Overseas Staff
When you volunteer with Projects Abroad you feel safe in the knowledge that you are fully supported by our staff. We offer unparalleled overseas back-up for our volunteers worldwide. We employ more than 150 staff who are there to help you settle in and support you throughout your whole placement.
"I just wanted to thank you for looking after my son, Andrew, recently, when he arrived in Guadalajara with tonsilitis. He says your staff were very good to him and now he's fine. The true test of an organization is when things go wrong, and I'm grateful that your people on the ground were so competent."
In each of our destinations we have a Country Director and a staffed office. Our overseas staff have a wealth of local knowledge and all our Country Directors have worked in Britain or the US and understand the needs of our volunteers. They are available by day at the local office, or 24 hours a day by phone.
 | Joanna Walton - Desk Officer Jo worked for Projects Abroad as assistant manager in Sri Lanka for a year from summer 2005, before moving on to work in Cambodia, and finally helping to set up our new projects in Ethiopia at the start of 2007. Now she is also Desk Officer for Australia. Jo has a degree in biology and was a volunteer during her gap year in South America. She enjoys surfing and kayaking (badly!), camping, hiking and travelling the world as slowly as possible. |
 | Susana La Rosa - Country Director Susana joined Projects Abroad in 2006. She lives in Unquillo town where our main Argentina office is based. She has Masters in Institutional Analysis and has worked for the Ministry of Education where she managed educational policies. |
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 | Ignacio Maio - Desk Officer Ignacio grew up, and still lives, in the small town of Rio Ceballos, and is currently an evening student of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cordoba. In his spare time, Ignacio enjoys playing sports, reading, listening to music, and gathering groups of friends for a typical Argentinean Asada (BBQ). |
 | Ines Mariani - Social 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 travelling. In her free time she enjoys being with friends, having barbecues with her family, reading novels and watching movies. |
 | Mariana Beja - Office Manager and Spanish Teacher Mariana started out as a Spanish teacher for Projects Abroad volunteers, and became Office Manager in October 2007. She also works part-time as a kindergarden teacher at a school in Unquillo each morning. She loves this job as she enjoys working with children, and likes the variety of work. Mariana is very sociable, and says one of the best things about working with Projects Abroad is getting to know so many new people and helping them to enjoy their time in Argentina. |
 | Daniela Viljoen - Country Director Daniela has been working with Projects Abroad since August 2002. Born in Cochabamba, but having lived mostly in the United States, Daniela returned to Bolivia in 1996 to be with her family. Completing her studies in Linguistics at UMSS and graduating in 2001 with honors, she is now also a founding member of the School of Linguists and Modern Languages. Although Daniela misses teaching, she enjoys working and getting to know volunteers on a day to day basis. Crafts and travelling are her favorite hobbies! |
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 | Carmen Herbas - Administrator Carmen has worked with Projects Abroad since 2003. Originally from La Paz, Carmen moved to Cochabamba with her parents and brothers in 1998. Carmen is also a graduate of the Linguistics Department of UMSS and enjoys spending her free time reading and with her son, Adrian. |
 | 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 travelling. |
 | Carmen Copa - Project Supervisor Carmen became familiar with Projects Abroad when she was doing her teaching practice for her degree in Linguistics. She later worked part-time with us as administrator whilst Carmen Herbas was on maternity leave. She obtained two degrees in five years studying Linguistics and Communications at the same time; this explains her dynamic personality and energy! Carmen enjoys meeting new people and disco dancing! |
 | Alejandra Estrada - USA Travel Coordinator Alejandra began working with Projects Abroad in July 2006. She was born in Cochabamba and comes from a large family. She studied Arts and Music at University and soon after graduating travelled abroad to teach English at a Red Cross Refugee camp in Belgium. Alejandra speaks 5 languages, English, Spanish, French, Dutch and a little bit of Russian. She is currently studying Linguistics at the University in Cochabamba and enjoys reading, writing, music, photography and travelling. |
