Educating and Empowering.

Our Team

Cathy Skoula

Cathy Skoula, Executive Director


ed@bluemountainproject.org


Cathy Skoula became Executive Director of the Blue Mountain Project on October 1, 2009. After graduating with a BS in Animal Husbandry from the University of Florida, Cathy Skoula worked with the Peace Corps in D.R. Congo (then Zaire) for four years. Upon returning to the states, she worked in biomedical research managing laboratories at Florida State University, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Carolinas Medical Center.
While in North Carolina, Cathy returned to school, gaining masters in business administration and health administration from Pfeiffer University. Using her accumulated experience and new knowledge coupled with an ever-present desire to work in the humanitarian field, Cathy worked for Action Against Hunger for six years. She was country director in Myanmar, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo before becoming the Executive Director of Action Against Hunger - USA. After leaving Action Against Hunger, Cathy worked for the International Medical Corps as their Director of International Operations.
Cathy speaks English and French and has the notions of kiKongo, and kiSwahili. She enjoys hiking, photography, and quilting.

Sophia Pearce

Sophia Pearce, Program Manager


pm@bluemountainproject.org


Sophia is a Jamaican graduate of Ardenne High School and studied Criminal Justice at City University of New York (CUNY) and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She likes meeting people, travelling and learning about different cultures. She is an avid reader who enjoys ice-skating, swimming, yoga, surfing the net and working with children.

Linda Ganister

Linda Ganister, Bookkeeper


act@bluemountainproject.org


Linda Ganister first started working for the BMP in the fall of 2006 through her friendship with Board Members Mary Kohak and Kent Shifferd. She has a B.S. in Outdoor Education from Northland College, and an AAS in Accounting from Vermilion Community College. Originally from Pennsylvania, she has lived in Ely, MN for the last 20 years. She worked for Outward Bound for 12 years as a Secretary and then as a Bookkeeper. She currently does bookkeeping for a variety of small businesses including Raven Productions, a publisher of books for kids and of the outdoors. She is also the sole proprietor for the Ely Candle Company.

Haley Madson

Haley Madson, Service Learning Program Coordinator


slp@bluemountainproject.org


Haley joined the board after having a life-changing experience in the Service Learning Program. She graduated in 2009 from Ripon College with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a Business minor. She hopes to persue her Masters degree in both International Education and Non-profit Management. She has a little boy named Andrew.

Chelsea Smith

Chelsea Smith, Volunteer - Social Networking Sites


vol1@bluemountainproject.org


After her one week experience with the BMP Service Learning Program in 2009, Chelsea Smith's heart strings were pulled and a new way of life began for her. Chelsea is 21 and from Newton, IA. She plans to finish her AA degree, become a registered nurse, and then join the Peace Corps in hope to change more lives. Chelsea volunteers for the Blue Mountain Project directing our social networking sites.


Ambassadors

Ambassadors are first-world volunteers that spend one year of their time living and working in Hagley Gap in exchange for modest room and board. Throughout their year, they learn about rural Jamaican life from the l.i.g.h.t.s and teach the l.i.g.h.t.s basic job skills. Ambassadors and l.i.g.h.t.s work together to carry out the daily operations of the Blue Mountain Project.
Mollie Busino

Mollie Busino

Mollie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Weehawken, NJ. Prior to joining the Blue Mountain Project, she was employed full-time as a Supervisor of a School-based Intervention Program in New York City and part-time as a private Psychotherapist. She also recently completed her first year as an Adjunct Psychology Professor at St. Peter’s College. She enjoys traveling, participating in various fitness activities, and socializing with friends.


l.i.g.h.t.s (learning, inspiring, giving, helping, teaching)

l.i.g.h.t.s are local Jamaican volunteers that spend one year of their time working for the Blue Mountain Project in exchange for a small monthly stipend. Upon successful completion of one year of service, l.i.g.h.t.s earn a scholarship to further continue their educational goals. l.i.g.h.t.s and Ambassadors work together to carry out the daily operations of Blue Mountain Project.
Kadian Edwards

Kadian Edwards

Kadian is a resident of Penlyne Castle. She is the mother of two young girls. Her Blue Mountain Project responsibilities include facilitating the after-school program in Penlyne Castle. Kadian became a l.i.g.h.t. in July 2008.
Evelyn Shepherd

Evelyn Shepherd

Evelyn is known by the community as “Nikki.” She lives with her boyfriend in the community of Minto. She is a trained Practical Nurse and provides basic health care for the Blue Mountain Project. Evelyn became a l.i.g.h.t. in July 2008.
Kimarley Richardo Walker

Kimarley Richardo Walker

Kimarley, also known as “Corey,” lives in the Hagley Gap community. He has been a volunteer for the Blue Mountain Project for over 5 years and recently became a L.I.G.H.T. in January 2010. He enjoys working for the Project and believes it is a valuable experience for him. Someday, he hopes to become a businessman and have his own restaurant. His hobbies include cooking, dancing, and playing soccer.