Volunteer Staff

Chris Emmel
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Chris Emmel is the Construction Operations Coordinator for SpanAfrica, lending his expertise in the physical construction of buildings when and where pertenant to the Grassroots Partner Organization projects.

"I am based out of Ft. Collins, Colorado. I own a consulting and contracting company with emphasis in environmental sustainability and renewable energies. I have been in business for the last 10 years with projects ranging from residential and commercial construction to solar energy."

Chris Murtaugh
Based in Montreal, Quebec, Chris is the Systems Administator fo the SpanAfrica back-end systems.

(We yet await a deep, meaningful quote from Chris.)

Emily Mattox
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Emily is working to recruit volunteers and interns from US campuses.

"I am a Colorado Native who loves the outdoors, singing, and children. I am a Caseworker and Counselor at Adoption Dreams Come True; a non-profit adoption agency based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. I have a passion for helping children and I am excited about the opportunity to work with SpanAfrica to help children around the world. I am excited to see what God is going to do through the work of SpanAfrica."

Franziska Dormann
Based in Cairo, Egypt, Franzi is SpanAfrica's AfricanRoots Program Coordinator.

She is completing her Masters in Global Studies, with an emphasis on political, societal, and historical developments in sub-Saharan Africa and the MENA- Region. She is proficienct in English, French, and Arabic. 

"I am working to apply my knowledge and passion for Africa through my work with SpanAfrica, while broadening my horizons."

Jake Fedie
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Jake is the graphic designer and website developer for SpanAfrica.

"I am a man of few words."

Kathryn Nelson
Kathryn coordinates SpanAfrica's quarterly newsletter.

Kathryn Nelson was a SpanAfrica volunteer with the Kenyan Red Cross.

That experience led to co-founding the Nafula Foundation, now a SpanAfrica Grassroots Partner.

Rachel McMonagle
Rachel is the Grassroots and Project Coordinator for SpanAfrica.

"I am attending Oberlin College in Ohio where I am focusing my studies on environmental practice and sustainable design. I hope to apply this knowledge and experience toward improving the standard of living in developing countries through involvement in ongoing agricultural and construction projects."

Tove Sigfridsson
Tove is the Director of Niche Operations for SpanAfrica.

Tove Sigfridsson was born and raised in Gothenburg, Sweden and has lived in Greece and Brazil. She is passionate about social justice and development. Currently Tove is living in South Africa, completing a master degree in International Studies at Stellenbosch University. Her educational background is in Political Science and Social Anthropology, and her work has focused on the recruitment of personal assistants for people with physical disabilities.