 | Ana Silvia Ramos M. - Desk Officer / Social Manager Ana Silvia was born in Cochabamba, Bolivia. She began working with Projects Abroad in 2004 as a student teacher through the agreement we have with the Universidad Mayor de San Simón, teaching volunteers Spanish. After finishing her studies, she began working full time in May 2007. Ana Silvia enjoys meeting new people and travelling. |
 | Erick Soria Galvarro - Medical Project Supervisor Erick was born in Cochabamba. He is graduate of the Medical School of the Universidad Mayor de San Simón. He began working with Projects Abroad as the Medical Project Supervisor in April 2007. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading, swimming and playing football. |
 | Heloisa Andrade Paula - Country Director Heloisa was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, but studied for her Masters degree in the USA and lived there for six years before returning to the "marvellous city". Before joining Projects Abroad, she worked for two well known exchange programs between the US and Latin America with youth ambassadors and academics - putting her English and Spanish language skills to the test. In her spare time Heloisa enjoys reading, blogging, and socializing - both in person and online! |
 | Simon Petro - Country Director Petro started working for Projects Abroad in 2005 when our first volunteers arrived in Cambodia. Before joining us he worked as an interpreter for an American journalist, an English teacher and even an in-house detective at a casino. Petro has also been involved in projects with local NGOs, improving the prospects of Cambodia's orphans. In his free time he enjoys reading and both watching and playing sports. |
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 | 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 Japan 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 - Assistant Manager Sophan has been working as Assistant Manager 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 assists Petro, making sure that all our projects run smoothly in Phnom Penh and he enjoys his new role of working closely with volunteers from all over the world. |
 | Sython Sun - Assistant Manager - Khmer Projects 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. |
 | Kong Chanbophapich - Volunteer Coordinator Kong joined the team at Projects Abroad in April 2008. She studied Tourism at University in Phnom Penh. She currently works three days a week for Projects Abroad and also works as a French language teacher. Kong speaks fluent French and will be working closely with the French volunteers in Cambodia. |
 | Mok Sopheakvattey - Accountant and Administrator Vattey is studying English Literature and Accountancy in Phnom Penh, whilst assisting Petro and 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. |
 | Xu Kay - Country Director Kay studied at the University of London before joining our Projects Abroad team in Shanghai. She is originally from North West China. In her spare time she enjoys badminton and going to the gym. |
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 | Carrie Wang - Volunteer Coordinator Sassy, sweet and smart Carrie is the smiling face that often greets volunteers as they walk through the arrival gates in Pudong Airport. Carrie is also in charge of all the administrative tasks in our office that keep us ticking over. She is known among volunteers and staff as the 'hippest' staff member and is currently studying towards a degree in Fashion Design. |
 | 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! |
 | Elaine Wynn - Assistant Country Manager Elaine began working with the Shanghai team in April 2008, having previously worked in Ghana for 6 months. Elaine was also a volunteer with Projects Abroad in Sri Lanka in summer 2006. Her role is to show volunteers around Shanghai, introduce them to their placements and arrange social events. Last year she graduated from The University of Leeds with a Psychology degree. |
 | Luis Arguedas - Country Director Luis joined Projects Abroad in July 2006 and has both Canadian and Costa Rican citizenship. Luis speaks English, French and Spanish and before joining the Costa Rica team he worked at the National University of Costa Rica teaching tourism and business administration. In his free time Luis enjoys going to the beach, cycling, watching movies and playing the saxophone. |
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 | Carmen Baldioceda - Desk Officer Carmen is Costa Rican and joined Projects Abroad in May 2007. She studied tourism and has travelled widely whilst working in an international sales role. Carmen also lived permanently in the USA for three years. She loves swimming, scuba diving and horse back riding. |
