A group of Pestalozzi Staff and Board Members

About us

Meet the team

Introducing the people spread around the globe that make positive change possible

Our people

Meet the leaders behind Pestalozzi International

At Pestalozzi International, we are driven by a passionate team of dedicated professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly to empower the next generation of global changemakers. Panning across the UK, USA, Switzerland, Zambia, India and Nepal, our board members and staff bring a wealth of experience, expertise and commitment to empowering the next generation of global changemakers.

Our patrons

Portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, patron of Pestalozzi International

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

Patron

We are deeply honoured for his support for our "Head, Heart, and Hands" approach, preparing each child to be a responsible global citizen.

Portrait of HRH The Duke of Gloucester seated

HRH The Duke of Gloucester

Patron

We are very grateful for the unwavering support of HRH The Duke of Gloucester, who has been our patron for an impressive five decades.

Portrait of Sir Richard Butler, Founder of Pestalozzi International

Sir Richard Butler

Honorary President

Sir Richard Butler and Lady Butler co-founded Pestalozzi International with the vision of using education to uplift marginalized children.

Team UK

Uk Chair Board

Kenneth Greatbatch

Board Chair

With 25+ years as a senior executive, he brings global expertise in guiding strategy, ensuring lasting impact for Pestalozzi International.

LinkedIn
Portrait Catherine Stevens

Catherine Stevens

Board Member

With strategic expertise in education and philanthropy, she ensures initiatives align with our mission to help disadvantaged children.

LinkedIn
Portrait of Alain Rizk

Alain Rizk

Board Member

An experienced senior corporate & investment banker, he now focuses on supporting social enterprises and is a Governor at Laureate Academy.

LinkedIn
Portrait Picture of Aaron Eckhard

Aaron Eckhoff

Board Member

Former Chair Pestalozzi International Foundation; 10+ years teaching and an experienced coach.

James Haughton

James Haughton

CEO

Joining in 2020 with a wealth of experience of the charity sector, he has expanded programmes and improved governance and partnerships.

LinkedIn
Portrait of Eddie West-Burnham

Eddie West-Burnham

Chief People and Culture Officer

Former CEO of Pestalozzi Intern. Foundation, experienced Chief Executive and consultant with a diverse background in health and education.

LinkedIn
Joanna Black - Chief Operating Officer

Jo Black

Chief Operating Officer

Experienced charity professional adept at realising ambitious strategies that expand charitable impact.

LinkedIn
Joanna Nair

Dr. Joanna Nair

Director of Education

With a PhD in international development, she is ensuring since 1996 that our programmes are culturally relevant for children.

LinkedIn
Sonia Omar

Sonia Omar

Director of Impact

With over 20 years in human rights and international development, Sonia leads on our global impact, driving growth and inspiring innovation.

LinkedIn
Suzanne Davis

Suzanne Davis

Head of Philanthropy

With her extensive marketing expertise and a proven track record in building partnerships, she drives financial support for our programmes.

LinkedIn
Portrait of Mags Alexander

Mags Alexander

Alumni and Outcomes Manager

After 10 years in the Civil Service, she changed paths to work with young people with special needs before joining Pestalozzi in 2003.

LinkedIn
Emma Peadon

Emma Peadon

Senior Fundraising Executive

A passionate fundraising professional, she joined Pestalozzi in 2023, bringing over four years of experience in events and donor relations.

LinkedIn
Donna Rose

Donna Rose

Marketing Lead

With a background in primary education and digital resource development, she ensures that learning materials are engaging and effective.

LinkedIn
Portrait picture of Georgia Baum

Georgia Baum

Digital Marketing Lead

With skills in digital design and content creation, she crafts compelling content to champion young people’s voices.

LinkedIn
Portrait Picture of Rose Wood

Rose Wood

Fundraising Manager

With 9+ years fundraising experience specialising in developing creative campaigns, strategic partnerships, and enhancing donor engagement.

LinkedIn

Team Switzerland

Peter Stocker

Peter Stocker

Board Chair

Experienced tax and estate lawyer. Member of various boards of directors and foundation boards. Dedicated philanthropy consultant.

LinkedIn
Patric Klees

Patric Klees

Board Member

A global investor with 20+ years experience, he inspires leaders with creative solutions to transform their businesses and create value.

LinkedIn
Clemence Delmas

Clémence Delmas

Partnerships & Development Manager Switzerland

Long-standing experience in the non-profit sector; fluent in German, French, and English; three years in Niger and Senegal.

LinkedIn

Team USA

Elizabeth Beim

Elizabeth Beim

President

She is an international relations graduate from LSE with diverse management experience in various NGOs.

