Adara Development (Nepal) - Humla

Dr Kelsang joined Adara in October 2006 to provide medical support to the people of the remote and hard-to-reach areas of Humla. Dr Kelsang has six years of training in Tibetan herbal medicine. Now, he spends nine months a year walking from village to village treating people through Tibetan medicine. Dr Kelsang says: "I am inspired by Buddhist philosophy to serve others on humanitarian grounds. So I decided to devote my time to support people who need my professional service. As Adara is supporting the communities with free health check-ups and medicines, it is an opportunity for me to realise my own dream too." Dr Kelsang says every moment he has had in Humla has been memorable.

Adara Development (Nepal) Humla

Angjuk Lama joins Adara as Programme Manager for Humla. Angjuk is from a village called Kermi, one of Adara Project villages in Humla. He started his school education at the Yalbang School and then moved to Kathmandu for his high school education. He completed B.A. in Humanities & Social Sciences from Campion College, Kathmandu and also completed BA in Sociology from Nazareth College of Rochester, New York. Angjuk speaks Tibetan, Nepali, English and Hindi. Angjuk has been working with Adara since the early days, assisting Adara's Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Director, Dr Kimber Haddix McKay in her research in Humla and working closely with our Nepal team to help rescue the 136 Humli trafficked children in Kathmandu. Angjuk was in USA for last 8 years and returned to Nepal in May 2013.

Adara Development (USA)

Anna is a former NICU nurse of 6 years at University of Washington Medical Center. Prior to this, she was a research coordinator, implementing protocols and collecting data for clinical trials. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in public health. She started with Adara as a volunteer writing Newborn Care Manual chapters and Guidelines of Care with the IMED team and is excited to put that knowledge and her clinical nursing skills to use in a global health setting as Adara’s Clinical Programmes Manager. Anna lives on an island near Seattle with her husband and two little ones, Georgia and Reid. Her favorite pastimes include weekend trail runs with friends, traveling to new places with her family, and learning to cook new foods.

Adara Development (Uganda)

Beatrice is Adara’s Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in Uganda. In this role, she supports Adara’s Monitoring and Evaluation team with the design of research, monitoring and evaluation frameworks and systems, and with the implementation of research, monitoring and evaluation activities in Uganda. Beatrice holds a Master of Public Health and has more than 10 years’ experience implementing and facilitating community development programmes, reproductive health programmes and child programmes. She has worked with organisations including Plan, Save the Children and Compassion International.

Adara Development (Nepal) Kathmandu

Bimala has been our dedicated cook in Kathmandu since 2007. She cooks delicious meals for all the staff, helps keep the office clean and shops for office supplies. She enjoys spending time with the Adara staff and really likes her work. Bimala has a young daughter who keeps her busy when not at work.

Adara Development (USA)

Coming from the prairies in Saskatchewan, Canada, Brandie earned her BSN at the University of Saskatchewan where she did a multi-month nursing practicum in Niger, Africa. This is where she discovered her passion for global health. After 11 years at Seattle Children’s Hospital as a paediatric float nurse (working on several floors including the medical unit, emergency department and oncology unit), she switched gears and started at Adara. What began with volunteering in the office and at the annual Packathons seven years ago eventually led to her employment as a Clinical Programmes Assistant. She has been part of developing clinical training programmes with the Guidelines of Care and Newborn Care manuals as well Helping Babies Breath training for the NICU in Kiwoko. She has found it to be such satisfying work, especially during her in-country visits to Kiwoko Hospital. Brandie is a full time soccer mom and enjoys spending time with her two sons and husband skiing in the wintertime and spending time on the water in the summer. But she admits one of her favorite things is the sights and sounds of traveling and visiting new countries.

