OUR TEAM


​Photo Credit: Peter Hellberg

Diane Rose Thomas
Founder/President

Diane was born into a multi-cultural family and has always had one foot in North America and the other in Asia. Diane served as a missionary both in the Philippines and in Russia for a total of 30 years of service. Her B.S. is in counseling, she is a certified English as Second Language (ESL) teacher and trainer, and is a certified English and Russian proficiency rater with the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Diane is also the Founder and President of Bybella as a jeweler and metalsmith whose business helps to support orphans and street children in the Philippines.

Diane has worked helping to train and develop leaders and begin sustainable businesses in the countries of the Philippines, Russia, and Georgia. She uses her skills of teaching, counseling, training, management and administration, public speaking, language and culture course development, training facilitation, and strategic organizational design for life changing causes on 4 continents.

Diane is passionate about helping children at risk and victims of poverty by providing them with support, training, and opportunities to empower them to create a better future for themselves. Diane resides in Nashville, TN, when not traveling and has 2 daughters and 4 granddaughters.

​Photo Credit: dimnikolov

Joy Shaw
Nashville Administrator & Events Coordinator

After spending much of her life living overseas in Asia and then in Europe, Joy Shaw settled in Nashville, TN, in 2002. As the mother of 3 amazing daughters, Joy credits motherhood with providing inspiration in the development of her career. She describes herself as being in the business of building families, which began in 2007, when she started working as a Childbirth Educator and Birth Facilitator. Over time, she has added Massage Therapy, Wellness and life coaching, as well as Postnatal Support to the services she is able to provide to her varied client base.

Additionally, Joy stays creatively active. She performs regularly with a popular, local 80’s cover band (Guilty Pleasures) and does studio vocal and voice over work. Over the years, she has also had many opportunities to participate in providing humanitarian aid overseas, often in orphanages, in both Asia and Eastern Europe. Joy enjoys work that feels purposeful and thrives in her diversified life and work environment, especially when she is able to spend time doing things for which she has a passion. She is specifically looking forward to assisting Humanility's vital and meaningful endeavors, locally in Tennessee, to further the work and benefit to those overseas.

 

 

MA2LA
Branding & Design

MA2LA is a husband and wife Nashville-based creative firm specializing in Brand Design, Photography and Film. They focus on brand identity and strategy, digital and print marketing and design, art direction, editorial photography, music videos, cinematic trailers and creative film. Their photos have been published in Dwell, GQ, W Magazine, Food and Wine Magazine, Bon Appetit, Dance Magazine, People Magazine and The New York Times. Their music videos have been featured on VH1, MTV, Fuse and CMT while our teasers and trailers have been featured nationally on television. WWW.MA2LA.COM


Board of Directors


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James Dargusch

James Dargusch, Manager of Northeast Financial Network’s Philanthropic Division, and Founder and President of Planned Giving Consultants, LLC, has been in the financial services industry since 1992. A graduate of Central Michigan University, Mr. Dargusch specializes in solving complicated issues surrounding estate, business succession, insurance, charitable planning, and investment planning.

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, Financial Representative of Guardian, New York, NY.

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Randy M. Knutson

Global Information Technology executive with over 30+ years of experience in working with top leadership teams to transform IT operations to act as a business partner to all stakeholders.  Expert in managing diverse international operations spanning the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.  Experienced at transforming underperforming IT departments into high-performing IT organizations for Global Fortune 100 companies.   Collaborative leader who creates engaged communications with all levels of the organization including executives, management, staff, vendors and customers.  Known for motivating and leading global IT direct and indirect reports to meet rapidly changing business demands from both internal and external customers. Currently, serving as the President of DynaQuest Technology Services, Inc., a business process outsourcing (BPO) company based in the Philippines, helping drive the Philippines towards a digital future with inclusive growth through technology based social responsibility programs.

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Jerome Regan

Jerry Regan has been involved in helping promote “Life Changes” for those in his sphere of influence since his late teens.  He and his family spent twenty years working cross culturally in the Philippine Islands, primarily amongst two indigenous people groups.  The primary focus of his work consisted of training up leaders from within the people groups amongst whom he and his family lived. He assisted with the facilitation of a translation revision of the New Testament in a local dialect as well as providing daily medical care and introducing a new agricultural technique for farming on upland sloping farm lands.

