The school is led by a Board of Directors, which is made up of local Kenyan leaders from within the community. The board oversees the day-to-day operations of the school, as well as the admissions process.
The board is supported by an Advisory Board in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Advisory Board, which is made up of local Christian leaders, helps with fundraising efforts, encourages sponsorships, and offers support to the Board of Directors
1966–2020 | Founder & Director
Naphtaly Mattah was more than a school administrator; he was “Daddy” and a father to all our students. When they needed help, he would go to them. When our first alumni got married, he stood in as the father for them and even hosted the wedding at GGCC. GGCC began when Naphtaly and his wife, Nerea, had taken in 12 orphaned children into their own home. They realized they needed a larger and sustainable structure to support orphaned children. Naphtaly and Nerea believed that if they trusted God and obeyed Him, God would provide whatever was needed to take care of the children. As director, Naphtaly saw the school continue to grow and thrive, becoming the blessing it is today. We will always remember Naphtaly as a father to the fatherless, just as Christ is to all of us!
Kenya Director
As director of GGCC in Kenya, Nerea supervises all of the programs and services that the school offers. She oversees the academics at both the primary and secondary school, as well as the department managers in charge of finance, food services, campus maintenance, and more. Most importantly, Nerea is a spiritual leader for students and staff, serving as an eternal source of hope.
Executive Director
Michelle joins GGCC with a deep love for the Lord and a passion for sharing the story of God’s work through the ministry. With a strong background in Christian fundraising and a heart for servant leadership, she brings valuable experience shaped by years of service and mentorship.
Her previous roles include serving as a capital campaign consultant and as Regional Director of Development at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, where she embraced fundraising as a meaningful ministry.
Michelle holds a B.A. from Appalachian State University, an M.A. from Gordon-Conwell, and a certificate in faith-based nonprofit
leadership from Wake Forest University. She and her husband, Shawn, are honored to be part of what God is doing at GGCC.
Ministry Operations Director
Heather began at GGCC in 2015 and serves as our Ministry Operations Director, coordinating events, managing relationships with sponsors and donors, communicating vital information between the US and Kenya offices, and serving the children of GGCC. Along with her husband Michael and their 3 children, Heather enjoys spending time outside with family and friends, exercising, and helping coach her kids’ sports teams.
Ric Hinson, Chair
Matthews, NC | Retired
Nancy Taylor, Vice Chair
Charlotte, NC | Community Volunteer
Chuck Estes, Secretary
Waxhaw, NC | Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Dennis Abbott, Treasurer
Charlotte, NC | FirstService Residential
Jay Patterson
Charlotte, NC | Wealth Enhancement Group
Jim Bronsink
St. Augustine, FL | Retired
Chris Linke
Charlotte, NC | Retired
Mike Pratt
Southern Pines, NC | Retired
Marc Oppenheimer
Waxhaw, NC | Retired
Greg Lineberger
Indian Trail, NC | Lineberger Christian Counseling
Connie Randall
Jacksonville, FL | Mortgage Technology
Paul Myers
Fort Mill, SC | Retired
Cheryl Bailey
Charlotte, NC | Retired