About Simone’s Kids

About Simone’s Kids

Our Story and Mission

When our founder and president, Simone Puccinelli, was a sophomore in college, she received a God-appointed email. The email detailed the serious financial issues faced by a school in Nakaseke, Uganda. If the school could not raise $500 for rent on their school +building, the students would be sent away without an education.

Simone decided that she could try to raise the money, and through the help of family and friends was able to do so. She also had a desire to visit Uganda to see where the money was being sent.

When she got to Uganda and met the man behind the email, and all of the students, she realized that this was a divine connection—something that she couldn’t just leave. Her life was going to be devoted to helping those children and the heart of Simone’s Kids was born. Simone’s Kids exists so that the children in Nakaseke can strive for a successful future through quality education in a nurturing environment.

History

God’s Hope Primary School was the starting point of Simone’s Kids. Our Founder, Simone Puccinelli, was contacted in 2010 requesting help to save a small school for orphans and impoverished children in the community. The school initially held classes under a mango tree. It was then moved to a rental building, and finally, on February 14, 2014, officially opened the new school campus on Simone’s Kids property.

Rebuilding God’s Hope Schools

After founding Simone’s Kids in 2010, Simone Puccinelli determined the biggest need in the Nakaseke community was a place for orphans and vulnerable children to receive a quality education. In 2010, God’s Hope Primary School was being run out of dilapidated war-torn buildings. It was not a safe or effective learning environment. In 2011, Simone’s Kids kicked off their “Building a School” project. Over the next three years, Simone’s Kids was able to purchase land, acquire legal status with the Ugandan government, and construct a new facility. The new God’s Hope Primary School boasted ten classrooms, a large office, bathrooms, and a kitchen.

STAFF TEAM

Simone Puccinelli

Founder + President, Started in 2010

Simone Puccinelli started Simone’s Kids during her sophomore year of college, with a dream of helping orphaned children attend school. Simone is married with two children. She currently lives in the United States but makes frequent trips to Uganda. She loves cooking, hiking and inspiring others to fulfill their dreams!

Steve Burke

Country Director, Started in 2021

Steve volunteered with Simone’s Kids for a few years, and then felt the Lord leading him to serve full-time in Uganda. Steve is our Country Director and will also oversee all athletics. His 34+ years of experience with college administration and coaching brings aged experience to our program.

Ellie Wooldridge

Communication+Event Director, Started in 2020

Ellie started working for Simone’s Kids in 2020, as the head of marketing and event planning. Ellie has a heart for overseas mission work. She is grateful to play a small part in the big plans the Lord has for Simone’s Kids. She loves that she gets to be a vital connection on communication from Uganda to the States and always looks forward to her yearly trips to Uganda!

Sharon Burke

Director of Teacher Development + Curriculum, Started in 2021

Sharon is serving as Curriculum Director at God‘s Hope. Along with her husband Steve, Sharon volunteered for Simone’s Kids and then felt called to serve full-time in Uganda. Sharon will help implement and improve our curriculum program. She will also work along side our Ugandan staff and help them excel to their best potential. Sharon is most excited to lead bible studies for our high school girls, and to create a place for young girls to come to know Jesus!

Taylor Kennedy

Administrative Assistant +Village Advocate, Started in 2022

Taylor Kennedy began working with Simone’s Kids in May of 2022. Taylor is passionate for overseas missions and is excited to tap into that passion through working with Simone‘s Kids. She has traveled all over the world for mission work over the years and feels called to go and make disciples of all nations. Taylor is excited to be a part of God’s mission to raise up disciples in Uganda!

Mason Satterfield

Child Scholarship and Business Manager, Started in 2022

Mason has been involved with Simone’s Kids since 2012. Masone and His wife Morgan live in Uganda as full-time missionaries as they feel called to serve the community of Nakaseke. Mason has held several roles over the years for Simone’s Kids and initially moved over in 2017. He will work closely with the students within the scholarship program + their families. The Satterfields are grateful to be on the ground helping make an impact.

Micheal Puccinelli

Research Director, Started in 2010

Michael has been involved with Simone’s Kids since 2010 and has been married to Simone since 2012. He is currently a surgery resident at the University of Oklahoma. Michael focuses on internal research and development as well as quality improvement with specific emphasis on the output and effectiveness of our educational program.