed the opportunity to serve alongside many amazing co-workers and volunteers all around the globe.
Dave received his bachelor’s in accounting at Messiah University and a master of business administration at the University of North Alabama.
Dave, his wife Laura, and their adorable dog Surrey live in Grand Rapids. They enjoy playing games, visiting local coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family.
Earnest Kioko serves as chief ministry officer for CURE International, where he oversees the ministry operations of CURE’s network of children’s hospitals. Earnest provides leadership for strategic ministry planning, sets goals for ministry teams, collaborates on program implementation, and ensures ministry activities run according to established policies and practices.
Until late 2023, Earnest served as head of spiritual ministry at CURE International, and prior to that, he was the spiritual director of CURE Kenya. He joined CURE Kenya immediately after completing his theological studies at Scott Christian University in July 2005 and served in various roles—including chaplain, clubfoot counseling coordinator, and assistant spiritual director—until transitioning to spiritual director in 2015.
An ordained reverend with Africa Inland Church–Kenya, Earnest is currently pursuing a master of science in organizational development from United States International University Africa and a PhD in theology and development from Africa International University, Kenya.
He is married to Winfred, a high school teacher, and they are blessed with three daughters—Ruth, Blessings, and Angel.
Peter serves as Chief Administrative Officer for CURE International. In this role, he leads three critical support functions that ensure the safe and effective delivery of CURE’s mission: human resources, supply chain and procurement, and facilities and maintenance.
Prior to serving with CURE, Peter spent more than 22 years at Cornerstone University as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President. He has a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Clarks Summit University, an MA in education from Cornerstone University, and a PhD in leadership and organizational development from Michigan State University.
Peter is dedicated to CURE’s mission to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God. He likes that his role as CAO allows him to use his unique gifts and experiences to collaborate with other CURE team members to provide life-changing surgeries for children.
In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking and reading biographies. Peter and his wife, Karen, have been married for over 30 years and have three children—Sawyer, Jacob, and Issi.
Earnest Kioko serves as chief ministry officer for CURE International, where he oversees the ministry operations of CURE’s network of children’s hospitals. Earnest provides leadership for strategic ministry planning, sets goals for ministry teams, collaborates on program implementation, and ensures ministry activities run according to established policies and practices.
Until late 2023, Earnest served as head of spiritual ministry at CURE International, and prior to that, he was the spiritual director of CURE Kenya. He joined CURE Kenya immediately after completing his theological studies at Scott Christian University in July 2005 and served in various roles—including chaplain, clubfoot counseling coordinator, and assistant spiritual director—until transitioning to spiritual director in 2015.
An ordained reverend with Africa Inland Church–Kenya, Earnest is currently pursuing a master of science in organizational development from United States International University Africa and a PhD in theology and development from Africa International University, Kenya.
He is married to Winfred, a high school teacher, and they are blessed with three daughters—Ruth, Blessings, and Angel.
Chimwemwe serves as the spiritual director of CURE Children’s Hospital of Malawi. In this role, he leads the hospital’s ministry activities and outreach for patients, families, staff, and the wider community.
Chimwemwe holds a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and a minor in Christian education from the African Bible College. Prior to joining CURE, he was the hospital and university chaplain at Daeyang Luke Mission Hospital and Daeyang University, respectively. He was also an assistant pastor at Daeyang Presbyterian Church.
Chimwemwe is married to Deliwe Lungu. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Christian Leadership with Malawi Assemblies of God, enhancing his knowledge and skills in spiritual leadership and ministry.
Terence Kombe serves as the Spiritual Director at CURE Zambia. In his role, he provides spiritual care to CURE staff, oversees spiritual outreach events in the community, and ensures that proper spiritual patient care emanates from every discipline within the hospital.
He graduated from the Theological College of Central Africa and obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology with majors in pastoral care, education, and missions. Previously, he served as a pastor at Brethren in Christ BIC and as a senior pastor at Kingdom Assembly Ministries. In addition to ministry, he worked as a vice principal for a secondary teacher training college as well as a part-time lecturer at the University of Zambia.
