Meet Our Team

Kevin is the founder of Viatu Foundation.  He grew up in Thika in Central Kenya and moved to the US in 2007.  Kevin graduated from Crowder College in Neosho, MO with his Associates Degree in Nursing in 2011 and from Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO with his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing in 2015.  Currently, Kevin lives in Kansas City with his wife, Elizabeth, and his three children.  Kevin is a vascular access nurse at a large health system in Kansas City, MO. 

Kevin’s hobbies include gardening, smoking and grilling meat, paddle-boarding, and being a movie buff. 

Elizabeth is a co-founder of Viatu Foundation.  She lives in Kansas City with her husband, Kevin and their three children.  Elizabeth graduated from the University of Missouri - Kansas City with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2020.  She currently works as a pharmacist at a local compounding pharmacy. 

When she is not working, Elizabeth loves playing with her kids, woodworking, listening to podcasts, and geeking out over sci-fi and fantasy shows. 

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Edwin is the Director of Viatu Foundation. He grew up in Thika Central, Kiambu county in Kenya. Edwin  graduated from the University of Nairobi in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. 

Edwin oversees all operations on the ground in Kenya. His passion is to have a positive impact in the lives of the less fortunate, as expressed in Matthew 25:35-40:

'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

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“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

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“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

Dr. James Good is a board-certified podiatrist with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice. Known for his compassionate, patient-centered care, he is dedicated to improving mobility and overall health within his community. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Good is actively involved in the surgical training of podiatry residents, helping to mentor and shape the next generation of physicians.

He has served as a consultant for a software startup and multiple healthcare organizations, offering valuable insight at the intersection of medicine, operations, and innovation. His diverse experience enhances his ability to contribute strategically to the organizations he supports.

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Dr. Good was inspired to join the Viatu Foundation by the passion of its founder, Kevin Wachira, and the joy he witnessed in the lives of the children impacted by its work. The foundation’s mission—to empower success, provide health and safety, and promote dignity by providing shoes to children in Kenya—resonates with his values. As a podiatrist, Dr. Good understands the important role that proper footwear plays in supporting children’s health, comfort, and day-to-day well-being.

He is married and the proud father of two college athletes. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, golf, and cheering on his favorite teams—the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs.

My name is Kendra Bruington and I have lived in the Northland my entire life, attending high school at Winnetonka and earning my bachelor's in nursing at William Jewell College in 1993. That same year I married my husband Brent. We have two grown adult sons and are enjoying being empty nesters. We love to travel and working on our rental houses keeps us busy!

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I have worked in many areas of nursing throughout my career and that is where I met Kevin in 2019. We were coworkers in the PACU at St. Luke’s North and he said “ Hey will you help me with something?”

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So in 2020 we had our first little fundraiser at St. Luke’s North and we have been growing every year!

I am so honored to be a part of this organization.

Jeremy Franklin has been happily married to his high school sweetheart, Denise, for 21 years. Both lifelong Northlanders, they met while attending North Kansas City High School, graduating in 1995. After high school, Jeremy joined the family business and is now the proud owner and operator of Jeremy Franklin Mitsubishi. With 27 years of experience in the automotive industry, Jeremy has built a strong reputation for leadership and dedication.

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Denise pursued higher education at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education, followed by a master’s degree in Secondary Education. She began her teaching career at Winnetonka High School as a high school English teacher. Her career was lovingly paused with the birth of their first child, Jack.

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Jack, now 19, attends the University of Missouri–Columbia, majoring in business. Outside the classroom, Jack is an accomplished athlete who competed in the 400-meter dash and the 4x400 relay at the state level in 2022.

Their second son, Drew, is 17 and currently a student at Park Hill South High School. Like his father, Drew has a passion for aviation and is taking pilot lessons at the Downtown Airport. He's also a standout swimmer and an All-State athlete. In 2022, Drew played a key role in helping his team secure a second-place state finish and a first-place victory in the 200 Freestyle Relay, setting a Park Hill South school record.

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Completing the Franklin family is their 13-year-old daughter, Josie, an 8th grader at Lakeview Middle School. Josie is passionate about dance and competes with the Priscilla and Dana’s School of Dance team. Her dream is to join the Southside Girls Dance Team at Park Hill South and eventually continue dancing at the collegiate level.

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Adding to the joyful energy of the household are the family’s three dogs and two cats—bringing just the right mix of love, laughter, and a little chaos.

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Achievements

• Youngest Suzuki Dealer – 2001

• Chairman, Dealer Advisory Board – American Suzuki Motors (2004–2008)

• Member, Dealer Advisory Board – Nuvell Financial (2007–2010)

• Member, Dealer Advisory Board – Mitsubishi Motors & Ally Financial (2017–2020)

Charitable Contributions

• Volunteer Pilot – Angel Flight Foundation

• Contributor – Shop with a Cop, Parkville Police Department

• Sponsor – Numerous local little league sports teams

Hobbies & Affiliations

• Licensed Pilot (IFR rated, 2009)

• Avid Golfer – Member of the National Golf Club

• Skiing Enthusiast

• Member – Platte Woods United Methodist Church

Dr. Tyler D. Sten was born and raised in St. Joseph, MO. He completed his undergraduate studies in Biology Health Sciences at Missouri Western State University and medical school at Des Moines University. Prior to medical school, he participated in international medical mission work which remains one of his passions to this day. Dr. Sten is passionate about all aspects of foot and ankle health. He feels blessed to continue to make efforts to make an impact in healthcare globally. He is very excited to be a board member for the Viatu Foundation.