Staff in Our Destinations

Ines Mariani - Volunteer Manager

Ines joined Projects Abroad in April 2007. She lives in Cordoba where she is studying tourism. She likes meeting people from all over the world and loves traveling. In her free time she enjoys being with friends, having barbecues with her family, reading novels and watching movies.

Sofia Mignacca - Desk Officer

Sofia joined Projects Abroad in November 2009. She has lived in Cordoba for five years; she moved there from a small town to study English Translation at the State University. She is very fond of music and literature and enjoys meeting people from all around the world, sharing different points of views and learning about other cultures.

Stephanie Wall - Social Manager

Stephanie was born in Canada, but lived in the US before returning to Argentina. She spent some time in Cordoba while studying at university and is happy to return to work there with Projects Abroad. She has worked with exchange programs for many years and really enjoys learning about and interacting with different cultures. She loves to travel, meet new people and see new places.

Agustin Mariani - Volunteer Coordinator

Agustin joined Projects Abroad in December 2010. He lives in Cordoba where he is studying economics. In his free time he really enjoys listening to music and playing guitar. He has also been a boy scout for over 12 years, he loves nature and going camping with friends.

Roman Lescano - Volunteer Coordinator

Roman moved from a small town to Cordoba in 2008. He studied Media and TV and loves to listen to music, surf the net and go to the theatre. Roman lived in New Zealand for two years and enjoys meeting people from all over the world and learning about new cultures.

Matias Sanchez - Volunteer Coordinator

Matias joined the Argentina team in July 2011. He is from Cordoba and studied International Business & Marketing at the Universidad de Congreso in Cordoba. After his studies he traveled to the US to work at a ski resort in Colorado. He has also spent a year working in New Zealand. He enjoys sports like skiing and kitesurfing.

Natalia Mugas - Volunteer Coordinator

Natalia joined Projects Abroad in January 2012. She is originally from Cordoba and has always lived in the city. She studied English at the School of Languages to become an English teacher and she has a degree in English Literature. Natalia loves teaching, traveling and being in contact with people of different ages. In her free time she meets up with friends, spends time with her family and also does some sports.

Mariel Torrez - Desk Officer

Mariel joined Projects Abroad in June 2011. She studied Social Communication and has a Masters Degree in Latin American Studies. In her free time she loves to read, watch movies and travel.

Ximena Noya - Project Supervisor

Ximena began working with Projects Abroad in 2004, assisting in everything imaginable! She has now been working as Projects Supervisor since 2005. Born in Cochabamba, Ximena has also lived in Argentina. She has completed her studies at the UMSS, also in Linguistics and Communications. Ximena thoroughly enjoys listening to her "walkman" while riding buses out to supervise volunteers at their placement! She also enjoys photography and traveling.

Freddy Mita - Care Project Supervisor

Freddy was born in Potosi. He has worked supporting social projects involving abandoned children or children with special needs since 2003. He is a specialist in Braille and sign language. Freddy loves to play sports such as soccer, basketball and volleyball. He is a gifted musician and plays the guitar, charango and flute. He joined Projects Abroad in May 2008 as Care Supervisor and is always full of exciting new ideas for volunteers.

Rocio Triveno - Medical Project Supervisor

Rocio has been working with Projects Abroad since May 2010. She is a qualified nurse and enjoys her profession very much. Rocio has worked at one of Projects Abroad's Care placements, María Cristina, for over a year. She previously worked as a nurse in various health centers so she has plenty of experience in the field. Rocio has two children and enjoys sporting activities as well as volunteering her time to help others.

Chhoy Nareth - Assistant Director & Desk Officer

Nareth started working with Projects Abroad in Cambodia in August 2007 after working for a year with the Cambodian NGO Care International. She has also worked as an accountant and secretary with a Japanese Construction Company and volunteered with the Khmer Institute for Development in Kampong Cham Province. Nareth is currently in her fourth year at the Cambodian Mekong University faculty of Finance and Banking.

Phen Sophan - Volunteer Manager

Sophan has been working in Cambodia with Projects Abroad since May 2006. He is studying Business Administration at the National University of Management in Phnom Penh. Sophan initially started working as a driver for Projects Abroad; he has also worked as a waiter and spent two years working in Malaysia. Sophan makes sure that all our projects run smoothly in Phnom Penh and he enjoys his role of working closely with volunteers from all over the world.

Sython Sun - Khmer Project Coordinator

After graduating from high school, Sython studied for a degree in archaeology at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. He then worked in Siem Reap carrying out conservation and restoration work at Angkor National Museum. He joined Projects Abroad in Phnom Penh in December 2007. In his free time he enjoys reading and playing sports like football and swimming.

Has Sophourn - Volunteer Coordinator

Phourn as he is known joined the team at Projects Abroad in July 2008. He has a degree in French and has worked as a teacher of both French and English and in IT. Phourn speaks fluent French and will be working closely with the French volunteers in Cambodia. In his free time he enjoys running and swimming and is trained in traditional singing and classical music.

Mok Sopheakvattey - Accountant and Administrator

Vattey is studying English Literature and Accountancy in Phnom Penh, whilst assisting the Cambodian team with accounting, budgeting and administration. She worked as a cashier and receptionist before joining Projects Abroad in May 2007. She enjoys having the chance to practice her English and learn about new cultures form the volunteers.

Chamroeun Mao - General Assistant

Chamroeun joined Projects Abroad in July 2007 and he is likely to be the first of our staff that you meet in Cambodia, as he does the majority of airport pick-ups. Chamroeun also helps out with a variety of organisational and administrative tasks both in and out of the office. He enjoys meeting volunteers from all over the world and loves having the chance to practise his English.

Seang Kim - Social Manager

Seang joined the Cambodia team in July 2009. As Social Manager she arranges regular outreach work for the volunteers in Cambodia and works on the newsletters, blog and social media sites. Seang has a BA in Education and is studying accountancy.

Bunroen Roeurn - General Assistant

Bunroen started with Projects Abroad as an intern in January 2011. He has since worked his way up to become a full time member of the team. He assists with a wide variety of tasks from airport pick ups to coordinating the 2 Week Specials. He graduated in 2011 with a Degree from Build Bright University in Phnom Penh with a major in General Management. He likes working with volunteers from all around the world and in his free time he likes going to the gym and playing soccer.

Kanika Suon - General Assistant

Kanika joined Projects Abroad as an intern in January 2011, assisting with accountancy and administration tasks. She graduated with a Degree in Enterprise Management from the Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh. Kanika's role now includes assisting with special projects. She enjoys working with Projects Abroad where she meets many different people from developed countries and learns new things every day.

Paul Ferber - Conservation Manager

Paul is originally from England, but has been based in Asia for over 10 years now. He currently splits his time between Sihanoukville and the island of Ko Rong Samloem, where the conservation project is based. Cambodia is certainly home now, and he lives with his Thai wife, Sao and their three young daughters. Paul is passionate about all apsects of marine conservation and wildlife. Paul has been involved with Projects Abroad since autumn 2008; the first volunteers arrived on the island soon after, in early 2009.

