Andrei Skurtu
International Programs Director

Andrei was born in Kishinev, Moldova, which is currently a country of about 4 million people and formerly one of the fifteen republics comprising the Soviet Union. His family moved to the United States in 1992, and St. Louis has been his home ever since. Andrei’s educational background includes a degree from Washington University where he double-majored in International Relations and History. Prior to coming to Children's Hope as Operations Manager in February, 2006, Andrei worked in Private Client Services for Morgan Stanley and later participated in the creation of a small real-estate redevelopment company. Currently Andrei is part of the Orphan Sponsorship department where he is responsible for International Programs.

Michelle Howdeshell
Community and Church Relations

Michelle Wehde Howdeshell started working for Children's Hope International in 1997 as the Guatemala Program Director. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Missouri. Michelle has always had a love for children, being one of seven children herself, and now with twenty-five grandchildren in her family. Her love for international work started after a mission trip to Haiti where she worked in orphanages and homes for dying children. Michelle states, "I remember holding that first baby, on my first day in the orphanage; I immediately knew how deep my love for orphans really was!"

In 2003, Michelle turned her attention to Children's Hope's humanitarian aid, and is now working to coordinate Church and Community Relations. Michelle is the person who answers any of your questions regarding sponsorship and who calls you to become a "Sponsorship Volunteer"!

Michelle states, "Children's Hope International has become a huge part of my life. It is not just a job to me. It is my family, my passion, my heart. I truly believe in our mission and our work and I thank God everyday for giving me such a gift—the gift of being a part of His work!"

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