Our Team - Water To Thrive

Meet our Team

Susanne Wilson

Executive Director

Why I’m here: I’ve seen first-hand that there is no more basic need than water.

What I love about my work: Connecting with our supporters who are touched by our mission, and connecting with the villagers whose lives are changed by it.

Julie Craig

Programs Assistant, Chef's Table Coordinator

Why I’m here: I am overjoyed to be a part of delighting people with clean water on the other side of the world.

What I love about my work: I love seeing the photographs of smiling children and proud workers at a newly dug well.

Joyce Harmon

Bookkeeping and Accounting Manager

Why I’m here: Four years ago I was offered the position with this remarkable non-profit. It was just a job to me but it has become so much more.

What I love about my work: I am reminded every day that there are hundreds of generous people who give from their hearts to affect the lives of thousands. I am humbled and inspired by our donors and our recipients.

Kari Hughes

Donor Relations Coordinator

Why I’m here: I’ve used my skills in many different industries, but the last several years of working for Water to Thrive’s mission to bring life-changing water to families in east Africa have brought incredible motivation and purpose to each day.

What I love about my work: I am blessed to witness such dedicated acts of kindness from our amazing donors, whose hearts are moved to change the lives of others. They honor us with their trust and act through their donations to sustain our work.

Madison Magiera

Event, Outreach, & Communications Coordinator

Why I’m here: As an intern, I traveled to Ethiopia and saw first-hand how clean water impacts lives in the most amazing ways. I couldn’t wait to work full-time for an organization creating such meaningful change.

What I love about my work: I am a people person, so I enjoy meeting and communicating with people. At work, I get to do this, and talk all about an amazing organization, while fulfilling my passion for helping others.

Claire Miller

Why I’m Here:
I am drawn to our mission because of the everlasting effects of clean water and aspiration to change lives for the better.

What I Love About My Work:
The compassion and generosity of our donors brings positive change even beyond water. It’s an honor to work here!

Kellie Shellaby

Office Manager

Why I’m here: I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a team of individuals who possess such wonderful hearts and compassionate spirits.

What I love about my work: The beautiful smiles and joyful hearts of children who receive clean, safe water for the first time is truly inspiring and amazing. Though they have very little, they are truly thankful for what they do have. You can almost hear the laughter when you look at a photo of their joyous faces.

Gashaw Simeneh

Ethiopia Project Manager

Why I’m here: I’ve witnessed rural, marginalized communities in East Africa that benefit from our water projects, and how people’s lives are being changed.

What I love about my work: Working in partnership, bringing higher impact to a community with minimum administrative costs, sharing different experiences with various cultures

Kim Usey

Editorial & Design Consultant

Why I’m here: I truly believe we have an obligation in life to find ways to help those who need it.

What I love about my work: During the years I’ve worked with Water to Thrive, I’ve loved watching this organization grow and achieve and continually find ways to further its mission and bring the blessing of clean, safe water to hundreds of thousands of people. I am glad to continue to support Water to Thrive in whatever way they need.

Dick Moeller

Founder and Chairman of the Board

Why I’m here: Providence….that sums it up best. From the beginning, there was no grand plan. Things just started happening…..hearts opened, minds went to work, contacts were made, word spread. So many generous, caring people have helped make this possible. It has been a blessed journey!

What I love about my work: Witnessing the joy and gratitude from the blessing of clean safe water! This photo of eight-year-old Alimetu splashing clean water on her face for the first time says it all.