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!
Daniel and Kristin Egan
Daniel and Kristin Egan are Utah natives. Daniel is a family practice doctor and Kristin is a very busy stay-at-home mother. They fell in love with Haiti in 2004 during a visit to their future sons' orphanage. The next year they were able to travel to Haiti to bring their twin boys home. Since that time they and their five children have felt very connected to the people of Haiti. They are excited to be a part of an organization that cares so deeply about Haiti and it's children. They feel that educating the children of Haiti will help to bring hope to a country that has struggled for so long. They deeply believe that by reaching out to one you can influence the condition of all.
Heather Friant
Heather Friant lives in Monroe, Utah, with her husband and five sons. One of her children (Grayson) is adopted from Haiti. Since deciding to adopt from Haiti, the Friants have had a special love for the children of Haiti and Heather is especially dedicated to their plight. She is organized, energetic, and has already donated much time and energy to the organization. Heather (pictured here with her son Kyle and one of the children they have sponsored) was able to visit Haiti again this year and spend time with the Haitian Roots children, including two that the Friant’s sponsor personally. Of the experience she said, “We have the great honor of sponsoring two little girls. We got to meet them this trip and it was so cool. Vanessa's mom followed us everywhere wanting to help Kyle and me. This tiny little woman blew up soccer balls and tried to help us. Angeline's dad tried to talk to us the whole time, you could tell he had much he wanted to say. I have never wished to speak Creole more than that moment. Finally at the end he came over kissing my checks and in broken English said over and over, "God Bless You." If I ever wondered if I could come up with the money I certainly won't be wondering about that ever again.” We love Heather and we are inspired by her love and dedication.
Maxorel Laforet
Haitian Roots members met Max for the first time in Haiti in 2006. At that time he was working with another organization to help children in Haiti with what he feels most strongly about–education! He became a good friend to us and we’re grateful to have him on our team. Max came to Utah to further his education in 2007. He met and married Lina in 2009. He is currently attending Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. To learn more about Max, please read our blog post entitled “Max’s Autobiography”, which he wrote while still living in Haiti.