 | Silvia Chacon Delgado - Project Supervisor Silvia joined Projects Abroad in April 2008. She speaks fluent English and lived in Canada for four years until 2006. She studied Eco-tourism at the University of Costa Rica in Liberia and has a wide range of work experience, including working in a gallery and for the Canadian Diabetes Association in Toronto. |
 | Cecilia Mesèn - Conservation Coordinator Cecilia has worked in conservation for over 12 years. Before that she worked for the Government Conservation and Energy Department. She is currently based in San Jose and has worked in or visited most of Costa Rica's protected areas and as a result possesses a first rate knowledge of the country. In her free time she likes to work in her garden and tend to her orchid collection. |
 | Samson Workneh - Country Director Sami, as he's known, joined Projects Abroad in January 2007. He worked as a teacher since 2002 and was the vice director of his last school, Oumer Semeter Primary School. Previously he completed a degree in geography and was most recently deputy director of a vocational training centre. |
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 | Bikesegn Haileleul - Desk Officer and 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. |
 | Tom Davis - Country Director Tom took over as our Ghana Director in October 2006 and is based in Accra. Originally from a village near Cape Coast, Tom and his wife Julie lived in London for ten years where Tom worked on the London Underground, before returning to Ghana to set up home in Accra. He has worked for Projects Abroad since 1998, and knows all of our placements very well. Tom's fruit punch at the monthly volunteer parties is legendary. |
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 | 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. |
 | Eric Delle - Office Assistant He assists with all variety of tasks at our Head Office in Accra from collecting post, sending host and placement letters to organising quiz nights and the monthly volunteer’s party. He is good source of local information for volunteers. |
 | 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. |
 | Michael Ahima-Danso - Regional Co-ordinator - Kumasi Michael is in-charge of our programmes in Kumasi, and does the inductions, monitoring and introduces volunteers to their placements. Michael graduated from the School of Administration at the University of Ghana. He has since completed his national service before joining Projects Abroad in April 2007. |
 | Gabriel Ayeh-Fianko - Assistant Co-ordinator - Akuapem Hills Gabriel assists with the inductions and monitoring of the volunteers in the Hills. He grew up in Koforidua and holds an NHD in Marketing from the local town’s Polytechnic. He was working in Accra as a Customer Service Officer before joining Projects Abroad in 2006. |
 | Harry Kent - Desk Officer Originally from Goring in Sussex, Harry worked at our UK office in the administration department for nearly two years before heading off to work as Desk Officer for our Conservation project in South Africa when it began at the end of July 2007. Having now got a taste for Africa, Harry joined the team in Ghana in February 2008. Harry is responsible for answering all volunteers' emails before they arrive, and making sure you are all ready for life in Ghana! |
 | Eleanor Gurney - Assistant Country Manager Ellie took over as Assistant Country Manager in February 2008, she is based in Accra. Her role is to show volunteers staying in Accra around the city and to introduce them to their placement. This is Ellie's second time in Ghana after volunteering with Projects Abroad in 2007 doing Journalism work. Ellie has recently graduated with a degree in English Literature from the University of St Andrews. |
 | Chinnasamy Rajendran - Country Director Rajendran met Peter Slowe whilst a young teacher in Kashmir. Twenty years later as the Deputy Head of a big school in Tamil Nadu he took responsibility for some Projects Abroad volunteers. Now our India office is one of the biggest in the world. Rajendran enjoys his trips to the UK but prefers the return trip to his wife's famous curries and the warmer climate. |
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 | Pabbu - Desk Officer and Administration Manager Pabbu is 24 yrs old and has been working for Projects Abroad since April 2002 after completing his degree in Computer Application. His role as Desk Officer means he maintains contact with volunteers, before and during their placements, allocates their projects and organises popular weekend trips. He is also head of the Administration Team. |
