Cedar Crest International School Foundation was formed in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Our purpose is developing and planning activities to raise funds in support of Cedar Crest International School in Ghana, West Africa.
The major aim of CCISF is to establish and support Cedar Crest International School with financial and other resource needs. These schools are for underprivileged and poor children in rural farming communities of Ghana. Children in these areas do not have adequate facilities to meet standard formal education. Public schools in these areas have classrooms that are overpopulated. The ratio of one (1) teacher to about forty-five (45) students is prevalent. Tuition, books and uniform fees are highly subsidized for children attending current Cedar Crest International School.
Dr. Henry Amedeker President
As President of CCISF, Henry coordinates and directs the affairs of the organization. He is responsible for ensuring that leadership and the organizational structure of the Foundation effectively sustain the long-term vision and mission.
Henry began his education at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana before obtaining a Master of Divinity degree from Lincoln Christian University and a Master’s in Patient and Family Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. Henry also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Virginia Union University where his academic research and project focused on Hospitality and International Missions.
In his career, Henry has provided his services to at-risk youth and families in crisis for over twenty years. He has worked with the North America Mission Board as International Missions Coordinator and currently works for Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems, serving in the Department of Patient and Family Counseling as a family communication coordinator.
Mr. Kendrick Kelly Vice President
Kendrick T. Kelly is an entrepreneur and the CEO and Co-Founder of the Common Health Counseling Group in Hanover, VA. With a passion for his community, Kelly started Common Health to help at-risk youth and adults with mental health disparities. Before starting his own company, Kelly served as Counselor for the Department of Juvenile Justice in Richmond, VA.
Kelly is an Alumni of Virginia State University where he earned his Bachelor’s in Sociology and is still an active member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Mrs. Frances Sanchez-Kelly Program & Events Coordinator
Frances Sanchez-Kelly is passionate about sharing the opportunity of educational travel with students all over the nation, serving many roles in event planning, marketing, and nonprofit missions.
After earning her Bachelor’s in Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University, Sanchez deployed to Afghanistan from 2010-2013 during Operation Enduring Freedom as a civilian. While in Afghanistan, she helped to develop the Camp Sharana UMUC Europe field site office as a field rep for the University of Maryland University College. In 2012 she transitioned into the role of Volunteer Coordinator/Duty Manager for the USO where she helped coordinate and develop high-quality events in support of US troops and service members.
Currently, she resides in the Richmond, Virginia area where she works as an educational travel specialist for WorldStrides and an event manager for Network After Work.
Mrs. Brenda Brown Media & Publicity Director
Mrs. Brenda Brown is the Media and Publicity Director of Cedar Crest International School Foundation (CCISF). She is responsible for all stages involved in creating, promoting and implementing the Foundation’s advertising campaign. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Mass Communications and Public Relations with a minor in Business Administration from the Virginia Commonwealth University.
She is currently the Education Administrator of the Patient Counseling Department in the College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University. Brenda is the administrative support in all aspects of the department including; faculty support, admissions, student support services, and finances. She serves as the department’s point of contact for prospective students and staff.
Brenda is very passionate about providing support to children and staff of Cedar Crest International School, Ghana.
Mr. Emmanuel Asante-Nyame Member and Internal Auditor
Mr. Emmanuel Asante-Nyame is a member and Internal Auditor of Cedar Crest International School Foundation (CCISF). As CCISF Internal Auditor, he supports management through risk identification, control testing and process improvement procedures. He is also in-charge of month and year end close and prepares financial report of CCISF.
Emmanuel has practiced as a Certified Accountant for over 20 years. He has served in a variety of internal audit capacities across the United States. He is currently the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Asante International LLC, which deals in export, wholesale and shipping.
Emmanuel is passionate about providing assistance in raising funds and other support needs for children of Cedar Crest Internationals School.
Mr. Jason CallahanDirector, Community Relations
As the Director of Community Relations, Jason facilitates communication between Cedar Crest International School Foundation (CCISF) and Communities in which it operates as well as other Organizations. He focusses on cultivating positive relationship with local residents and agencies to solicit support for the CCIS’ short and long term projects.
Jason works as Chaplain for the Thomas Palliative Care Unit at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Cancer Center. He is also an Instructor for the Department of Patient Counseling program and faculty member of the College of Allied Health Professions at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Prior to coming to VCU, Jason worked as an advertising executive and Trauma Informed Professional Counselor.
Jason is an Alumni of Virginia Commonwealth University where he did a Master of Science degree in Patient Counseling. He is a seminary educated secular chaplain, endorsed by the Humanist Society and nationally board certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains.
Jason is passionate about engaging the community, individuals, Philanthropists and other organizations to provide support for the children of Cedar Crest International School (CCIS), Ghana.