Meet the People Behind Transforming Faces

Hugh has served as Executive Director within TF’s dynamic team since 2017. Co-hosting webinars and global conferences, and contributing to Low and Middle Income (LMIC) -focused research as part of the Circle of Cleft Professionals (CoCP) is an ongoing highlight.

Prior to joining TF, Hugh was an organizational capacity-builder, grant-maker and learning facilitator as World Vision’s National Manager for Canadian Programs.

TF’s local partners are at the heart of Hugh’s work – pioneers blazing a path for Comprehensive Cleft Care so that children can achieve full rehabilitation.

Email: hugh@transformingfaces.org

Joining TF in 2021, Yalexis manages our Latin America programs. She believes partnership is the way to bring sustainable change in communities and loves to foster collaboration. She has a strong background in project management and international development. Yalexis is inspired by the transformative impact of Comprehensive Cleft Care for children.

Email: yalexis@transformingfaces.org

Neeti leads TF’s global programs and manages projects in Eastern Europe and Africa. She joined TF in 2020 after 15+ years in international development. Neeti is a Clinical Psychologist and has a Master’s Degree in Development from the London School of Economics. TF’s commitment to comprehensive, inclusive care inspires her.

Email: neeti@transformingfaces.org

Andrew supports partners in Ethiopia and India, oversees finances, and manages TF’s technological endeavours. He joined in 2022 bringing experience working in-country with partners in Tanzania, Ghana, and Vietnam. He has a master’s degree in International Development from South Korea. Andrew is enthusiastic about supporting CCC in low-resource contexts.

Email: andrew@transformingfaces.org

Melanie started working with TF in 2004. She has an education in accounting and administration with 33 years of experience working in Canada and at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC. She has a specific interest in the non-profit sector and appreciates the impact it makes.

Email: melanie@transformingfaces.org

Chiara supports TF’s global initiatives and local partnership programs with Comprehensive Cleft Care teams in Low-and-Middle-Income contexts. Chiara joined TF in 2025 and has a master’s degree in Global Development from Norway and Czech Republic. She has over a decade of cross-sector experience and has worked in-country with organizations partnering in Kenya, the Philippines, and Uganda. Chiara is committed to TF’s work to support children, families, and communities through impact and innovation.

Email: chiara@transformingfaces.org

Danaka supports TF’s global programming efforts as well as its communication and engagement initiatives. She joined TF in 2021 after completing a Master’s degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership with an undergraduate background in International Studies. Danaka is passionate about TF’s commitment to locally-rooted Comprehensive Cleft Care for all.

Email: danaka@transformingfaces.org

Joining in 2021, Kristian leads TF’s communications strategy, connecting supporters with the work of dedicated local cleft teams and emphasizing the importance of the Comprehensive Cleft Care approach to a family’s full rehabilitation. He is experienced in multi-sector communications and is educated in sociology. Previously, he has worked in Brazil, South Africa and Rwanda on education projects.

Email: kristian@transformingfaces.org

Courtney leads the development and implementation of TF’s program strategy. She joined TF in 2014 and continues to be inspired by the transformative impact of Comprehensive Cleft Care. Courtney has an educational background in international development and ten years of international non-profit experience in project management, public engagement and governance.

(On leave until Jan 2026)

Email: info@transformingfaces.org