
Meet the team
Introducing the people spread around the globe that make positive change possible
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
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 responsible global citizens.
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.
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
Kenneth Greatbatch
Board Chair
With 25+ years as a senior executive, he brings global expertise in guiding strategy, ensuring lasting impact for Pestalozzi International.
Catherine Stevens
Board Member
With strategic expertise in education and philanthropy, she ensures initiatives align with our mission to help disadvantaged children.
Alain Rizk
Board Member
An experienced senior corporate & investment banker, he now focuses on supporting social enterprises and is a Governor at Laureate Academy.
James Haughton
CEO
Joining in 2020 with a wealth of experience of the charity sector, he has expanded programmes and improved governance and partnerships.
Eddie West-Burnham
Chief Operations Officer
Former CEO of Pestalozzi Intern. Foundation, experienced Chief Executive and consultant with a diverse background in health and education.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Donna Rose
Creative Community Lead
With a background in primary education and digital resource development, she ensures that learning materials are engaging and effective.
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.
Team Switzerland
Peter Stocker
Board Chair
Experienced tax and estate lawyer. Member of various boards of directors and foundation boards. Dedicated philanthropy consultant.
Patric Klees
Board Member
A global investor with 20+ years experience, he inspires leaders with creative solutions to transform their businesses and create value.
Reto Urech
Fundraising Manager Switzerland
He brings 15 years as a fundraising and marketing leader in the development sector in Switzerland / Social entrepreneur in Uganda
Team USA
Elizabeth Beim
President
She is an international relations graduate from LSE with diverse management experience in various NGOs.
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
Board Member
Chairman of Indigo Capital, he previously spent 26 years at Credit Suisse First Boston, leading various finance practices.
Todd Langstaff
Board Member
Since his trip to Zambia 2009, he supports alumni in the US. He is on the Nonprofit Marketing & Social Impact teams at First Republic Bank.
David Langstaff
Board Member
A global business leader with extensive CEO experience, he serves as EVP, Leadership at the Aspen Institute.
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
Board Member
Advising companies on climate & sustainability programs, she inspires strengths to meet regulatory standards & capitalize on opportunities.
Team Zambia
Brian Sitamulaho
Board Chair
With 18+ years as Associate Director at Deloitte Africa, he guides in governance and leadership.
Mwiiti Mvula
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.
Priscilla Mpundu
CEO
She is a partner at an accounting advisory, bringing over 12 years of varied roles with Pestalozzi International.
Dr. Bamidele Akinbo
Head of School Pestalozzi Education Centre
International educator with 20+ years of teaching & leadership, empowering students to excel & fostering creativity and global mindfulness.
Honest Mutesha
Programme Manager
With 10+ years' experience in designing and implementing impactful programmes, he drives sustainable outcomes and strategic growth.
Evans Kabamba
Curriculum Manager
Experienced educator with 15+ years in curriculum design, program development, and fostering innovative, student-centered learning.
Anastasia Kabwe
Primary Coordinator
Primary educator with 10+ years' experience. Skilled in curriculum development, program management, and educational excellence.
Kelly Mzyopa
ECZ Coordinator
Educator & administrator with 18+ years’ experience, passionate about inclusive learning, empowerment, dignity, and lifelong growth.
Mwinji Nachembe
Outreach Officer
Social worker and program coordinator with 10 years' experience in social care, youth, program development, and community support.
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 Counselor
Lucy Thompson-Siwale
Media Coordinator
As a highly experienced communications specialist, she crafts communication strategies to drive engagement and support organizational goals.
Muchasora Dhlamini
Finance Manager PEC
Chartered Global Management Accountant with 10+ years in financial planning, analysis, and team leadership. Proven track record of success.
Isaac Sakala
People & Culture Manager
Experienced Manager with 13+ years in HR and leadership, fostering inclusive workplaces aligned with Pestalozzi’s values and vision.
Chola Chomba
Human Ressources PEC
HR professional with 8+ years’ experience also in the education sector. Skilled in HR systems, talent identification, and adaptability.
