Founder & CEO Panama/USA

Marie Claire (MC) was born in Coteaux Haiti and raised in Miami, Florida. She received a Master of arts with an emphasis in clinical social work at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS), a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Trinity College in Miami, and a certification with Association of Christian School International. She currently operates and teaches at the JLM Christian Academy and is also a partner and a part time teacher at a private international school in Santa Clara. She worked in the public school and private school system in the US teaching Preschool to high school,  including counseling children with mental and behavioral problems. As a missionary for 40 years, her heart is to reach children with the gospel news of Jesus. 

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Global Director USA

Thea grew up in Richmond, VA and attended Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Fine Art. She worked for 10 years as an Educator and platform artist for Redken Laboratories before building a family with her husband in Florida. Bible Study Fellowship International was  instrumental for 20 years growing her faith and teaching in the children’s program. She met MC in Panama and joined in partnership with JLM Christian Foundation in 2014, traveling on missions and helping expand the foundation with campus design, media and fundraising.

She also utilizes her artistic abilities to handcraft unique jewelry “Designs on Heaven”  since 2001. All of the proceeds from DOH support JLM Christian Foundation.

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Mission Coordinator Panama

William Charles Covelens Jr., better known as B.J. for Bill Jr.

He is an American missionary from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a registered nurse he has worked in both the assisted living and hospital setting for 10 years doing medical-surgical and trauma care. As a trained healthcare professional, he is the school nurse at JLM Christian Academy and also teaches science and health there. He recently moved from Pennsylvania to Panama to work as a full-time missionary teacher where he lives on the JLM Campus. Some of his hobbies include playing the guitar, hiking, swimming, reading and studying the Bible. 

Attorney/Teacher

Edilsa grew up in Panama and was selected by MC to become the first student at House of Hope under her guidance. She attended the University of Panama receiving a degree in Political Science and a Masters in Law. She also acquired a drivers license and passport to travel abroad serving on mission trips with the JLM Christian Foundation. Currently she is a Spanish teacher and serves as an attorney

overseeing legal transactions for the JLM Christian Foundation and JLM Christian Academy. Edilsa has been instrumental in leadership with other HOH students and with the many renovation and building projects on campus.

Board Member

Board Member 

Dr. Lulrick Balzora currently serves as dean of the Social Behavioral Sciences and Human Services. Pathway has been a part of Broward College since 2002 when he first started teaching world religion and history. A native of Haiti, Dr. Balzora developed his interest in higher education after obtaining his master's degree in history from Southeastern Louisiana University. Before joining Broward College, Dr. Balzora had served as a Baptist Chaplain in the Navy, a position he held both actively and in the reserves for over 25 years. Dr. Balzora has been married for 25 years and has two sons and lives in South Florida. He serves on several boards including his own non-profit;  Heart, Hands and Feet that helps universities in Haiti and schools in Panama.