Our US Leadership Team

Patrick Atkinson
Founder & Executive Director
Member of Board of Directors
Bismarck, North Dakota-native Patrick Atkinson attended Minnesota State University – Moorhead where he earned a BA in Criminal Justice (pre-law) and a BSW in Social Work (chemical dependency counseling). After graduation in 1981, he turned down several lucrative corporate job offers to work with runaways, prostitutes, and gang members in New York City Hell’s Kitchen. In 1983, Patrick moved to Central America where he began a life-long international career in war-zone reconciliation and post-war reconstruction. He earned a Masters of Nonprofit Management from Regis University and has studied post-graduate studies at Harvard University and the University of Oxford.
A popular university guest lecturer on issues related to human trafficking, international nonprofit management, and street gang issues, he has been knighted, is the recipient of numerous human rights awards (including the Guatemalan Congressional Medal) and is the subject of author Monica Hannan’s biography, The Dream Maker. He is author of several award-winning books, including the international selling Message for My Child and The Powerful You, as well as the founder and executive director of The GOD’S CHILD Project, the Institute for Trafficked, Exploited & Missing Persons, The Atkinson Center, and several Central American charities.
When not being shot at, knifed, caught in car bombings, or traveling worldwide advocating on behalf of abused, abandoned, or human-trafficking victims, Patrick resides with his family in Central America, in Bismarck, ND, and at Hippo Wallow Pond, his family home outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Contact Patrick:
Info@GodsChild.org
612-351-8020

Kathy Bird
Bismarck, ND Office Assistant and Community Donations Manager
After working in State and Federal Government for 20 years, Kathy Bird decided, upon retirement, to spend her time and energy in charitable ways – helping people in need.
Kathy helps GCP’s incredible donor and community support base from GCP’s Bismarck, North Dakota office, and helps them to best serve underprivileged children and families locally and internationally. Kathy also coordinates the collection and redistribution of tens of thousands of lbs. of donated clothing, school supplies, and medical equipment from North Dakota families and organizations, to GCP’s charities worldwide in addition to needy regional charitable efforts.
Over the years, Kathy has taught English to refugees from Thailand, and served in the “Big Sister” program. She loves spending time with children and families, and helping others who may need a little extra care during difficult moments in life.
Contact Kathy:
Kathy.Bird@GodsChild.org
701-255-7956

Amy C. Brueckner
HUMAN TRAFFICKING SPECIALIST
Contact Amy:
Amy.Brueckner@ITEMP.org
612-351-8020

Brendan Dwyer
Director of Community Engagement – Philadelphia, PA
Member of Board of Directors
Philadelphia-native Brendan Dwyer first worked with The GOD’S CHILD Project and La Asociación Nuestros Ahijados (ANA) in 2009, when he was 16 and joined his first ServiceTeam Experience trip to Guatemala. He immediately fell in love with GCP and the work and would later lead several more trips while recruiting new volunteers to join him.
Brendan graduated with a degree in Finance and a Spanish minor from Villanova University in 2014 and worked for five years at a Philadelphia brokerage firm before moving to Guatemala to work as the ANA’s National Director for two years (2020-2021).
Brendan is now back in the Philadelphia area where he works as a financial advisor, in addition to his role as GCP’s Director of Community Engagement for the East Coast.
As Director of Community Engagement, Brendan leads speaking engagements to support fundraising efforts, generates volunteer and ServiceTeam Experience interest, and raises awareness. He continues to lead ServiceTeam Experiences to Guatemala to build homes, care for baby-patients at Casa Jackson for Malnourished Children, and distribute food and clothing to ANA’s children and families.
Brendan considers Guatemala to be his second home and holds the Project close to his heart. He believes visits to GCP and ANA are crucial for people to witness true poverty first-hand so they can better understand the tools people need to break out of poverty forever.

Edward P. Hickey
MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Edward P. Hickey was a Senior Leader at Vanguard managing a team of Investment Advisors who helped their nonprofit clients achieve their missions. Edward was also responsible for helping to grow and manage Vanguard’s Nonprofit Institutional Services’ $65 billion Outsourced Chief Investment Officer services.
Edward very recently retired from the financial services industry to live in Guatemala where he is learning Spanish and volunteering with The GOD’S CHILD Project-affiliated Nuestros Ahijados program in different leadership projects.
Contact Ed:
Board@GodsChild.org
612-351-8020

Kimberly Matts
Office Manager
Kimberly graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a BS in Marketing. She has always had a love for travel, particularly Mexico, and is passionate about helping others and learning about different cultures. Kimberly began her career in the travel industry and quickly determined that her niche was planning events and creating unforgettable experiences for people to share. Through her career she was able to work with a wide array of clients, but working with non-profits always held a special place in her heart. Helping others comes second nature to Kimberly and she has volunteered with numerous local animal rescues and People Serving People in Minneapolis.
After many successful years in event planning, Kimberly decided that it was time to shift career paths to something more meaningful where she could truly make a difference. Kimberly oversees the daily operations in Minneapolis and truly enjoys working with our team who are dedicated to being of service to others. The best part of her job is hearing the children’s success stories and connecting with donors and volunteers.
Contact Kimberly:
Kimberly.Matts@GodsChild.org
612-351-8020

Dan Morgan, MSW, DCSW
Member of the Board of Directors
Contact Dan:
Board@GodsChild.org
612-351-8020

Nancy Rue
MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Alyza Streeter
Sponsorship and Program Coordinator
Alyza took her first international trip to Guatemala in the Spring of 2021 where she helped build a house, cared for kids at Casa Jackson Hospital for Malnourished Children, collaborated with volunteers and staff, and distributed food to families in need. In her role as Program Coordinator Alyza helps volunteers, sponsors, and donors have a positive experience. She especially enjoys working with GCP because she believes it is important to help children who lack access to the basic tools to succeed, such as healthcare and education.
Alyza began her career working for large corporations, but after a few years switched to non-profit employment as she wanted to do work that is more personally fulfilling. Her first foray into charity work promoted fair trade artists in developing countries using sustainable resources. Working to improve the lives of families around the world is a cause close to her heart.
Contact Alyza:
Alyza.Streeter@GodsChild.org
612-351-8020

Of Counsel
Heidi Christianson, Attorney
Joseph Schmitt, Attorney
Nilan Johnson Lewis Law Firm
250 S Marquette Ave Ste 800
Minneapolis, MN 55401
www.NilanJohnson.com
KrisAnn Norby-Jahner, Attorney
Vogel Law Firm
200 North 3rd Street, Suite 201
Bismarck, ND 58501
www.VogelLaw.com