While living in Manila, Jerry assisted in introducing and facilitating a “Marriage and Family Counseling” course in a local Seminary.  Both Jerry and his wife, Frances, enjoyed growing a thriving and helpful counseling practice during their years in Manila. In addition to Marriage and Family counseling, Jerry was trained as a Certified Hope Alive Counselor at Mt. Joy College in Victoria, BC, Canada.  He is an advisor to the Board for Mirror Images, a 501c3 which focuses on helping people find Hope in order to live fruitful, meaningful lives

Jerry received his undergraduate degree from Union Theological Seminary, Manila and his MTS from Saint Meinrad School of Theology, St. Meinrad, Indiana. Jerry opened and operates his own business, Regan Decorating, in Nashville, TN. Jerry and Frances have three daughters, two sons in law and 5 grandchildren all living in the Nashville area. Jerry looks forward to bringing hope, comfort. and healing to all those Humanility seeks to help.

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Donna Neukum

Donna grew up in Randolph a small town in northern Ohio.  In her high school yearbook she shared her desire to travel and work internationally.

In 1980 following her love for travel, Donna moved to Dallas, Texas. Working independently in the fields of meeting and event planning, travel consultant and sales travel coordinator. Her life took an important change when she found Jesus Christ. From that time forward her heart ached for those who do not know Christ the way she has experienced. In 1993, Donna married Mike Neukum. She began leading mission teams to Balashov, Russia. This ministry began her desire to help people around the world.

Donna’s position for 13 years as the Society of Petroleum Engineers Distinguished Lecturer Program Manager was a perfect fit to help fulfill her desire to travel internationally and learn about different cultures. This was accomplished as she was the liaison to the member-lead DL Committee that encompassed members worldwide, each year lead a new group of world renowned subject matter experts, and managed all their travel worldwide. SPE and her involvement with the ministry in Russia further opened her eyes toward different cultures and way of life.

Over the years, God began drawing her toward children’s ministries and trafficked children. Now retired, Donna had the opportunity to visit the Humanility ministry in Manila and Bogo, Philippines. The plight of the millions of abandoned/abused children was overwhelming. Through Humanility she can be the arms to love on a few of these precious children.

Allison Bennett Irion

Allison lives in London, UK, working as a senior technical advisor for nuclear non-proliferation initiaves of the US  Department of Energy in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.  She is also an officer in the US Navy reserve and Merchant Marine.  After graduating from the US Merchant Marine Academy, she earned a master’s of engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

She has been a member of the Junior League for over ten years, serving in leadership positions to address women’s poverty and literacy issues in her community.  She is also actively involved in fundraising for Avon’s Breast Cancer charity, including participating in an annual 39.3 mile walk. 

Amy (Bennett) Eck

Amy (Bennett) Eck is an engineer, athletic coach and Natural Health Care Practitioner in Kailua, Hawaii. Amy fund raises for Humanility by hosting race events and through her Young Living Humanility Team. Her team teaches people about chemical free living and commissions from sales go to Humanility. Amy’s goal is to fully fund Humanility by winning over the world to chemical free living. Please reach out to her to get involved.

Amy has known the Thomas family her entire life. She has always had a passion for missions and was able to travel to the Philippines with the Thomas’s in the early 1990’s. She is excited to join her sister and father on the board and grow God’s work.

Amy loves all things outdoors and cycles, runs, swims, and surfs with her husband Erik and their two boys, Bennett and Lincoln. She leads a community group called Camp Bennett on cycling and hiking adventures each week. She also leads a weekly Bible study called Jesus and Coffee Amen where women come together to walk the beach, drink their coffee and share their prayer request. Amy home schools her boys and tutors Classical Conversations. She is a Marine veteran and her husband is a Captain in the US Navy. They love Hawaii and their ability to serve God through their natural medicine practice and work with Humanility.

Paul Bennett 

Paul was born in Remuera, New Zealand to an Australian mother and a US Army Officer. He grew up in Runnemede, New Jersey where his Dad operated a Furniture and Appliance store. As a teenager, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout at 14. His education took him to Texas where he studied Business Administration with a minor in Bible at Le Tourneau University, Longview, Texas. Bennett’s motivation for service grew out of a realization of God’s great love and mercy and God’s desire that all people would come to know Him. Bennett’s Christian Service has spanned over 50 years in missions, teaching, evangelism and youth work. He is currently a Discipleship and men’s Bible teacher at Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.

Immediately after college graduation Mr. Bennett was drafted and attained the rank of Sergeant in the US Army.  Following an honorable discharge, he joined the Ford Motor Company where he held a wide variety of management positions. Bennett’s 53 year professional life has been involved in the manufacture, distribution, racing, sales and repair of automobiles. He currently is a Director at Gulf States Toyota in Houston, Texas.

