Meet our New Zealand Team
FIONNA HEITON
FOUNDING DIRECTOR / CEO
Fionna began her career as a charity fundraiser in the U.K. She spent six years in Nepal, working for Water Aid, UNICEF, the Britain Nepal Medical Trust and The British Council. She has conducted training for The Basic and Primary Education project (BPEP) as well as numerous NGO’s in report writing and presentation skills. Fionna has studied at the University of California, specialising in the Supervision of Adults in Early Childhood Education. Fionna holds a Postgraduate Certificate in International Development Management.
DURGA ARAN
FOUNDING DIRECTOR / DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Durga grew up in a small village in Sindhupalchok and experienced the rural Nepali education system first hand. This insight and local knowledge allows him to seamlessly navigate the intricacies of overseeing our education projects. This entails project management, donor liaison, logistical support and management of staff. Durga also oversees all training, evaluation and monitoring.
LAUREN PALLISER
OFFICE MANAGER / ADMINISTRATOR
Lauren looks after all aspects of our finance and administration. She has a wealth of administrative experience, both in NZ and Australia. She also has a strong interest in community work and has held a number of volunteer positions. Lauren lives in Nelson, New Zealand, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons).
CHRISTINE WILKINSON
TOUR CO-ORDINATOR / ADMINISTRATOR
Christine is a keen traveler and has visited Nepal twice, once with Beyond The Clouds and been a supporter of First Steps Himalaya for many years. Christine’s attention to detail helps ensure trips run smoothly and to plan so everyone can enjoy themselves. She lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her family.
Meet our Nepal Team
RANJANA GIRI
PROJECT MANAGER / SENIOR TRAINER
Ranjana is in charge of operations at our Sindhupalchok projects. She has a degree in English and is a qualified teacher. Ranjana co-ordinates our school projects on the ground with her team of supervisors and reports back to the First Steps team in NZ on progress. She recently visited New Zealand to further her knowledge in administration and reporting, and visited schools and preschools to gain a deeper insight into child-friendly teaching practices.
YASODA GIRI
SENIOR TRAINER
Yasoda is an expert hands on trainer who specialises in teaching songs, rhymes, games and other interactive activities. Yasoda supports our senior trainer in Nepal conducting in house training and is a perfect role model for trainee teachers.
RUPAK GIRI
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Rupak coordinates the logistics on the ground in Nepal and oversees our main site at Sangachok in Sindhualchok. Rupak has excellent problem solving skills and can turn his hand to almost anything including vehicle breakdowns and water shortages. Rupak lives in Sangachok and has two children.
SANGITA GIRI
TEACHER AND TRAINER
Sangita joined the team in 2018 as an early childhood teacher and is now a trainer as well. Sangita has a great way with children and loves inspiring other teachers to adopt contemporary child friendly teaching methods. Sangita lives in Sangachok and has a young daughter.