Terence likes the fact that his role at CURE consolidates his three majors (pastoral care, education, and missions) and provides the rare privilege of reaching out to children and others beyond the pulpit. He is married with four children (three girls and a boy) and spends time playing soccer, badminton, volleyball, and chess in order to reach out to more people.
Jonathan Ligero serves as the Spiritual Director of the Tebow CURE Hospital in the Philippines, where he is responsible for leading the spiritual life at the hospital. He guides patients, families, and staff by engaging in spiritual ministry activities.
Jonathan graduated from Asian Seminary for Christian Ministries with a bachelor’s degree in Theology. Before serving with CURE, Jonathan has had experience working as the Dean of Students and Faculty Member at Davao Bible College, a Missions Mobilizer at the Asian (World) Center for Missions, NCR (a Missionary Training Arm of CBN Asia), a Technical Specialist at Intercessors for the Philippines, and a Sound Engineer and Proprietor of a sound recording studio. He then moved to Thailand and lived there for ten years. In addition, Jonathan served as a Director for the Media Hub Project at Foundation for Applied Linguistics in Thailand and a Co-Founder and Spiritual Director at AIM Thailand Foundation. He also serves as a Project-Based Field Recording Specialist for Southeast Asia at Faith Comes By Hearing.
Jonathan’s mission is to move according to God’s anointing upon him in ushering ministry partners, as the Lord would open doors, in reaching out remaining hvideost (the least and unreached) in these last days. He is excited to use his God-given talents and skills to serve the patients and their families at the Tebow CURE Hospital.
He is married to Ethel Servanez Ligero, and together they have three children named Marco Nathan, Mae-Anna Faith, and Matthew Ethan.
Grace is the spiritual director for CURE Zimbabwe. She coordinates all of the hospital’s spiritual programs, chapel services, staff devotionals, ministry outreach to patients, volunteers, and community outreach programs. She is committed to CURE’s mission to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God—a complete picture of the gospel.
Grace has an associate’s degree in practical ministry from Charis Bible College.
When she’s not at CURE, Grace loves to spend time with her family and enjoys picnics. She is married to Mubaiwa and they have two sons: Michael and Daniel.
Emanuel Mayaki serves as the spiritual director at CURE Niger. In his position, he is responsible for leading the spiritual life at the hospital. He guides patients, families, and staff by engaging in spiritual ministry activities. Emanuel served as spiritual director assistant from 2016 to 2021, so he is familiar with life at CURE Niger.
Emanuel holds a bachelor’s degree in English and humanities from Abdou Moumouni University. He has further developed his skills with training and professional development through various courses. Emanuel is excited to serve patients and their families in need of Jesus’s love.
Outside of work, he enjoys reading and learning. Emanuel is married to his wife, Dorcas, and they have a son, Josué Mainassara Emanuel.
Victor serves as spiritual director for AIC-CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya. In his role, he provides spiritual care to CURE staff, oversees spiritual outreach events in the community, and ensures that proper spiritual patient care emanates from every discipline within the hospital. He also establishes and models standards of Christian conduct for CURE staff, patients, patient families, and the community the hospital serves.
Since 2001, Victor has served as a local pastor in the Kisii region. He has also worked as the principal of a Bible training center and chaplain of an academy. Victor holds a diploma in Bible and pastoral ministries from Pwani Bible Institute and a bachelor’s degree in Bible and theology from Africa Theological Seminary.
In his personal time, Victor is a gospel artist and has recorded two albums, with more than 20 songs. He is married to Rose Rabera, and they have two sons: Alfa and Ebenezer.
Mesfin Taye serves as the counseling director at CURE Ethiopia where he ministers to patients, their families, and coworkers. In addition, Mesfin works with local churches to identify more children who need medical care. He joined CURE International in 2007 as a CURE clubfoot coordinator before being promoted to counseling director the following year.
