Staff
Jenny Bowen, Executive Director
Like many adoptive parents of children from China, Jenny Bowen returned with a desire to preserve some link to her daughter's past, and to give something back to her daughter's home country and to the many children left behind. With Maya's adoption in 1997, she also became an avid student of early childhood development theories and practices. She and her husband, Richard Bowen joined with fellow adoptive parents to form Half the Sky in 1998. Daughter Anya joined the family in 2000.
A former screenwriter and film director, Jenny began her motion picture career working for Francis Ford Coppola after several years working in the theater. In addition to writing screenplays for major Hollywood producers, She was writer-director on several independent films. She, Richard, and their two youngest children live in Hong Kong and she is a regular commuter to Half the Sky's Beijing office, as well as its many sites.
Zhang Zhirong, Managing Director, Programs
Born in Tianjin, Zhang Zhirong graduated from Beijing's University of Foreign Languages and then received her MA from the University of Michigan. She is fluent in English and, early in her career, served as a translator for China International Travel Services. She has worked as a coordinator or project director for several UN-supported population projects in China and, for ten years, before joining Half the Sky, she worked for China Population Welfare Foundation as Director of International Liaison and Assistant to the Secretary-General in Strategic Planning and Management. She lives in Beijing.
Deanne Bevan, Director of Development
Before HTS Deanne had a long corporate career with McDonald’s, including as Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Training & Development in the Australian company and international roles in Asia. She has served on Australian Boards including the National Centre for Vocational Education Research; President of the national Fast Food Chains Association; and Editorial Board of the Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources. She chaired the 1998 Review of the Affirmative Action (Equal Opportunity for Women) Act and following the published report, Unfinished Business – Equity for Women in Australian Workplaces, chaired the Ministerial Advisory Board for the commonwealth EEO Agency. Deanne holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Arts. She lives in Melbourne with her husband, Guy and son, Jack.
Helen Tang, Chief Financial Officer
Born in Beijing, Helen Tang is a Certified Management Accountant with a broad background in international finance and business operations. Prior to joining Half the Sky, she served as VP, Finance for Warner China Film. She became Financial Controller for Jones, Lang LaSalle after serving in the same position at Crown, China. She was previously Manager, Finance & Administration for Baker, Hughes Beijing and earlier for Atoztec (HK.) Helen received her Master of Applied Finance at the University of Melbourne, Australia and her MBA at the University of Queensland.
Janice N. Cotton, PhD, Director of Programs
Janice N. Cotton has a PhD in early childhood education and has worked in the field for over 30 years. She has been a preschool and elementary school teacher, public school administrator, a child development center director, a professor and research scientist at the university level, and an education consultant for foundations, research institutions and public schools. She has served as lead nanny trainer for HTS since 2001. Janice, her husband, Jim, a marriage and family therapist, and their daughter Kathryn, adopted as a toddler from Shenzhen Social Welfare Institution in Guangdong, reside in Birmingham, Alabama.
Infant Nurture Program
Jeronia Muntaner, Director, Infant Nurture
Jeronia is a Montessori-trained early childhood, preschool teacher and Montessori Teacher Trainer. She created the Montessori Chinese Language and Culture program and managed it as Program Director at the International Montessori School of Beijing (Pre-school to Grade 4). Prior to joining Half the Sky, where she first served as Infant Nurture field supervisor and trainer, Jeronia taught preschool children in China for six years. She has been living and working in China since 1985.
Li DaoXin, Associate Director,
Infant Nurture
Li DaoXin worked in the Hefei Children's Welfare Institution from 1973 until her retirement in 2004. Initially a caregiver, from 1990 to from 1990 to 2004, she served as director of the institution's Infant Department. In 2000, when Half the Sky opened its very first Infant Nurture Program at Hefei, Li was recruited to become the program's very first nanny supervisor. Following her retirement in 2004, Half the Sky invited Li DaoXin to join the organization as its first Infant Nurture Program field supervisor. In January 2009, Li Dao Xin was promoted to Associate Director.
