Meet Our Team

Trokon Berthrun Wayne –MSc

Consultant/Education Specialist; Team Leader 

Trokon B. Wayne is an experienced education specialist with over 35 years of leadership in curriculum design, teacher training, program development, monitoring & evaluation, and institutional capacity building. I have worked extensively across public, private, and donor-funded sectors—including over a decade with USAID-funded education initiatives in Liberia.

His work has included leading national education reform efforts, developing early grade reading programs, and facilitating policy development in collaboration with the Liberian Ministry of Education (MOE). As Acting Chief of Party and Senior Embedded Advisor for the USAID Read Liberia Project, I supported the institutionalization of Liberia’s Early Grade Reading strategy, capacity strengthening of MOE teams, and integration of sustainability mechanisms

Previously, served as the first National Coordinator of Liberia’s Accelerated Learning Program and held senior roles at RTI International, Creative Associates International, and the UN. I’ve contributed to the development of key education policies and instructional tools, including the National Reading Strategy, Teacher Performance Standards, and Alternative Education frameworks.

In addition to his work in Liberia, Mr. Wayne has worked and/or collaborated with global organizations such as RTI International, Creative Associates International, and the United Nations. His recent consultancies include supporting KEEP Liberia, UMOVEMENT, Democracy International, and the Adventist University of West Africa on strategic planning, curriculum development, and education policy.

Mr. Wayne holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration (Distinction) from the University of Liberia  with deep technical expertise, strategic planning ability, and a passion for transformative education systems.

Areas of Expertise:
• Education Policy & Curriculum Design
• Teacher Training & Professional Development
• Early Grade Reading (EGR)
• Program Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
• Accelerated & Alternative Learning Models
• Institutional Strengthening & Capacity Building
• USAID Project Leadership & Compliance

Kumba Philip-Joe, MSc

Kumba Philip-Joe is a skilled development specialist with a strong focus on environmental and international development, human relations, and community health services. With a Master of Science in Environmental and International Development Studies from the University of Lay Adventist of Kigali (2023), and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Management from United Methodist University (2018), Kumba has a well-rounded educational background complemented by extensive practical experience in health and social service coordination, particularly in Liberia.

Kumba has worked in various capacities, most notably as a Program Coordinator for the Enhanced Well Child Care Program at John F. Kennedy Memorial Center, where she coordinated health programs, conducted home visits, and managed data for teen mothers and their infants. She has also served as an Emergency Hygienist for Medicines Sans Frontiers during the Ebola outbreak, ensuring safe and hygienic environments in treatment units. Kumba's leadership and commitment to health and social issues are further demonstrated through her work with various initiatives and publications, including co-authoring manuals and articles on mental health and childcare.

Additionally, Kumba has contributed to global health and social causes through roles with organizations such as the Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health, UNICEF, and Grand Challenges Canada. She is a certified YALI (Young African Leadership Initiative) participant and has earned recognition for her work on mental health and public health initiatives. Her multilingual abilities, adaptability, and cross-cultural competence further enhance her effectiveness in community engagement and development efforts.

Teetha Elvina Whea; MSc.

Teetha, a strong background in transferable skills and professional experience across various roles, particularly in education, public health, and conflict resolution. Passionate about building capacity, they have demonstrated expertise in training, mentoring, counseling, and conflict management. Her strengths include a results-oriented work ethic, proactive problem-solving, and a high level of interpersonal communication, enabling them to effectively interact with diverse groups. Additionally, they possess strong organizational skills and proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office, Zoom, and WhatsApp.

Teetha Elvina’s professional experience spans several key roles, including a part-time consultant for USAID Youth Advance/Education Development Center, where they developed training materials, facilitated literacy and numeracy lessons, and prepared reports. She also served as a short-term consultant for the International Business Initiatives/USAID Data Evaluation, Learning, and Technical Assistance project, supporting the CDCS Mid-Course retreat. As an instructor at Adventist University of West Africa, she taught public health courses, evaluated student performance, and provided technical support.

Teetha worked as a Materials Development Specialist for Education Development Center, where she facilitated teacher and community training and improved learning materials. She also served as a site coordinator for the World Bank’s Liberia Alternative Dispute Resolution, overseeing support staff and managing citizen engagement, and as an Education Field Officer for USAID/Liberia Teacher Training Program, where she supervised trainers and coordinated educational activities.

With a master’s in public health (MPH) and extensive training in various educational and social work initiatives, Teetha Elvina Whea have proven to be adaptable and skilled in handling diverse educational, health, and community-based challenges. Her diverse background, particularly in education and capacity building, reflects a commitment to improving public health and education in