 | James Taylor - Desk Officer James is assisting Pabbu with the Desk Officer work in India. James initially joined Projects Abroad as a Journalism volunteer in Moldova in 2006 before helping out in the UK office during summer 2007. He enjoys traveling, squash and motor sports. |
 | Ponraj - Deputy Director Ponraj is responsible for volunteers' arrivals, departures and many other volunteer related activities. He holds an MSc Zoology degree, and joined Projects Abroad in July 1997. He has worked on all of the Projects Abroad programmes in India and at present is also in charge of our conservation project. |
 | Victor - Teaching Programme Co-ordinator Victor has been working for Projects Abroad since August 2002. He finished his English Literature course in 2000. Victor used to work as both our Care & Community and Veterinary Project Co-ordinator before taking on the role of Teaching Programme Co-ordinator at the start of 2006. Victor enjoys learning new skills. |
 | Pandi - Care & Community Programme Co-ordinator Pandi started working for Projects Abroad in July 2001 and is now the co-ordinator for our Care & Community projects. He previously spent time managing the Conservation project and maintains a high level of interest in this area, supporting projects like tree planting. |
 | Valanarasu - Medical Programme Co-ordinator Valan joined Projects Abroad in India in June 2001. Before starting his work as a co-ordinator for Projects Abroad he spent four years teaching in a secondary school. Valan loves Indian history as well as modern history of developing countries. He also likes looking after his pet animals. |
 | Jesu Raja - Veterinary Programme Co-ordinator Jesu joined Projects Abroad in India in February 2001. Before this he taught science in a secondary school. |
 | Kingston Rajkumar - Editor of the Sivakasi Times Kingston joined our India team in 2003 and now works as the Editor of the Sivakasi Times, our Indian journalism project. He enjoys thinking of new themes for the magazine and innovating new styles of presentation. |
 | Austin Sudhakar - Assistant Medical Programme Co-ordinator 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. |
 | Ambika Devi - Secretary Ambika joined Projects Abroad in April 2005, after completing her degree in English Literature. Her main role is answering the phone in our busy office. Ambika was one of Rajendran's students when she was at school. She likes reading mystery novels. |
 | Giritharan - Record Clerk Giri has been working for the Projects Abroad team since May 2005. He graduated in Computer Science in 2002 and spent a year gaining work experience in the field of IT. He now maintains and monitors our volunteer database. Working for Projects Abroad has developed his interpersonal skills and he enjoys making new friends from all over the world. |
 | Selva Meera - Computer Assistant Meera started working for Projects Abroad in September 2004. She deals with volunteer applications, accounts and flight details. |
 | Bridgette B. Barrett - Country Director Bridgette joined Projects Abroad in April 2008. She was born and raised in Manchester, Jamaica. She has a MSc. in Sociology and Social Psychology and is currently pursing her Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and Community Development. Before joining Projects Abroad she worked as a research, training and community development consultant for local and international agencies from her own home-based company. She likes interior decorating, car racing and driving to different parts of the island. She is a mini cooper fanatic and domino enthusiast. |
 | Marco Antonio Muñoz - Director for Mexico Marco has been working for Projects Abroad since 2000 when he started as general assistant. After spending a few months living and working in the UK Office in the summer of 2005, Marco returned to Mexico to assume the position of director. He loves music and cinema. |
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 | Jerylee Wong Ruiz - Desk Officer Jerylee graduated in International Business from the University of Guadalajara in December 2003. Before joineing Projects Abroad she worked in an art gallery and some other temporary jobs. Jery (as we call her) enjoys playing tennis and ping-pong which she is both very good at and likes to go out with her friends to bars to watch live bands. |
 | Jonatan Arriaga Zaragoza - General Assistant Jonatan started to work with Projects Abroad in April 2003, since then he has been involved with all types of work, from collecting people at the airport to setting up new projects. He manages to combine his work with studying for a Computing Graphic Design degree at the University of Guadalajara. In his free time he plays the guitar with his band and enjoys socialising with volunteers. He also has worked abroad in our other destinations, a month in Argentina and three months in Senegal. |
