Our Founders
Co-Founder & Board Chair
Andy Wiggins
A member of Messiah Lutheran Church and sponsor of a high school student from Nakabango, Andy made his first trip to Uganda in January 2011 and it deeply impacted him. While there, Andy was fortunate enough to meet the student and, after seeing the benefits his donations had made and the work yet to be done, Andy and Todd decided to create Hearts & Hope in order to expand the impact.
Andy and his wife Shea live in Defiance, MO with their two children.
Co-Founder, Executive Director & Board Member
Todd Larkin
A member of Messiah Lutheran Church and sponsor of a primary school student in Nakabango, Todd joined Andy Wiggins on his first trip to Uganda in January 2011. Moved to tears by the beautiful people of Uganda and the crushing poverty they faced every day, Todd teamed up with Andy to found Hearts & Hope.
Todd and his wife Michelle live in Saint Charles, MO with their two children
Our Board
Board Member
John Schrader
John Schrader has been involved in Uganda through Messiah Lutheran Church since before Hearts & Hope was formed. He joined Andy & Todd on their first trip to Uganda in 2011 and has been an ardent supporter of Hearts & Hope's vision. John lives in Eureko, MO with his wife Melissa and their two sons. John is the Lead Sales Manager for Suez Water Technologies & Solutions, which has delivered solutions for water and waste management for 150 years and operates on 5 continents.
Board Member
Ken Bennett
Ken Bennett has been passionate about Uganda ever since his first trip there in January of 2010. Ken has been a dedicated supporter to the communities in Uganda and Hearts & Hope. We often refer to Ken as our CFO - Chief Friendship Officer - because he is constantly spreading the good news and the joy of our work in Uganda. Ken lives in O'Fallon, MO with his wife Toni and their 4 children. He is the owner of C.Bennett Building Supply
Board Member
Brian Watkins
Brian Watkins is one of our newest board members for Hearts and Hope for Uganda, having been involved with the organization since its founding. His deep connection to the mission is reinforced by his numerous trips to Uganda, most recently sharing the experience with his entire family. Professionally, Brian is the Senior Vice President for The St. Louis Group at Morgan Stanley, where his financial acumen and strategic oversight are invaluable assets to our board.
Board Member
Amy Malterer Amy Malterer, along with her family, has been a passionate and steadfast supporter of the Hearts and Hope for Uganda mission for many years. That long-term commitment was brought to life when she traveled to Uganda for the first time, meeting the children and staff and seeing the incredible work on the ground. Professionally, Amy works in Human Resources for Messiah Lutheran Church, bringing a vital skill set in personnel development, organizational health, and policy management.
