Justin Meyers – Executive Director
Peace be with you!
I came to Oman in 2013 to serve as the Associate Director at Al Amana Centre. Before coming to Oman, I served as a pastor of churches in Schenectady, NY and Queens, NYC for ten years in the Reformed Church in America. Now I have the privilege of being the Executive Director and to continue the work that brought me here many years ago. There have been many changes over the years, both in Oman and within our Centre, but one thing has remained the same: our commitment to peace, reconciliation, and the value of each human being.
In a connected world where it is still easy to isolate oneself and be isolated by others, I believe in the power of personal connections and the ability for us as humans to learn and grow in ways that will promote empathy and a desire to live with people in a growing state of Shalom/Salam.
My family and I live in Muscat, Oman but we try to visit the U.S. each summer to connect with supporting churches, institutions, and donors. When I get the chance, I like to run, read, and SCUBA dive.
Mohammed Ali Al Shuaili – Associate Director
I am an Omani Arabic teacher with more than 13 years of experience in teaching Arabic for non native speakers. I have worked with different students from all over the world. I teach both Omani dialect and MSA and I have been working with AAC for more than 10 years.
I also run cultural programs allowing people to explore the cultural aspects of Omani culture and I consult with Al Amana staff on various projects.
Joshua Bode – Director of Operations and Eccumenical Affairs
My family and I came to Oman in 2018. For four years I served the Christian community here as a senior pastor in the Protestant Church in Oman before shifting to serve in the Al Amana Centre. I am an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church in America. In my role now, I am continuing to find ways to support the Christian community in Oman and the region while also supporting the Al Amana Centre in its work toward reconciled peace with justice, and true understanding among peoples of different faiths.
At this point in my life, I am especially and increasingly interested in learning to see the world and our lives in terms of systems (social, organizational, emotional, material, etc). I have a passion for engaging systems in ways that promote humane outcomes, increasing righteousness, and the kinds of peace that our sacred writings describe as peace.
My wife Erica and I grew up in the U.S. state of Michigan, and our three children grew up in the state of New York, where I was pastoring before we came to Oman.
Ali Al Mukhaini – Business Administrator
My name is Ali Al Mukhaini. I am from Sur, but currently living in Muscat. I have completed my secondary and higher education in Oman. I graduated from the Oman Tourism College, and I also studied in Anglo European School of English in Bournemouth U.K in 2014.
Before joining Al Amana Centre, I worked for two years as acting duty manager for the front office in a five stars hotel (InterContinental Muscat). This gave me the opportunity to meet different nationalities, engage with different cultures, and experience in dealing with many personalities. I joined Al Amana Centre in 2021 as Business Administrator.
I am happy to be working with Al Amana Centre. I look forward to learning from my experience here and to help the Centre to develop further. I traveled to the U.S many years ago, were I visited New York City, Richmond Virginia, and Charlotte North Carolina, and I hope I will have the opportunity to go there again. Until then, I look forward to greeting guests here at Al Amana Centre from around the world.
Catherine Armstrong – Finance Officer
I am Catherine Armstrong. I am from the southern part of India I have been living in Oman since 1994. My husband, Armstrong works with Majan University College, as head of the post graduate centre. We have two boys Joshua and Andrew.
After a fifteen year stint with Oman Hotels and Tourism Company as a finance and accounting professional, I had taken a sabbatical. Since January 2017 I have resumed my career as Controller at the Al Amana Centre. I have a Bachelors degree in Commerce and a Masters degree in Business Administration.
Ina Laakso – Associate for Programs and Operations
I first came to Oman in early 2023 to volunteer through Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM) for the Centre for a few months and got to experience the Centre’s work and hospitality. Later the same year I also participated in an Interfaith Photovoice project organised by the Centre.
Now I’m excited to have joined the team and help run the programs at the Centre together with my colleagues. This work is very meaningful to me and I hope to also be a link in spreading sustainable peace and dialogue. Thankful to be here.
I have a Masters in Theology and have previously worked with advocacy, project management, event planning etc. in various organisations that are associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland.
In my free time I like to be with family and friends and looking forward to explore more of Oman.
Stephanie Meyers – Manager of Data, Monitoring, & Evaluation
I was born, raised, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the U.S. state of Michigan. I lived several years in New York where my two sons were born. My husband, Justin Meyers, and our family moved to Oman in 2013. Since arriving, I’ve supported Al Amana Centre in various roles and have contributed my time as a library assistant and student support for the American International School of Muscat. I officially joined Al Amana Centre staff in early 2023 as Manager of Data, Monitoring and Evaluation.
I am thankful to be a part of the future of Al Amana Centre!
I enjoy walking, baking, reading and creative projects.
Asok Rajayyan – Facilities Assistant
I am from Kerala, India. I am a proud father and grandfather. I look forward to helping make your stay at Al Amana Centre as comfortable as possible.
Hilary Hull – UK Based Volunteer
I worked at Al Amana Centre between 2014 and 2017 where we used to joke that I was the only member of staff who actually had a PhD (in Chemistry). From there I moved to Vietnam where I joined a volunteer led church which has a mixture of Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox members. I enjoyed sharing and learning about different traditions and continue to be part of a virtual apologetics book club.
During my time in Oman, I produced and circulated the Al Amana Newsletter and have continued that task ever since. I’m now back in the UK, living in the North East of England very close to the North York Moors National Park, the North Sea and a lot of sheep.
I like walking, yoga, cooking and upcycling.
Board of Directors
Rev. Dr. Jeff Japinga, Chairperson, Presbyterian Church (USA), U.S.A.
Rev. Juha Rintamaki, Co-Vice-Chairperson, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, Finland
Mrs. Rachael Renihan, Co-Vice-Chairperson, Oman
Mr. Phil Tanis, Treasurer, U.S.A.
Dr. Joel Coutinho, Oman
Ven. Rev. Dr. Michael Mbona, Archdeacon of the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus & the Gulf, Kuwait
Rev. Philip Peacock, Church of North India, India
Rev. Dr. Elmarie Parker, Presbyterian Church (USA), U.S.A.