Our Team
Board of Directors
Dr. Eusebius Small
Founder of COCE Kenya, Dr. Small originates from Busia County, Kenya, and serves as Executive Director. Providing education as an opportunity for social improvement in Kenya is his passion.
Dr. Ashley Palmer
Dr. Palmer is passionate about promoting health, education, and well-being among children, youth, and young adults and is excited to continue working on those values with COCE Kenya.
Professor Karla Arenas-Itotia, LMSW
Professor Arenas-Itotia assists COCE in developing local community relationships both in the USA and in Kenya.
Dr. Alicia Sellon
As a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Dr. Sellon is delighted to bring her experience in community development, grant writing, and administration to support COCE's mission.
Talisa Coronado, LMSW
Having previously worked for international NGOs Ms. Coronado brings her experience and passion to COCE’s web presence.
Dr. Bonita Sharma PhD
Dr. Sharma is passionate about working on social, economic, and environmental issues globally. She has been a long-term supporter of COCE and joined to support the organization’s mission on a community-driven strength-based approach.
Malaika Awori, BSc, MDCM, CCFP
Malaika Awori-Gunther was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and currently lives in Quebec, Canada. She attained her BSc in Biochemistry, Medical Degree and Family Medicine Residency training and currently works at a community clinic as a Family Physician. She strongly believes in the power of education, preventive healthcare and well-being.
Priscilla Ocen, Professor of Law
Priscilla Ocen is a Professor of Law at Loyola Law School where she teaches criminal procedure, reproductive justice, and a seminar on race, gender and the law. Her work explores the ways in which the intersection of race, gender and class make women of color vulnerable to various forms of violence and criminalization.
Dr. Justin Taillon, PhD, MBA, CHTP, CHIA
Dr. Taillon is excited to work with COCE to make communities better places to live, work, and play. He has worked extensively in community development in his applied academic career. He looks forward to being a part of enhancing the socio-cultural sustainability in regions where COCE operates.
Wendy Thornell, LMSW
Merging her passion for education with her determination to empower, support, and advocate for the youth of Kenya, Wendy Thornell is excited to support the mission of COCE in an effort to bring about generational change.
Country Director
Jackson Ochwila
Currently living and working in Busia County, Kenya, Jackson is a vital part of COCE’s mission to involve local communities in projects.
Our Interns
Adriana Martinez
MSW Student at UT Arlington specializing in Community and Administrative Practice. As a COCE Kenya intern, she brings a passion for macro-oriented practice, collaborative teamwork, and international social justice.
Xiomara Rios
Currently pursuing her MSW with a focus on Community and Administrative practice, she is dedicated to advancing community empowerment and global social justice. As an intern with COCE Kenya, she brings her passion for creative positive change and social equity.