Who We Are
The Joseph Family
The Joseph family is originally from Haiti but currently resides in Orem, Utah. Isson and Marie France Joseph were both born in Haiti and lived there until January 14, 1999. They witnessed many of the political conflicts that have risen in the country since 1986. As victims of all kinds of political and social instability, they nourish the idea of becoming a bridge for those they left behind, especially the children who symbolize hope for a better Haitian generation. Isson and Marie France were married in 1998 and are the proud parents of four children: Bradley, Bryan, Benjamin, and Barry. The foundation of Haitian Roots is an expression of their willingness to alleviate the weight of the lack of education for Haiti's little ones. It is also an expression of love and affection for Haiti whose destiny relies on the efforts and sacrifices of its citizens.
The Cox Family
The Cox family currently resides in Ogden, Utah. Jason and Shannon are the proud parents of three children: Grace, Adelaide and Andre Loumisson. Andre joined the Cox family in the Summer of 2005 from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. During the adoption process, Jason and Shannon were able to visit Haiti on a few different occasions. During these trips they not only fell in love with little Andre but also with the country and its people. Their family is not completely haitian by blood but it is all haitian by heart. Through Haitian Roots they hope to give back to a country and people that have already given them so much. They firmly believe that providing educational opportunies to the children of Haiti is the best way to help strengthen and solidify the future of that beautiful country.
Chareyl Moyes
Chareyl has always had a passion for helping those less fortunate than herself, especially children. She spent 18 months as a missionary in the Philippine Islands where her compassion for poverty stricken and oppressed individuals grew. Chareyl is married to Darren and they have 6 children. Their youngest son, Robby, is adopted from Haiti. She currently works for Wasatch International Adoptions. After adopting Robby and visiting Haiti herself, Chareyl said, "Words cannot describe how much my life has been touched by these recent events. I am very excited about working with Haitian Roots and especially to be working with the Joseph.s and the Cox.s.I have felt so excited about this program and all the wonderful things that we can do to help the children of Haiti. I have heard Shannon say before that Haiti is in her blood, and now I know exactly what she means. I, too, feel this way!!"
Jennifer Woolsey
Jennifer is married to Scott and lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah. She graduated from Snow college and was attending school at Utah State University majoring in Exercise Science but found a love of computers as well and now works as the PowerSchool Technician for the Alpine School District. Jennifer has had the opportunity to do a lot of volunteer service opportunities in her life, including serving as a missionary for her church for 18 months in Portugal which included some islands in West Africa called Cape Verde. She spent time as a volunteer at an orphanage in Haiti in 2002 and has been drawn to the country ever since. From the moment Jennifer heard about Haitian Roots, she was supportive and knew she wanted to become involved. Jennifer and her extended family were actually the very first individuals to sponsor any children from Haitian Roots, a family of four children, whom they continue to support today and whom she has now had the opportunity to meet in person. We are thrilled to have her as a part of our team!
Heather Babinsky
Heather is married to Ryan and recently gave birth to her first child, Raiyah Grace. Heather is also pursuing her Nursing Degree, which she will receive in May of 2007. Heather has traveled to Haiti several times and is very passionate about these beautiful people. When asked why she wanted to become part of Haitian Roots, Heather responded: "Beginning in 2000, I was involved with Future Hope International. This was one of the best experiences of my life. But up to this point I have not been able to find a group of people that have the passion for Haiti that I do. When I met the members of Haitian Roots I knew that this was what I had been looking for. I talk of, dream about, and work hard for a better future for Haiti and I believe that there could be no better group with whom to pursue these goals than Haitian Roots. I feel like Haiti is on the brink of something new; a better way. The people have hope in their eyes and believe things can change. I want to be a part of that and do all I can to improve the future for the people."
Rachel Terry
Rachel has a Bachelors of Social Work degree from Brigham Young University. She comes from a family of six and was born and raised abroad; Belgium, Switzerland, Haiti, and France, although she calls Virginia home. Rachel lived in Haiti during the military coup that overthrew President Aristide in 1991, and was forced to leave with her family. She has since longed to go back and be of aid to the wonderful people there. When she heard about Haitian Roots, her heart knew that she had to take part in this movement to bring more education to Haiti's children. She strongly believes that education is the main key to relieving poverty in the world. She currently works in Washington DC where she hopes to use her influence for raising awareness and funds in this area. We feel very grateful to have such a great young woman on our team.