Portrait of Sir Richard Butler, Founder of Pestalozzi International

Sir Richard Butler

Board Member

He became a social entrepreneur after a distinguished career in international banking with First Boston Corporation & Blyth, Eastman Dilon.

Anthony Dub

Anthony Dub

Board Member

Chairman of Indigo Capital, he previously spent 26 years at Credit Suisse First Boston, leading various finance practices.

David Langstaff

David Langstaff

Board Member

A global business leader with extensive CEO experience, he serves as EVP, Leadership at the Aspen Institute.

LinkedIn
Sandra Weiksner

Sandra Weiksner

Board Member

Sandra, a retired law firm partner, is passionate about supporting scholarships for disadvantaged girls' secondary education in rural Africa

Amy Hunter

Amy Hunter

Board Member

Advising companies on climate & sustainability programs, she inspires strengths to meet regulatory standards & capitalize on opportunities.

LinkedIn

Team Zambia

Brian Sitamulaho

Brian Sitamulaho

Board Chair

With 18+ years as Associate Director at Deloitte Africa, he guides in governance and leadership.

LinkedIn
Muyunda Katundu Board Member

Muyunda Katundu

Board Member

Chartered Accountant, project manager with 20+ years in audit, compliance, & finance. Now Learning Hub Manager at USAID Zambia MEL Platform.

Dr Bamidele Akinbo Head of School Pestalozzi Academy

Dr. Bamidele Akinbo

Head of School Pestalozzi Academy

International educator with 20+ years of teaching & leadership, empowering students to excel, fostering creativity and global mindfulness.

LinkedIn
Portrait Picture of Craig Patterson

Craig Patterson

Country Lead Zambia

Educator with 30+ years leading multicultural schools worldwide, committed to wellbeing, community, compassion and lifelong learning.

LinkedIn
Anastasia Kabwe Primary Coordinator

Anastasia Kabwe

Primary Coordinator

Primary educator with 10+ years' experience. Skilled in curriculum development, program management, and educational excellence.

Kelly Mzyopa ECZ Coordinator

Kelly Mzyopa

ECZ Coordinator

Educator & administrator with 18+ years’ experience, passionate about inclusive learning, empowerment, dignity, and lifelong growth.

LinkedIn
Christabel Hankombo Ibex Village Coordinator

Christabel Hankombo

Ibex Hill Campus Coordinator

6+ years experience as leader of parenting staff, she ensures the campus provides a supportive, home-like environment for over 200 learners.

Natalie Simpamba Career Guidance Conselor

Natalie Simpamba

Career Guidance Counselor

Educational professional with a psychology background, passionate about global development and committed to equity and access in education.

LinkedIn
Lucy Thomspon Siwale Media Alumni Coordinator

Lucy Thompson-Siwale

Media Coordinator

As a highly experienced communications specialist, she crafts communication strategies to drive engagement and support organizational goals.

LinkedIn
Isaac Sakala People Culture Manager

Isaac Sakala

People & Culture Manager

Experienced Manager with 13+ years in HR and leadership, fostering inclusive workplaces aligned with Pestalozzi’s values and vision.

LinkedIn
Chola Chomba HRBP

Chola Chomba

Human Ressources PEC

HR professional with 8+ years’ experience also in the education sector. Skilled in HR systems, talent identification, and adaptability.

LinkedIn
Astridah Nambela

Astridah Nambela

Alumni Coordinator

She values continuing Pestalozzi's work, supporting its vision of life-changing education and empowering alumni to create global change.

LinkedIn

Team India

Yashal Kapoor

Yashpal Kapoor

Board Chair

President and Founder of Io Global Services, he is a Pestalozzi alumnus and an Imperial College graduate.

LinkedIn
Portrait picture of Thsespal Kundan

Thsespal Kundan

Board Member

A graduate of The University of Cambridge, he has 40+ years in education and is currently Director of the Moravian Institute.

LinkedIn
Portrait picture of Usha Tiru

Usha Tiru

Board Member

She graduated in 2021 from the Indian village with a degree in Fashion Technology & is now a Sales Trainee at World Fashion Exchange.

LinkedIn
Portrait picture of Yeshi Khampa

Yeshi Khampa

Board Member

She holds a BA in German language, literature & cultural studies; now she works at Amazon.

Portrait picture of Anudev Jayara

Anudev Jayara

Board Member

Alumnus with a Computer Science Engineering degree, former administrator at Pestalozzi India, now self-employed leveraging his expertise.

LinkedIn
Portrait picture of Dakshina Rawat

Dakshina Kaur

Board Member

Alumna of Pestalozzi India, FDDI Kolkata graduate with 7 years in footwear design, now freelancing with a creativity and innovation focus.