 | Carlos Ochoa Valenzuela - General Assistant Carlos was born in the north of the country in Sonora then moved to Guadalajara looking for the opportunity to study Computing Graphic Design, which he did. Afterwards he had a number of jobs related with his career but in Nov 2004, looking for a different activity; he decided to join Projects Abroad. He enjoys reading comics and playing music. He is the "screamer" of his band. |
 | 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. |
 | Igor Fonari - Country Director Igor is an academic specialised in psychology and anthropology. He is passionate about exploring new ways for developing education in Moldova, which is one of the reasons he enjoys working for Projects Abroad, as he is helping to bring Westerners into contact with Moldovans. Igor is a dedicated husband and a father of two teenage boys. |
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 | Victoria Gheorghiev - Desk Officer Victoria has lived her whole life in Moldova, and is very passionate about her country. She completed her degree in Finance in summer 2007 from the University of Moldova. She loves interacting with foreigners, and even worked in the UK for a summer before joining Projects Abroad. In her spare time, she likes to travel both in and around Moldova. |
 | Otgonbayar Togtuuny - Country Director and Finance Director Oko has spent time working in Korea and the UK. He now enjoys living back in Ulaanbaatar with his wife and two children. Having studied for his MBA in Korea, he returned home to Mongolia with his Korean wife, Sang Em. He enjoys singing and is famed for his karaoke skills. He is also the current holder of the Projects Abroad poker championship. |
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 | Urantuul Tsogbayasgalan - Desk Officer Urnaa has been working for Projects Abroad Mongolia since June 2005. She is a graduate of the Ulaanbaatar University of Science and Technology, where she majored in Management Information Systems. She is a calm and confident person who enjoys listening to music, spending time with her friends and visiting the countryside. |
 | Otgonsumya Badmaa - Project Supervisor Otgoo began her position with Projects Abroad Mongolia in June 2006. She formerly worked as an English teacher. She is a very warm-hearted person who is very popular with volunteers and staff alike. She enjoys singing and spending time with her family. |
 | Usukhjargal Zorigt - Finance Officer Usuhuu joined Projects Abroad Mongolia in May 2006 after graduating in International Business Administration from Ulaanbaatar University. She provides support to Oko in his role as Finance Director. Nobody has ever seen Usuhuu without a huge smile on her face. In her spare time she enjoys reading and she also sings in a band called "Wind". |
 | Munkhtuya Sodnotseren - Finance Officer & Desk Officer Tuya became part of the Projects Abroad team in Mongolia in May 2006 after graduating from Ulaanbaatar University with a degree in International Business Management. She also provides support for Oko in his role as Finance Director, but often helps with volunteer's problems as well. In her spare time Tuya likes listening to music and playing volleyball. |
 | Saad Rbiai - Country Director & Desk Officer Saad was born in Fes and grew up in Rabat. He has previously worked as a psychologist for the American Peace Corps in Morocco and was also an Exchange Coordinator for the U.S. State Department where he organised cultural exchanges between American and Moroccan youth. Saad has taught Arabic and English at various International Schools and Embassies in Morocco. |
 | Sajani Amatya - Country Director |
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 | Navin Amatya - Desk Officer Navin makes up the second half of the brother and sister team that run our office in Nepal. Navin has worked for Projects Abroad since 2000 and he gets in touch with all volunteers before their arrival to answer questions about his country and provide information. Navin studied Science and Humanities. Navin enjoys working with children and in his free time likes doing meditation. |
 | Shanika Bennett - Assistant Country Manager Shanika returned for the second time to work in Nepal for Projects Abroad in January 2007 after six months working as Desk Officer in Ghana. She originally joined us as a volunteer herself, working in a centre for mentally disabled children in Nepal, before working there as Assistant Manager for five months. She plans to return to the UK to start her degree in social work in September. |
 | Tim DeWinter - Director for Peru Tim was born in Belgium and has been involved with education since graduating from University. He worked for UNICEF when he first arrived in Peru. He has now lived in the Sacred Valley for over 10 years and is kept busy looking after his young family and, with the help of his large team, well over 40 volunteers a month! |
