Staff in Our Destinations

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.

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.

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 football, 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.

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.

Juan Jiménez - Medical Project Supervisor

Juan, or as we better him, Pety, began working with Projects Abroad as Medical Supervisor in January 2008. He was born in Cochabamba and completed his studies in Dentistry at the Universidad Mayor de San Simón and did his internship in Centro de Salud Alto Cochabamba. Juan also finished his postgraduate studies in Buenos Aires in Pediatric Dentistry. He is a member of the Scouts Association of Bolivia since 1994 and enjoys spending his time with his family and friends.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

Jason Fong - Assistant Country Manager

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Jason has spent most of his post-degree life travelling and working overseas. Jason will be on hand to assist volunteers throughout the duration of their time in China. In his spare time, Jason enjoys spending time outdoors running, biking, and playing tennis.

Teddy Lee - Desk Officer

Teddy began working for Projects Abroad in March 2008, having just graduated with a degree in English. Teddy will be the main contact for volunteers before they arrive, happily answering all pre-departure questions.

Leon Liu - Volunteer Coordinator

Leon helps out with everything! His main role is to collect the volunteers from the airport and help with visa extensions, but he also regularly visits the volunteers at work or at their accommodation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gabriel Ayeh-Fianko - Assistant Co-ordinator - Kumasi

Gabriel is in charge of our programmes 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 programmes. A self-motivated graduate from the University of East Legon, Kwasi is currently busy learning the regional language of the Voltarians, Ewe.

Nooshin Shabani - Assistant Country Manager

Nooshin took over as Assistant Country Manager in August 2008, she is based in Accra. Her role is to show volunteers staying in Accra around the city and to introduce them to their placements. This is Nooshin’s second time in Ghana after volunteering in Accra in 2004. Nooshin has recently graduated with a degree in Journalism from Sunderland University.

Heather Priestly - Desk Officer

Heather took over as Desk Officer in August 2008 and is responsible for answering all volunteers' emails before they arrive, and making sure you are all ready for life in Ghana. This is Heather's second time in Ghana after previously working at the Human Rights placement. Heather has recently graduated with a degree in History and Politics from Aberdeen University.

Pabbu - Administration Manager

Pabbu is 27 yrs old and has been working for Projects Abroad since April 2002 after completing his degree in Computer Applications. He acts as the main liaison between the UK office and other recruiting offices around the world and ensures the smooth functioning of our Global Administration office that operates from India. He also organises the popular weekend trips.

Sujashri Sundarrajan - Desk Officer

Suja joined Projects Abroad in October 2008. Her role as Desk Officer means she maintains contact with volunteers, before and during their placements. Suja holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the State University of New York. She lived in the United States for 12 years before deciding to move back to India two years ago to be closer to family.

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.

Andrew Richards - Desk Officer

Andrew joined Projects Abroad in July 2008, bringing years of experience in community development and banking. He was born and raised in Manchester, Jamaica. He is a cheerful, fun-loving, people-person who enjoys playing football, cooking and playing musical instruments. He is actively involved in youth development and is the church organist at his local congregation. Andrew recently married Tamara and cannot wait to add a football team to their family.

Yuritzy Angeles Salcedo - Desk Officer

Yuri as she likes to be called is a recent graduate from the University of Guadalajara, where she gained a degree in tourism. As a student she spent six months on a school exchange in Chile and she has travelled and lived in the USA many times. She therefore understands the excitement of living in a new country and culture. She loves meeting new people and enjoys swimming and riding her bicycle.

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.

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.

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.

Youssef Cheffoui - Desk Officer

Youssef was born and grew up in Rabat and has been heavily involved with Moroccan charities and associations for the past decade. He also works as an English Programme Officer for an international education NGO, where he organises cultural exchanges between American and Moroccan youth. Youssef is a father of twin boys.

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.

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 travelling 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 travelling and playing football, 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.

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.

Rachel Kilby - Lodge Assistant

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.

Maria Rosemberg - Desk Officer

Maria has lived in Peru all her life, mainly in Puerto Maldonado but has also travelled around Peru and Bolivia extensively so she is extremely qualified to answer any questions you may have about Peru. Maria is Fernando's daughter and has therefore been associated with Taricaya since the beginning, which makes her perfect for helping you with any questions or problems you may have before, during and after your stay at Taricaya!

Daniel Niera - Resident Biologist

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.

Nagy Jozsef Gabor - Archaeology Coordinator

Jozsef studied Archaeology at university in Cluj-Napoca before gaining a Masters Degree in Archaeology in Alba Iulia. He has taken part in many archaeological digs covering the period from the Bronze Age to modern day. He has also worked at the National History Museum of Transylvania and at the Lewes Historical Society in the USA.

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.

Alexandru Parasca - Teaching & Journalism Supervisor

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.

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 football 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 organising social events.

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 specialises 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.

Jamie Zylstra - Conservation Leader

Jamie was born in South Africa and at an early age discovered his love for the African bush life. He graduated with a diploma in Game Ranch Management from the Tswane Institute of Technology in Pretoria in 2003. He worked as a research technician on a lion project on the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve before managing a game ranch for 3 years. His interests include photography and fishing.

Nicole Pinnington - Conservation Desk Officer

Nicole is from the UK and has a degree in Physiology from the University of Manchester. Having always had a passion for African wildlife she made her first trip to South Africa in October 2007 to volunteer on a wildlife research project in the Limpopo Province. She has been living in South Africa since then learning lots about life in this fascinating environment.

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 his wife Rossina, and his 12 children.

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 assists the Head of Social Management in the UK. 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.

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.

Asela Munasighe - Alumni Assistant

Asela is a graduate in Agriculture and joined Projects Abroad in October 2008. His interests are reading, listening to music and spending time with his friends. He loves interacting with people and making new friends and is therefore pleased to have joined the Projects Abroad family. His main responsibilities are assisting and working with the Alumni Manager, helping to contact previous volunteers.

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 Centre and Sichang Marine Science Research and Training Centre. He also helped run a marine education camp for high school children. He is very interested in photography and enjoys diving and football.

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.