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Empowering Leaders, Inspiring Hope Transforming Lives
The Leadership & Education for Africa Project (LEAP) partners with people of vision and faith to rebuild Liberia—one child, one community, one future at a time. Together, we restore hope through education, health, agriculture, and business development, equipping the next generation to lead their nation toward lasting transformation.
Founded in 2009 by David S. Fatorma, Jr. and Sean Towle, LEAP exists to lift up underprivileged children—including many Ebola orphans—through Light Stream Academy, a growing school where young lives are being shaped by knowledge, compassion, and purpose.
Our History :
Through expert instruction, hands-on training, and a Christ-centered learning environment, students are empowered to meet real-world standards and become leaders who will strengthen families, communities, and the nation itself.
Liberia’s civil wars of the 1990s and early 2000s shattered homes, schools, and hope. But from the ashes of conflict, God is writing a new story—one of restoration and renewal.
Liberia’s civil wars of the 1990s and early 2000s shattered homes, schools, and hope. But from the ashes of conflict, God is writing a new story—one of restoration and renewal.
What began with a meeting in Monrovia between an American father and a Liberian educator has grown into a worldwide movement. With chapters now in the United States and the United Kingdom, LEAP’s mission is clear:
To help Liberia become self-sustaining—spiritually, educationally, and economically—so its impact can ripple across Africa.
Your church or organization can be part of this redemptive work.
Together, we can turn small change into lasting change for the children and communities of Liberia.
Partner with LEAP. Invest in leaders. Restore a nation.
Vision statement
To see Liberia flourish-spiritually, socially, and economically as a self-reliant nation that strengthens families, communities, and the wider African region, beginning with the next generation
Primary mission statement
Compelled by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we walk alongside the people of Liberia—especially students and vulnerable children—to develop leaders, expand education, and strengthen essential infrastructure, cultivating lasting hope and opportunity for generations to come.
LEAP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David, S. Fatorma, Jr. is the overseer of the Light Stream Chapel Solution Outreach Ministries based in Liberia West Africa. David is a survivor of one of the many massacres that occurred during the Liberian civil war. He is the lone male survivor of a 1993 massacre during which time he encountered a miraculous escape through the power of God. He is a national and international speaker, sharing his powerful story to those at home and abroad.
David and his wife Veronica are blessed with five children Agnes, Christine, Davidnica, Olivia, and Christopher.
Sean Towle, President, Board of Directors
Sean Towle serves as President of the LEAP Board of Directors, providing strategic leadership and long-term vision for the organization. His connection to Liberia began in 2007 when he and his wife, Michelle, adopted three Liberian children—an experience that sparked a lasting partnership with Pastor David Fatorma and helped lay the foundation for LEAP’s mission.
With more than 40 years of experience in the grocery and retail industry, Sean currently serves as a Senior Customer Development Manager at Driscoll’s Inc. He brings deep expertise in operations, relationship-building, and organizational growth. Sean is committed to strengthening LEAP’s sustainability and expanding opportunities for children and families in Liberia.
Don Cui, Vice President,Board of Directors, Medical & Digital Strategy
Don Cui is a Physician Assistant with 38 years of experience across multiple medical specialties and the owner of a small business providing on-site DOT physicals for commercial drivers. He combines clinical expertise with entrepreneurial experience in branding, marketing, and website development.
Don first connected with LEAP in 2016 and later traveled to Liberia on a medical mission trip, where witnessing both physical and spiritual needs solidified his commitment to the ministry. He brings medical missions experience, leadership in team coordination, and digital strategy insight to support LEAP’s growth. Outside of his professional work, Don enjoys designing award-winning custom cheesecakes.
Michelle Towle, Secretary, Board of Directors
Michelle Towle serves as Secretary of the LEAP Board, bringing a lifetime of commitment to family, education, and faith-driven service. A mother of six and grandmother of thirteen, Michelle homeschooled her children for over 20 years and has long invested in nurturing and educational development.
Her connection to Liberia deepened in 2007 through the adoption of three Liberian children and was further strengthened by her 2025 visit to Liberia. Michelle brings strong organizational skills and a relational perspective to the board, helping ensure LEAP remains mission-centered and grounded in compassionate service.
Aaron Gappen, Treasurer, Board of Directors.
Aaron is a husband and father of four boys whose passion for serving others began at age 14 during a mission trip working with inner city children where he felt the heart of God for the needy. That early experience shaped a lifelong commitment to caring for people in need, which has included sponsoring children through multiple organizations over the years.
Professionally, Aaron has spent much of his career using his strengths in finance and strategic planning to advance mission driven work, most notably contributing to fundraising strategy at Compassion International, one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations.
Today, he is honored to bring both his professional experience and personal passion to support the mission and impact of LEAP.
Coming shortly
Denise Krey, Board Member, Science & Global Outreach
Denise Krey serves on the LEAP Board with a strong background in science and global missions. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 25 years as an Analytical Chemist and was raised in her family’s beekeeping business, blending technical expertise with hands-on entrepreneurship.
Denise first connected with LEAP through her church’s relationship with Pastor David Fatorma. She is deeply motivated by the tangible impact education and consistent support can have in Liberia, believing that access to education has the power to transform lives and unlock untapped potential. Her personal connection to Liberia includes hosting a Liberian student in her home during the 2019–2020 school year.
Over the past 27 years, Denise has been involved with five NGOs and has participated in medical mission work in India, Ghana, Guatemala, and Poland. She also returned to school to earn her nursing degree to better serve on mission trips. Denise brings global outreach experience, healthcare exposure, and a practical commitment to service to the LEAP Board