Mesfin holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from the Evangelical Theological College and two master’s degrees in social psychology from Addis Ababa University and in Christian counseling from Vision International University. Additionally, he holds various certifications in leadership, counseling, and church administration.
He and his wife, Mahlet, have three children: Brook, Bitsiet, and Emnet. Outside of work, Mesfin loves to spend time with his family, participate in church ministry, and build support groups for adults with disabilities. One of his greatest passions in life is preaching the gospel and helping to expand God’s kingdom.
Pastor Fred Wangwa serves as the spiritual director at CURE Uganda. In his role, he provides general oversight to all spiritual ministry programs and ensures that spiritual care to is given to CURE staff, patients, and caretakers. Fred oversees spiritual outreach events in the communities and ensures that proper spiritual patient care emanates from every discipline within the hospital. He also establishes and models standards of Christian conduct for CURE staff, patients and their families, and the communities where CURE is serving.
Fred was a local church pastor for eleven years and a missions coordinator for a church planting team for six years before joining CURE. He is passionate about making Christ known to all people in all nations – John 17:3.
Pastor Fred holds degrees in theology, psychology, and counseling and a master’s degree in public health from Bugema University. He lives and serves the Lord and his people in Mbale area with his family.
Dr. Vaughn Frigon serves as CURE’s chief medical officer, where he supervises all aspects of CURE’s clinical care.
Dr. Vaughn has a bachelor’s degree in management from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, and a master’s degree in healthcare management from the Vanderbilt University Graduate School of Management. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Tulane University, where he was chief resident.
Prior to serving at CURE, he spent 10 years as the chief medical officer for TennCare, the Tennessee Medicaid program.
Dr. Vaughn is excited about the quality of the medical work CURE does and the difference we make in children’s lives both physically and spiritually.
Outside of work, he loves to exercise and watch sports with his family.
He is married to Frances, and the couple has three adult children: Ben, Jake, and Vanessa.
Dr. Andrew Hodges serves as the lead consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon for the CURE network, practicing at CURE Zimbabwe.
He studied medicine at Birmingham University and trained to be a general surgeon. In 1992, Andrew and his wife, Dr. Sarah Hodges (lead anesthesiologist at CURE Zimbabwe), moved to Uganda to serve in a Church of Uganda mission hospital for seven years.
Motivated by the huge need he saw for pediatric plastic surgeons in places of poverty, Dr. Andrew returned to the UK to retrain in this specialty. Upon completion of his training in 2005, he returned to Uganda to work in Kampala, developing a new plastic surgery department as well as a postgraduate training program at CoRSU Hospital.
In 2020, the Hodges moved to the Philippines, where they joined the team at Tebow CURE. There, Dr. Andrew established and grew the plastic and reconstructive service line. The Hodges moved to Bulawayo, where they serve with CURE Zimbabwe, in 2023.
Dr. Andrew loves the ability to work alongside his wife while furthering the mission of CURE.
Dr. Sarah Hodges serves as the lead for anesthesia and critical care for the CURE network and practices at CURE Zimbabwe. In her role, she develops and maintains the highest standards in anesthesia care—ensuring safe surgery and recovery for all CURE’s patients.
Dr. Sarah received her medical degree at Liverpool University Medical School in Liverpool. She then started training in anesthesia and obtained her diploma in anesthetics from the Royal College of Anaesthetists. After working for a few years, Dr. Sarah and her husband, Dr. Andrew Hodges (lead plastic and reconstructive surgeon for the CURE network), moved to Uganda where they served in a mission hospital for several years.
They returned to the UK in 1998 where Dr. Sarah resumed her postgraduate training in anesthesia and passed her final exams with the Royal College of Anaesthetists in 2002. Dr. Sarah and Dr. Andrew returned to Uganda in 2005 and served in several hospitals throughout the country. Dr. Sarah specializes in pediatric anesthesia, with a special interest in the difficult airway. She has also been involved in advocating for improved anesthesia provision in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2020, the Hodges moved to the Philippines, where they joined the team at Tebow CURE. There, Dr. Sarah led a team of anesthesiologists. The Hodges moved to Bulawayo, where they serve with CURE Zimbabwe, in 2023.
