Meet the Director: Ann
Ann VanDerMolen has been serving youth in the Dominican Republic for close to three decades and as Director of ANIJA School for the past 6 years.
As an experienced, professional, Christian teacher with a masters in curriculum planning, she moved with her family to the Dominican Republic in the late 1990’s. She has advanced the Kids Alive DR ministries in many ways in education, and for the last seven years has been the director of our largest school, ANIJA.
“Ann brings a wealth of experience, a strong work ethic, and amazing organizational abilities to the mission field,” says Vic Trautwein, co-country director for Kids Alive DR. “She also is an avid reader and life learner. She is constantly exploring and pioneering new ways to help vulnerable children learn and thrive.”
Ann leads with a heart full of gratitude. “I give thanks for my team of directors, teachers, and other staff,” she shares. “They all love Jesus and the kids and are dedicating their lives to making a difference.”
Celebrating nearly 3 decades of service at ANIJA School
One of her greatest challenges—and joys—is walking alongside children who have come from very hard places. “Some of our kiddos don’t know how to trust when they first arrive,” Ann explains. “It’s a privilege to help them experience safety and love, and to watch as trust begins to grow.”
Under her leadership and expertise, ANIJA School continues to embody Kids Alive DR’s holistic vision: a place where children receive academic, physical, emotional, and spiritual support, and where they are reminded daily that they are deeply valued and loved by God.
2025/26 Staff at ANIJA School
We praise God for His work in and through Ann.
Join us in praying as she continues to faithfully lead and serve the students and staff at ANIJA School.