LinkedIn
Portrait of Shelja Thakur

Shelja Thakur

Programme Development Officer / Board Secretary

Pestalozzi alumna and our Alumni Coordinator in India. She studies development to help drive positive change in her country.

LinkedIn

Team Nepal

Portrait of Ajay Shrestha

Ajay Shrestha

Board Chair

An alumnus of our Indian Campus, he became Board Chair at Pestalozzi Nepal and serves on the alumni committee.

LinkedIn
Portrait of Shree Shankar Pradhananga

Shree Shankar

Board Adviser

As a social worker and former Director of SOS Children's Villages Nepal, his extensive expertise is invaluable to us.

LinkedIn
Reena Shakya

Reena Shakya

Assistant Director

Working at PCEC Pokhara since 2021, Reena oversees social care, health, education, behaviour, workshops, and extra-curricular activities.

LinkedIn
Portrait Picture of Director Kiran Thami

Kiran Thami

Director

With a BBA from Tribhuvan University, Kiran has experience of working in non-profits, is skilled in accounting, and business development.

LinkedIn
Portrait of Assistant Director Sabita Bhandari

Sabita Bhandari

Assistant Director

PI Alumna Sabita graduated in 2016 (B.Com) and 2021 (MBS). Working at the Nepalese Village since 2016, she is now Assistant Director.

LinkedIn

International Alumni Committee

Portrait of Shelja Thakur

Shelja Thakur

Member

Pestalozzi alumna and our Alumni Coordinator in India. She studies development to help drive positive change in her country.

LinkedIn
Joseph Kumwenda

Joseph Kumwenda

Member

Joseph is an Edulution Field Coordinator, co-founded Lumezi FM, and supports Pestalozzi Zambia Alumni. He is studying Development Studies.

LinkedIn
Tenzin Tsepak

Tenzin Tsepak

Member

With degrees in English and Education, and a Master’s in English, Tsepak teaches at the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education.

LinkedIn
Portrait of Assistant Director Sabita Bhandari

Sabita Bhandari

Member

Alumna Sabita graduated in 2016 (B.Com) and 2021 (MBS). Working at the Nepalese Village since 2016, she is now Assistant Director.

LinkedIn
Sunil Gautam

Sunil Gautam

Member

Pestalozzi alum, now a Software Engineer in Sydney; active alumnus aiming to create lasting impact for disadvantaged children.

LinkedIn
Prisca Mulongo

Prisca Mulongo

Member

Proud Pestalozzi alumna, nurse, midwife, and clinical instructor. Awarded 2021 Gold Impact Award. Committed to supporting others.

LinkedIn
Peeraya Utsajit

Peeraya Utsajit

Member

A Mahidol University BA and PhD graduate, she teaches at Mahidol University. A dedicated volunteer, she serves on the Thai Pestalozzi board.

LinkedIn
Afonso Fernando

Afonso M. Fernando

Member

Selected from Mayukwayukwa Refugee camp, Afonso is a Math Coach for Edulution and founder of Zam-Ango Records.

LinkedIn
Portrait of Ajay Shrestha

Ajay Shrestha

Member

An alumnus of our Indian Campus, he became Board Chair at Pestalozzi Nepal and serves on the alumni committee.

LinkedIn
Chok Tsering

Chok Tsering

Member

With a master of the LSE he continues to support Pestalozzi’s work, believing it empowers young people to make a positive impact.

LinkedIn
Lobsang Dolma

Lobsang Dolma

Member

She is motivated to support students from backgrounds like hers, believing that this helps change lives and communities for the better.

LinkedIn
Mulenga Mwamba

Mulenga Mwamba

Member

After her studies, she coaches at Edulution and works with SkillsHub to ensure the success of each child with a Pestalozzi scholarship.

LinkedIn
Pravin Kamble

Pravin Kamble

Member

He believes education drives dreams. In 2021, he founded 'Oneureka Foundation' to support talented, underprivileged students in India.

LinkedIn
Astridah Nambela

Astridah Nambela

Member

She values continuing Pestalozzi's work, supporting its vision of life-changing education and empowering alumni to create global change.

LinkedIn
Vivien Musonda

Vivien Musonda

Member

A BBA grad from the University of Zambia, she aims to support Pestalozzi through event organizing, mentoring, and sharing her journey.

LinkedIn
Thanaphon Nakchoi

Thanaphon Nakchoi

With a BA from Chulalongkorn University, Thanaphon now teaches in Chanthaburi, and wants to help youth to discover a bigger world.