Doctor Eide Amparo serves as the Deputy Director and an orthopedic surgeon at the Tebow CURE Hospital in the Philippines. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany at the University of the Philippines Diliman and took up post-graduate Medical Education at the Davao Medical School Foundation Inc. In addition, he has undergone Clinical Observership and Training in Pediatric Orthopedics at the Primary Children’s Medical Center of the University of Utah Medical Center and Clinical training in the Ponseti Technique at the University of Iowa Medical Center. Eide is thrilled to share his knowledge and put his expertise to use at CURE Philippines and contribute to the organization’s mission. Eide is married to Addie and together they have four children: Edman, Tommy, Cheenee, and Castielle. When he is not performing hospital duties and surgeries, Eide enjoys carpentry, playing video games, and dabbling in cooking.
Dr. Fasto Ladu serves as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and medical director at the CURE Children’s Hospital of Niger. In this role, he is responsible for setting and maintaining the highest standards of surgical and medical care for the patients CURE treats. He views serving children as a way of serving God, and he believes surgical scars demonstrate the hope, faith, and love of Jesus.
Prior to joining CURE Niger in 2021, Dr. Fasto served as a medical officer and as a general orthopedic surgeon at several hospitals and health centers in South Sudan, South Korea, and Ethiopia. In 2019, he joined the team at CURE Kenya, where he served as the program manager for training, research, and development.
Dr. Fasto received his medical degree at the University of Bahar El-Ghazal College of Medicine and Health Sciences in South Sudan and was a surgical fellow at the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH). He completed postgraduate training in pediatric orthopedic surgery at CURE Kenya in partnership with The College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) and through the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS).
In his spare time, Dr. Fasto enjoys spending time with his family, his friends, and with God. He is married to Anita and they have four daughters: Keji, Poni, Jowan, and Abong.
Dr. Giorgio Lastroni serves as the Medical Director at CURE Zambia. He graduated from Milan University in Italy in 1997 and always dreamed of working in Africa, with a specific interest in pediatric orthopedics. In 2001, during his postgraduate training, he had the opportunity to work in Uganda with Dr. Norgrove Penny, setting up the first Ponseti clubfoot project in underserved countries. After completing his education at the Institute for Orthopedics in Milan, he started working as an orthopedic consultant for a public hospital in Italy in 2002, where he could be exposed to a wide spectrum of orthopedic and trauma surgery. During those years he was in charge of trauma, pediatric orthopedics, and foot surgery. In 2009, he was able to spend three months with Dr. Mark Myerson at the Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction in Baltimore and had the chance to meet Dr. John Herzenberg, one of the first surgeons utilizing the Ponseti method for clubfeet in the United States. He moved to Zambia in 2009 and started working as a volunteer at the CURE Hospital in Lusaka.
Dr. Samuel Maina serves as the Medical Director at CURE Malawi. He completed his medical training at the University of Nairobi before proceeding to Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, for his residential training in orthopedics and trauma. He capped it off with a fellowship in orthopedics and trauma from the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa. Prior to his residency training in orthopedics, he worked as a medical officer in orthopedics at CURE Kenya.
Dr. Maina lives in Blantyre, Malawi, with his wife, Tabitha, and their three children. His passion is serving the less privileged that are often ignored by society.
Dr. Tim Nunn serves as the Medical Director at CURE Ethiopia where he manages the day-to-day operations of surgery and treatment for patients at the hospital.
Dr. Tim Nunn completed a biblical and intercultural studies course at All Nations Christian College. He trained in Yorkshire, United Kingdom, and completed fellowships in Sheffield, United Kingdom, where he worked as a pediatric orthopedic consultant. Dr. Nunn also worked in South Africa and Kenya before coming to Ethiopia.
He is passionate about helping the most vulnerable children in low-income countries by sharing his skills and knowledge to build the national orthopedic surgical capacity while also sharing the gospel in deed and word.