Adara Development (USA)

Brooke comes to Adara with over fifteen years of experience in the health and international sectors. She has worked for non-profit, corporate, and public organizations with a background in project management, grant submissions, and strategic planning. She has led teams across the U.S. and loves bringing people together to move toward a shared vision. She volunteered for many years with a small non-profit based in Ethiopia and has lived in Spain and Italy. Brooke received a BA in communication from the University of Puget Sound and an MA in policy studies from the University of Washington. In her spare time she chases her two young children, spends time with her husband and close friends, and tap dances.

Adara Development (Australia)

Caitlin joins the Adara team with over a decade of experience working with communities in Uganda and with not-for-profits globally. Caitlin holds a Bachelor of International Studies and a Masters in International development (UNSW), and is pursuing a professional doctorate in social impact measurement with local communities. Caitlin is passionate about innovative solutions to poverty and transforming the not-for-profit sector to focus on impact. She brings her skills in strategic programme management and working cross culturally to the Senior Programme Management role. She spends her weekends with her two young children, and loves skiing in winter and the beach in summer.

Adara Development (Uganda)

Christine is the Newborn National Trainer as part of Adara's Uganda team. Christine worked at Kiwoko Hospital for 28 years. For 9 of these years she worked as ward manager in the Kiwoko Hospital maternity ward and for 18 years she worked as a ward manager of the Adara-Kiwoko Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In 2010, Christine was honoured with the International Neonatal Award for Excellence in recognition of her incredible work at Kiwoko Hospital. Christine is currently involved in Adara’s work at Nakaseke Hospital, the ABAaNa Study and Bubble CPAP project.

Adara Development (Uganda)

Cornety is our Community Midwife, managing a team of 100 volunteer village health team members who follow-up babies in the community as part of our Hospital to Home programme. Cornety has more than 40 years’ experience as a midwife. Prior to joining Adara, she spent decades working with Kiwoko Hospital in the maternity ward and as part of the community based healthcare programme.

Adara Development (Australia)

David joins Adara with over 18 years of experience across all facets of Information Technology including operations, support, architecture, project management, application development and IT management. Born in Canada, David completed his studies in the US before moving to Toronto and joining the Prudential Group. Following Prudential, David remained in the financial services sector working for Mercantile & General, Life Re, Swiss Re America and Vietnam Re on short / long term secondments and international assignments in Asia, USA, UK, and Canada before finally settling in Australia with Swiss Re Australia New Zealand. David is married with 2 children (a Canadian and an Aussie) and when not spending time with the family or travelling you can find him racing yachts on Sydney Harbour.

Adara Development (Nepal) Humla

Dhana joined the Adara team in 2012. In his role, he makes recommendations to Adara on the technical needs of people in Humla and investigates the pros and cons of various options. He also provides advice to Adara on how to assist the Humli community to meet their needs. He also works with Adara’s Nepali partner organisations to review the technical elements of their work, and assists our research team with monitoring and evaluation.

Prior to working with Adara, Dhana worked for RIDS Nepal on infrastructure related projects such as greenhouses, drinking water systems, solar power, and pit latrines.

When he is not at work Dhana likes to spend time with his family, and to help his family members on house hold works. He also loves carpentry and making furniture.

Adara Development (USA)

Emiko joined the Adara team in 2014 as the US Office Manager in Seattle, WA. She maintains all office and administrative functions for the US. Emiko adds twenty years office, administrative, IT and project experience to the team, most recently working as an IT Project Lead at Verizon Wireless headquarters in Southern California. She enjoys spending her free time camping and ATV riding, crafting, and playing cribbage with her family.

Adara Developmen (Nepal) Humla

Gagan has worked with Adara since 2011 as our Agriculture Coordinator. In his role, he organises and conducts capacity building training on seasonal and off-season agricultural production and marketing skills. He also implements Adara’s agriculture related activities. Gagan loves being part of the solution to Humla’s food shortage problems, and is proud of the way that innovative technology like greenhouses can play to improve the lives of Humli people.

Before Adara, Gagan worked for RIDS Nepal as an Agriculture Assistant.