Carly Atkins - Conservation Volunteer Coordinator

Carly was the 4th ever volunteer to join the Conservation Project in Cambodia and after 3 months as a volunteer at the start of 2009, she then joined the staff team. Carly is from Australia and studied Marine Biology at the University of Melbourne.

Ueli Schmid - Conservation Volunteer Coordinator

Ueli also started his time in Cambodia as a volunteer on Ko Rong Samleom. He joined the staff team in February 2011. Ueli studied tourism in Switzerland and amongst his many skills he is a trained chocolatier and a qualified ski instructor.

Lily Zhang - Accommodation Supervisor

Born and raised in Shanghai Lily is in charge of finding our volunteers comfortable flats to live in during their time in Shanghai. She is also a jack-of-all-trades and can fix anything from a blocked toilet to a broken light bulb!

Michael Meng - Project Manager

Michael has been working for Projects Abroad since June 2009. Michael's role is to help arrange each volunteer's project before they arrive in Shanghai; he then ensures that they are happy with their work and is available to offer any advice. Michael graduated with a degree in English and has worked for several years for local businesses in Shanghai; in particular he has experience in the field of marketing.

Danny Wang - Volunteer Coordinator

Danny began working for Projects Abroad in June 2009, having recently graduated from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology. In addition to being fluent in English, Danny also speaks some Japanese. Danny will be on hand to assist volunteers throughout the duration of their time in China.

Rayko Zhang - Volunteer Coordinator

Rayko has been working for Projects Abroad since June 2011. Rayko enjoys helping volunteers during their stay in China. Rayko graduated with a degree in English and has worked in many roles with foreigners. In her spare time she likes making new friends, sports, dancing and travel.

Joyce Jin Hui - Desk Officer

Joyce joined Projects Abroad in November 2011. She graduated from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology with a Major in English. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and photography.

Wendy Wei - Administrator

Wendy has been working in the Shanghai office for several years. She is in charge of all the accounts, arranging the food and transport allowance and is also involved in allocating volunteers to their accommodation.

Kevin Dennis - Regional Director - Chengdu

Kevin graduated in Marketing & Media Communications in the UK, then moved to China with the British Council as an English teacher in 2006. Kevin joined Projects Abroad in January 2010. His role is to ensure that volunteers are happy at work and to arrange regular social activities for all the volunteers. In his spare time Kevin enjoys music, travel, films, books and learning new things.

Dennis Bridgeforth - Assistant Manager

Dennis is a recent Business Management graduate from North Carolina University. His first trip to China was in 2009 when he studied business throughout China, he then worked in Shanghai for a year as a Business Development assistant, before joining the Projects Abroad team in April 2011.

Daleysha Ewors - Project Supervisor

Daleysha joined the team in Costa Rica in May 2010. She previously worked in care and teaching institutions in San Jose and decided to move to the beautiful and warm city of Liberia. She has her origins on the Caribbean coast and loves to dance salsa. She also enjoys hiking, hot springs and the beach.

Gabriela Garcia - Teaching Supervisor

Gabriela joined the Projects Abroad Costa Rica staff in July 2011. She studied English at the National University, then chose Teaching English as her professional career; she will complete her studies next year. Gaby loves watching the sunset, reading interesting books, exercising and going to the beach.

Laura Estrada - Social Manager

Laura joined the Costa Rican team in August 2011. She previously studied English as a second language in the Technical National University for two years and is currently studying business administration. Laura likes to dance, sing, listen to music, go shopping and go to the beach.

Maria Vanegas - Desk Officer

Maria joined the Costa Rica team in May 2010. She studied Tourism at the National University of Costa Rica in Liberia. She enjoys listing to music, learning about new cultures, playing basketball and hiking.

Andres Solano - Operations Assistant

Andres joined Projects Abroad in March 2011. He has previously worked as a tour guide and group leader in a nature reserve. He also works some evenings as a dance instructor at his parents' dance academy. Andres likes learning languages and finding out about different cultures. In his free time, he plays soccer, goes to the beach and goes surfing.

Jessica Brenes Santamaría - Administration Assistant

Jessica joined the Costa Rica team in April 2011 and is originally from Heredia. She moved to Guanacaste to do her professional practice for her Tourism Degree and ended up loving the area and moving permanently to Liberia. She has previously worked as a receptionist and telephone operator. During her free time she enjoys going to the beach, watching movies, listening to music and going shopping.

Emma Sharpe - Assistant Manager

Emma joined the Projects Abroad team in Costa Rica in November 2011 after spending almost a year working as the Desk Officer in Senegal. Before working with Projects Abroad she completed a degree in English and Spanish and an MA in Latin American Studies in the UK. She is fluent in French and Spanish. Emma loves traveling and has spent time teaching English in Mexico and Ecuador. In her spare time she enjoys live music, painting and scuba diving.

Richard Munday - Conservation Coordinator

Richard joined the Costa Rica team in November 2008 after working for three years at the Conservation Project in Peru. Richard is based at Barra Honda National Park and is involved in the daily work arrangements for volunteers and the long term planning for the project.

Oscar Rosales - Conservation Coordinator

Oscar previously worked at Barra Honda for 8 years as a cave guide. Since March 2009 he has been working directly with Projects Abroad in the park. With his amazing local knowledge of the park he is able to answer any questions you may have. He also knows the people in the surrounding area very well, so is always helpful in organising work and trips out of the park.

Eduardo Artavia - Biologist

Eduardo is from San Jose and studied Management of Natural Resources at the National University in Athenas. He is currently finishing his degree with the State University of Long Distance Learning. He worked on and off at Barra Honda National Park since the start of 2008 doing investigations and studies for his university course. The main focus of Eduardo's degree is bats. He enjoys that his job allows him to teach enthusiastic people about the wonders that are all around us here in Costa Rica.

Meicel Gomez - Conservation Project Cook

Meicel has been working in kitchens most of her life and is a very talented cook. She is always happy to provide something special or different to the volunteers and is always around to help out if a volunteer has a problem or just wants a chat.

Andrea Silva - Desk Officer

Andrea has spent her whole life on San Cristobal island in the Galapagos and has worked with volunteers in some capacity ever since finishing school. She decided to take a break from her long term studies at the local university and is keen to share her love of the islands with all new volunteers. A keen hiker and avid reader Andrea will happily introduce you to the small slice of paradise that is the Galapagos.

Bikesegn Haileleul - Social Manager

Bikesegn studied for a BA in business administration at Addis Ababa University before going on to graduate as an English Language teacher from Kotebe College of Teacher Education. Before joining Projects Abroad at the end of 2007, Bikesegn worked at the international airport and at a computer training centre teaching computer skills. In his spare time, Bikesegn enjoys reading and using computers.

Freweine Melkamu - Desk Officer

Weini started working for Projects Abroad in April 2009. Her main role is to help you prepare for your trip to Ethiopia, answering any questions you may have and giving you detailed information about your project and accommodation. Before working for Projects Abroad, Weini lived for five years in Italy and Norway. She has a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Bharati Vidiyapeeth, Pune, India.

