The People Behind Interlink - David Knauss

Posted by David Knauss, President

My first trip to Kazakhstan was in 1992. When we deplaned onto the tarmac it was very early morning and it was a beautiful clear crisp day. I could see the mountains that surround Almaty like watch towers protecting the sleeping city. As beautiful as that was (and still is) what caught my heart was the Kazakh people themselves. That very morning I knew a part of my heart would never leave.

My wife, Theresa, and I moved to Kazakhstan in 1993 and have had a wonderful life over the last 14 years working, living, learning and raising our family in Kazakhstan. In 2007, we returned to the US. However our love for the people of Kazakhstan continues and even though we are living in the US its our hope and desire to deepen our friendships that have been so rich and a significant part of our lives over the years.

Theresa and I have 4 wonderful children. The oldest, Jenae, will be a high school senior this coming year. Natalie will be a sophomore and our boys Daniel and Caleb 6th and 5th grade respectively. We are all adjusting to life in the US and its many different nuances. We will have the great joy of returning to our beloved Kazakhstan next month as a family for several weeks.

I am currently the president of Interlink Resources and will be working at expanding our base of support and operations here in the US. Interlink is a great company and the partnerships and friendships we develop both here in the US and in Kazakhstan are touching hearts and changing lives of both Kazakhs and Americans alike. The relationships being developed will have significant and long lasting impact.

The People Behind Interlink - Aben

Posted by Aben Kulmahambetov, Site Manager

I have been working for Interlink Resources since the opening of our office in Taraz. I was instrumental in overseeing the construction of our building and continue to be responsible for its upkeep. Much of my day includes driving people around town to run their errands and doing the small things that keep the office looking nice (changing light bulbs, paying bills, fixing things that break, etc).

One of the most important things in my life is my family. My wife and I have four children, three girls and one boy. Our oldest daughter is studying at a local college to become a hairdresser. Our youngest son just started school in the fall. With work and my family, I keep pretty busy.

The People Behind Interlink - Olya Cherevko

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager.

I work at Interlink as the Youth Impact Manager. However, I stared with Interlink as a receptionist in 2002 after finishing college with an undergraduate degree in English/Russian Translation. I always wanted to be a translator and from time to time I was asked to translate for orphanage delegations.

Soon I realized that translating at an orphanage is not like translating anywhere else. Seeing the children’s hopeless but smiling faces made me realize how deprived these children are of love, parents, and family. And I had all of that but these children didn't and that made me appreciate what I had even more. I enjoyed spending time with children and it was the older kids that I had a stronger connection with. I was especially touched by a story of one of the girls from Ulan orphanage who told me that she had no idea what would happen to her after she left the orphanage. I wanted to help her but did not know how and this is what was in my heart even after the delegation left. I could not help but think about the graduates.

I knew that I needed professional training to be able to help these graduates. In Kazakhstan there was no program that could give me that training. I found out about social work programs in the United States and knew it would be ideal training for my work with youth. I applied in 2004 and received a full scholarship to study at Columbia University in New York City and obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work specializing in youth.

After two years, I returned back to Taraz and re-joined Interlink and started the Youth Impact program. This program teaches youth that have graduated from orphanages basic life and employment skills. It is such a joy to work with youth and invest in their lives and see them learning and maturing with each day.

The People Behind Interlink - Kiikzhan Moldakhanov

Posted by Kiikzhan Moldakhanov, Kids Connection Coordinator

I am the Kids Connection Coordinator. I like my vocation. It's interesting spending time and being with the children, especially celebrating their birthdays and other big parties. They are always waiting for us.

I met my first delegation from the USA. They are so wonderful and cheerful. They liked all the children too. For the first time in my life, I took part in a photo scavenger hunt. It was cool.

I love children and love helping those in need.

The People Behind Interlink - Beth Bilby

Posted by Beth Bilby, Vice President


I have been involved with Interlink since the beginning of the organization and have traveled to Kazakhstan many times since 1994. One of my greatest joys is to be a wife to my husband Terry and a mother and grandmother to our children and grandchildren.

