Diane Rzegocki, President
As a clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience working with children and families of many ethnicities, the opportunity to be of service to families in the Holy Land was a personal, professional and spiritual gift. My professional background in family preservation and implementing evidence-based programs was an excellent fit with the Holy Child Program. In 2007, I left my position as clinical supervisor at a community mental health clinic in Seattle, to volunteer full time as a board member. I am married with four adult children and two grandchildren. My husband and I love spending time in the Holy Land and especially enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine!
Francis Barillaro, Vice-President and Treasurer
In 2008, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist asked my wife Judith and me along with three other lay affiliates of their Community to assume responsibility for the Holy Child Program. Visiting the school twice, I see HCP as a beacon of hope and a living, working example of tolerance and cooperation for the good of children and families in Palestine and the Middle East. It is an honor and privilege to serve as Vice President and Treasurer on the Board of Directors. As a former commercial banker and current owner of Cornerstone Business Advisors, LLC, I work directly with the President of BHCP and the Director of HCP to insure that the school is organizationally and financially sound.
Cathy Goodrich, Secretary
The children of HCP sang “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine” and drew me into the light of their lives. Dedicated teachers, staff and eager families, supported by three faiths together working on behalf of vulnerable children, inspire me to serve them, too. As a life-committed Franciscan Apprentice, I’ve been the Board Secretary since 2008 and was blessed to twice visit this remarkable school located in a land quite different from my home in Seattle, Washington, where I am a real estate broker, former civil engineer, avid hiker, wife of 35 years and mother of three wonderful daughters.
Elaine Carr, Member
My husband and I lived in the Holy Land for several years and the people and the land are embedded in my heart. My son attended a Franciscan preschool in the Holy Land which led me to become a committed Franciscan apprentice 30 years ago and to follow in the steps of St. Francis to serve others. I have a great love of children and am a mother of seven. I graduated college with a BA in psychology which prepared me to work as a paraeducator in the public school system in Maryland. I currently work in the preschool level and enjoy it tremendously.
Christine Bee, Member
The Holy Child Program embodies three passions in my life: the love I have for the Holy Land, my life commitment to Franciscan Apprenticeship and my devotion to the education of children, especially those with learning differences. As a middle school special education paraeducator in Connecticut, I have spent 17 years advocating and supporting students in their individualized education plans. Combining those passions with the experiences in my profession brings joy to serve in the mission of the Holy Child Program. My husband and I have been married for 30 years and whenever possible we enjoy biking and kayaking together. We also have two wonderful children.
Iskander Khoury, Member
Iskander Khoury is the Executive Director of the Holy Child Program and has been on the staff since the beginning. He has served over the years as a counselor, an administrator, and, since 2008, the program director. He was named executive director in 2021.