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Little Sisters Preschool Program
Zhao Wen, PhD, Senior Program Director, Little Sisters Preschool
Zhao Wen is a native of Hangzhou, China. She received her doctorate in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Nebraska where she was also a Lecturer in Early Childhood Education in the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies before becoming program director of HTS. She received her MS in Child and Family Studies at the University of Wyoming and her BA at Huzhou Teacher's College, Zhejiang, PRC. From 1987 until 1994 she was head teacher in a Head Start preschool program and a home day care provider at the University of Wyoming. Prior to that she taught at Qiushi High School in Hangzhou. She resides in both Lincoln, Nebraska and Hangzhou, China with her husband and two sons.
Li Ping, Associate Director, Little Sisters
A graduate of Hefei Early Childhood Teacher College, Li Ping's very first job in 2000 was as a Little Sisters preschool teacher in Hefei Social Welfare Institution, then an original 'pilot site' for HTS programs.. After teaching four years in Hefei and clearly adored by the children she taught, Li Ping was promoted to become a Little Sisters preschool field supervisor, overseeing programs across China.Over the years, Li Ping has witnessed the tremendous transformation of Half the Sky and the children it helps, and says she is forever grateful for being part of the HTS family. A life-long learner, Li Ping continued to attend Anhui University’s distance education while on the road for HTS and has acquired degrees in both journalism and law. Li Ping believes that Half the Sky is living proof of the power of love.
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Youth Services Program
Laura Lofy, PhD, Director, Youth Services
An educational psychologist, Laura earned her doctorate in school psychology at the University of Minnesota. She received her masters degree in maternal and child health from the University of North Carolina. More than 20 years ago, Laura spent a year studying Mandarin at Fudan University in Shanghai, and ever since, has felt a close connection to China. Laura has worked with the Institute for International Education, Columbia Road Health Services, and Head Start. Her areas of practice include assessment and intervention related to cognition, academics, and behavior. Laura lives in Shanghai with her husband Jeff, a managing attorney for Cargill, and their three children — two adopted from Korea, and one from China.
Wang Li , Associate Director, Youth Services
Wang Li was born in Sichuan. She was a successful athlete and participated in the Paralympics in the 80's. Her personal experience with an NGO led her understand how an organization can change lives. This led her to found a NGO to help the disabled in Shanghai. She mobilized a group of volunteers to provide vocational training and education to the disabled in Shanghai. Wang Li wishes to promote sustainable development for all, grounded on mutual love and understanding. She is currently serving on the local Committee of Shanghai PRC Political Consultative Conference, and is the recipient of Shanghai’s “10 Most Outstanding Youth” award.
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 Hu QunHua Field Supervisor-Mentor, Youth Services Nanchang |
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Family Village Program
Wang Weiling, Director, Family Village Program
Weiling says she has always been inquisitive. When she was a young girl, she climbed a tree, wanting to find out more about a nest she'd glimpsed in the branches. She saw two tiny birds looking straight back at her. From that moment, Weiling started caring for little lives that need tender loving care. She became a nurse, a teacher, an editor, and eventually settled on charitable work. She worked with Alliance for Children where she learned about the tremendous needs of the institutionalized children in China. When Half the Sky presented her with the opportunity to help the children, she felt it was something she was always meant to do. She is so proud to be part of the family.
Zhang YuXia, Associate Director, Family Village
In 1967, Zhang YuXia began working at the Hefei Social Welfare Institution as a caregiver. After many years of experience and advanced training in special education and rehabilitation, she became the Director of the institution. She served in that position until her retirement in 2004, at which time she joined the HTS staff. The sole female recipient of the Hefei Provincial Government Model Worker prize, Director Zhang resides in Hefei and travels all over China for Half the Sky.