Oripa Cavalevu - Desk Officer

Oripa joined Projects Abroad in May 2010. Her main role is to prepare volunteers for their trip to Fiji, giving specific information about the Fijian culture, volunteer placements and accommodation. Oripa also regularly collects volunteers from the airport. Oripa previously worked as a tour manager, so has extensive knowledge about all Fiji has to offer.

Chinnamma Reddy - Regional Coordinator (Suva)

Chinnamma grew up in the old capital of Fiji, Levuka. She attended a year of high school in Auckland, New Zealand and got to appreciate the kiwi lifestyle. In 2003 she moved back to Fiji to pursue a degree in Marine Sciences at the University of the South Pacific. After working as a Marine Biologist for about four years with local and overseas student groups, she moved on to begin a family. She joined Projects Abroad in December 2010. Chinnamma enjoys meeting and socializing with new people, scuba diving and outdoor activities.

Karishma Nandan - Assistant Regional Co-ordinator (Suva)

Karishma joined the Projects Abroad Fiji team in May 2011 in the Suva office. She introduces volunteers to their hosts and placements, conducts inductions and runs social events. She has completed a Bachelor's degree in Marine Science. Her interests are reading, meeting and learning from new people, music and science.

Prashneel Goundar - Care and Teaching Coordinator

Before joining Projects Abroad Prashneel worked in Nadi as an English Language Teacher, teaching students from countries such as Japan, China, Spain, Russia and France. He has also completed a Diploma in Business Studies with a major in Accounting from the Fiji Institute of Technology. Prashneel loves all kinds of music and also enjoys reading and occasionally writes poetry.

Emmanuel Abaaja - Regional Coordinator - Akuapem Hills

Emmanuel is responsible for our placements and volunteers in the Akuapem Hills region. 30-year-old Emmanuel holds a BSc from Legon University in Accra, and joined Teaching & Projects Abroad in December 2002 after completing his national service as a teacher. He is a very active member of the church near his home in Nungua and a proud father to daughter Lois. Emmanuel is always remembered for his welcome songs which he sings to all new volunteers!

Grant Appiah - Regional Coordinator - Cape Coast

Our Cape Coast Regional Coordinator is 28-year-old Grant Appiah. Grant grew up in Cape Coast, and holds a BSc in Tourism from the town's University. He joined the Projects Abroad team in May 2003, and established many of the placements we now operate in this region. Grant meets all volunteers on arrival in Cape Coast and will then show you around the town on your induction.

Kwame Nyameror (Nyame) - Volunteer Coordinator

Kwame Nyameror, or Nyame as he is usually known has many duties including meeting volunteers at the airport and accompanying volunteers from Accra to the region where they will be living. He has also become our unofficial Twi teacher, and is always a smiling face around the Accra office.

Rebecca Abuaku - Accounts and Administration Manager

Rebecca is based in our Head Office in Accra. She is responsible for all the accounts and administrative work generated by our Ghana programme. She grew up in Accra and holds a degree Accounting and Management from a local university in Cape Coast. She used to work with an NGO as Human Resource Manger before joining Projects Abroad in January 2007.

Gabriel Ayeh-Fianko - Assistant Co-ordinator - Kumasi

Gabriel is in charge of our programs in Kumasi, and does inductions, monitoring and introduces volunteers to their placements. He grew up in Koforidua and holds an NHD in Marketing. He was working in Accra as a Customer Service Officer before joining Projects Abroad in 2006.

Kwasi Acheampong - Regional Co-ordinator - Ho

Kwasi is the Regional Coordinator for Ho in our newest region in the Volta. A popular figure amongst the volunteers he has worked over the last two summers helping out with the two week special programs. A self-motivated graduate from the University of East Legon, Kwasi is currently busy learning the regional language of the Voltarians, Ewe.

Vera Agboh - Desk Officer

Vera took over as Desk Officer in August 2009 and is responsible for answering all volunteers' emails before they arrive, and making sure you are all ready for life in Ghana. Vera is a native Ghanaian and has lived her whole life in Ghana. Vera is an Associate member of the Institute for the Management of Information System (IMIS). Her hobbies are swimming and salsa dancing.

Princeley Kweku Bondzie - Regional Coordinator – Akuapem Hills

Princeley holds a Higher National Diploma in Tourism from the Cape Coast Polytechnic. He is responsible for all the placements and volunteers in the Akuapem Hills.

Richard K. O. Atiemo - Assistant Accounts and Administrative Manager

Richard assists with the accounts and administrative work in Ghana. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Accounting from Sunyani Polytechnic in Brong Ahafo region. He has been working with Projects Abroad since June 2009.

Fynn Kusi Adjei - Accra Coordinator

Fynn holds a first degree in Geography and Resource Development from University of Ghana, Legon- Accra. He is responsible for all the placements and volunteers in Accra. He has been working with Projects Abroad since November 2008.

Bridget A. Gamli - Records Officer

Bridget worked with Ghana Commercial Bank in Accra before joining Projects Abroad in November 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Economics. She is responsible for preparing all the placements and accommodation spreadsheets, scanning de-briefing forms and updating the staff and volunteers' records in the Head Office in Accra.

Paul Opoku - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator

Paul had been working with Projects Abroad since December 2008. He assists with volunteers airport pick-ups.

Michael Ewusi - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator

Mike has been working with Projects Abroad since January 2009. He assists with the airport pick-ups and subsequent transportation of the volunteers to the various regions.

Peter Adatara - Medical Coordinator

Peter holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Ghana, Accra, and has several years of clinical and research work experience. He was working with the Ghana Health Service as Senior Staff before joining Projects Abroad in December 2008. He is responsible for all the medical placements and medical volunteers in the Ghana.

Anthony Gerrar - Assistant Coordinator - Kumasi

Anthony has been working with Projects Abroad since November 2008. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography and Economics from the University of Cape Coast. Anthony assists with all the placements and volunteers in the Ashanti Region.

Jenna Smith - Assistant Manager Care - Cape Coast

Jenna grew up in Saudi Arabia, and in 2000 returned to her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia to complete high school and attend Georgia State University where she received her BA in Sociology. Her past experience includes working in children's schools in both Saudi Arabia and the USA, managing family oriented arts and crafts programs and caring for children at family shelters in the Atlanta area. In 2009 Jenna was a volunteer with Projects Abroad where she taught English to pre-school students in the Volta Region of Ghana.

Anna McCarthy - Human Rights Coordinator

Anna was born in Ireland and studied law at the University College of Cork. After university she traveled to Ghana to complete a spilt placement of Care and Human Rights. Anna has spent the last year teaching in London and has now returned to the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office to pursue her primary interest.

Jessica Vance - Assistant Manager Care - Akuapem Hills

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Jessica has a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Sociology and a Masters of Arts in Sociology, with a focus on improving education in developing countries. Prior to working in Ghana she was a lecturer, teaching sociology courses to college students. She has also worked with children at day care centers and summer camps for over six years. Jessica was a teaching volunteer in the Akuapem Hills in 2006 and is excited to be back working there!

