Staff

Tanya Weaver, Executive Director (full time)

Tanya Weaver joined American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA) in 2005. In addition to directing AFCA’s day-to-day activities, Tanya frequently speaks about AFCA and AIDS to students, community organizations and religious organizations. In 2007, Tanya created and held the first Climb Up so Kids Can Grow Up, an international series of outdoor events that raises funds for AFCA.

She has spent much of her life abroad involved in international development. Prior to joining AFCA, Tanya worked in Afghanistan as a Project Supervisor and later as Interim Country Director for Shelter for Life International, a global organization that provides assistance building homes and other shelters for those in need. Previously, Tanya worked with Habitat for Humanity International in Romania, Portugal, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary and Russia.

Tanya’s involvement with international development began early in her life. Raised in Colombia, she worked in orphanages in Colombia, Brazil and Jamaica during college summer breaks, further broadening her world view.

Tanya has a Masters in Art Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She currently resides in Harrisburg, PA with her husband Eric, her daughter Julia and her son Aiden.

Michelle Miller, Executive Assistant / Finance Director (part time)

Michelle started in the construction field right out of high school. She enjoyed a 25 year career in accounting, human resources and office management. In addition to office management, Michelle loved guiding homeowners through the selection process in building their dream home. The housing economy sent her searching for a new adventure, which brought her to us.

Michelle and her husband, Ron, have been married for 12 years and live in Lebanon, PA. They have been blessed with a daughter, Megan, who is 7 years old. Michelle and her family are active members of Grace United Church of Christ, where Michelle serves as a deacon.

Shelly Hitz, Director of Development (full time)

Shelly was born and raised in the heart of Pennsylvania where she worked in the family business into her early twenties. At that time she ventured into drafting for a structural engineering firm, but ultimately found her passion in administration in the non-profit sector.

After spending a few years in the mental health industry, Shelly is returning to her passion where she’ll use over seven years of experience in fundraising and development to propel the development of AFCA.

Shelly is a graduate of Millersville University with a degree in business administration with a focus in management. She lives in Lebanon, PA and is the proud aunt of two nieces and two nephews.

Sarah Ladner, eBay Store Manager (volunteer)

Sarah Ladner has a degree in Elementary Education but in addition to teaching, she has worked in various fields including design & construction, home-based bookkeeping and private tutoring. She’s been married to Jason for eight years and is the proud mama of three beautiful children. She is very thankful to be able to stay at home with her children. She is thrilled to be on board with AFCA and to use her gifts to work out of her home and help AFCA grow in its scope and mission.

Jim Copland, Database Manager (part time)

James A. (Jim) Copland lives in Quebec, Canada and has worked in the information technology field since 1987. For the last six years he has specialized in database stewardship and management for charitable organizations.

Jim holds a bachelors degree in music from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. in English literature from the same university. As well as doing database administration he also does French-to-English translation and conducts two community choirs and a professional orchestra and was on the boards of Les Groupes Bibliques Universitaires (Québec) and Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (Canada) for several years.

Jacqueline Johnson, Graphic Designer (volunteer)

Jacqueline Johnson holds a degree in Fine Art from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Currently she lives and works in Appleton, Wisconsin as a full time Graphic Designer. Jackie, together with her husband of 8 years, are grateful to give their gifts to local and international non profits such as AFCA.

Katie Johnson, Intern - Kenya (volunteer)

Katie Johnson graduated with a degree in Anthropology from Lee Univeristy in 2010. Most recenty, Katie has completed a fourteen month training in tropical sustatinable agriculture and community development as the Community Gardens Intern with ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) in Fort Myers, Florida.

She has participated in international projects throughout her undergraduate studies in Kenya, Germany and with Native American and Slavic immigrant groups. Katie enjoys serving through learning, expressions of humanity through music and artisan crafts, and is most at home where there are seeds and soil to cultivate.

Now, Katie will be working with Stephen, a Kenyan nutritionist in our Mombasa project. Together, they will train community members on gardening best practices while planting and harvesting nutritious foods for HIV+ children.

American Foundation for Children with AIDS