Paul is excited about the opportunity to serve with Humanility and to offer safety, compassion and comfort to neglected, abused, unloved, and unrepresented children. He looks forward to utilizing his business skills to maximize the available resources to reach and effectively care for children at risk. Paul enjoys his two daughters, son in laws Erik and Jens, and grandson Bennett.

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Mike Neukum

Mike is retired after serving for 19 years as the Missions Director for Bent Tree Bible church, a 4,000-member, non-denominational, evangelical church in Carrollton, Texas (a suburb of Dallas).  As Missions Director, Mike oversaw the financial planning of the Missions ministry including stewardship of over $27.2 million in Kingdom investments, daily financial needs, and financial reporting, including monthly financial reports and annual report.  He also oversaw the church’s “Building There” fund which vetted and completed 33 projects in fourteen countries, spanning four continents and totaling over an additional $3.6 million.  Mike also helped set the church’s mission policy, procedures and strategic missions’ direction, overseeing five multi-year partnerships and forty-four annual projects in fourteen countries around the world. 

Prior to Mike’s second career in ministry, he spent twenty-five years in sales and product management.  For ten years he was an Account Representative for NCR Corporation, AT&T (then Southwestern Bell Telephone) and National Account Representative for Verizon Communications (then Contel, Inc.)  In 1985 he became a telecommunication’s Product Manager and for fifteen years oversaw voice messaging, electronic yellow pages, Enhanced 9-1-1 and Computer Aided Dispatch emergency services, Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) and Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) fiber optic product lines for Verizon Communications (then GTE, Inc.) and Fujitsu Network Communications.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing) from the University of Missouri – Columbia and has completed sixteen hours of graduate, Missions & Intercultural studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Mike has been married to his wife, Donna, for over 28 years and lives in Richardson, Texas, a suburb of Dallas.

Antonio Cummings

Antonio Cummings: Elevating Lives and Inspiring Change
Antonio, a dedicated Founder, Business Owner, and Operator of Elevate To Victory, brings a heart full of compassion to the Board of our esteemed Non-Profit Organization.

With a diverse background spanning Sales, Recruiting, and Financial Services, Antonio has honed the skills needed to make a tangible impact. Yet, his journey extends beyond the corporate world; Antonio is also a passionate Professional Pickleball Instructor, sharing his love for sports and life lessons with others.

What sets Antonio apart is his unwavering commitment to community and helping those in need. Having experienced the profound impact of community support firsthand, he carries a deep seated desire to pay it forward. Antonio's recent transformative journey to the Philippines in August 2023 reinforced his sense of purpose. There, he coached pickleball, mentored kids on life and the word of God, and discovered his true calling – a life of service. His aspiration is to reach a point where his actions enable him to serve daily, touching lives and making a lasting difference.

Antonio's dedication doesn't stop there; he is excited about his opportunity to serve at Humanility. Here, he aims to be a resource for neglected children, replicating the life-changing support he received and spreading hope, joy, and opportunities to those who need it most Beyond his professional and philanthropic pursuits, Antonio is a devoted family man. He is married to Casey and is the proud parent of an almost two-year-old son, with another child on the way in March 2024. His family serves as a constant source of inspiration, reminding him of the importance of building a better world for the next generation.

Antonio's presence on the Board is a testament to his commitment to elevate lives and inspire change. With his diverse experiences, unwavering dedication, and boundless compassion, he's a driving force behind our organization's mission to make the world a better place.

Kendall Graves

Kendall Graves, a driven entrepreneur with a rich tapestry of experiences, encompassing sports, sales, supply, and military service. These diverse foundations have been instrumental in shaping his prosperous career and ultimately led to the co-founding and operation of Elevate to Victory. This organization proudly serves as a beacon of empowerment, diligently working to uplift individuals and fortify businesses through strategic partnerships. Kendall’s unyielding passion for propelling progress and nurturing creativity drives my commitment to this esteemed board. I am genuinely enthusiastic about channeling my energy and expertise into propelling Humanility towards a brighter and impactful future.


Global Representatives


Gerard Jean-Claude Clarey
FRANCE

Gerard was born and raised in Albertville, France, and holds a BA degree from the University of Montreal, and an MA degree in Special Education from the University of Nice, France. After teaching for years, he earned his pilot’s license and worked as a pilot and flight instructor for over ten years in the USA. After piloting a private jet, based in Hong Kong, around the world for 4 more years, he has settled back to life in France. During his time in Asia, he met Bryan and Diane, founders of Humanility and served with them in Typhoon relief work in Leyte and Samar. As a duel French/USA citizen, Gerard is in a great position to represent the work of Humanility in France. He is also an accomplished photographer, and Humanility looks forward to collaborating with him to capture the plight of the impoverished and our progress of empowering them on film.