Paul Adu-Peasah - Assistant Records Officer

Paul joined Projects Abroad in December 2010. Paul was born in Ghana and graduated from the University of Cape Coast with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2005. He works as our Assistant Records Officer and helps to monitor volunteers on their placements. Paul's hobbies include traveling, reading and helping people to solve their problems.

Rainbow Planch - Assistant/Social Manager - Akuapem Hills

Rainbow joined Projects Abroad in February 2011; she is from France with Swiss, American and German roots. Rainbow is currently studying online at Hope International University in California. She loves singing, sunshine and chocolate!

Eric Ekow Ewusie - Assistant Regional Coordinator

Eric is from Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana. He has been working with Projects Abroad since 2010 and holds a Higher National Diploma in Tourism from the Cape Coast Polytechnic. Eric assists with all placements and volunteers in Cape Coast.

Samuel Polley - Assistant Manager - Accra

Samuel, from England, has spent a lot of time over the past 8 years in Ghana. After completing his History degree at the University of Leicester he went on to study a Masters Degree in African Studies at the University of Ghana. As well as showing volunteers around Accra, his role is to take care of all the Journalism placements in the city. He also finds time to work on Ghanaian local TV as a soccer pundit covering European soccer.

Rhoda Ashitey - Care Manager

A Ghanaian from a family of six, Rhoda graduated from the University for Development Studies in Ghana and has a certificate in Professional Project Management and Executive NGO management.

Sangamithra Krishnamoorthi - Deputy Director

Sangamithra has been working Projects Abroad since April 2009. After working with Greenpeace for a year, she joined our team as a Programme Manager. She is on hand to assist volunteers before and throughout their stay in India. Sangamithra's hobbies include taking care of her cat Puja and reading. One of her claims of fame is being awarded a distinction from the late President K. R. Narayan.

Anantha Subramanian - Care Programe Manager

Anantha oversees the programs for the care volunteers in India. Anantha previously worked as a District Coordinator for the Child Labor Elimination Project with the NGO Hand-in-Hand. While in this role he had some remarkable achievements including the rescue and re-homing of more than 60 children who were working illegally and he helped to start two special residential schools for them. He hope to continue his achievements while working with the Projects Abroad care volunteers.

Raisa Fathima Dawood - Conservation Programe Manager

Raisa is our Program Manager for the Conservation Project. She originally studied electronics and communication engineering but due to a keen interest in organic farming she switched over to study organic farming and complete some courses in agriculture from the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University. Raisa's interests include being in the company of friends and family, playing throw-ball, trying new spicy cooking recipes and trekking.

Nirmala Periasamy - Medicine Programe Manager

Nirmala has been working with Projects Abroad since May 2009 after being a nurse and midwife for 4 years in Vellore. As the Programme Manager for Medicine, she will be the main contact for medical volunteers before and during their stay in India. Her hobbies include shopping, traveling, cooking, and playing video games.

Dass Antony Cruz - Teaching Programe Manager

Dass has been working with Projects Abroad for almost two years. As the Teaching Coordinator, he offers support for volunteers throughout their stay. Previously he was a chemistry teacher in Manipur in Northeastern India. He enjoys spending time with his family and his new daughter Jobitha.

Vasanth Raj - Medical Programe Coordinator

Vasanth joined Projects Abroad in May 2010 as our Medical Program Coordinator. He has been always referred to by his nick name – Doodle. Previously, he worked for organizations like SITA (South Indian Term Abroad) and Shant Manas Organization. He enjoys working for Projects Abroad and is happy working with so many volunteers from around the world.

Austin Sudhakar Solomon - Medical Coordinator

Austin has been working for Projects Abroad since August 2003. Since finishing his English Literature course he has worked as our Journalism Project Co-ordinator and during 2005 as our Tsunami Project Co-ordinator. He is now enjoying his new role assisting with our medical projects. In his spare time, Austin enjoys reading books and playing football. He is currently working on his post-grad in English Literature.

Nadia Chellam Cyril - Social Manager

Nadia joined Projects Abroad after finishing her degree in Engineering at the Avinashilingum University in Coimbatore. Her role as Social manager includes compiling the monthly newsletter, planning weekend trips, organising dirty weekends, and planning social events. In her spare time, Nadia enjoys photography and gardening.

Pandi Veeraperumal - Care Programe Coordinator

Pandi started working for Projects Abroad in July 2001 and is now the co-ordinator for our Care projects. He previously spent time managing the Conservation project and maintains a high level of interest in this area, supporting projects like tree planting and other environmental initiatives. His other interests include playing cricket and running.

Jaya Prakash - Care Programe Coordinator

Jaya joined Projects Abroad India in April 2010. JP as he's known completed his Masters in Social Work and specialized in Community Development. He likes that India is well-known for its hospitality and enjoys the caring aspect of his work.

Victor Chelladurai - Teaching Coordinator and Asst. Social Manager

Victor has been working for Projects Abroad since August 2002. He finished his English Literature course in 2000. As the Asst. Social Manager, Victor leads weekend trips all over Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Victor enjoys learning new skills.

Ezhil Elango Jeyapaal - Sub-editor for Times of Madurai

After leaving his post as a journalist in Chennai, Ezhil joined Projects Abroad in April 2009. As the sub-editor or the Times of Madurai, Ezhil guide volunteers throughout their placement by taking them to interviews and helping out with editorial content. One of Ezhil's claim to fame was interviewing Aishwarya Rai.

Dinesh - Accountant

Dinesh joined Projects Abroad India in April 2010 as an accountant. He completed his graduation in commerce and takes care of the accounts for the large India office. His interests include listening to music, playing cricket and going for a long ride on his bike.

Cherricha Jacobs - Assistant Country Director & Desk Officer

Before joining Projects Abroad in March 2009, Cherricha worked in the areas of marketing, research, community development, administration and health care. She was born in Manchester and raised in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Cherricha enjoys listening to dancehall reggae music and in her spare time practices her photography skills.

Stacy-Ann Barrett - Project Officer (Culture and Community)

Stacy-Ann joined Projects Abroad in April 2008. She started out on a part-time basis and was responsible for running errands, collecting post, sending host and placement letters, and ensuring that the office was well kept. She has now been given additional responsibilities to help with inductions and she coordinates the building, disaster management, maroon and farming projects.

Denise Morgan - Social Manager & Project Officer (Journalism)

Denise joined the Jamaican team in July 2010. Denise is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Media and Communication with a specialisation in Public Relations. Her hobbies include reading, dancing (she can really dance, in Jamaica we would say 'she a happen'), enjoying various sporting activities and planning events.

Patrina Thomas-Morrison - Project Officer (Care)

Patrina joined Projects Abroad in August 2010. She is an energetic and creative individual. She values family and has a passion for children and disadvantaged persons. Her value for people was heightened as a result of her training in Psychology and Social Work. Patrina has worked in various capacities from administration to teaching, from consulting to project management and from counselling to managerial roles. A very industrious worker, Patrina is very competitive and results-oriented.