Team India
Yashpal Kapoor
Board Chair
President and Founder of Io Global Services, he is a Pestalozzi alumnus and an Imperial College graduate.
Cheme Palden
Director
Born in India to parents who fled from Tibet, she studied Osteopathy, English, and Psychology before earning a Bachelor’s in Education.
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.
Usha Tiru
Secretary
She graduated in 2021 from the Indian village with a degree in Fashion Technology & is now a Sales Trainee at World Fashion Exchange.
Naveen Sharma
Board Member
He received a scholarship for Computer Science and supported our Indian students in Math and Science.
Yeshi Khampa
Board Member
She holds a BA in German language, literature & cultural studies; now she works at Amazon.
Anudev Jayara
Board Member
Alumnus with a Computer Science Engineering degree, former administrator at Pestalozzi India, now self-employed leveraging his expertise
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.
Team Nepal
International Alumni Committee
Shelja Thakur
Member
Joseph Kumwenda
Member
Tenzin Tsepak
Member
Sabita Bhandari
Member
Sunil Gautam
Member
Prisca Mulongo
Member
Peeraya Utsajit
Member
Afonso M. Fernando
Member
Ajay Shrestha
Member
An alumnus of our Indian Campus, he became Board Chair at Pestalozzi Nepal and serves on the alumni committee.
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.
Lobsang Dolma
Member
She is motivated to support students from backgrounds like hers, believing that this helps change lives and communities for the better.
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.
Pravin Kamble
Member
He believes education drives dreams. In 2021, he founded 'Oneureka Foundation' to support talented, underprivileged students in India.
Astridah Nambela
Member
She values continuing Pestalozzi's work, supporting its vision of life-changing education and empowering alumni to create global change.
Katie Pawara Chantar
Member
As a Thai Pestalozzi Foundation member, she aims to positively impact students' lives, just as Pestalozzi International did for her.
Vivien Musonda
Member
A BBA grad from the University of Zambia, she aims to support Pestalozzi through event organizing, mentoring, and sharing her journey.
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 responsible global citizens.
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.
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.
Kenneth Greatbatch
Board Chair
With 25+ years as a senior executive, he brings global expertise in guiding strategy, ensuring lasting impact for Pestalozzi International.
Catherine Stevens
Board Member
With strategic expertise in education and philanthropy, she ensures initiatives align with our mission to help disadvantaged children.
Alain Rizk
Board Member
An experienced senior corporate & investment banker, he now focuses on supporting social enterprises and is a Governor at Laureate Academy.
James Haughton
CEO
Joining in 2020 with a wealth of experience of the charity sector, he has expanded programmes and improved governance and partnerships.
Eddie West-Burnham
Chief Operations Officer
Former CEO of Pestalozzi Intern. Foundation, experienced Chief Executive and consultant with a diverse background in health and education.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Donna Rose
Creative Community Lead
With a background in primary education and digital resource development, she ensures that learning materials are engaging and effective.
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.
Peter Stocker
Board Chair
Experienced tax and estate lawyer. Member of various boards of directors and foundation boards. Dedicated philanthropy consultant.
Patric Klees
Board Member
A global investor with 20+ years experience, he inspires leaders with creative solutions to transform their businesses and create value.
Reto Urech
Fundraising Manager Switzerland
He brings 15 years as a fundraising and marketing leader in the development sector in Switzerland / Social entrepreneur in Uganda
Elizabeth Beim
President
She is an international relations graduate from LSE with diverse management experience in various NGOs.
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
Board Member
Chairman of Indigo Capital, he previously spent 26 years at Credit Suisse First Boston, leading various finance practices.
Todd Langstaff
Board Member
Since his trip to Zambia 2009, he supports alumni in the US. He is on the Nonprofit Marketing & Social Impact teams at First Republic Bank.
David Langstaff
Board Member
A global business leader with extensive CEO experience, he serves as EVP, Leadership at the Aspen Institute.
