Program Leadership and Support Staff
Zachary Lager - Program Director
Zach is Sibanye’s South Africa program director and has spent the last nine years living, working and volunteering in a variety of community and international development initiatives in Southern Africa. Zachary is currently completing his MPhil in Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University, concentrating on Global Citizenship and Sustainable Food Systems. Zachary will combine his deep knowledge and connections of the local area as well as his vast international experience to help provide the most rewarding experience possible for Sibanye participants.
Sinesipho Njeza - Program Coordinator & Group Facilitator
My name is Sinesipho Njeza and my passion is engaging and finding creative ways to enrich each other’s lives. This passion is rooted in my experience of growing up in Khayelitsha, a township just outside of Cape Town, and, continues through my current pursuits as a social change agent, educator and speaker. I hold an Undergraduate degree in Psychology and Organizational Psychology and I bring my smile and energy to everything I do.
Danny Recio, PhD - Founder and President of the Board of Directors
Danny came of age in South Africa, when he traveled to Cape Town as an exchange student in 1998. For the past 20 years, he has continued fostering the relationships he made then, and creating new ones. Danny is a part of the development team for Sibanye, as well as support staff training and student orientations. Danny has developed two other experiential learning programs, New Summit Academy and The Bridge ~ Costa Rica. He is deeply passionate about the developmental benefits of cross-cultural immersions, and is continuously researching, presenting and publishing on this topic. Danny will be present during the initial weeks of the summer program to help orient students, set goals, and set the tone for the rest of the trip.
Andy Myers - Founder and Board Member
Andy feels blessed even being mentioned on the same page with the rest of this wonderful team. Having spent the last 17+ years developing and facilitating meaningful cross cultural opportunities (in Costa Rica, Peru, Belize, Guatemala, and South Africa), careful community service collaborations and international wilderness experiences, Andy knows risk management and the logistics of making international travel and study programs work. He is a founder of New Summit Academy and The Bridge Costa Rica, and looks forward to how we can stretch the minds of young adults to continue changing the world from the inside out.
Heather Tracy, EdD - Founder and Board Member
Dr. Heather Tracy is an educator and psychologist who has dedicated her career to providing enrichment opportunities to nontraditional learners in international settings such as New Summit Academy and The Bridge Costa Rica. She brings to the table a mix of academic support and structure as well as inspirational personal support for young people embarking on new paths.
Dr. Tony Naidoo - Board Member and Usiko Elder
Arnold Okkers - Board Member and Usiko Director
“Uncle” Clenn Vermuelen - Usiko Elder & Sibanye Support
Darius - Usiko Facilitator & Sibanye Support
Litha - Usiko Facilitator & Sibanye Support