Gagan has a certificate in Agriculture from KTS, Humla.

When he is not at work, Gagan enjoys playing and watching football, spending time with his family, and helping his family members on household works.

Adara Development (Nepal) Kathmandu

Hem Lata has a Master's degree in sociology and has been working with Adara in the Kathmandu office since 2010. She works with partner organisations and other support staff and manages reports. She describes Adara as a big, diverse, loving, caring, helping and welcoming family, and says her job has brought out a stronger, more confident and professional side of her. She joined Adara because she always wanted to be part of something that would help change somebody's life or society in a positive way.

Adara Development (Uganda)

Hilda is a Clinical Educator in Adara’s Uganda office. Hilda holds a Bachelor of Nursing and prior to taking on a role with Adara, she worked with Kiwoko Hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Hilda has 9 years of clinical NICU nursing experience and due to her intense dedication to her patients, she has cared for thousands of babies as a nurse. While in the NICU she held various responsibilities like coordinating Continuing Medical Education, mentoring and training of new ward staff and visitors from other health units. Hilda was also an assistant ward manager in the Kiwoko NICU (2017-2018). Hilda has always loved sharing her knowledge and experience with others and this intensified her passion to become a Clinical Educator. Hilda loves singing and listening to music.

Adara Development (Uganda)

Hope started work with Adara in July 2019 as Finance Assistant in the Uganda office. She has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance and is working towards attainment of professional qualifications in CPA. Hope has lived in Kiwoko since 1991 and volunteered with Kiwoko Hospital in the Finance and HIV Departments. In her free time, Hope loves singing, listening to music, dancing, jogging and playing badminton.

Adara Development (Uganda)

Josephine is Adara Uganda’s Officer Administrator. She is passionate about working hard, hand in hand with her team. She is a flexible person who loves teamwork and working in a multicultural environment. Josephine has a diploma in Accounting and Finance and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Adara Development (Nepal) Humla

Kanjok started working for Adara in June 2011, supporting the education activities of the Adara Humla Plan. He works with eight communities to help improve school and education programmes, in both the formal and informal education sectors. Kanjok has a Bachelor's degree in education and before Adara Kanjok worked as an education supervisor and office assistant for the Himalayan Conservation Development Association. He also worked on research projects for two years, focussing on health and education. When not at work, Kanjok likes to write articles about culture, development challenges and current issues relevant to the upper Humla region.

Adara Development (Australia)

Krithika joined the Adara family as a volunteer back in Nov 2015 and took on the role of IT support Officer in Jan 2016. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Electronics and communication. Outside work, Krithika enjoys travelling and listening to music.

Adara Development (Nepal) Kathmandu

Kumari has been a dedicated Adara cook since 2006. She cooks for the staff, cleans the office and shops for food and office supplies. She says her favourite part about her job is interacting with the Adara children. Kumari's favourite inspirational quote is "Live the day to the fullest".

Adara Development (Nepal) Humla

Kyamma is an Assistant Nursing Midwife (ANM) and has years of experience in health. She joined Adara in 2011 where she works to reduce infant mortality rates, protect children from malnutrition and improve children's health status in upper Humla. She also supports maternal activities in upper Humla. Previously, Kyamma was a health promoter for two years with a local NGO in Humla. She is passionate about providing women with delivery support and appreciates the open systems and teamwork that Adara offers.

Adara Development (Australia)

With a Master’s in International Development and a Bachelor of International Relations from the University of Sydney, Lauren is passionate about community development, education and health. She has years of experience in relationship management and programme facilitation within the non-profit sector. Prior to Adara, Lauren facilitated global citizenship programmes to young people, encouraging them to be active citizens in their communities. Lauren is skilled at connecting people from all walks of life with realities of global inequality, and energizing them about the ways in which we can work together to create a more equitable global society.