He and his wife, Rachel, who works as a general practitioner, have three children, Matt, Beka, and Joel. Outside of work, Nunn enjoys working in his tool shed and fishing.
Since 2011, Dr. Joseph Theuri has served as the Medical Director of CURE Kenya, where he manages the day-to-day operations of surgery and treatment for patients at the hospital.
Dr. Theuri received his bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Nairobi and completed his internship at AIC Kijabe Mission Hospital. In 1998, he joined CURE Kenya as the hospital’s first clinical resident, where he was trained and mentored by CURE Kenya’s medical director at the time, Dr. Tim Mead. At the time, the only real orthopedic training program for the region was in Uganda, so in 2000, CURE sponsored Dr. Theuri to receive a degree in orthopedic surgery from Makerere University. He graduated in 2003 and served as CURE Kenya’s assistant medical director from 2004-2011.
In 2005, Dr. Theuri established a national clubfoot treatment program called Clubfoot Care Project for Kenya. In 2006 and 2007, he helped establish the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) orthopedic program at CURE Kenya and the Moi University Master of Medicine in Orthopedics program. He now oversees the COSECSA orthopedic training program at CURE Kenya. This training program, which is also supported by the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, trains orthopedic residents who serve throughout Kenya and beyond.
Dr. Theuri is involved in leadership at the AIC Kijabe Local Church and is also a children’s Sunday school teacher. He and his wife, Lillian, have four children: Daniel Macharia, David Mburu, Josephine Wairimu, and Reuben Mburu.
Dr. Emmanuel Wegoye serves as the medical director at the CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda. In this role, he is responsible for setting and maintaining the highest standards of lifesaving surgical and medical care for the patients CURE Uganda treats.
Dr. Emma completed medical school at Uganda’s Mbarara University of Science and Technology. He completed his master’s in neurosurgery and fellowship training at the University of Cape Town. Prior to joining CURE, Dr. Emma served at BethanyKids at AIC Kijabe Hospital, where he was head of pediatric neurosurgery.
Dr. Emma and his wife, Florence, have three children.
Adey Abate has served as the executive director of CURE Ethiopia since September 2007. She was integral in opening the hospital and overseeing its operations since the facility’s first surgery in January 2009.
Adey is originally from Ethiopia but moved to the United States during high school. She moved back to her birthplace to serve with CURE in Addis Ababa. Adey is very grateful for the opportunity to give back to her birthplace and be part of CURE’s mission.
Her experiences before joining CURE and returning to Ethiopia include roles at The Boeing Company, both on the commercial and defense programs, her last position being a subcontract manager for the Missile Defense Program at Boeing. She also worked for Booz Allen Hamilton, one of the largest US federal government contractors, as a senior consultant. Adey has a master’s degree from Seattle University.
Adey enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures. She also enjoys the outdoors and sports. She is an avid tennis player and played competitively both in high school and college.
Elly Chemey began service as the Executive Director at CURE Malawi in 2019. Originally from Kenya, Elly is no stranger to the country of Malawi, having served there with various mission organizations and NGOs for 17 years prior to joining CURE. Elly most recently worked for Child Legacy International and previously for Clinton Health Access Initiative, Catholic Health Commission, and Trinity Mission Hospital.
Elly trained and practiced as a clinician in Malawi before earning his bachelor’s degree in HIV/AIDS management from International University of Management (Namibia). Later he attained graduate degrees from Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and United States International University (Kenya).
Elly and his wife, Maggie (a registered nurse and intellectual property expert), have two sons, Ethan and Keagan.
Peter serves as the Executive Director of CURE Philippines. In this role, he leads the overall operations of the hospital including external relationships and linkages with local pastors and churches. He has a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Cal State University Stanislaus, and a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. He has also obtained a healthcare management certificate from Cornell University.
Peter is the Founder/CEO of Seeds of Dignity Ministries, Inc., the primary local partner of CURE Philippines, and has been living in the Philippines since 2008. Previously, he worked as a missionary in Singapore and held several senior leadership roles in local government in the United States.