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Vladimir and Zhenya Slinkin
RUSSIA

Vladimir and Zhenya grew up in Salehard, Russia, above the Arctic Circle, and after finishing the 5-year BLTC leadership institute in Krasnodar, they dedicated their lives to serving the ethnic peoples who live on the tundra above the Arctic Circle. The living conditions of the ethnic peoples on the tundra are so severe that the average life-span is 44, and many of the children are forced by the government to live in dormitories, where many are abused and damaged for life. Humanility is partnering with the Slinkins to begin child empowerment programs for these indigenous children. When they are not in the Arctic, they reside in Krasnodar, Russia, with their son, Ruslan.

Jens Irion
UK

Jens Irion is a Principal in the London office of the Boston Consulting Group. He is a Core member of the Mining practice area with a focus on Operations & Strategy. Prior to joining BCG, Jens worked at Goldman Sachs and Booz & Company. Jens loves travelling with his wife Allison (both climbed Kilimanjaro and did the 3 peak challenge in the UK) and is excited in supporting Humanility's mission to provide food, shelter, education and love to unprivileged children in the Philippines.

Tamazi and Marina Khajishvili
GEORGIA

Tamazi and Marina’s story is incredible. They were born and raised in the Islamic area of the country of Georgia during communist times under the Soviet Union. Tamazi graduated from the best art academy in Tbilisi, and became a well-known painter and sculptor. After they tragically lost one of their children, they moved to Krasnodar, Russia to study and graduate from the BLTC leadership institute. In 2005, they returned to Batumi, Georgia, where they live and serve, developing Georgian leaders and serving the Georgian people who have suffered through war, poverty, and great social upheaval and change. Humanility plans to begin projects in Georgia in the future, and partner with Tamazi and Marina and their team. 

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Ekaterina and Alexey Burtseva
USA (Boston)

Ekaterina (Katya) spent most of her life in Krasnodar, Russia, and completed her degree from Kuban State University in Teaching Russian as a Second Language, and is a certified translator. After working with Diane and Bryan, founders of Humanility, to establish a Russian language school in Krasnodar, and as a translator for the BLTC Leadership Institute, she married Alexey (Lyosha) Burtseva, a history teacher from Astrakhan, Russia, who also graduated from the BLTC Leadership Institute. They now live in Boston, USA, and Humanility looks to them for the development of an international Russian community to help sponsor children and support the work of humanility around the world.

Lauren Silk
ENGLAND

Lauren is a lawyer from England who is currently working in house at a bank in Singapore, having resided there for the last three years. Lauren went to Bogo City, Cebu, Philippines, in 2013 to help rebuild schools in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Whilst there she met many of the children now residing at the Lighthouse, whilst they were still living on the streets. Lauren tries to visit the Lighthouse two or three times a year.

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Gail Macapagal
PHILIPPINES

Gail, born and raised in the Philippines, has been exposed to extreme poverty while growing up, this is because her Alma Mater, St Scholastica’s College Manila, always engage their students and encourage them to take a stand in political, social and economical issues. As early as third grade, Gail has fed and interacted with very poor Aetas ( an indigenous group from Northern Philippines ). In 7th grade their graduating batch would always visit Sta. Elena in Tondo Manila for outreach activities. In High School, they have actually gone up Smokey Mountain for a full day of immersion with the very poor people who inhabit the place. ( Smokey Mountain is a huge Mountain of Garbage and would emit smoke because of the poisonous gas coming from the trash ). She would also go to the Apelo Cruz Community in Pasay during weekends for outreach activities. In College she was Vice President-External for Rotaract Club and was instrumental in leading her organization to various Orphanages and Shelters for inter action and gift giving.

Since 2013 Gail has been active in activities for the I love the Street Children Kids, such as partnering with BPO companies to sponsor a child during Christmas and grant their 3 wishes each year. She is very instrumental in providing links and network, for the Humanility group to get to know key individuals in the Philippines to help and partner with the foundation. Gail is happily married with 3 kids, who are also actively involved and drawn towards helping the kids of the Shelter. Her kids are actually friends with each and every child, and they would consciously save money or their nicest clothes and toys to be able to share with the Makati Shelter kids.