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. He divides his time between Nepal and the office in New Zealand.

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).

MEREDITH RIMMER

FUNDRAISER & TOUR CO-ORDINATOR

Meredith has worked extensively in the culture and heritage sector. She co-ordinates our fundraising programme and organises Himalayan tours for our social enterprise Beyond the Clouds. She loves researching new destinations and imagining the wonderful journeys clients will take. Meredith’s careful attention to detail ensures trips run smoothly and to plan. She lives in Nelson, New Zealand with her young 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

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER/ 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.

SABINA TAMANG

AREA SUPERVISOR/TRAINER

Sabina is one of our regional trainers who is enthusiastic, friendly and supportive to trainees. Sabina is also experienced as a district supervisor and understands the issues facing rural teachers. She has an eye for detail when visiting schools.

BINDA ADHIKHARI