BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meet Our Board of Directors
Evangelist Joan Simmons
Founder & Board Chair
Evangelist Joan Simmons is a woman of deep faith, unwavering compassion, and visionary leadership. As the Founder and Chairperson of Transforming Lives Fighting Poverty Charity #887, she has dedicated more than a decade to serving vulnerable communities and advancing Christian humanitarian work in Bermuda and abroad.
Born and educated in Trinidad, Joan’s personal journey is a remarkable testimony of transformation. Converted from Hinduism to Christianity at just 14½ years old, she embraced her calling early and committed her life to spiritual growth, ministry, and missions. Her educational pursuits reveal her passion for lifelong learning: she is a graduate of The United Theological College of the West Indies and holds a Bachelor of Ministry Degree from Christian International School of Theology, alongside professional certifications including a Certified Fund Specialist designation and a Certificate in Banking from the American Institute of Banking.
Joan’s ministry and leadership span over five decades. Together with her husband, Rev. Conway Simmons, she has served the Bermuda church community with distinction, holding numerous leadership roles within the AME Church. Her service includes Conference-level positions such as Worship Director, PME Director, Sunday Church School Superintendent, and Chairperson for the Ida J. Smith Area of the Women’s Missionary Society. She also chaired the well-known “Keys to the Kingdom Conference” for eight years at Richard Allen AME Church.
In 2010, while in prayer, Joan received the God-inspired vision that led to the birth of Transforming Lives Fighting Poverty. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she connected with the Bishop of the 18th Episcopal District, who opened the door for ministry in Beira, Mozambique. Since then, Joan has served as a missionary to Mozambique for 16 years, leading outreach, evangelism, and poverty-relief initiatives. Her steadfast commitment has helped transform countless lives and uplift entire communities.
Joan is also the President of Koinonia Training Centre Bible College, which she and her husband co-founded in January 2014. Under her leadership, the college expanded to Westgate Prison in 2018, where she teaches Bible courses and oversees ministry training. This groundbreaking initiative has empowered incarcerated men to pursue certificates and degrees in ministry, bringing restoration, purpose, and hope behind the prison walls.
Beyond ministry, Joan has made meaningful contributions to Bermuda’s civic and community landscape. She has served as Chairperson of the Bermuda National Day of Prayer Advisory Board, a Commissioner on the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE), and Chairperson for membership for the Bermuda Association for Insurance and Financial Advisors. In recognition of her outstanding service, she was honored in 2011 as one of the Most Outstanding Women in Bermuda in 100 Years.
Married for 51 years, Joan is the proud mother of two adult children, Rev. Cyril Simmons and Elizabeth Thomas, mother-in-law to Regina and Thomas, and grandmother to five beloved grandsons: Jonah, Micah, Lucah, Theodore, and Thiago.
Her favorite scripture, Psalm 1:3, reflects the steady, fruitful, and purpose-driven life she embodies:
“…like a tree planted by the rivers of water… whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Evangelist Joan Simmons continues to lead Transforming Lives Fighting Poverty Charity #887 with grace, strength, and a heart committed to uplifting God’s people and transforming communities—one life at a time.
Rev Dr Madeline Hayward
Director
PASTOR -REV. DR. MADELINE HAYWARD B.MIN, M.MIN, DD, CDKA, FOIE, JP. AUTHOR
Rev. Dr. Hayward became an active member of the First Church of God, North Shore, and was trained and mentored by her Pastor and Spiritual Father, Bishop Vernon G. Lambe Sr.. She served and ministered in many areas of the church, including teacher, preacher, worship leader, altar worker, choir chaplain, the children’s church ministry, outreach and street ministry, one of the teachers of Victorious Disciple – Biblical curriculum written by Pastor Wanda Bolton-Davis of the USA, with a graduation thereafter, one of her students was chosen to be the valedictorian at that graduation, which made her very proud.
She was trained and certified to lead and teach Evangelism Explosion out of The Coral Ridge Church, USA, Dr. James Kennedy.
She was the trail blazer and leader of the Mime Ministry in Bermuda, puppet ministry, leader of the Women’s Prison Ministry, and mentor at the Co-Ed Prison Facility for over 30+ years. Rev. Dr. Hayward also worked for the First Church of God North Shore for six years as Administrative Assistant. She was appointed as Evangelist in 1997, and an ordain Minister in 2008. And a licensed Marriage officer.
She has written two plays, “The Twelve Voices of Christmas and the “Passion Play.” Which were both performed at First Church of God.
Rev. Dr. Hayward served as the President of The Aglow International Bermuda Lighthouse for ten years.
Rev. Dr. Hayward is a member of the St. George’s Rotary. She was President for two years. She was one of the President’s who implemented the Rotary Clock on the City Hall Property
Dr. Hayward is the Founder of several Ministries, which are:
S.W.E.E.T. “Showing Women Encouragement Enrichment & Teaching” a ministry to build up the spiritual life of women and to reach out to hurting women through teaching, preaching and ministry.
