Dignity Restored.
Hope Renewed.
" In our community, children with disabilities are often hidden. Bella Smiles for DD helped us understand that our children are not cursed—they are gifts. Now parents meet together, share ideas, and support each other. The stigma is reducing, and our children are finally being seen."
— Evidence's mom
“As an immigrant parent, I struggled to understand the disability system. Bella Smiles for DD respected my culture and helped me advocate for my daughter. They connected us to services we didn’t even know existed.”
— Sofie’s Mother
“Bella Smiles for DD truly understands what it means to raise a child with developmental disabilities. Their lived experience makes their support practical, real, and heartfelt. They have been a blessing to our family.”
— Debbie's Mother
“Before Bella Smiles for DD trained me, I had no income and felt ashamed because of my child’s disability. Today I run my own small business and provide for my family. I am proud, confident, and no longer afraid.”
— Mama Sydiny
Our Leadership Team.
Our leadership team guides Bella Smiles for DD with compassion and lived experience, working to support children with developmental disabilities and their families—and to bring hope and a smile to every home we serve.
Thanks to our Sponsors
CEO/Founder
Teddy Diana Kemirembe
Teddy D. Kemirembe, MSW is a nonprofit founder and social worker dedicated to disability inclusion and immigrant equity. As CEO of Bella Smiles for DD, she advocates for families with developmental disabilities, inspired by her lived experience as a mother of two daughters with DD.
Secretary/Public Relations
Hannah Bender
Hannah Bender is a certified Home Care Aide in Washington State and former Certified Behavior Technician supporting autistic children. Through both professional work and personal advocacy, she is passionate about helping families and strengthening inclusive communities.
Managing Director- Uganda
Ayo Ritah
Ritah Ayo is a social worker with a B.DDS and MA in Human Resource Development from Nkumba University. With over 10 years of experience in community health, she works closely with families raising children with developmental disabilities and leads Bella Smiles for DD's programs in Uganda.
Other Team Members
Behind Bella Smiles’ leadership team is a caring group working every day to support children with developmental disabilities and their families—bringing hope and a smile to the communities they serve.
Alice Ritah Nabacwa
Board of Directors Member
Master of Health Leadership from Royal Roads University, Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration with certification in nursing. Over 20 years working with people with disabilities.
Diane Utrup
Board of Directors Member
Retired Developmental Disabilities Administrator for the Department of Social and Health Services who believes in transforming lives through respect, inclusion, and self-respect and providing support to empower people to live the lives they want. Diane started her journey after high school with nursing in institutions then moved on to supporting vocational programs and direct care. She then became a case manager and supervisor for people with developmental disabilities who lived in the community.
Diane’s biggest accomplishment has been seeing the people she served, along with their families meet their personal goals.
Diane lives with her family in Port Orchard and enjoys traveling, reading, arts and crafts, and gardening.
Masereka Dinah Hillary
Project Coordinator – Uganda
Masereka Dinah Hillary is a community worker dedicated to supporting children and families. She holds a Diploma in Business Administration and is a Certified Accounting Technician and Interior Designer. She coordinates community projects that strengthen support systems for children with developmental disabilities.
Simple Byaruhanga Nyanjura
Program Manager – Uganda
Masters in Public Health at Uganda Christian Uni. I have worked with Uganda Cares HIV / AIDs section, Red Cross Mukono, and have 7 years of experience in overseeing organizational initiatives. Current roles include initiating and setting goals for programs according to Strategic objectives, and supervising organization programs. Am passionate about children as I love spending time with them, interacting with people, smiling, and traveling.
