Advisory Council Members
Director of Notre Maison/St. Joe's: Gertrude Bien-Amie Co Chair: Debbie Buzzard Co Chair: Sheri Funderburk Social Media: Jordan Weyker Intern Supervisor: Amanda Reeves |
Debra BuzardHometown: Kearney, MO
Debbie currently serves as Director of Missions at the First United Methodist Church in Kearney, MO, where she and her husband raised their adult children. She has a B.S. in Journalism and Mass Communication, as well as an M.A. in Mass Communication. Debbie has been involved in Haiti mission projects for several years, with a focus on education. She serves as a board member of "Love Haiti, " an organization that sponsors children in Haiti to attend school." Debbie has been a guest at Notre Maison for several years, and serves as an honorary "grandmother" to the children. Through the years, she has become a good friend with Madame Gertrude and the staff. She says, "Gertrude is an amazing woman, who not only provides a safe and loving home for nearly 50 children, but also employees 27 Haitians. She loves her country, and offers love and hope to many." Jordan WeykerHometown: Montgomery, IL
Jordan is a graduate student at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS and currently works as a Physical Therapist in South Eastern Wisconsin. While completing her B.S degree in Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse, she worked in several physical therapy clinics like Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, and Strides in Motion, a horse therapy clinic. She also served as a Captain for the Women's Diving team, traveling with her team throughout the Midwest, competing against other teams. Jordan demonstrated strength in her faith by leading the Athletes In Action Bible study through the campus ministry, Campus Crusade for Christ. In the summer of 2016, Notre Maison was privileged to have Jordan as an intern, primarily working with the children in the therapy room. She was a great team player and blessed so many Notre Maison children. |
Sheri FunderburkHometown: Centennial, Colorado
Sheri is a retired teacher with experience in special education, early childhood, and elementary grades. She is married with two adult sons. She currently works with children with reading difficulties and directs a youth group for children and young adults with special needs at her church. After retirement she began volunteering in the field of teacher development in Haiti. Sheri became involved with Notre Maison soon after the earthquake when the children were still sleeping in tents. She has seen so much improvement in the facility and the programs since then, a tribute to the good stewardship of Gertrude and her staff. Besides ensuring a healthy and happy environment for all children at the orphanage, her personal interest is promoting independent life skills for the disabled children. She says, “I had heard about Gertrude’s orphanage for years, but when I finally walked through that gate I knew I was home. I know what is available in the U.S. for the disabled, and I want the same for these kids.” Amanda ReevesHometown: West Plains, MO
Amanda has been a Respiratory Therapist since 1996 and has been taking children with special needs into her home for the past 17+ years. As a result, her family has been blessed by adoption and have 5 children. In the fall of 2014, Amanda and her daughter, Maghen, began looking for an orphange in Haiti where they could work as volunteers. Through a mutual friend, they heard about Gertrude and Notre Maison. They scheduled a trip the following spring and have been going several times a year ever since. The rest of the family quickly joined in to volunteer as well. Amanda thinks of Gertrude as a friend and a woman after God's own heart. She has been inspired by Gertrude to continue the Reeves family tradition of providing assistance to children with special needs. She helped launch a feeding program that supplies additional protein, fruits and vegetables for the most frail children at the orphanage. We are very thankful for Amanda's service for the children of Notre Maison. |