Collette Kerr - Project Officer (Teaching & Medicine)

Collette joined Projects Abroad in April 2011. She brings unparalleled creativity and resourcefulness to the team. She has worked in the insurance industry and has vast experience in sales. Collette is trained in the field of Social Work and is passionate about working with children. She enjoys playing scrabble, hosting dinner parties and spending quiet times at home.

Carlos Ochoa Valenzuela - Assistant Manager and Social Manager

Carlos was born in the north of the country in the estate of Sonora then moved to Guadalajara to study graphic design. After studying he had a number of jobs related to his career before joining Projects Abroad in November 2004. He has been involved with all aspects of the program in Mexico and worked in Argentina for Projects Abroad in 2009. He is a big fan of illustration, cinema and music.

Manuel Alejandro Soto - Assistant Manager

Alejandro joined Projects Abroad in December 2010. He was born in Guadalajara and studied at the public university obtaining a Law degree. He has traveled a lot around the country during the last ten years, so, he will be happy to help if you need any suggestions about traveling in Mexico. Alejandro loves dancing and cooking.

Jorge Aguayo Zepeda - Desk Officer

Jorge graduated from the University of Guadalajara in Urbanism. He became a member of staff in May 2008. He loves to ride his vintage bicycles and is a passionate supporter of the local soccer team "Atlas".

Jose Soltero 'Jous' - Guzman Manager

Jous was born in Ciudad Guzman and has lived all his life there, his family is one of the oldest in the city so he is well know in all the town. Jous has been an 'official' member of staff for over 6 years regularly taking volunteers under his wing to make sure they settle into life in Cd. Guzman. Since the beginning of 2005, he officially become part of our team and his dedication and work have improved all our projects in Cd. Guzman. He loves music, makes and plays the didgeridoo an ancient aborigine instrument and one of his favourite drinks is the coconut water.

Oliver Garcia - Conservation Manager

Oliver is an experienced diver who has worked for two years in la Paz Baja California in the north of Mexico as manager of a diving school while he was also studying marine biology. He joined Projects Abroad in February 2005, just before we moved to our current Turtle Camp in Tecoman, where he has been the person in charge since.

Dr. Jesus Navarro - Medical Supervisor

Dr. Jesus Navarro has been involved with Projects Abroad for many years first by providing medical attention to sick volunteers and through organising medical campaigns in rural areas and inviting volunteers to help. However, he officially joined Projects Abroad as our Medical Programme Supervisor in September 2007. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife and two daughters. He is a coffee lover.

Elena Chirica - Desk Officer

Elena lives in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. She graduated from the Moldova State University with a degree in Philology, specializing in French-English Language and Literature. She then spent two years working at a newspaper. She joined Projects Abroad in February 2010. Her interests are foreign languages, medicine, foreign history and culture.

Boris Topor - Medical Supervisor

Boris Topor, M.D., Ph.D. is a professor and Chairman of the Department of Topographic Anatomy and Operative Surgery at the State Medical and Pharmaceutical University of the Republic of Moldova. Boris has supervised all our medical volunteers in Molodva since 2003.

Otgonbayar Dashkhuu - Operations Manager

Oogii has been working for Projects Abroad since June 2009. She formerly worked as a circus artist and performed in 14 different countries. Oogii is enjoying working with people from all over the world and in her free time she likes spending time with her family.

Enkhmaa Orgil - Desk Officer

Enkhmaa joined Projects Abroad Mongolia in August 2010. Her main role is to prepare volunteers for their trip to Mongolia, giving specific information about the Mongolian culture, volunteer placements and accommodation. She has a great interest in photography and music. In her spare time she likes to go on bike rides and spend time with friends.

Saruul Gankhuyag - Project Supervisor

Sayo has been working for Projects Abroad Mongolia since May 2009. Sayo enjoys learning new languages and picks them up quickly, she learned her English all by herself. In her free time she likes to sing and meet new people.

Arinzul Ganbaatar - Social Manager

Arinzul or Zulaa, as she likes to be known, has been working at Projects Abroad since March 2011. Zulaa arranges social activities for the volunteers and helps with media related work. Zulaa enjoys reading, organizing volunteer work, teaching and spending time with her son.

Zolzaya Noov - Project Supervisor

Zolzaya or Zolo as she likes to be called started working for Projects Abroad Mongolia in February 2011. As a Project Supervisor, her roles are to welcome the new volunteers, introduce them to their hosts and placement, and offer advice and support to the volunteers. In Zolo's free time, she likes to spend time with her friends and her favorite sports are volleyball and table tennis. Zolo has many interests, including traveling, hiking and swimming.

Asmaa Hairane - Desk Officer and Volunteer Manager

Asmaa joined Projects Abroad in July 2009. She previously volunteered with VSO (a British organization; Voluntary Services Overseas) on a six-month cross-cultural youth volunteering exchange programme, involving community projects in education, environmental development and health in both the UK and Morocco.

Navin Amatya - Office Manger

Navin along with his sister Sajani has worked for Projects Abroad for over 10 years now! Navin oversees the pre-departure information sent out to our volunteers and ensures that volunteers are allocated to the most suitable placement. Navin studied Science and Humanities and enjoys working with children. In his free time he likes doing meditation.

Megan Goth - Desk Officer

Megan grew up in the United States and received a Bachelor's in Anthropology with a minor in African Studies at Missouri State University. She worked as a paraprofessional teaching children with autism and Down's syndrome during the last year and then decided she wanted to travel. With that in mind, she went to Nepal to volunteer for three months, fell in love with the country and its people and knew she had to return.

Henry Guyer - Social Manager

Henry grew up in Switzerland and Indonesia, when upon the completion of high school he moved to the wintry city of Montreal for 5 years to study Sociology and Film Studies. After living in Cologne and then Paris, he volunteered at a journalism placement in Ethiopia in early 2011, spending a life-affirming 4 months volunteering and traveling. Since the spring of 2011 he has worked as Assistant Manager and Social Manager in Nepal. He is a nomadic traveler who speaks four languages and is never happier than when he is exploring a new land and culture.

Shireen Ravesteyn - Teaching and Care Supervisor

Shireen started globetrotting at a young age, growing up in both Sri Lanka and Australia. Since then, she has pursued a keen interest in the world, completing a Bachelors degree in International Relations. During her degree, Shireen volunteered in Nepal for 3 months, which reaffirmed her love for travel, different cultures and her lifelong dream to work in a developing nation. After working in Cambodia for six months as an English Teacher and always ready for her next adventure, Shireen was drawn back to the majestic land of Nepal to join the Projects Abroad team as the Care and Teaching Supervisor.

Niamh Burke - Teaching and Care Supervisor

Niamh is originally from Canada, and joined the Projects Abroad team in Jan 2012. Niamh is an avid traveller who enjoys meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. After volunteering in Nepal, Niamh extended her stay because of her love for the country. Niamh has previously worked with a travel company and worked in Ireland as a student supervisor. Her interests include working with children, playing hockey and volunteering.

