About Simone’s Kids – 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

The 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 The 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, The 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 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!

Mason Satterfield

Chief Operating Officer, Started in 2022

Mason has been involved with Simone’s Kids since 2012. Mason 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. Mason supervises legal, financial, capital development, and HR matters. The Chief Operating Officer is tasked with upholding the financial integrity of the programs in Uganda.

Sharon Atwiine

Chief Program Officer, Started in 2024

Sharon started working for Simone’s Kids in 2024, as the Country Director in Uganda. She will oversee the staff and operations for both the primary and secondary campus. Sharon finds joy in empowering individuals to recognize and unleash their potential. She believes that each person has a unique strength waiting to be discovered. Sharon has a heart for Ministry and serving God through serving and nurturing others.

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!

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!

Erika Millard

Vice President of Finance, Started in 2023

Erika oversees all financial areas of the organization. Erika met Simone in college when Simone’s Kids was just being formed & has loved watching the organization grow to what it is today! She loves working with non-profit organizations & helping them get organized with bookkeeping & also understand their financials, so that they can make a greater impact.

Ivan Ajuna

Head of Finance, Started in 2024

Ivan oversees and manages all finances in Uganda. Ivan works closely with the COO and CPO on campus to ensure the ministry is running smoothly.

Cadilux Nyekorach

Head of Discipleship, Started in 2025

Cadilux became a part of the Simone’s Kids team in March 2025, where he will oversee all of our discipleship programs. With a deep passion for ministry, he brings valuable experience from teaching for seven years at another Christian school. Cadilux is committed to the belief that true change comes from spiritual transformation rather than mere behavioral modification, and he is eager to influence the spiritual journeys of our students and staff.

Jamie Steadman

Instructional Coach, Started in 2024

Jamie went on her first team trip with Simone’s Kids in 2016 and discovered her heart for overseas missions. She has taught in America for six years and is excited to work closely with teachers and administrators to help impact the lives of the students of Nakaseke Christian Schools.