While not at work, Peter enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, and outdoor sports. He is married to Pellen and they have four adult children and five grandchildren.
Tim serves as the executive director of the CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda. CURE Uganda is one of the world’s leading hospitals for treating children with hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and other neurosurgical conditions.
Tim has a bachelor’s in economics and accounting from Gordon College and a master of business administration from Penn State University. He is an avid reader, golfer, water skier, and guitar player. Tim and his wife, Kiera, are blessed with three energetic young kids-—Isaiah, Isabel, and Micah.
George Găvruș began serving as the executive director of CURE Niger in 2018. Previously, he served in the same role for CURE in Afghanistan, from 2014-2015.
Between his CURE assignments, George provided leadership to Fundatia APME, a missions foundation in Romania. With a passion for empowering others and a heart for education, George’s career has seen these threads interwoven through a variety of projects and settings, from leading a school for impoverished children to running a business incubator that taught job skills in a war-torn country. George has served with a number of humanitarian organizations and has also held professorships at several educational institutions.
A native of Romania, George holds a bachelor’s degree in pastoral theology and education from the University of Bucharest, received a master’s degree in biblical studies from Continental Theological Seminary in Belgium, and an MBA from Hull University in the UK.
George and his wife, Georgiana, have three children.
Frida serves as Executive Director for CURE Zambia. In this role, she maintains overall accountability for the operational, financial, spiritual, and clinical health of the hospital. Frida holds an MSc in development management from Open University (UK) and a BA in public administration from the University of Zambia. Previously, she has spent much of her career at international NGOs and has worked as the country director for Voluntary Services Overseas, ActionAid, and mothers2mothers.
Frida joined CURE to unapologetically serve the Lord in the course of her daily professional work. She sees her position as a great opportunity to do good works as well as engage spiritually with the people that she is serving. Frida and her husband, Jerran Phiri, are blessed with four lovely children, Natasha, Angela, Dumisa, and Chimwemwe. Outside of work, Friday enjoys time with her family, especially during Christmas when everyone gets together.
Dr. Evelyn Mbugua serves as the executive director of CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya, located in Kijabe, Kenya.
Dr. Mbugua comes to CURE with more than 16 years of experience as a clinician, seven of which have been in senior management in a clinical setting. As a physician in internal medicine, she completed her residency at Aga Khan University Hospital in Pakistan. From there, she went to AIC Kijabe Hospital where she served as the head of internal medicine, the director of graduate medical education, and most recently as the director of clinical services. Dr. Evelyn completed her bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Nairobi, her master’s degree in internal medicine from Aga Khan University, and is currently pursuing a master of business administration degree from the University of South Wales.
She is passionate about serving kingdom purposes especially by impacting future generations. She enjoys reading, getting to know people, and hearing their life stories.
Jonathan serves as CURE Zimbabwe’s Executive Director. In this role, he maintains overall accountability for the operational, financial, and clinical health of the hospital, as well as related programs within the country.
Jonathan has a postgraduate degree in geographical spatial development and 13 years of experience within the nonprofit sector. He has worked as Tearfund’s design monitoring and evaluation advisor for Southern and East Africa, Tearfund’s ECHO project manager, and World Vision’s Zimbabwe program information officer.
Jonathan believes in the necessity of addressing people’s needs in a holistic way–spiritually and physically–and he is grateful to work at an organization with holistic healing as their mission statement. Jonathan was born in Zimbabwe and loves his country. The opening of CURE Zimbabwe will bring hope and much-needed healthcare to the nation; he is thrilled to be a part of it.
Joshua Best serves as the global director of marketing, communications, and brand. He’s responsible for reaching new audiences, elevating the CURE brand, and conveying the ministry’s mission in a compelling way.
Originally from Canada, Josh holds a degree in advertising and design from OCAD University and comes to CURE with over 15 years of creative experience. Josh came to CURE because he wanted to run with people of action who don’t just talk about doing good, but rather do the work that good requires.