Adara Development (Australia)

Lauren is currently seconded to the Adara legal team from MinterEllison. Lauren provides legal support to the Business and Development Teams within the Adara Group. Lauren’s background is in construction law where she has developed a good understanding of commercial contracts, she has also had some pre-qualification experience as an in-house legal advisor. Lauren is really interested in climate and environmental issues and how the private sector can lead the way in addressing the climate emergency. Lauren currently volunteers with The Chancery Lane Project, an initiative of commercial lawyers aiming to provide legal solutions that can support businesses in the transition to net-zero. Outside of work Lauren loves going to her local Manly bootcamp, playing piano and pottery!

Adara Development (Australia)

Madalyn is Communications Manager, working to ensure effective internal and external communications for the Adara Group. Prior to joining Adara in 2017, Maddy held roles in student recruitment for the University of Sydney. She has also worked with the Sydney Peace Foundation, driving several digital communications projects. Maddy has a passion for storytelling and strives to produce stories that demonstrate Adara’s impact. Maddy has a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) from the University of Sydney.

Adara Development (Australia)

Melissa is a seasoned executive assistant and in her career has also worked in communications, event management and client service. In her previous role Mel was the EA to the Chief Risk Officer and Chief General Counsel. Before joining Adara, Mel took a career break and travelled to Nepal, India and Sri Lanka. Her interests are many and varied and include anything to do with nature, trekking and mountain bike riding.

Adara Development (Nepal) Kathmandu

Menuka joined Adara as Health Coordinator in 2008. She is responsible for planning, implementing and coordinating clinical and community health programmes. She is dedicated to children's collective and individual health, as well as nutrition standards and health and hygiene profiles and awareness, which often includes clinical practice. Menuka is a nurse by profession and has received an intermediate-level nursing qualification.

Adara Development (Australia)

Miriam is Adara’s Administration Officer and comes to Adara with experience in international relations, diplomacy and administration. She completed a Bachelor of International Relations and a Master of Diplomacy at the Australian Nation University (ANU) in Canberra, concentrating on Middle Eastern studies. Miriam studied Arabic and Farsi and wrote her thesis on the effects of chronic conflict on children and young people in the Gaza strip. Most recently, she worked as a receptionist and administrator at the ANU. In her spare time, Miriam likes to travel, especially to see her family in the UK. She also loves cooking big, complicated meals and baking cakes.

Adara Development (Australia)

Mohan Paudel, MPH (health system), PhD (public health): With a total of 7 years of experience in public health and community development, Mohan brings expertise in planning, monitoring, research and evaluations of public health/community development programmes. Currently as a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at Adara, he is responsible for providing technical inputs and managing M&E activities of Adara projects in Nepal and Uganda. Formerly as a programme consultant in UNICEF, Mohan was responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring of maternal and child health, HIV/AIDs/PMTCT programmes, and capacity building of district health systems and local NGOs. With HealthRight International, Mohan led M&E activities of the partnership for maternal and newborn health and integrated family planning projects, and coordinated implementation research activities in Nepal. With local Nepali NGOs, Mohan has worked in Karnali, providing training to health workers, community leaders and health volunteers, and in managing surveys. With his recent PhD, Mohan adds expertise on qualitative research and policy analysis. Mohan has published papers on perinatal survival and social determinants, postnatal service utilization, newborn care, infectious disease, and non-communicable disease risk factors and pregnancy.

Adara Development (Nepal) Humla

Mun Thapa was trained as a Junior Technical Assistant. He now works as the Office Dai for Adara Humla staff. Mun is in charge of maintaining organisation and cleanliness in the Simikot office. He provides daily support to the Adara staff and is also in charge of keeping inventory and records in the office. Mun's most memorable moment at Adara is when all the staff supporting the mobile medical camp reached Challa, one of the most remote areas in Humla, and provided health services to people in the area, most of whom had never been seen by a doctor before. It was a proud moment for all of Adara. When not trekking and working for Adara, Mun takes computer lessons to improve his computer literacy.

