Our Board

Oreada completed his university studies in 1999 for Finance-Accounting at the University of Tirana. Then she attended the 2-year studies at the Center for Christian Leaders in Tirana where she started her first job in administration, teaching and mentoring. From 2005 to 2014, he worked at Raiffeisen Bank Albania in various sectors such as Loan Administration or Analysis and Project Management at departmental, divisional and corporate levels. Since 2008, he founded and directs the Jonathan Center with the aim that the community with special needs in Albania, and especially those with Down Syndrome, live with dignity and reach their maximum potential. Since 2011, she leads with her husband, Altin, the evangelical church ICF Tirana as well as a series of projects and initiatives in the country in equipping young leaders for success.

Elvira Rama is a member of the Board. She graduated from Virginia Regent University in Entrepreneurship & Leadership with a Masters in Leadership & Organizational Development. Elvira has extensive experience working with cross-cultural teams in East, Eastern Europe, East & South Asia, the Pacific Islands and East & West Africa. She has led operational teams, held leadership positions in Human Resources, worked as a strategic consultant and currently holds a senior consulting role for Global Organizational Change & Development at World Vision International. Currently, Elvira holds the position of global leadership, learning and development, Catholic Relief Services.

Jorid Spiecker is a member of the Board. Born and raised in Norway, trained in finance. Since 1990 he has lived in the Balkans as a missionary with Youth with a Mission (YWAM). Trained at YWAM Nations University: School of Mission, Leadership, Family Ministry and is a Certified Marriage Counselor. Jorid is passionate about mentoring young women and couples. Together with her husband, they run YWAM's Family Ministry for Albania and are part of YWAM's Family Ministry for Europe team.

Annette Maria Henriëtte Burgers Van Gorkum is a member of the Board. Born and raised in the Netherlands, she studied at the Academy of Visual Arts in Maastricht in the disciplines of drawing, painting and teaching arts. From 2005 to 2009, together with her husband Pierre, she was active for the Dutch organization: "Hope for Albania" in Albania. At that time she met Oreada Kita and fell in love with Oreada's dream of creating a center for children with Down Syndrome and With a heart to care for people and working in various mission-oriented organizations, she is also a co-founder of the Jonathan Center.