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
Board Member
Advising companies on climate & sustainability programs, she inspires strengths to meet regulatory standards & capitalize on opportunities.
Brian Sitamulaho
Board Chair
With 18+ years as Associate Director at Deloitte Africa, he guides in governance and leadership.
Mwiiti Mvula
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.
Priscilla Mpundu
CEO
She is a partner at an accounting advisory, bringing over 12 years of varied roles with Pestalozzi International.
Dr. Bamidele Akinbo
Head of School Pestalozzi Education Centre
International educator with 20+ years of teaching & leadership, empowering students to excel & fostering creativity and global mindfulness.
Honest Mutesha
Programme Manager
With 10+ years' experience in designing and implementing impactful programmes, he drives sustainable outcomes and strategic growth.
Evans Kabamba
Curriculum Manager
Experienced educator with 15+ years in curriculum design, program development, and fostering innovative, student-centered learning.
Anastasia Kabwe
Primary Coordinator
Primary educator with 10+ years' experience. Skilled in curriculum development, program management, and educational excellence.
Kelly Mzyopa
ECZ Coordinator
Educator & administrator with 18+ years’ experience, passionate about inclusive learning, empowerment, dignity, and lifelong growth.
Mwinji Nachembe
Outreach Officer
Social worker and program coordinator with 10 years' experience in social care, youth, program development, and community support.
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 Counselor
Lucy Thompson-Siwale
Media Coordinator
As a highly experienced communications specialist, she crafts communication strategies to drive engagement and support organizational goals.
Muchasora Dhlamini
Finance Manager PEC
Chartered Global Management Accountant with 10+ years in financial planning, analysis, and team leadership. Proven track record of success.
Isaac Sakala
People & Culture Manager
Experienced Manager with 13+ years in HR and leadership, fostering inclusive workplaces aligned with Pestalozzi’s values and vision.
Chola Chomba
Human Ressources PEC
HR professional with 8+ years’ experience also in the education sector. Skilled in HR systems, talent identification, and adaptability.
Yashpal Kapoor
Board Chair
President and Founder of Io Global Services, he is a Pestalozzi alumnus and an Imperial College graduate.
Cheme Palden
Director
Born in India to parents who fled from Tibet, she studied Osteopathy, English, and Psychology before earning a Bachelor’s in Education.
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.
Usha Tiru
Secretary
She graduated in 2021 from the Indian village with a degree in Fashion Technology & is now a Sales Trainee at World Fashion Exchange.
Naveen Sharma
Board Member
He received a scholarship for Computer Science and supported our Indian students in Math and Science.
Yeshi Khampa
Board Member
She holds a BA in German language, literature & cultural studies; now she works at Amazon.
Anudev Jayara
Board Member
Alumnus with a Computer Science Engineering degree, former administrator at Pestalozzi India, now self-employed leveraging his expertise
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.
Shelja Thakur
Member
Joseph Kumwenda
Member
Tenzin Tsepak
Member
Sabita Bhandari
Member
Sunil Gautam
Member
Prisca Mulongo
Member
Peeraya Utsajit
Member
Afonso M. Fernando
Member
Ajay Shrestha
Member
An alumnus of our Indian Campus, he became Board Chair at Pestalozzi Nepal and serves on the alumni committee.
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.
Lobsang Dolma
Member
She is motivated to support students from backgrounds like hers, believing that this helps change lives and communities for the better.
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.
Pravin Kamble
Member
He believes education drives dreams. In 2021, he founded 'Oneureka Foundation' to support talented, underprivileged students in India.
Astridah Nambela
Member
She values continuing Pestalozzi's work, supporting its vision of life-changing education and empowering alumni to create global change.
Katie Pawara Chantar
Member
As a Thai Pestalozzi Foundation member, she aims to positively impact students' lives, just as Pestalozzi International did for her.
Vivien Musonda
Member
A BBA grad from the University of Zambia, she aims to support Pestalozzi through event organizing, mentoring, and sharing her journey.