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 | 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. |
 | Cliona Stenton - Assistant Manager and Social Manager Cliona originally spent four months in Peru as a teaching volunteer with Projects Abroad. Since then she has returned as often as she could whilst studying for a degree in Hispanic Studies. Cliona spent a year traveling the world working as cabin crew, but decided she is happiest spending her time in Peru and enjoys taking part in many of the outdoor activities available in the Sacred Valley. |
 | Percy Serrano - Teaching Supervisor Before joining the Projects Abroad team in March 2008 Percy worked for over ten years as a teacher in the Sacred Valley. He studied Education at the National University in Cusco and focused on teaching Science and English. He now enjoys his role as Teaching Supervisor as it allows him to gain more experience in teaching and he likes working with English speaking volunteers. In his free time he enjoys traveling and playing soccer, basketball and volleyball. |
 | 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. |
 | Hannah Partis - Desk Officer Hannah took over as Desk Officer in March 2007, and is based at the Projects Abroad Office in Urubamba. She has a Masters in International Studies from Uppsala University in Sweden. Hannah first visited Peru as a teaching volunteer with Projects Abroad for three months in April 2005. Hannah can be contacted by e-mail or phone for any questions you may have concerning your time Peru. |
 | 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. |
 | Stuart Timson - Director Stuart is from Cheltenham, England, but has been living and working in Peru since 1998. He studied Biology at Oxford University before getting involved with conservation in the field. After spending several years guiding for eco-lodges in both Peru and Bolivia he set up the Taricaya Lodge on the Madre de Dios river from scratch in 2001. In his spare time Stuart can turn his hand to most sports. |
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 | Fernando Rosemberg - 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. |
 | Eugenio Aniceto - A jungle native all his life Eugenio is our plant expert and general 'can do' member of staff. His English is limited but he never seems to have trouble communicating with volunteers and he is very popular around the lodge. Eugenio has been with us since 2002. |
 | Rachel Kilby - Rachel was one of our first volunteers in 2002. A biology degree and loads of enthusiasm could not keep her away and after several return visits she became a staff member in 2004. Rachel is affectionately known around the lodge as the "Queen of Observations" due to good fortune and ever increasing knowledge of the fauna at Taricaya. |
 | Richard Munday - Desk Officer Another ex-volunteer, Richard could not keep away from Taricaya and as of January 2006 he has become the desk officer for our conservation programme in Peru. He has training in radio-tagging and is there to help out any volunteers with difficulties they might experience whilst with us. Richard married Eugenio`s daughter earlier this year. |
 | Daniel Niera - Daniel is our newest full time staff member at Taricaya. A biology graduate from Arequipa he visited several times over recent years and is now working 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. |
 | Mircea Samoila - Country Director Since he started working for Projects Abroad five years ago, Mircea has gained experience in England, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Ethiopia, Romania, Moldova and, not in the least, in his favourite country, India. A man of eclectic tastes, Mircea loves comparative literature and religion, riding motorcycles and playing tennis, but most of all, he is fascinated by the way travelling forces him to constantly re-invent his world. |
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 | George Andrei Ciotlausi - Archaeology Assistant George is our archaeology assistant; he is interested in prehistory and antique times, reading history books and mountaineering. His nickname is "George of the jungle" or "Caveman". |
 | 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 - Desk Officer 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. |
 | Amadou Moctar Ba - Country Director Moctar first joined the team in Senegal as a French/English translator, but he soon fell in love with Projects Abroad and took over as Country Director in April 2007. Moctar used to work as a local English teacher and he remains a key link between the local community and schools of St. Louis and the volunteers. |
