Our Team
international staff
Dennis Wadley : International director
Dennis has served as pastor and leader in two church ministries, directing the staff, providing vision and direction. In 2002, his wife Susan and he founded Bridges of Hope International and in 2003 founded Bridges of Hope South Africa. They co-directed multiple community development projects and founded Bridges Academy, an orphan boarding school and leadership development retreat center. Dennis has been teaching Community Development in the Masters Program for the Orthodox Theological College in Mekele, Ethiopia since 2010. Contact Dennis at: DennisW@BridgesWorldwide.org
Susan Wadley : International co-director
As founding International Co-Director of Bridges of Hope, Susan, along with husband Dennis, pioneered a Community Development model (CHE) in the Cape Flats of South Africa, as well as opening Bridges Retreat Center and Bridges Academy boarding school for Orphans in nearby Franschhoek, SA. She now applies the same development principles to the work among the urban poor in the USA. Additionally, in 2009 Susan and Dennis started a Masters Program for the Orthodox Theological College in Mekele, Ethiopia to train the nation’s Orthodox clergy in practical ministry. They currently travel internationally training Christian leaders in the CHE model of Community Development. Contact Susan at SusanW@BridgesWorldwide.org
karyn sorenson : Director of micronesia, bhi
For over twenty years, Karyn has worked as a professional counselor. In 2006, while on sabbatical, she and her husband, a pastor, spent nearly a month working with Micronesians studying at Pacific Islands University in Guam. Never could they have imagined that God would capture their hearts and give them a desire to personally meet the desperate needs so evident among the Micronesian people. After four years teaching social science and providing counseling on Guam, and building relationships with leaders on the remote Micronesian islands, Karyn has transitioned back to California where Eric has returned to pastoral ministry. From here, she continues her counseling, teaching, and leadership development ministry in Micronesia through the marvels of technology and regular travel.
Brenda Brueckner : US Administrator
Brenda joined the Bridges team in the summer of 2016. She lives in Camarillo with her husband, Wayne, and they have 4 children and 3 grandchildren.
Contact Brenda at: office@bridgesworldwide.org
SOUTH AFRICA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF
Sisanda Sibotho, Community Development Director
I am originally from the Eastern Cape, but now I live in Cape Town. I’ve been with Bridges of Hope as a volunteer since 2005 as an After School Program facilitator. I joined the full time staff in January 2008 as a Community Health Evangelism (CHE) Trainer for the community of Sweet Home. I am currently the Director of Community Development. Being a part of Bridges has meant absolutely everything to me. It has given me a sense of purpose. From the time I was a volunteer facilitator, Bridges of Hope empowered me and gave me a lot of self-confidence. I started to believe in myself, knowing that I have something to offer to other people. I love helping people be transformed by God, putting their hope in him, and doing things to improve their lives and community!
Tobeka Mpatane, Informal School Teacher
I am from the community of Sweet Home, and I participated in Community Health Evangelism (CHE) training in my community in 2008. The CHE training elevated my spiritual growth and provided opportunities for me to minister to people in my community.
In 2014, I became a teacher in the Informal School. I love teaching the children, especially the orphans in our group, and helping them prepare to enter public schools. I Thank God for the opportunities I have to serve Him through my work with Bridges of Hope South Africa.
Thumeka Mfeketo, Informal school teacher
I am from Sweet Home Farm and I was trained as a Bridges CHE and work as an Informal School teacher. I love how CHE has changed my life and my family, and is continuing to change the lives of the children I teach.