Meet the People Behind Transforming Faces

We are a diverse team of professionals working toward the best possible outcomes for children and families affected by cleft lip and palate.

Our Team

Meet our Toronto-based team

  • Hugh Brewster

    Executive Director

    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

  • Yalexis Barr

    Program Manager, Latin America+

    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 Daftari

    Program Manager, Global Initiatives

    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 Inglis

    Program & Financial Officer

    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 Meloche

    Administrative Officer

    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

  • Courtney Mollenhauer

    Program Director

    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.

    Email: courtney@transformingfaces.org

  • Jessica Orduz

    Graphic & Web Specialist

    Jessica is TF’s Graphic and Web Design Specialist. She brings over 3 years of expertise in multimedia design to support the organization’s mission, elevating our communications efforts. With a focus on our digital presence, she brings a fresh creative perspective and compelling visuals to ensure that we engage and inspire our stakeholders.

    Email: jessica@transformingfaces.org

  • Danaka Robertson

    Special Projects Coordinator

    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

  • Kristian Wykes

    Communications & Engagement Manager

    Joining in 2021, Kristian amplifies the work of our local partners and connects supporters with our impact. He brings diverse experience in marketing and communications, and an education in Sociology. He has worked in Brazil, South Africa and Rwanda on education projects. Kristian believes TF’s local partnership approach moves Comprehensive Cleft Care forward.

    Email: kristian@transformingfaces.org

Thank you for helping to fulfill the Circle of Care with us!

Our Board of Directors

  • Jackie Elton

    Chair and Co-Founder

  • Rev. Dr. Nan Hudson

    Former Executive Director of ICA Canada

  • Cindy Guernsey

    Former Coordinator of Cleft Lip & Palate Program at the Hospital for Sick Children

  • Jill Martin

    Former Director of Finance at Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund

  • Sanjil Shah

    Managing Partner, Alignvest Student Housing & Management Corporation

  • Elsa Tesfay

    Director of Finance, Administration and Operations at Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund

Global Comprehensive Cleft Care Advisors (GC3A)

This volunteer committee of international Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) specialists from a range of disciplines and regions is committed to supporting TF in facilitating access to safe, innovative and evidence-informed CCC services.

  • Dr. Tim Bressmann

    Speech Therapy
  • Dr. Matthew Fell

    Surgery
  • Cindy Guernsey

    Nursing & Coordination
  • Dr. Alex Habel

    Pediatrics
  • Dr. Nirina Mandrano

    Surgery
  • Dr. Debbie Sell

    Speech Therapy
  • Farah Sheikh

    Social Work
  • Dr. (B) Suraj Subramaniyan

    Speech Therapy
  • Dr. Bryan Tompson

    Orthodontics
  • Prof. Omolola Orenuga

    Pediatric Dentistry
  • Dr. Senem Zeytinoglu-Saydam

    Psychology

Our Partners in Cleft

Transforming Faces partners locally in 10+ countries, bringing cleft care closer to home.

people-local-partners

Where We Partner Locallly

  • Argentina – Asociación Civil Simi Sumaq, Fundación Gavina, Hospital Zonal Dr. Isola de Puerto Madryn
  • Bulgaria – Association ALA
  • Chile – Fundación Gantz, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mckenna, ONG Cleft
  • Costa Rica – Asociación Pro Niño con Labio y/o Paladar Hendido
  • Ethiopia – CURE Ethiopia Children’s Hospital, Operation Smile (Jimma University), Yekatit 12 Hospital
  • Uganda – CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital
  • India – Akila Bharatha Mahila Seva Samaja (ABMSS), Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research
  • Madagascar – Clinique Santé Plus
  • Myanmar – An Anonymous NGO
  • Thailand – Northern Women’s Development Foundation
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