Our Story
Bringing hope to Rusinga.
Friends of KMMA-CAITHS is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Kenyan community-based organization CAITHS in their efforts to help the poor and vulnerable people of Rusinga Island, Kenya. CAITHS provides local solutions and expertise across a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving education, sanitation, and health. Their flagship program, the Kathy & Mike McNulty Academy (KMMA), offers free education to orphaned children, provides clean water and health supplies to the impoverished, revitalizes the denuded environment, and empowers women - all to help break the cycle of poverty in AIDS-ravaged Western Kenya.
The McNulty family first became involved with CAITHS when the four McNulty siblings decided to open a primary school for orphaned children to honor their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Kieran McNulty, a scientist working on Rusinga and the first patron of CAITHS, worked through his contacts there to facilitate the process, and in 2016 the school opened its doors to more than 30 orphans. In gratitude, the community elected to name the school after the senior McNultys: the Kathy & Mike McNulty Academy. Seeing the incredible impact KMMA had in the children’s lives, the McNultys felt called to formalize their efforts into a 501c3 organization.
Our Board of Directors
MIKE McNULTY, Chair
& KATHY McNULTY
Mike and Kathy McNulty were born and raised in the outskirts of Toledo, OH. They met in high school and married after college graduation. Mike worked for Sears Roebuck for 43 years before retiring. Kathy taught elementary school for nearly as long, taking a “break” to raise their four children. In their retirement, Mike runs a gift shop and volunteers at the Traverse City Botanic Gardens and Kathy substitute teaches and volunteers at St. Vincent DePaul. Together they volunteer weekly to serve community meals to the hungry in their hometown.
Mike and Kathy have always been passionate about the importance of education, and made many sacrifices in their own lives for the sake of their children’s academic training. This passion was passed down to the next generation: all four children went into teaching professions.
KIERAN McNULTY PhD, Founder and Treasurer
Kieran McNulty is a professor of paleoanthropology at the University of Minnesota and has been conducting research on Rusinga Island since 2006. He has been supporting CAITHS since its inception in 2013 and now balances his research agenda with outreach and advising for CAITHS and KMMA. When he isn't traveling, Kieran resides in Minnesota with Katie and their two children.
KATIE McNULTY, Secretary
Katie McNulty's career has focused on education and nonprofit management, including fundraising, program development, governance, and strategic planning. Born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, she and Kieran have been fortunate to live in New York, England, and Texas. They now make their home in Minnesota with their two children and two hounds.
MICHAEL McNULTY
Michael McNulty is a university professor who teaches courses in theater arts and the science and philosophy of perception. He also serves as executive director of the Pro Art Association. Michael lives with his wife, Sheila, in the mountains of western Virginia where they met and were married.
KATY McCORMICK
Katy McCormick is a music educator and liturgical musician by trade and currently volunteers as musical director for a local community theater. She lives in southern Germany with her husband, David and their four children and is greatly enjoying the opportunity to travel and explore Europe with her family.
MAUREEN MILLER
Maureen Miller lives in central Florida with her husband and their Australian Shepherd, Reese. She is a middle school teacher, specializing in service learning and ELA instruction. As part of her curricula, she helps produce the school's yearbook and news, and implements service projects with her students that benefit various communities. Maureen enjoys volunteering, cooking (and eating!), and spending time outdoors during her free time.
ALVIN MAKINO
Alvin Makino and his wife Kelly have been long-time supporters of KMMA and CAITHS organizations. Alvin brings a wealth of expertise in financial services to the FoKC board, with over 14 years as a product manager and management consultant. He and his wife Kelly live in New Jersey with their two children, their dog Lando, and their cat Mochi.
Friends of KMMA-CAITHS embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity, and personal attention call us to embody and champion a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Friends of KMMA-CAITHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.