Originally from California, Janna Moats founded Loom International in 2007 after encountering and spending significant time with Local Experts around the world serving the most vulnerable, often in very isolated situations. She committed herself to listening, understanding and working together with them to find solutions to bringing sustainable change to their communities. She believes that “standing far-off” is simply not an option. As the mother of two and grandmother of six, she also enjoys spending time with family here in Portland.

Colleen Milstein is from South Africa, where she was exposed to both the injustice and potential of her region. She spent time working amongst the poorest in the squatter camps of the western Cape where she saw first hand the complexities of generational poverty. With a Masters degree in Global Development and Justice from Multnomah University, Colleen focuses on training in critical thinking skills and the implementation of tangible and sustainable strategies that will bring people out of poverty.

Jenna grew up in Portland, Oregon. She studied Creative Writing and Youth and Family Ministry at Corban University and worked for a local anti-trafficking organization before joining Loom. She is passionate about engaging the Church in areas of injustice and giving vulnerable and marginalized communities a voice through storytelling. Some of her favorite things are a good book, a hot cup of tea, seeing her succulents last more than a month, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream

Eugenie Adamah-Tassah was born and raised in Cameroon, Africa, where her parents were missionaries. She has an extensive background in mission work with children, youth, and environmental projects. In 2008, she moved to the US where she pursued her education. She has recently earned a Master’s degree in Global Development from Multnomah University. She joined Loom International as a project manager to connect people and resources to work alongside families and communities to create a healthy environment for children and youth to grow in a holistic manner. Her passion is to promote poverty alleviation through the gospel and economic development opportunities.

Heather Wood comes to us from Canada where she worked as a teacher to the deaf and children with learning difficulties, all the while developing a deep commitment to children at risk. Heather joined Loom to help develop and spearhead the Celebrating Children Workshop. She has trained Local Experts in Bangladesh, Romania, Rwanda and Nepal, with the conviction that when a society places the wellbeing of the child central, everyone thrives.

Yvonne began working as a teacher in her home country, South Africa until 1980 when she moved to Thailand to join the refugee relief efforts to Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees living in camps. She spent over thirty years of her life in relief and development work in the region until 2016 when she joined Loom. She brings with her an incredible wealth of experience, commitment and passion for those most vulnerable.

Ed is a California native and spent thirteen years in Kona, Hawaii as Director of publications and Human Resources with YWAM’s University of the Nations. His experience in pastoral care and personnel development led to his involvement with Loom’s Celebrating Children Workshop. He is passionate about seeing Local Experts on the field fully equipped to serve children at risk.

Kay spent her formative years in Africa where she developed an early love of beauty, hospitality and food. Together with her husband, Ed, she worked in pastoral ministries for thirteen years as well as in Personnel Development in Kona, Hawaii. She has a strong desire to see people fulfilled in their calling, especially those on the field. An early member of Loom, she helped develop the Celebrating Children Workshop and continues to be involved in this training around the world.

Philippa is originally from New Zealand and has worked in missions for the past 29 years. She has a passion to see people empowered and equipped in every area so they can live life to the fullest and wholeheartedly follow the call of God. She has received training in debriefing, counseling and spiritual direction and carries a high value for people care. Philippa is committed to intercession and its importance within the home office and on the field with Local Experts.

Hanna was born and raised in Germany and early on began a path of caring for the most vulnerable when her sister with special needs joined their family from within the foster-care system. She went on to study at theological seminary in Switzerland and has committed her life to mobilizing those around her to partner within areas of social justice. She joined Loom in 2012 and is passionate about engaging with the church on behalf of the vulnerable.

Eva was born in Sweden but grew up in the midwestern United States, where her family immigrated.  She completed a BA in Sociology and has served with her husband in missions for over 30 years. During this time, she was struck by the extreme neglect and abuse that children suffer globally. By using art and creativity in many countries she has found some keys to healing trauma and bringing hope to the most vulnerable, which has become a key piece of Loom’s curriculum and training worldwide.

California, USA
Chairman of the Board

“I believe in Loom because they live consistently with what they communicate and think “outside the box” to authentically serve women and children at risk.”

Washington, USA
Board Member

“I love Loom’s approach to focus on accelerating what local people are passionate about and already doing.“

Washington, USA
Board Member

“To work alongside an organization with the kind of impact that Loom is having around the world is a great privilege.”

Oregon, USA
Board Member

“I believe in Loom because their strategy of standing with Local Experts – who continually inspire me because they don’t quit – is super effective.”

Donations to Loom International are thoughtfully stewarded toward development and implementation of Tools that equip local experts to be sustainable while serving vulnerable women and children in their communities around the world.

Thank you for your faithfulness in serving the most vulnerable by your donations to Loom International.

Funding Distribution