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 | Issa Kouyate - Volunteer Coordinator Issa Kouyate is the first face most volunteers see in Senegal, as much of his time is spent welcoming new arrivals at the airport and bringing them to St Louis. His varied work experience includes playing professional football, running a music shop, and guiding groups of French hunters in the Casamance region of Senegal! He can now often be seen cycling around St Louis on his new bike - a recent birthday present from the volunteers. |
 | Banda Johnson - Volunteer Coordinator Banda is a familiar face in the town of St Louis. He grew up in Sor on the mainland and today his family continues to live there in their large family house. Before joining Projects Abroad in May 2007 he worked as a waiter in a Senegalese restaurant and began training as a masseur. In his free time not only does Banda enjoy playing soccer but can also be found most days running along the beach on the Langue de Barbarie. |
 | Adam Kandji - Desk Officer Adam joined the Projects Abroad team in March 2007; however her family have hosted volunteers for the last year at their house just around the corner from our office. Adam studied Computer Science at University in St Louis. |
 | Nicole Johnston - Assistant Manager Nicole joined our Senegal team in June 2008. She graduated with a degree in Psychology last year. Nicole has been to Senegal twice before and has developed a passion for the local culture and people and has learnt an impressive amount of the local language, Wolof. She enjoys meeting people and engaging in cultural exchange. During her time in Senegal, she hopes to ensure volunteers get the most out of their experience and will be responsible for organizing social events. |
 | Dana Myers - Country Director Dana joined the Projects Abroad team in 2005 after first spending time with us as a volunteer in South Africa. He took over as Country Director in April 2007. Dana is from the USA and in his free time enjoys surfing, rock climbing and hiking. |
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 | Alyssa Myers - Desk Officer Alyssa is a recent graduate of Cultural Anthropology from the University of Montana in the United States; however she spent her last two semesters at the University of Cape Town studying and has grown to love South Africa's people, cultures, music, politics and history. She also spent some time teaching English to high school students in Cape Town. In her free time Alyssa's other interests include being outside, hiking, camping, practicing yoga, reading, cooking, rock climbing, travelling, art, water sports, and much more! |
 | Theodore Kamwimbi - Human Rights Project Manager Theodore Kamwimbi is a Congolese lawyer who has studied in Kinshasa and the University of Cape Town, and specializes in International Human Rights Law. Before joining Projects Abroad he worked as migrancy researcher and as a lawyer for the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in Cape Town. With experience from a variety of African countries on some high profile projects, Theo is now using this experience and motivation to drive forward our Human Rights initiative in Cape Town. |
 | Gerrit Prinsloo - Conservation Director Gerrit grew up in the heart of the bush in South Africa, raising over 200 snakes on a farm with his father, before his passion for wildlife led him to study Nature Conservation at the University of South Africa in Pretoria. He speaks fluent Twsana, his native Africaans, and English, and has been working with volunteers for five years. In his spare time he enjoys simply living in Botswana - the land without fences, amongst the wildlife. |
 | Dave Pugh - Conservation Desk Officer and Manager Dave grew up the UK, always fascinated by wildlife and being outdoors. He is a fully certified Field Guide and has qualifications in First Aid and Emergency First Response. Before joining Projects Abroad at the start of 2008, he also worked at Venetia Game Reserve in South Africa where he worked on scientific studies of various wildlife populations. |
 | Jannie - Conservation Assistant Jannie was born and raised in Botswana, and has lived his entire married life in our reserve at Legodimo - so no-one knows this reserve better than him! Jannie lives here with Rossina, our cook, and his 12 children. |
 | Shyamalee Wijesinghe - Country Director Having been recommended by one of the schools we worked with, Shyamalee has been in charge of the Sri Lanka project for the last couple of years. Outside work, Shymalee and her husband are well known for their dancing skills and have won a whole host of trophies! |