Irazema Arizabal - Office Manager

Irazema is the person in charge when Tim is not around. Born and raised in Cusco, she is a pre-school teacher who has also studied business administration. Currently she is in charge of the finances and with more than four years working for Projects Abroad, she knows just about every aspect of our organisation in Peru.

Yessika Espinoza - Care Supervisor

Yessika joined Projects Abroad in December 2006 after previously working for an NGO and a bank. She enjoys being able to work with young children as part of her job. In her free time she likes spending time with her family in Cuzco and socialising with the volunteers.

Patricia Davila - Medical Supervisor

Pati works in Cuzco as a dentist and comes from a family of medical professionals; both her father and brother are doctors too. Pati joined us as Medical Supervisor in 2006 when we first started our medical projects in Peru. She enjoys having the medical volunteers round for pizza and spending time with her family.

Tatiana Cueva Llave - Assistant Manager

Tatiana is from Espinar Province and studied tourism in Cusco. She enjoys reading, meeting new people and visiting ancestral communities. Tatiana joined the Projects Abroad team in Peru in April 2011.

Katie Gibson - Desk Officer

Katie hails from Dallas, Texas, but went to a small university in Tennessee where she majored in Spanish and minored in Religion. She then spent a year and a half teaching English in Santiago, Chile, then taught in Seoul, South Korea. The part she loves most about traveling is getting to see the nuances of each culture and region. Her favourite destination was Lhasa, Tibet, but Vietnam is in close second!

Jorge Espinoza - Assistant Manager

Jorge has a degree in Tourism Management from San Antonio Abad University in Cusco. Since graduation in 2006 he has worked on a cruise ship and as a guide on the Inca Trail. Jorge previously worked with volunteers on our Tourism Police extra-curricular teaching program before joining the team as Assistant Manager. In his free time he enjoys playing sports and the guitar.

Americo Andrade - Logistics and Inca Projects Assistant Manager

Americo joined Projects Abroad part time in 2003 as a taxi driver and worked his way up to looking after volunteer logistics and working as the Inca Projects Assistant Manager. Americo was born and raised in Sicre in the cloud forest, about 8 kilometres from Huyro, where our Inca programme is based. He loves cars, animals and outdoor activities. His wife Isidora cooks for the Inca Project volunteers.

Daniel O'Shea - Inca Projects Supervisor

Daniel was a volunteer on the Inca Projects for three months from May 2007 before returning in September to join the staff team as our supervisor for the Inca Projects. He works with the volunteers on each of the different areas of the project, from community work to excavations and expeditions.

Fernando Del Alamo - Spanish Teacher

Fernando is our main Spanish teacher and organises all the classes for volunteers taking Spanish courses in Peru. He used to teach English at the local University. Fernando lives in Cuzco and is passionate about his motorbike. He also enjoys cycling and word puzzles.

Fernando Rosemberg - Lodge Administrator

An ex-gold miner now dedicated to conservation, Fernando administers the day-to-day running of the lodge. He is the longest serving staff member there from the start with Stuart. His English is excellent and his 20 years of experience in the jungle gives him great all round knowledge. His family in Puerto Maldonado runs a small hotel where volunteers usually spend the weekend.

Daniel Howell - Volunteer Coordinator

Dan is originally from Gloucestershire, England. He graduated in Environmental Management from Leeds University in 2006. After 3 years in an office job he headed to Taricaya as a volunteer in January 2010. As he enjoyed his time so much he has now joined the staff team.

Elvira Rosemberg - Desk Officer

Elvira joined the Projects Abroad team in January 2010 after returning from five years living in the USA. She is originally from Lima where she used to work in a travel agency. Before moving to the US she had a family run hotel and restaurant business in Puerto Maldonado, so she knows the town well. Elvira will be in touch with all Conservation volunteers before they arrive in Peru and she also meets many of the volunteers at the airport.

Daniel Niera - Resident Biologist

Daniel is a biology graduate from Arequipa, who has visited Taricaya several times over the years. He is now working full time as our resident biologist. His main interest is herpetology but he can hold his own in many other fields and we welcome him as of 2007.

Razvan Voica - Veterinary and Conservation Assistant

Razvan is in charge of the Conservation and Veterinary Projects. As a professional Forestry Engineer, he feels at ease with any subject linked to alpine and sub-alpine wildlife. He is also a passionate reader and only spending time with his family can take him away from his job or his books.

Daniela Cristea - Teaching & Care Supervisor

Daniela completed a degree in psychology-pedagogy in Brasov in 2004. She discovered her passion for psihcology in highschool, when she first got in touch with this discipline. Her favourite courses were those concerning education for children with mental and physical disabilities. After college she started working with people with social disorders and now she takes care of the children in orphanages along with the Projects Abroad volunteers.

Alexandru Parasca - Desk Officer and Social Manager

Alex joined Projects Abroad in April 2008. He has previously worked as a chef and a cameraman. He likes words and literature and is fascinated by computers and artificial intelligence. He also enjoys 80s-90s music, the Cartoon Network and John Travolta movies.

Alexandra Ichim - Social Manager and Journalism & Drama Supervisor

Alexandra graduated from the Faculty of Literature and Languages in 2008. She loves travel, meeting people from different cultures and learning new languages. She discovered theater life in high school when she took part in a local English drama group. Her role as drama supervisor is to guide and coordinate both the volunteers and the high school students in all the drama activities. She also organises social events for all volunteers in Romania and coordinates work for our journalism volunteers.

Fina Senghor - Deputy Director

Fina joined the team in November 2008. She is originally from the capital city, Dakar; however, she has lived in St Louis for the last four years as she was studying at Gaston Berger University. She has a Masters Degree in Applied Foreign Languages (English and Spanish) with a module in Tourism. Fina enjoys reading, listening to music, watching TV and cooking.

Joke van Eylen - Desk Officer

Joke joined the Projects Abroad team in Senegal in October 2011. She has a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology after studying in Spain and Belgium. She is fluent in Dutch, French and also speaks Spanish. Joke likes swimming, good food, dancing and seeing live concerts. Senegal is the third African country Joke has visited after Tunisia and South Africa, and she hopes there will be plenty more, but for now she is very happy living in St Louis.

Tayib Fall - Volunteer Coordinator

Tayib joined the Senegal team in March 2011. He is originally from St Louis. Tayib is a former Fulbright scholar. He holds a BA in Education from Webster University and an ESL Certificate from the University of California Santa Cruz. He enjoys traveling and meeting new people. Tayib is fluent in French and English. He also speaks some Spanish.

Erica Frekking - Social Manager

Erica joined the Projects Abroad team in June 2011 after spending time with us as volunteer in Senegal. Erica is from New York, and before working here completed a degree in International Studies with minors in French, Anthropology and Economics. She is excited to be back in St. Louis and enjoys seeing new places, meeting new people, and knitting!

