How can GIS support you?
We have experience and a network of indigenous staff and consultants across Africa. GIS believes in utilizing and building local capacity that will sustain projects beyond the close of project funding. We have strengths in the following areas:
● Strengthening surveillance, laboratory and public health workforce development
● Establishing new and strengthening current Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) through emergency preparedness, detection and response training and capacity building
● Developing biosecurity and biosafety legislation, regulatory and policy frameworks
● Enhancing digital systems including cybersecurity in health settings
● Establishing One Health programs including strategic planning, communications planning, multisectoral trainings and mentorships.
GIS Team
Kaitlin Sandhaus
CEO and Executive Director
Kaitlin Sandhaus studied Intercultural Communications and East African Studies at 
the University of Kansas. After working in Marketing for 5 years, Kaitlin worked for four years coordinating and managing healthcare related projects funded through the PEPFAR initiative. She has served as a senior manager for laboratory strengthening trainings, workshops and site assessments in Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Cote D’Ivoire and Tanzania. Kaitlin has secured over 5 million dollars in funding over the last 4 years to implement programs in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Egypt. She has managed the majority of the projects, workshops and meetings since the launch of GIS in 2009. Kaitlin is dedicated to building local-capacity in resource-limited settings through mentorship and coaching.
Dr. Jack Nyamongo
County Director – GIS Kenya
Dr. Nyamongo is a pathologist and Laboratory management expert with over 30 years’ experience in Kenya strengthening health 
systems in general and managing Laboratory and Blood Transfusion services. He has been involved in the establishment and management of the public health laboratory network in Kenya and the development of the National Public Health laboratory Policy and Strategic plan for laboratory services in Kenya and other African Countries. Before joining GIS, he was the Director, National Public Health Laboratories and National Blood Transfusion Services, Ministry of Health, Kenya. He has consulted widely for many organizations including JICA, WHO/AFRO, APHL and FIND to support laboratory and blood transfusion services systems strengthening, policy and strategic plan development in many countries in Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia. The countries he has worked in include:- Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, Angola, Belarus and Moldova, Nigeria, Namibia, Zambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Botswana and Lesotho.
Tura Galgallo
Deputy Director
Tura is a public health practitioner with skills in public health emergency management, public health 
laboratory management, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity management, public health disease surveillance, disease outbreak investigation and response, scientific writing, program management, public health policy and training. Tura holds a Masters of Science, Global Health Policy and a Masters of Science, Laboratory Management and Applied Epidemiology.
Kevin Omondi
Deputy Director Technical (MSc. Public Health, Bsc. Medical Laboratory Sciences, HDip. Immunology, Diploma Medical Laboratory Sciences)
Kevin Omondi Jasper is a Public Health Officer and a laboratory strategic planning and QMS implementation specialist with over 19 years of experience in medical laboratory work and 9 years and 
project implementation. Kevin’s experience spans over the areas in establishment and operationalization of Public Health Emergency Operation Centers (PHEOCs), laboratory quality management systems (LQMS) implementation, laboratory QMS auditing, laboratory commodity forecasting and quantification which he acquired through working within various organizations to strengthen the laboratories within and outside Kenya. He has experience in various positions as a Technologist, Laboratory Quality Systems Supervisor, Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Specialist, Laboratory Quality Management Systems and SLMTA Trainer and Mentor and currently a Deputy Director with GIS.
Sara Kephart
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Sara Kephart has worked in non-profit administration for over 20 years, supporting 
the work of organizations from large institutions to community-based agencies by providing expertise in non-profit finance and development. Toward that end, she has cultivated and maintained support from diverse funding sources including private foundations and local, state and federal agencies, ensuring compliance at all levels through the successful design and implementation of systems to manage, monitor and report on resources.
Pauline Nyaga
Head of Operations and Compliance
Pauline brings over 20 years of experience in supporting health systems strengthening and is knowledgeable in managing USG-
funded projects, having previously worked for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kenya. She oversees all aspects of GIS day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning across all departments. Pauline plays a pivotal role in devising and establishing compliance procedures and develops strategies to ensure the organization complies with all federal and local regulations. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Diploma in Project Management.
Winfred Oguta
Deputy Director Finance
Winfred is a finance professional with over 15 years of expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and 
financial analysis. She excels in commitments tracking, supporting grantee and donor financial reporting, and devising financial strategies to enhance cost efficiency and overall financial performance.
In her role as Deputy Director Finance at GIS and finance expert in other organizations, Winfred has honed her skills in financial analysis, budgetary processes, and risk management. She is adept at leading financial teams, preparing comprehensive financial reports and statements, implementing robust cash flow forecasting systems, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Winfred holds the Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA K) designation and earned her bachelor’s degree in Commerce with a Finance specialization. Currently pursuing an MBA in Strategic Management, she is also a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
Julie Earl
Program Manager
Julie Earl (Jules) has over 15 years of experience in Account Management and Project Management. Originally from South Africa, 
she obtained a Degree in Entrepreneurship, majoring in Business Management and Strategy. She has worked on three continents overseeing accounts of Fortune 500 companies, and managing projects within the fashion, marketing, and technology industry. She oversees all aspects of GIS programs funded by the Biosecurity Engagement Program(BEP) and the Nonproliferation Disarmament Fund(NDF), ensuring programs or activities are managed from start to finish.
Elly Alaro
Administrative Assistant
Elly Omondi Alaro has over Ten years of professional experience as a driver working with different 
organizations and companies within the Nyanza, Western and other regions within the Country. He is experienced in safe driving and holds an accident free driving record and has also knowledge in Fleet management. Through self-motivation and determination, Elly has acquired knowledge in office administrative, a position he is currently holding at Global Implementation Solutions.
Everlyn Chimwani
NDF Project Technical Officer - GIS Kenya
significant contributions to Public Health Emergency Management, offering mentorship and technical assistance to numerous Emergency Operation Centers.
Leila Omongo
Administrative Officer
Leila Raatkainen Omongo is a self-motivated professional and has over 5 years’ experience as a Business Administrator, She has vast 
knowledge in Information Management, Procurement processes, Fleet Management, Warehousing Processes and Procedures. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Leadership as a Business administration and Management major.
Isabella Mbogo
Human Resources Officer- GIS Western Kenya
Isabella is a certified Human resources Practitioner with a track record of 7 years in Developing and administering HR Plans and 
procedures, policy Implementation, Employee relations and providing guidance in Local and International Employment Laws.
She Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce -Human Resources Management Major and Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP-K)