My primary responsibilities with Interlink include serving on the Board of Directors, coaching our in-country employees, scheduling, planning and sending delegations and work groups to Kazakhstan, and overseeing the intern program.

Working with children has always been one of my passions. I worked with children in the U. S. for many years teaching life skills, values, and morals. Interlink’s work with orphans is particularly meaningful to me. Seeing the difference in the lives of the children through the efforts of Interlink is significant.

We have had the opportunity through the years to share our hearts and resources with the Kazakh people. In return, we have found the Kazakhs to not only be our friends but our family.

I am passionate about coming along side people as they embrace their own purpose and become all they were created to be.

The People Behind Interlink - Barb

Posted by Barb Bullard, Administrative Assistant

I was a teenager and young adult during the Vietnam War. As others spoke of opposition to the war, I very publicly spoke of the need to support our troops and the Vietnamese people. I considered career paths that involved service to others but like many, life just evolved because I had a family and needed a job to help provide housing, food, etc. I was offered employment at a “good” job and worked there for many years. I am grateful for the friends I made, the skills and training I received and the provision for my family that this job allowed. It was in fact a good job.

After retirement, I spent the summer doing all of the things I had dreamed of doing…sleeping, reading, working in the yard, cooking fabulous meals (this is somewhat questionable) and swinging on the porch. This was fun for a few days and then I wanted to do something that was meaningful, had purpose and allowed me to think rather than vegetate. I called the Interlink director and we talked about volunteer opportunities. I started volunteering the next week in the Muncie, IN office.

Now, almost 2 years later, I am again very grateful for the friends I have made and the opportunity to make even a small difference. Learning about Kazakhstan, the people there and getting to know our in country team has been one of the best opportunities I have experienced and I am humbled by the sacrifices the staff and team at Interlink make to serve others.

The People Behind Interlink - Beth Turnock

Posted by Beth Turnock, Interim Director

As the interim director of IRI's Taraz office, I have one of the most enjoyable jobs in that I get to see our vision carried out through our various departments. Rather than being focused on just one area, I get to support and encourage the work being done in all areas. Mostly, my role is to sign a lot of documents, make sure we stay on track with our initiatives, and serve those working with youth, orphanages and English programs.

Prior to being appointed to this position I filled the role of Business Manager, providing consultation and training to small and medium-sized businesses. I arrived in Kazakhstan in 2003 to work with Interlink and my life has been enriched greatly by my experiences and relationships.

Most who know me would say that I enjoy life and try to make the most of it. I like to encourage others to dream and be the best that they can be. Recently I helped write the Youth Impact Life Skills curriculum and am pursuing some possible for-profit business ventures on behalf of Interlink.

On a more personal note I love the outdoors, am especially fond of horses, enjoy reading, painting and drawing and I am always ready for a good cup of java. Friends and family are important to me and I especially value the time I get to just "hang-out" with those close to me. I want my life to be one where I make a difference wherever God has me.

The People Behind Interlink - Ember

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

As an intern for Interlink in 2008 my job is to serve in whatever capacity is most needed. Right now I work primarily for the Kids Connection program, visiting orphanages regularly, helping to celebrate birthdays each month, and doing the behind the scenes work it takes to make this possible. When able, I also help out with the Youth Impact program for orphanage graduates by building relationships and assisting with curriculum updates. At the office the artsy projects (photography or design) are happily finding their way to my desk keeping my to-do list full and exciting.

However, the focus of my first 3-6 months is culture and language learning. I have Kazakh lessons twice a week with a local Kazakh teacher whose standards are high, but methods are perfect for me. I also have the privilege of living with a Kazakh family. The family works on my lessons with me and provides an opportunity to practice. Outside of my lessons and home, I work to understand the life here. This may be as simple as figuring out and making the bus commute, shopping at the bazaar, enjoying a family party, playing games, or interacting with the office staff.

As I become more language competent and culturally aware I will be able to serve the team in greater capacity, which will be a help as delegation season arrives!