M.O.M.- Mentoring Other Ministers
S.K.I.P.- Singles Keeping It Pure
S.M.I.T.- Strengthening Marriages In Trouble- helps to strengthen those who are struggling in their marriage.
She was officially ordained and installed as full time Pastor at the First Church of God, Angle Street, on December 16, 2012, and implemented many new ministries.
Author, book entitled, “You Did That? Yes!” Then in 2017 and a workbook to coincide with the same title. Third book entitled, “Concerning Matters of the Heart, Spiritual and Physical” released in 2023. In September of 2024, she was one of the writers of an anthology book presented Dr. Joy Morgan of USA. The book is entitled “From Setback to Impact” Inspirational stories of fulfilling destiny against the oughts. She is the only international writer from Bermuda.
She has many certificates for other courses. In 2016-2017 Some such as:
- Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission’s Faith-Based Counselling Program
- Department for National Drug Control, Substance Abuse Prevention- Faith-Based Summit
- Bermuda Addiction Certification Board- Environment Approach to Substance Abuse
Dr. Hayward received her Associate of Biblical Study degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary, USA, graduating Suma Cum Laude, a bachelor’s and master’s degree in ministry from the Koinonia Training Centre, an affiliate of the Christian International Theology Seminary, (CIST).
Rev. Hayward received a Doctor of Divinity degree from the CICA International University & Seminary Houston Texas. Received an Ambassadorial appointment from Word of Life Christian Fellowship called Word of Life Ministries International (WOLMI), received a Chaplain’s License from the CICA International in Chaplaincy, Leadership, and Ministry, as an ordained Chaplain. Awarded a certificate of Fellow of the Most Distinguish Order of International Expert in the field of Leadership, Training and Development (FOIE) from CICA International University & Seminary, Houston Texas.
In September 2020 she was sworn in as a “Justice of the Peace.” by Governor and Commander of Chief of Bermuda, Mr. John Rankin C.M.G.
She is helping with the Library at the Chatmore British International School, Bermuda.
In December 2024, she attended and receive a certificate for Bermuda Hospital Board (BHB) Clergy by PIPA Training.
She is married to First Gentleman Deacon Andre Hayward; she has two children, Trudy Simmons, and Anthony Hayward Jr., Son –in- law Blake Simmons, Daughter-in-law Arianna Hayward, grandsons Tre & Rai Simmons, and Zhavi Hayward, Two stepdaughters, Tiffany, and Alissa Hayward and five step grandsons Gianni, Aamir, Zhale, Ashton & Selwyn. One great grandson Saayon Hayward.
Melissa Grant
Director / Secretary
Melissa Grant is an Accountant at Liberty Mutual Management (Bda) Ltd. She previously worked at KPMG Bermuda while obtaining her designation. She is also an active member of Crawl Gospel Hall Church in Bermuda. When she heard about Transforming Lives Fighting Poverty, she wanted to be a part of this worthy initiative providing education to children who may not have the opportunity. TLFP also provides assistance in Bermuda for those in need.
Melissa joined TLFP in 2022 as a Director with the additional role of Secretary in 2023.
Yannis Williams
Director
Yannis Williams is a Bermudian who has been on the Board of Transforming Lives, Fighting Poverty for 4 years. He holds a Masters of Science in Management from the University of Liverpool and a Bachelor’s of Science in Risk Management and Insurance from St. John’s University. For the last 15 years, he has been working with his family at E & B Trading Co. Ltd., an auto garage and parts store. In the last 5 years, the family opened a body shop, CYK Automotive. Yannis attends Mt. Zion AME Church in Southampton, Bermuda, where he serves as the YPD Director and is the current secretary of the Trustee Board.
Carolyn M Simons
A retiree who works in the hospitality industry serving tourists and the community at large. Also a volunteer at the Co-Ed facility, ministering to inmates on a weekly basis.
Professional Profile:
Front desk receptionist providing excellent service to clients and foreign dignitaries upon arrivals and departures. The first person of colour to work at Coral Beach Club Hotel as a front desk receptionist.
Accounts administrator at Mid Ocean Reinsurance managing USA and European brokers, liaising with underwriters cross referencing wording and other pertinent details. Also accounts payable and receivable and quarterly reports.
Accomplishments:
- Associates in Business Administration
- Certified Tourism Ambassador
- Certified Spiritual Parenting
- Care Cell Leaders Training
- Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministry Certificate
- Transforming Lives Fighting Poverty/ Certificate of Achievement
- Certificate of Professional Leadership Development
- Prison Fellowship Certificate of Appreciation
- Gospel and the Preacher Certificate of Completion.
Hobbies:
Exploring Bermuda trails, forts, walking on the beach swimming and taking pictures, particularly of older folks’ faces. Why? Because there are many stories yet to be revealed.
Passion is to serve others!!