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China Care Program
Helena Lv , Director, The China Care Program
Lily Lu, Associate Director, The China Care Program
Tang Xia, Transition Coordinator/Sr. Field Coordinator, The China Care Program
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 Wang ZhiMin Senior Nurse The China Care Program Beijiing |
 Yang LiChun Nurse The China Care Program Beijiing |
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 Song AiLing Nurse The China Care Program Beijiing |
 Fu Li Case Coordinator, The China Care Program Beijiing |
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 Claire Ye Care Supervisor, The China Care Program Beijing |
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 Yu Hui Driver The China Care Program Beijing |
Mu ZhenDong |
 Zhang MingYue Cook The China Care Program Beijing |
 Chen ShuZhen Cook The China Care Program Beijing |
Special Programs
Ma Lang, MD, PhD, Director, Child Development
Originally from Chengdu, Lang received her PhD in applied child development from Tufts University in the U.S. Before Tufts, she was trained as a pediatrician and also completed her master’s degree in adolescent health in China. She has worked with Save the Children (UK) China Program, World Vision International, and Zigen Fund as a consultant/volunteer to promote the well-being of children living in impoverished rural China. Lang has extensive experience in human development research, particularly in designing and conducting program evaluation. She is focusing her time and energy on an evaluation project to systematically assess the Half the Sky programs.
Debbie Tong, Associate Director, Special Needs
Debbie began working with Half the Sky in 2002 as a nanny trainer and says she found it impossible to not have HTS a part of her life. She has a MA in Physical Therapy and has been practicing over 20 years, serving the needs of children with disabilities, as a therapist and administrator. In addition to her work serving the special needs of orphaned children for Half the Sky, she also works at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, CA. Debbie and her husband, Paul, adopted their daughter Maddie, from Tongling, Anhui province, in 2000, and live in Menlo Park, California.
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 Emma Qin Program Coordinator, Special Needs Beijing |
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Program Support
Rachel Xing, Director, Program Operations
Born in Qingdao, Rachel attended University in Nanjing where she obtained a BA in Foreign Languages. She received her Masters degree in Communications from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She moved abroad afterwards, studying and working in Canada for over 10 years where she received her second bachelors degree, a BS. Having served the largest telecomm company in Western Canada for years, Rachel brings with her extensive experience in project management through coordinating people from different cultural and technical backgrounds. She has been a passionate volunteer for immigration associations, helping new immigrants settle in Canada. Rachel currently resides in Beijing and is determined to dedicate her love to those HTS angels in China.
Joanna Ren, Senior Program Coordinator
Originally from Jiangsu Province, Joanna graduated from the Beijing Language and Cultural University with a degree in English Literature and Translation. While a student she worked as an interpreter for various non-governmental organizations, including Green Cross, US-China Environmental Fund, and UNICEF, led drama workshops for children to teach environmental awareness, and organized a group of volunteers to tutor the children of migrant workers. A member of the HTS family since 2004, Joanna is more committed than ever to the well-being of China's children.
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 Sara Wang Asst. Coordinator, Children's Programs Beijing |
 Candy Su Office Assistant Beijing |
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Finance
Mei Jiang, Finance Director, International
Born in Nantong, Jiangsu province, Mei Jiang worked as a bank manager at the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank before she came to the U.S. She received her MBA from California State University at Hayward with a focus on accounting. Formerly donations coordinator for Half the Sky in its Berkeley office, Mei now oversees finance and accounting for Half the Sky. She lives in Hong Kong with her husband, Ting Lu and daughter, Mira.
Nancy Chen, Finance Manager, Programs
A native Beijinger, Nancy (Chen Yun) received her undergraduate degree in financial management at
Seal of Renmin University of China. She did her graduate study at
University of Free State in South Africa, where she received a Masters Degree in Business Management. Nancy loves working with people from all sorts of different backgrounds and prides herself on her ability to get along with everyone.