Aaron Baxter - Assistant Country Director

Aaron is from Nottingham, England, but has been living in South Africa since 2003. He studied in Cape Town and before joining Projects Abroad he worked for a marketing and PR company. Aaron coordinates the various projects in South Africa. In his free time he loves going to the gym, singing and writing songs.

Maria Mulindi - Human Rights Office Project Manager

Maria moved to South Africa from Kenya in 2003. Maria comes from a long line of lawyers. She studied at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University where she obtained her Law degree. Before joining Projects Abroad Maria worked in litigation, specializing in vehicle accident claims. She is currently undertaking a Masters in Development Studies.

Sanjay Hora - Human Rights Office Legal Services Coordinator

Sanjay is a UK qualified Human Rights Solicitor. He graduated from Bristol University in 1996 and worked at the Commission for Racial Equality. Before joining Projects Abroad in February 2011 he worked in areas including criminal defence, civil liberty/human rights, inquests into deaths in police custody and fraud. Sanjay deals with the Human Rights Commission referrals as well as refugee issues and many other matters.

Rebecca Saraceno - Cape Chameleon Editor

Rebecca comes from the UK and has been living in Cape Town for three years with her husband and two children. She graduated from university in Norwich, with BA Hons in Literature and Film Studies. Since then, she has been working in publishing for over 10 years. She joined Projects Abroad in May 2010 to start up the journalism program. She loves books, fine dining, surfing and nature.

Kelly Easton - Cape Chameleon Assistant Editor

Kelly joined Projects Abroad in June 2010, soon after graduating from Varsity College, where she studied Journalism. She continues to study for a degree in Communication Science and English. Although finding an interest in karate, Kelly also enjoys playing the drums and the piano.

Emma Graham - Social Media Manager for South Africa

Proudly South African and Capetonian, Emma loves meeting new people and gaining insight into different cultures and backgrounds. She has a degree in Public Relations Management and Project Management and gained experience from a number of internships. She also worked as a part-time photographer for two years. She loves that her job incorporates the four things she is most passionate about: people, communications, creativity and meaningful work.

Shuan Solomons - Volunteer Coordinator

Shuan was a cadet for six years and loves all types of music. He plays the drums, trumpet, bass guitar and enjoys trying to play the piano and lead guitar. He also likes eating lots of pasta and playing rugby. Shuan enjoys working with volunteers from all over the world.

Laura Gent - Desk Officer

Laura is a French & Spanish graduate from Newcastle University in the UK. She was a teaching volunteer in Peru in 2007 and since then she has worked in Fiji and Ghana as an Assistant Manager for Projects Abroad. In her spare time, Laura enjoys being outdoors whether walking, travelling or al fresco dining.

Tiffani Wesley - Volunteer Supervisor

Tiffani is a licensed attorney from the United States and a member of the Illinois Bar Association. She holds a Juris Doctor from the William and Mary School of Law and a B.A. in International Affairs. Tiffani has worked for various Chicago law firms as well as the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia and has also volunteered at Resources Aimed At the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (RAPCAN) in Cape Town, South Africa.

Gemma Hancox - Assistant to the Human Rights Project Manager

Gemma graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Law honors degree from the University of the West of England, UK. After gaining her degree she volunteered with the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office in South Africa for two months before becoming a staff member in May 2010.

Dr Helena Fitchat - Conservation Director

Helena has spent over 30 years on and off in the wilderness. She is an expert tracker, has crossed the Kalahari Desert on her own and lived with Bushmen for a year. She is also a pilot, a biologist specializing in animal behavior (for which she obtained her PhD), and she single-handedly navigated her way through the vast Okavango Delta in a leaking boat and survived! For 10 years she was the Operations Director of The Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Durban, South Africa.

Kieran Harkin - Conservation Manager

Originally from Derry in Northern Ireland, Kieran has a BSc Honors in Environmental Management and is currently working on his MSc Environmental Assessment & Management, specializing in ecology. He worked for a year in South East Asia, tackling animal trafficking. He also taught science in Thailand for 3 years. Besides traveling, Kieran's interests lie in photography, art and bird watching.

Gisela Madden - Desk Officer & Camp Manager

Gisela's first experience with the Botswana bush came when she was just 6 months old, and she's loved it ever since. Most recently she worked in Cape Town as the Assistant Director of Projects Abroad South Africa. She acquired her BSocSci Honors in Social Anthropology from the University of Cape Town, and taught English in South Korea for a year and a half, before traveling for half a year. Her hobbies include Geocaching, star-gazing and bird watching, and she speaks German and Afrikaans fluently.

Ligaya Kaluarachchi - Alumni Manager

Ligaya, a native from the Philippines, became a member of our Sri Lankan team in January 2005. She moved to Sri Lanka in 2001 after marrying a Sri Lankan. As the Alumni Manager Ligaya manages the Social Media Centre and coordinates alumni related activities. She is in touch with volunteers when they finish their placements and helps develop our alumni volunteer network. Ligaya enjoys spending time with her family and is kept busy looking after her cheeky four year old son.

Hannah Cornish - Social Manager

Hannah hails from windy Wellington in New Zealand. Hannah has a passion for international volunteering and loves to travel! Before joining Projects Abroad Hannah worked for an NGO in New Zealand where she had the opportunity to volunteer in Vietnam, Thailand and Kenya. In her free time she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and soaking up the sun.

Charley Perera - Project Coordinator

Charley - "Lokka" joined Projects Abroad Sri Lanka in February 2003 when it was a new destination. "We just want to make volunteers happy" is his motto and he doesn't mind driving late at night or early in the morning to meet volunteers at the airport or at their host families. Charley also sets up new placements and finds new host families.

Gishan Perera - Desk Officer

Gishan became part of the Sri Lankan team in May 2006. He is a very versatile, enthusiastic person and had experience working in many different fields like IT, Agriculture, Travel & Tourism, before he joined Projects Abroad. As the Desk Officer Gishan will be your first contact to the country. He is happy to share his first hand experience of getting accustomed to the Sri Lankan way of life.

Roshini Rathnatilaka - Medical Supervisor

Roshini joined Projects Abroad in June 2011 as our Medical Supervisor. Before joining Projects Abroad she worked as a pharmacist. Roshini holds a BSc in Bio Science. In her leisure time Roshini enjoys traveling, swimming and listening to music.

Anurangana Rajapakse - Project Supervisor

Anurangana joined Projects Abroad in June 2011. She is responsible for ensuring that volunteers are happy at their accommodation and project. During her spare time Anurangana enjoys spending time with friends, watching movies and martial arts.

Glory Matoi Godfrey - Desk Officer

Glory joined Projects Abroad in June 2010 as our new Program Coordinator. She shows volunteers around Arusha as well as introducing them to their placements. Glory has previously spent a year in Germany as a volunteer and has a good command of the language. She is best known around the office for her professional attire, ever-changing hairdos, and love of chocolate.

Constantine Munishi - Volunteer Coordinator

Constantine, or Regan as he is known, joined Projects Abroad in May 2010. He is usually the first Projects Abroad face you see at the airport. He also introduces volunteers to their host families. Regan used to work as a chef at a local hotel and is famous for his Regani pizza. His hobbies include watching football, cooking and karaoke.

