Who We Are
HISTORY
In 2004, Carmen Berry began the process of adopting a baby girl from Nepal. What was expected to be a 2 month process, took nearly 2 years to complete because of political turmoil including a military coup instigated by the King, and a revolution in April, 2006 that resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy. Two of Carmen's friends, Mike Platter and Carolyn Rafferty, as well as her mother, Mary Ellen Berry, traveled to Nepal to assist her. Carolyn's third trip lasted 8 months until, on June 2, 2006, they were able to bring Carmen's daughter, Jenee, home to the States. Carmen, Carolyn, Mary Ellen and Mike established Hope Partnership Nepal, a non-profit charitable organization.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Carolyn Rafferty, MA
President / Co-founder
President / Co-founderDocumentary videographer and editor, photographer
Carolyn has 30 years of international experience in media and communications. She has worked in the academic world as well as business and non-profits developing programs ranging from live theatre to feature films and DVD products. In 2004 Carolyn completed a Master of Arts degree in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. She owns and operates her own print and video production business called Red Boots Media.
Carmen Berry, MSW Treasurer / Co-founder
Treasurer / Co-founderNew York Times best-selling author, nationally-noted speaker and child advocate.
Carmen first became aware of the dire needs of the disadvantaged in Nepal when she adopted a Nepalese baby girl. Upon her return to the US, she and listed board members founded HPN. Carmen is a stress management consultant coach, and the author/coauthor of 20 books. She has appeared on hundreds of TV shows including Oprah and Montel; her story has been featured in People Magazine, Newsweek and USA Today, Carmen has a MA in Social Sciences and a Master of Social Work. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this effort, having worked in private non-profit management since 1981. View her web site at www.carmenreneeberrycom.
Rev. Mike Platter Vice President / Co-founder
Vice President / Co-founderSenior Pastor of Glendora Community Church (a Church of the Nazarene), Glendora, California
In addition to serving as the Senior Pastor of Glendora Community Church, Mike is a chaplain in the graduate school of Azusa Pacific University, as well as an adjunct professor in the Practical Theology Department. Mike’s educational background includes two degrees in Psychology: a B.A. from Mid-America Nazarene College, and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University (Edwardsville). He also has post-graduate work in Adult Ministries from Northern Theological Seminary in Lombard, Ill. He has been in full-time pastoral ministry for over 27 years. Travel has been a big part of Mike’s life, taking him to 30 countries on four continents. He participated in construction and renovation projects in South America, Asia, and in the former Soviet Union. In 2004, he visited Kathmandu, Nepal to see first-hand the plight of the country as it was in the midst of a civil war with the resultant poverty, fear, and sense of oppression which continually faced the citizens.
Mary Ellen Berry Secretary / Co-founder
Secretary / Co-founderRetired school teacher
Mary Ellen served over 30 years as a junior high school teacher, specializing in art, homemaking, and programs for the mentally gifted. After she retired, Ellen and her husband, Dr. David Berry, lived in Japan for 5 years teaching a variety of courses in a junior college outside of Tokyo. Ellen has made two trips to Kathmandu, and has a heart for the educational needs of impoverished children in Nepal.
Joseph RubioBoard Member
Board MemberGraphic desigher and videographer
With a background in event production and design advertising, Joseph produces for film, TV, web and print. He favors projects that are transformative at their root and contribute to the betterment of societies, both locally and internationally, Joseph has worked extensively with urban youth and has served on more than 20 humanitarian projects throughout Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Moody Institute in Chicago with a degree in Scripture and Theology. He currently owns and operates a media production and graphic design company based in Los Angeles.
Hope Partnership Nepal / 1003 Lakeview Terrace, Azusa, California 91702 / 626-616-9129
