Our Team
Antonia De Boer
Executive DirectorAntonia joins Niteo as a passionate problem solver, energized by collaborative conversation and wholehearted action. She brings 13 years experience serving and leading in the nonprofit sector and a master’s degree in Cross Cultural Studies. Antonia believes in Niteo’s strategic model of international partnership, addressing the complex challenges of global poverty and injustice through local-global relationship and cooperation.
Karine Veldhoen
Founder & Board PresidentKarine Veldhoen, M.Ed., is the Founder of Niteo and a creative force in education. As an experienced educator and school leader she created the first model Learn Forward™ school (2015) while simultaneously serving as Executive Director of Niteo Africa (2007-20). Additionally, she’s taught teacher candidates at two universities in curriculum theory and enactment. In all of her roles, she considers herself a modern-day pilgrim who stands for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Now, as Founder of Learn Forward™ she dedicates her professional practice to coaching and consulting — championing the extraordinary potential of school leaders to design for thriving.
Jamie Stevens
Board MemberJamie first joined Niteo in 2011 and has served in multiple roles in the past decade. She authored Niteo’s micro-credential Leadership in Literacy, served as the Interim Executive Director in 2021, and currently serves a Director on the Board. Jamie has a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in religion. Her brain is always percolating on how to sustain equitable, just, and joyous communities. Jamie has been a middle school teacher, community organizer, organic farmer, and an electrical apprentice. She believes everyone deserves the same opportunities she was fortunate enough to be born into and knows that the ability to read is an essential key to unlocking those opportunities.
Sam Turya (Bsc (Maths), PGDE/PGCE, PGDS ,MIT)
Board MemberSam Turya is the Principal and Director of Kabojja International School in Kampala, Uganda. His career includes 25 years of teaching, coaching, and leadership. Sam believes in cultivating creative thinkers, using a well balanced approach that produces passionate global citizens. He has participated in more than ten teacher training programs both at Cambridge University and in other countries conducted by CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education).
Alison Hayman
Board MemberSample DescriptionAlison is a public librarian (MLIS) and social worker (BSW). Literacy learning and access to information are her passions. Her participation in The Story as Community Family Reading program was her introduction to Niteo. She shares Niteo’s goals of working collaboratively with community partners to strengthen literacy both locally and beyond.
Shandrea Tesoriere
Board MemberShandrea is a passionate educator. From a young age, she explored the world through books. Her journey with Niteo Africa began in 2015, as she was searching for a travel experience more meaningful than that of a traditional tourist. The strength and resilience of the Niteo partners opened her eyes and heart, inspiring her to give more, do more, and be more. Serving as an educator and humanitarian gives her an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children both locally and globally. “I believe that literacy and education are the key to promoting peace and understanding, and giving children the chance of a bright future.”
Carly La Berge
Board MemberCarly joins Niteo from the Fora Rise on Boards program, which pairs young female and gender-diverse leaders with non-profit boards and mentorship. She considers herself a disruptor of the status quo and is passionate about the social determinants of health, especially literacy and early childhood experiences and the trajectory they have on children's futures. Carly completed a Master of Public Health specializing in social policy and now works as a Senior Policy Analyst at the First Nations Health Authority. Carly is so excited to be a part of this amazing team!
Segun Fatudimu
Board MemberSegun Fatudimu is the founder of Impact Toolbox. He is a social impact and youth development strategist with expertise in developing training and tools that help social ventures scale their impact and become financially sustainable. He has over nine years of experience working on youth development, social entrepreneurship, healthcare, and education projects. He has consulted for globally renowned organizations such as the American Red Cross, the International Research and Exchange Board, Technology Associations of Grant Makers, The City of Chicago and the City of Kelowna.
Bruce Merrifield
Board MemberBruce has supported Niteo since its inception in 2007. He has served in various leadership roles throughout his career including as a pastor and leadership development trainer. Bruce is currently a member of the Rotary club of Kelowna and is a proud father and grandfather who enjoys spending time with family and travelling.