Josh currently lives in Zeeland, Michigan, with his wife, April, and their three children. In his free time, he enjoys writing books, traveling, and exploring nature with his family.
Luke serves as CURE International’s Head of Supply Chain Operations, where he leads the supply chain team in delivering key medical equipment and supplies to CURE’s hospitals, ensuring safe and effective surgeries. He’s also in charge of equipment refurbishment and maintenance support, logistics, and inventory management.
Luke has a bachelor’s degree in integrated supply management from Western Michigan University. Prior to serving at CURE, he worked for more than 13 years in neurosurgical instruments sales at Stryker and five years at Enterprise Holdings.
Pouring all his time and energy into serving children made vulnerable by disability and being part of a community of Christ followers that encourages one another in their faith journey make serving CURE a joy every day.
When he’s not working, Luke enjoys spending quality time with his family and doing anything outdoors, including golfing, taking walks, and playing fetch with his dog, Bear. Luke is married to Heather, and they have two daughters, Emily and Olivia.
Kevin serves as the Head of Technology for CURE International. He is responsible for managing, developing, and implementing technology strategy and new digital transformation initiatives across the CURE Hospital Network and Mission Support Center. Kevin has more than 20 years of experience in the technology field, leading teams to develop software and data solutions and implementing technology projects at various high-tech companies based in Silicon Valley.
Kevin is passionate about serving marginalized children and enjoys that working for CURE brings together his love for technology and desire to see the healing, hope, and love of Jesus shared with children in need.
Kevin and his wife Karen, both originally from South Africa, live in the San Francisco Bay Area in California and love to mentor young married couples. They have adult, twin sons who are both a few years into their post-college careers. When not working, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family, traveling internationally, and getting outdoors to enjoy God’s creation while camping, hiking, and backpacking.
Margaret serves as Director of Prosthetics and Orthotics. In this role, she oversees the setting up and running of prosthetics and orthotics clinics across the CURE network. Day-to-day, this involves supporting and training staff and ensuring every clinic offers the highest possible standard of care.
Margaret has a master’s degree in public health from the University of Edinburgh and a bachelor of science in prosthetics and orthotics from the University of Strathclyde, both in Scotland. She’s worked for nonprofit organizations in the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
She loves that CURE is taking seriously the need for good-quality prosthetics and orthotics services because it has a significant impact on restoring kids’ mobility and independence so they can live life to the fullest. It’s also exciting that they get to hear about Jesus at the same time.
Outside the hospital, Margaret likes to play the viola, the horn, and a little bit of piano. When she’s not making music, you can find her curled up with a good book.
Mike Hulland serves as Executive Director of CURE Philippines. Mike earned his BSc in prosthetics and orthotics from the University of Salford and his MBA from the University of Ulster. He started his career in prosthetics and orthotics. For several years he worked in Sri Lanka for an international NGO as a specialist advisor, responsible for the development of prosthetic and orthotic services in the post-conflict North and East of the country.
In time, Mike transitioned into management consultancy and was employed as a strategy consultant for a leading multinational firm, specializing in both international development and healthcare projects. Prior to joining CURE, Mike worked as the national lead for research and development for the largest prosthetic and orthotic company in the UK.
Mike and his wife, Rachel, are from Northern Ireland. They have two sons, Joshua and Isaac. Outside of work, Mike is an avid kitesurfer and keen cyclist.
Heather Hunter serves as CURE’s global director of human resources operations. Heather gives oversight to CURE’s Global Outreach Department (volunteer mobilization and coworker travel desk). She had an integral part in the creation of the Global Outreach Office and CURE becoming an accredited member of MissionExcellence. She has assisted in mobilizing over 10,000 volunteers since she began working for CURE in 2004.
Heather graduated from Nyack College with a degree in social science. Before coming to CURE, Heather worked for World Relief in church and volunteer relations.
Originally from New England, Heather currently resides in central Pennsylvania with her husband, Chad, and their daughter, Hannah.