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 | Ligaya Kaluarachchi - Desk Officer 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 Desk Officer Ligaya will be your first contact to the country. She is happy to share her first hand experience of getting accustomed to the Sri Lankan way. Liagaya enjoys spending time with her family and is kept busy looking after her cheeky four year old son. |
 | 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 - Executive 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. His main role is meeting volunteers at the airport with his dazzling smile, conducting volunteers' orientation and monitoring - and generally making sure volunteers feel welcome and happy during their stay in Sri Lanka. |
 | Emilia Nikroo - Assistant Manager Emilia was a journalism volunteer in Mongolia in 2006 and has come back to join the Projects Abroad team in Sri Lanka as she loved us so much the first time! Emilia is a nomad at heart and loves travelling, photography, meeting people and exploring at first hand the cultural diversity of the world. |
 | Suwat Hannarong - Founder Suwat has run Ao Nang Scuba Centre since 1990 and joined Projects Abroad in May 2005 when our conservation project relocated to Ao Nang. Suwat enjoys spending time with his wife Sao who also works for Ao Nang Scuba and his young son, Chain. Suwat was the first person in Thailand to gain a qualification as a trainer of Dive Instructors and in his free time he likes to play golf and go paragliding. To find out more about Suwat click here. |
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 | Marie Goarin - Director for Conservation Marie joined Projects Abroad in October 2007 as Field Coordinator and was promoted to Director for Conservation in June 2008. Marie is from France but studied Marine Science at university in Scotland and has been involved in conservation and environmental education projects in France, Australia and Malaysia. She enjoys most outdoor and aquatic activities, in particular camping and scuba diving. |
 | Parichart Chaipikul (Ant) - Director for Teaching and Care Ant started working as the Director of our teaching and care projects in July 2007 after moving to Krabi from Chang Mai. She used to work in the shipping business. She is enjoying her new role working with people from all over the world and in her free time likes travel, photography and spending time with her boyfriend. |
 | Pattaravut Patangtato - Field Coordinator Pattaravut (Knot) joined the conservation team in Ao Nang as Assistant Field Coordinator in January 2008. In July 2007 Knot graduated from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok with a major in marine biology. Whilst at university he gained work experience with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center and Sichang Marine Science Research and Training Center. He also helped run a marine education camp for high school children. He is very interested in photography and enjoys diving and soccer. |
 | Apornpradab Buasi - Teaching & Care Desk Officer and Coordinator Apornpradab, or Nou as she's known took over as Desk Officer for the Teaching and Care programmes in March 2008 and is based at the Projects Abroad Office in Ao Nang. Nou also assists Ant in organising the Teaching and Care projects and monitoring the volunteers. Nou worked as an interpreter for the Southeast Asia Games in 2007 and in her free time she enjoys travelling Thailand on her motorbike, reading, watching films and gardening. Nou can be contacted by e-mail or phone for any questions you may have concerning your time Thailand. |
 | Chane Sutsadang - Conservation Desk Officer & Social Manager Chane was born in Thailand but lived in the USA for over 15 years. She returned to Thailand and worked as a language teacher and office manager. She has been working with Projects Abroad since 2004. Chane moved from Bangkok to Krabi in April 2007 to continue working with our volunteers. She is one of the most energetic people you will ever meet and loves to chat. If she's not looking after her elderly mother, you can bet she's doing something fun with our volunteers! |
 | Jamnong Kaewnapan - Volunteer Coordinator, Chumphon Jamnong is based in Chumphon where we have some teaching and care placements. He and his wife, Nuey are two of the friendliest people you will ever meet. They love taking care of volunteers and will quickly make you feel part of their local community. |
 | Kwame Wayo Adzakpa - Country Director Mr Kwame Wayo Adzakpa joined Projects Abroad in March 2008 as Director for Togo. Before this he worked as a full time English teacher. Kwame studied English language teaching in the UK and has experience working with volunteers. He likes writing short stories and English Grammar brochures. |