Georgina Tenga - Social Manager

Georgina joined Projects Abroad in December 2010 after working as a community development officer at a consulting firm. She arranges regular socials for volunteers, writes the newsletter and blogs, and arranges weekend trips and workshops. Georgina is currently studying for a Masters in Community Development. During her spare time she enjoys music, crafts, travel, films, books and learning about other cultures.

Jacqueline Kwamy - Assistant Manager

Jackie joined Projects Abroad in February 2011 as an Assistant Manager. She has recently graduated as a social worker from the Open University of Tanzania. She is interested in learning about different cultures and people. She loves reading books and traveling.

Robert Porokwa - Assistant Manager

Robert joined Projects Abroad in February 2011 as an Assistant Manager. He was born and raised in an area of Tanzania called Longido. He holds a Bachelor degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Dar es Salaam. Before working for Projects Abroad he was a guide at the Snake Park in Arusha and took tourists to visit Masaai villages. He enjoys swimming, reading, traveling and playing volleyball.

Paula Andreewitch - Regional Director

Paula started as a volunteer in India and has worked as a member of staff for Projects Abroad in Brazil, Jamaica and now Tanzania. She runs the Dar Es Salaam office in Tanzania. Paula is inspired by motivated volunteers that come and really strive to make a difference.

Victoria Mwela - Development Officer

Victoria joined the Projects Abroad family in July 2011. She grew up in Dar Es Salaam and has lived for some time overseas in the UK, Australia and South Africa. She is excellent at making volunteers feel at home in Tanzania and helping anyone deal with culture shock.

Laurie Neall - Medical Project Manager

Laurie joined the Projects Abroad team in July 2011. With a background in emergency medical logistics and managed healthcare, he has joined the family as the Dar Es Salaam Medical Project Officer. Laurie is really enjoying supporting our volunteers and getting to know the people of Tanzania.

Apornpradab Buasi - Desk Officer for Community Projects

Apornpradab, or Nou, as she is known, originally worked for Projects Abroad in Thailand from March 2007 to July 2009, when she left to have a baby. Now that Nou's daughter, Mali is getting older, she has rejoined the staff team from December 2011. Nou enjoys cooking.

Inthira Koontaweesap - Desk Officer for Conservation Project

Inthira (Gaii) joined Projects Abroad in Thailand in August 2011. She was born and grew up in Nakorn-Rachasima Province in northeastern Thailand. She moved to Bangkok to study at university and worked there for 20 years. She is now enjoying the more relaxed pace of life in Ao Nang. In her free time Gaii likes dancing and adventure sports like kayaking, climbing, hiking and camping.

Aksarapachara Hanmontree - Community Projects Coordinator

Aksarapachara (Pasha) started working for Projects Abroad Thailand in June 2011. She is originally from the north east of Thailand. She studied Arts Sciences at university in Bangkok. Before joining Projects Abroad Pasha spent a year working in Indonesia for the government. Pasha enjoys trekking and camping.

Vishal Pawa - Social Media Manager

Vishal joined Projects Abroad in August 2011. He is of Thai nationality, was born in Japan and is of Indian descent. Vishal has lived in Thailand, Malaysia and Australia and had a very international upbringing. He studied International Tourism and Hotel Management at the University of Queensland. He is interested in geography and conservation and loves all animals. He is excited to be working with volunteers from all over the world.

Janrumpai Chaisompongpan - Teaching Coordinator

Janrumpai or Ruang as she is known joined Projects Abroad in November 2010. She was born in Bangkok and lived there for most of her life. From 2002-2004, she spent 2 years in Hong Kong studying in an international school. She has previously taught English, both as a volunteer and as a professional. In her free time she enjoys reading, music, traveling and art.

Emily Grose - Project Coordinator

Emily joined the Projects Abroad team in January 2012. Emily has been working in Krabi for the past 4 years as a Divemaster so knows all the dive sites in the area really well. She also taught English at the International School in Krabi for a year. Emily is from England, but has also lived in France and spent several years traveling around the world. When she was in England she worked in business and marketing, ran her own antiques business from France and is a qualified interior designer.

Linnea Bergdahl - Conservation Field Coordinator

Linnea joined the Projects Abroad team in June 2011. She is from the north of Sweden but has been living recently in Gothenburg where she studies Marine Biology. Linnea is a Dive Instructor and has worked in Australia, Indonesia and Thailand. Being from Sweden she is a good cross-country skier and loves her meatballs. A happy life for Linnea includes early-morning runs, a good cup of coffee and great friends.

Sutthiphong Pattarachadiyod - Field Coordinator Intern

Sutthiphong (Arm) grew up in Udon Thani Province in north-east Thailand. He moved to Ao Nang in March 2011. Arm first became involved in Projects Abroad by helping on the beach clean ups. His enthusiasm for conservation and helpful manner was clear which led to a full-time position in December 2011 as an intern on the staff team. Arm loves the outdoors and a wide variety of sports; he is currently enjoying working his way through his dive qualifications.

Sam Adzakpa - Social Manager

Sam joined Projects Abroad in May 2009. He assists Kwame will all aspects of a volunteer's stay in Togo. He studied Travel and Management at University. Sam enjoys traveling, using the internet, reading and swimming.

Sarah Ochsner - Assistant Manager & Desk Officer

Sarah joined the team in Togo in Febuary 2011, she is based in Lomé. Her role is to be in touch with volunteers before they arrive and she coordinates the Human Rights placements. Sarah is Danish/Irish and has lived in Indonesia, France and Denmark. She loves the arts, the ocean, cooking, and traveling.

Delphine Akouvi Melley - Volunteer Coordinator and Office Assistant

Delphine joined the Togo team in February 2009. She studied International Trade and Marketing at University in Lomé. She works closely with the host families, the volunteers and organises the office, as well as introducing volunteers and showing them around Lomé. Delphine likes classic dance and listening to jazz.

Hien Nguyen - Desk Officer

Whilst studying at Vietnam's National University, Hien became involved in voluntary work and hosted volunteers from around the world. Hien joined Projects Abroad in July 2011 after graduating. Her role is to be the main contact for volunteers before they arrive in Vietnam. In her free time Hien spends time with friends and travels to fascinating landscapes to explore Vietnam's rich history and culture.

Hieu Tran Xuan - Social Manager

Born in Vietnam, Hieu joined Projects Abroad in October 2011 after finishing his English course at Hanoi University of Foreign Languages. Hieu’s role is to organize cultural social events for volunteers and to update various social media sites about our volunteers work. Hieu is also on hand to help volunteers at their accommodation and placements. He enjoys both watching and playing sports such as soccer and tennis.

Chloe Brooks - Assistant Manager

Originally from California, Chloe joined the Projects Abroad team in June 2011 after earning a B.A. in Communication from the University of Southern California. So far, she has traveled to China, New Zealand, Australia, the Cook Islands and Belize. Chloe enjoys photography, dancing, baking, and traveling.