Sylvia Kawira serves as CURE’s director of nursing quality and patient safety. She manages the development, implementation, and evaluation of the network’s overall quality improvement (QI) program to ensure appropriate accreditation compliance.
Sylvia is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Kenya Methodist University and MSC Healthcare Management from Kenyatta University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in MSC health systems management at Kenya Methodist University.
Sylvia comes to CURE with almost 25 years of work experience, including extensive nursing administration and hospital accreditation systems management. She loves the opportunity to serve children and families at CURE!
Sylvia is a blessed mom to her two kids, Nixon and Melissa. She loves being with friends and family, playing games, practicing photography, and traveling.
Julie serves as controller for CURE International and oversees the financial and accounting functions across the organization, supporting the hospitals in their operations.
Prior to her role at CURE, Julie worked in public accounting and as an accountant for a manufacturing company. She also spent many years as a stay-at-home and homeschooling mom.
Julie has a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Ohio Northern University and is a certified public accountant through the state of Michigan.
In addition to her Controller duties, Julie enjoys seeing the photos of all the kids CURE helps across the world and hearing about their lives before and after life-changing surgery at CURE.
Outside the office, Julie loves spending time with her family, including her two children, Brendan and Allison. She also enjoys exploring the woods along the beautiful West Michigan lakeshore and strolling the Grand Haven boardwalk.
Laurie serves as Global Director of Grants and Foundation Relations for CURE International, where she leads the grants team.
Prior to serving with CURE, Laurie worked as a Private Banking Account Manager at Bank of America and Coutts & Co. Most recently, she was Chief Operations Officer at the Institute for Global Healthcare Missions and Vice President of Development at MedSend.
Laurie has a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from California State University, a master’s in finance from City University in London, and a master’s in Christian ministry/leadership from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Laurie enjoys working with CURE’s loyal donors and inspirational partners to fulfill our mission to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God.
Outside of work, Laurie enjoys spending time at her cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, reading books, traveling, gardening, and going for walks.
Debbie serves as the Global Director of Donor Relations at CURE International, where she leads the major gifts team in aligning philanthropy and generosity to advance CURE’s mission.
Debbie joined CURE in 2014, serving in various communication roles, and loves the opportunity to build bridges that connect coworkers, partners, and donors to the mission and ministry work of CURE. She brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit work and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Wheaton College.
Debbie lives in Grand Rapids with her husband, Matt. They have been married for over 25 years and have three children—Maggie, Sophie, and Eli.
As director of physiotherapy, Christine helps improve rehabilitation services across CURE’s network of hospitals. This includes mentoring and building a team of physiotherapists, developing operating protocols and guidelines, and collaborating with physiotherapy providers locally, regionally, and internationally.
Christine is passionate about improving the quality of life for children with disabilities. She was inspired to become a physiotherapist through her younger sister, Maureen, who had cerebral palsy—a condition that cut her life short. In addition, Christine credits her mother, Winifred, as being the first to teach her how to love and care for Maureen—and by extension other children in need.
Christine received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physiotherapy from the University of Western Cape in South Africa. Prior to serving with CURE, she worked at Katalemwa Cheshire Home for Rehabilitation and CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital (both in Uganda).
In her spare time, Christine enjoys dancing, reading, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.
Kayla serves as CURE International’s director of clinical quality improvement. In this role, she leads organizational process improvement initiatives and strengthens data collection, management, and analysis activities across the network. She also assists with the implementation of clinical research initiatives and quality improvement projects at the hospitals. Her primary focus is to strengthen clinical efficiency and quality to improve CURE’s impact.
Kayla attended Calvin College for her bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minor in Spanish and went on to work as an ER nurse and volunteered with Mercy Ships in Madagascar and Benin. Kayla then received her master of public health degree from Harvard University, concentrating in global health and humanitarian studies, ethics, and human rights. She comes to CURE with a demonstrated passion for helping people all over the world and is excited to do the same at CURE.
Outside of work, Kayla loves to garden, read, sing, play piano, and travel with her husband, Phil.