The People Behind Interlink - Ken

Posted by Ken Baskette, Project Manager


I love working with orphan children in Kazakhstan. It is such a blessing to give and receive their love and friendship. You see their faces, in this photo, when we go to visit. At times we just play with them; other times we have a practical gift that will increase their standard of living. We celebrate their Birthdays, other significant holidays; give them letters from American sponsors back home; take them on field trips etc. I love my job!

The People Behind Interlink - Bethany

Posted by Bethany Planton, Kids Connection Administrator

I am a college student at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Muncie is also where my family lives now, but we are originally from Ohio. I am a buckeye through and through! My immediate family consists of my parents and my eight year old sister. At Ball State, I getting my major in interpersonal communication and a minor in hospitality. I am enjoying both very much.

I am the Kids Connection Administrator Stateside. Basically, I take care of all the details having to do with Kids Connection here in the States. Sara Coggins and I work very closely together to make sure all the kids in the orphanages that we go to know that we care about them. After Sara finds out that there is a new child in one of the orphanages, then it is my job to make sure that child gets a sponsor who can build a relationship with that child.

The People Behind Interlink - Asel

Posted by Asel Orumbayeva, Receptionist

I am the receptionist at the Taraz office, but I like to call my position the Telephone Call Manager. I began working for Interlink in September of 2007. Although my position is not high, I feel that it is important. I answer ALL our calls and welcome ALL our visitors into the office. I like my job. It is very interesting to communicate with foreigners. As a result, I look forward to delegations. Communicating with Americans is like reading an interesting book in which I can find something new every day.

The People Behind Interlink - Marina

Posted by Marina Tsoy, Office Manager

At 28 years old I have done a lot in my life. I graduated from the Institute of Language & Translation in Almaty in 2000. My specialty is translation and I graduated with honors. During my first year at university I met my husband Yura. We’ve been married for 10 years and we have two wonderful children: my daughter, Sasha, is 7 and my son, Roma, is 4. Yura is the pastor of the local Methodist church.

In June I will have worked for IRI for 4 years. I started out as a receptionist and was promoted to Office Manager. I really enjoy my work and the people I work with. There is a lot of variety and I am able to apply my skills and abilities to my work. It is a pleasure for me to be a part of Interlink. I am glad that I can help this organization achieve its goals.

I enjoy spending time with people. I value my family and friends. My desire is to fulfill what God has for me to do. In future I would like to be a Marriage and Family counselor.

The People Behind Interlink - Zina

Posted By: Zina Omarova, English Programs Manager

I am married and I have two children, a son and a daughter. My son is 28. He is married and works at the bank. My daughter is also married and has a 4 year-old son. She teaches English at the Kazakh-American University in Almaty. My husband teaches at the Kazak-Turkish University in Taraz. Before working for Interlink, I taught English to high school students for about 22 years. I was also the Vice Director of the English Department for many years.

I have been the Manager of English Programs at IRI since 2001. I did a lot of work with orphanage children programs and with medical programs. My main responsibilities are: promoting programs for English Language (EL) teachers; cooperating with Educational departments; organizing seminars and conferences.

This is the third year I am working with Heather Lewis on the teacher training program IMPACT (Innovative Methods and Practical Activities for Creative Teacher). This program is a teacher training program for village teachers of English. We are working in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, English teachers of Taraz, English training centers, and local educational institutions. The program has successfully been implemented in the Oblast for the past two years with over 150 teachers participating. The program objectives are to empower and equip teachers to apply up-to-date communicative techniques, to promote self-sufficiency and professional excellence.

At the request of the Taraz City Educational Department we started to train the city EL teachers using the IMPACT program. We organized a 3-day seminar on the 7 – 9 of February for about 35 teachers. The same teachers will participate in 3 more 3-day seminars in March, April and May. Those who successfully finish the course will get certificates of completion.

EL teachers like the seminars we organize for them and express their gratitude to the trainers and the organizers. They say that they really learn a lot of innovative methods and new practical activities.