Adara Development (Australia)

Nancy moved to Australia in 2015 to study a Masters degree. Before Adara, Nancy worked as Financial Services Officer in NSW Crown Solicitor's Office. Nancy loves new challenges, cooking, trying new foods and solving puzzles.

Adara Development (Nepal) Humla

Nutup Lama is always on the move as Adara Humla messenger. He helps coordinate and move information, field-related data and information collection for the office. Nutup also helps guests on arrival in Humla and travelling through the remote mountains areas. Before working for Adara, Nutup was employed by one of Adara NGO partners, The Himalayan Innovative Society. When at home, Nutup grows vegetables in his garden and helps his wife and children with the daily housework.

Adara Development (Nepal) Kathmandu

Pasang has a Bachelor's degree in business studies. He started working with Adara as a tutor for one of the Adara Kids homes where we first cared for trafficked children. He was appointed as a home parent soon after, and was directly responsible for the children's care. In his current role as Manager of the Youth Development Programme, Pasang coordinates with staff to maintain the safety and security of the children and helps other staff with various projects. When not at work, Pasang likes to play games and travel. He says his passion for helping people makes him happy.

Adara Development (Nepal) Humla

Pema joined the Adara team in 2014 as a case worker in Humla to help manage the Adara Kids who have transitioned back to live with their families in Humla.

Before joining Adara, Pema worked in a cafeteria in Kathmandu, but she had a strong desire to work in Humla where she was born and raised. She really wanted to work in Humla to bring about change.

Pema holds Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and is currently pursuing Masters in Rural Development Studies.

When she is not at work, Pema likes to watch TV and spend time with family and friends.

Adara Development (Nepal) Kathmandu

Purna Bahadur is a trained gardener and has a passion for it. He is thrilled that his job with Adara utilised that passion. He is responsible for growing flowers, cutting hedges and grass, and watering the plants and flowers around the Adara Kids homes and the Adara office. Purna Bahadur has worked for Adara since 2007. He enjoys his work, and also the team activities organised for Adara staff in Nepal. Besides gardening, Purna likes listening to music and meeting his family in the village.

Adara Development (Nepal) Humla

Pushpa is responsible for managing the financial activities of the Adara Devleopment in Humla, including the books, ledgers, journals, bank accounts, balance sheets and income-and-expenditure accounts. Along with her financial duties, Pushpa is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Humla office. Before joining Adara in June 2011, Pushpa worked for the Forum for Awareness and Youth Activity, Nepal, as Administrative and Finance Officer. Pushpa also has a Bachelor's degree in business studies. Pushpa has a strong passion for her job and is inspired by the Adara Development philosophy quote: "Always, always do what's best for the kids".

Adara Development (Uganda)

Racheal has worked at Kiwoko Hospital for many years and started working at Adara in 2010. She takes great care of all the Adara visitors who come to Kiwoko Hospital and stay at the Adara House, located on the hospital grounds. She prepares meals, bakes and cleans for the guests. Racheal enjoys cooking and loves to try new recipes. When there are no visitors in the Adara house, Racheal assists with administrative work and helps care for the Ebenezer Boys. When not working in the Adara house, Racheal spends quality time with her niece and enjoys working in her garden.

Adara Development (Nepal) Humla

Ramesh comes to Adara with almost five years' experience of building and working on infrastructure projects, specifically for drinking water and sanitation in Humla. Ramesh now supports Adara Humla Plan by implementing infrastructure projects, providing job training to fix infrastructure, following up on implemented projects, and helping with disaster preparedness. The infrastructure projects focus on drinking water supply, latrine and hygiene awareness, smokeless stoves, micro-hydro power, grist mills, solar driers and greenhouses.

