Staff

2-IMG_8918Ryan Russell | Executive Director

Ryan graduated from Johnson University in 2005 with a Youth Ministry and Preaching degree. Since joining New Mission Systems International in the Fall of 2005, he has traveled to 18 different countries leading projects, teaching youth pastors, directing conferences, and overseeing other holistic youth projects. Ryan is currently furthering his education at Eastern University with a masters in International Development.    Ryan was a founding member of YouthHOPE as the Director of Training and Networking.

Ryan is currently overseeing the work in Myanmar for YouthHOPE and has developed the Opportunities Now Entrepreneurship School project.  Ryan has been traveling to Myanmar since 2006 and has overseen many training projects.  He is also married to the beautiful and intelligent Mary.

MaryMary Sanra Russell | Program Director

Mary was born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar.  She is Rawang, one of the ethnic minority groups of Kachin that live in Putao, Myanmar.  Mary is a graduate of Dagon University with an English Degree.  She is currently furthering her education in the Development Associates International Masters program in Organizational Leadership (MAOL).  Mary is also trained in Community Development Education CDE and did a CDE internship in the Philippines in 2010.

Mary has helped her parents in their business startup that makes traditional Rawang clothing.  She has a passion for development and business startups.  Mary will oversee the program of Opportunities Now and enjoys meeting up with former students of O.N and talking about their new businesses launched

SarahSarah Fish | Class Coordinator

Sarah was born in Yangon and is the daughter of a local Christian ministry leader.  Growing up, she spent half of her life in the U.S. and the other half in Myanmar.  She recently graduated from Kentucky Christian University with a University Studies degree.  By the time she completed her studies, she was enthralled with the education field, prompting her to return to Myanmar.

Sarah has been volunteering teaching English and Biblical courses at Yangon Christian College & Seminary.   She has also worked as a teacher and coordinator at Campion Institute where she developed the curriculum for an English language program.  Now, she is glad to be serving as Opportunities Now’s classroom coordinator to help out with curriculum development and teacher training.

JohnnyJohnny Knox | PR and Program Development

Johnny grew up in Ohio and later graduated from Lincoln Christian University in 2006 with an intercultural studies degree. He also graduated with an MDiv from Lincoln Christian Seminary in 2012. While in school he met his wonderful wife Janelle and the two of them were married in 2008. Also while going through school Johnny worked 6 years as a youth minister focusing most of that time with Jr. High age students.

Johnny, his wife, and 7 month old son moved to Yangon in May of 2012 and have lived here since.  Much of their time since arriving has been spent in Burmese language study.  At Opportunities Now Johnny does recruiting and works with public relations.  He is also excited about furthering the impact of Opportunities Now through program development.