 Cathy Chan Accountant Hong Kong |
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 Irene Jing Accountant Beijing |
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Development & Communications
Patricia King, Director, Communications
Using the skills she acquired as a reporter and bureau chief at Newsweek Magazine, Patricia King coordinates Half the Sky’s communications department. With technological support from her husband Harold, she edits Half the Sky’s newsletters and website content. She also answers queries from Half the Sky’s supporters, adoptive families whose children have “graduated” from HTS’ programs, and the media. As the grateful mother of Shanghai-born Anna, she sees her job as one way to keep in touch with her daughter’s roots and help the children in China who have not yet found their forever families. She lives in Marin County, California.
Carol Kemble, Director, Individual Philanthropy
Carol volunteered on her first trip with Half the Sky in 2000, never dreaming how this simple act would change the course of her life. Once she’d been, however, she knew she had to come back, and, often accompanied by her two China-born daughters, Tai (Taizhou, Jiangsu) and Ava (Maoming, Guangdong), she has, time and time again, for many years as HTS' Building Director. With her move into development, Carol has been able to apply her business background (marketing, training and sales) with her love of adventure, and her enormous passion for truly making a difference for the children who live in China’s social welfare institutions.
Alla Zeltser-Fitch, Director of Development, North America
Alla joined the Half the Sky family after 11 years as Principal of Fitch & Sons, a consulting firm specializing in all aspects of non-profit fundraising including special events, volunteer development and strategic planning. Alla’s record of success includes raising over $7 million for March of Dimes, American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Role Model Program, San Jose State University, Hartnell College and Parkinson’s Institute among many others. Her fundraising events have received local and national acclaim. Alla holds a BS in HR and an MBA. She resides on the Central Coast in California with the loves of her life — Daniel, Nicholas, and James.
Ivy Yu, Director, Community Outreach
Born in Taiwan, Ivy Yu moved to the United States as a teenager. She studied economics at the University of California, Berkeley and maintains a strong interest in education and working with children. Ivy keeps Half the Sky's global operations running smoothly despite geographical challenges. She recently returned to California after a two-year stint in HTS' Beijing office.
Lisa Slow, Director, Communications, The China Care Program
China Care Foundation
When Lisa left a career in broadcast journalism to start a family, she wanted to continue to write about what was happening in the world. She landed in communications for the nonprofit sector, first at the international relief organization AmeriCares, and now as Director of Communications for China Care Foundation. Prior to working in the nonprofit world, Lisa was a producer for CNN and Bloomberg Television, where she earned numerous broadcast journalism awards, including two Emmy Awards. She holds a BA from Cornell University and an MA from New York University. Lisa lives in Connecticut with her husband and their three children.
Grace Muoio, Director, Development, The China Care Program
China Care Foundation
Grace has always had a passion for children. With two children of her own and an intense dedication to family, she felt compelled to help other children who did not have the love and support she knew so well. She started at China Care in 2005 with the hope of improving the lives of children in need. Prior to China Care, Grace acquired her excellent people skills and management abilities as the owner and operator of two small businesses. She lives in Connecticut with her family.
Monica Lai, Associate Director, Development , North America
Born in Hong Kong and educated in the U.S., Monica recently received her Masters in Public Administration. She has worked as a fundraiser and event coordinator for organizations such as Planned Parenthood, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and ACCION USA. She looks forward to working with all the dedicated and great staff, volunteers and supporters of Half the Sky and hopes to do her part in ensuring that each orphaned child in China receives the care and love that she/he needs to thrive.
Pam Han, Associate Director, Communications
A graduate of National Taiwan University, Pam Han also holds an MA in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. She worked as a web development and marcom professional in Michigan and Silicon Valley for over 10 years and served as a volunteer webmaster at the Tzu-Chi Foundation. She and her husband, Jeff Huang, and daughter, April, live in Northern California, where she created a "Freecycle" community to keep useable items out of landfills. She enjoys using technologies to bring people together to support great causes like Half the Sky's five life-changing programs.
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 Jing Yee Donor Relations Associate Berkeley |
 Kate Gaines Communications Associate, Give Me Wings! Beijing |
And more staff....
Our Nanny Supervisors
Some of our Teachers