Adara Development (Nepal) Nepalgunj

Resham has a Bachelor's degree in business studies. With his job at Adara, he is accountable for a wide array of duties as social worker and logistics coordinator. He meets and monitors the progress of the Adara Kids who have been reintegrated in and around Nepalgunj. He also manages procurement activities in Nepalgunj, coordinates the shipment of goods to Humla by plane, and keeps records of financial transactions. Resham likes the variety his job offers, with some focus on marketing, logistics, case work and home visits. One of Resham’s most memorable moments at Adara was when took part in in social-work training in Kathmandu, organised by Adara. He said it provided him with the skills and knowledge to improve on his role at Adara.

Adara Development (Australia)

Rosie is passionate about people. She comes to Adara with a background in Development Studies and Culture Change, and years of experience in relationship management, fundraising, public speaking and project management in the non-profit sector. Previous to Adara, Rosie held roles in fundraising and donor engagement at World Vision Australia, and in Project Management at Agency Strategic Creative. In her role as Partnerships Manager at Adara Development, Rosie seeks to bring our donors joy and a depth of understanding to their giving. She is responsible for managing all major financial partnerships with trusts and foundations, corporate partners, high net worth individuals and grant making organisations.

Adara Development (Australia)

Sarah first joined the Sydney finance team in 2008 and comes to us with many years of experience in the insurance and investment banking sector. Her knowledge and experience are a fantastic asset to the team.

Adara Development (Nepal) Kathmandu

Shankhar Shrestha has many years of experience as a driver. Before Adara he worked as an ambulance driver for Reukai Nepal. Shankhar has been working for Adara since May 2009. He is responsible for driving staff, caring for the Adara vehicle and for pick-ups and deliveries. His favourite times at Adara are when Adara international staff come to visit Kathmandu. On weekends, Shankhar likes to go to his village to visit his family.

Adara Development (Australia)

Shraddha moved from Nepal to Australia in 2017. She completed a Bachelor of Business Studies in Nepal, before completing a Master of Professional Accounting at the University of Wollongong in Australia. She is currently in the process of obtaining CPA status by completing her Certified Practising Accountant Certificate. Outside of work, Shraddha loves travelling and meeting new people.

Adara Development (Nepal) Humla

Shubhadra Shahi is Adara’s Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in Nepal. In this role, she supports Adara’s Monitoring and Evaluation team with the design of research, monitoring and evaluation frameworks and systems, and with the implementation of research, monitoring and evaluation activities in Nepal. Shubhadra is originally from Humla and has Master of Public Health. Shubhadra has several years’ experience working for NGOs including Phase Nepal, READI Nepal and IMAM.

Adara Development (Nepal) Kathmandu

Sonam has a Bachelor's degree in business studies and before Adara she worked as an Accountant for Snowland School. She joined Adara in 2005 and served as Accounts Officer for the Adara Development (Nepal) for more than six years. She has now taken on the role of Finance Officer for Adara Development in Nepal – developing, maintaining and monitoring all its financial systems. Adara means family for Sonam. She loves the environment and feels privileged to be a part of this wonderful team.

Adara Development (Nepal) Kathmandu

Sunita has a Bachelor's degree in business studies. She began work at Adara in 2009 in the finance team. She is responsible for the day-to-day financial activities of Adara in Nepal. Sunita says working for Adara has developed her sense of responsibility, focus and value.

Adara Development (Nepal) Kathmandu

Surya has been our office messenger in Nepal since the end of 2009. He looks after the office and completes essential tasks for the office. Surya loves reading the newspaper to keep up to date on current affairs. He also likes to go to his village on weekends to meet his family.

Adara Development (Nepal) Humla

Tsering joined the Adara team in June 2011 when Adara began implementing the Humla Plan. Tsering comes to Adara with 20 years of hotel and restaurant experience in Humla. She is now responsible for cooking for the Adara staff and making sure that the office space and kitchen are kept clean and organised. Tsering most enjoys being involved with Adara green house project, as the technology can produce healthy vegetables with rich vitamins to ensure good nutrition.