Dr. James R. Walker, PhD, RN

Executive Director & Co-Founder

James is a lecturer in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies at DePaul University in Chicago, previously professor of philosophy at Union College in New York. His research interests included ethical issues of war and non-violent means of achieving and maintaining peace, particularly in east and central Africa. James’ goals are to continue the process of integrating his diverse skills, knowledge, and experience in an effort to further develop, empower, and aid grassroots community based organizations in Northern Uganda and is deeply committed in the attempt to provide the people of this region with increased access to quality health care.

Jerry Van Beveren, CPA, CFE, CGMA

Director of Finance

Jerry is an accountant with over 40 years of experience in public accounting and finance management.  He was a founding partner at Flusche, Van Beveren, Kilgore PC CPA’s and after spending almost 50 years in South Texas, he retired in 2017 and moved to Chicago, Illinois.  This move with his wife of 43 years has brought him closer to his four grandchildren, who take up most of his time these days!  Jerry is Asteroidea’s financier manager and was instrumental in obtaining Asteroidea’s 501(c)3 nonprofit status.  

Anny Su, MSN, FNP

Director of Communications & Media

Anny lives and works as a nurse practitioner in San Francisco, California. She is honored and excited to be a part of Asteroidea which, for her, represents a more sensitive, responsible, and conscientious approach to partnership and aid in underdeveloped settings. At the end of the day, her ultimate goal is to convey the extraordinary spirit of those in Northern Uganda, striving, in spite of their harsh and resource-poor environments and sometimes seemingly against all odds, to uplift the well being of their communities.

Dr. Emily Van Beveren, MD

Director of Medicine & Clinical Practice

Emily chose to purse a career in medicine, inspired by the belief that all mankind should have a right to access quality health care. She currently practices as an emergency medicine physician in Texas and has, over the past many years, dedicated her life to fulfilling that primary belief through her many trips and participation in programs in Africa, including fighting on the front lines of the Ebola crises in Sierra Leone. She has a passion for education and is credited for the development and management of Asteroidea’s Global Health Education Fund.