Our Values Manifesto
Are we leading with kindness?
We can only offer compassion when we practice self-compassion. Therein lies the gift — to offer love, generosity, and care to another, we must offer love, generosity, and care to oneself.
Are we leaning on each other?
There is an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We are convinced that working together is the only way to achieve long-term sustainable impact. Simply put, we cannot do it alone.
Are we working towards scalable change?
The Mulago Foundation said it best — innovation without replication is a waste of time. Ideas are easy — world-changing impact is hard. We work to affect systems change that will endure the test of time.
Are we undaunted in the face of uncertainty?
Believe in the work especially when it is hard and the outcome isn’t clear. Although we may not be in control of our thoughts, feelings, and emotions, we are in control of our actions. Each step, however small, is significant.
Are we empowering the community?
Access to mental health is a fundamental right. It is not luxury or discretionary — it is vital. Mental healthcare affords someone the basic tools to take better charge of one’s needs and to live a purposeful life. Our work doesn’t stop with the individual; the transformation is seen and felt when the community is lifted, too.
our leadership team
Pavel Reppo
Co-founder & Executive Director
Pavel is passionate about fostering opportunities for sustainable positive change. He is a proud founder and previous CEO of The Wayfaring Band, an organization that creates travel opportunities for adults experiencing intellectual disabilities, When not working to affect change, Pavel likes to both make and eat omelets.
Pamella Nakku
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Pamella brings the detail to our collective operation. She makes sure we cross our t’s and dot our i’s – without her, we’d be a ship lost at sea. Not only does she support Sam in all things counseling, she keeps our books balanced and clean, to booth. She has a Diploma in Accounting & Finance!
David Oyet
Co-founder & Program Director
David has an infectious warmth and natural ability to unite people. While studying health management at Clarke International University, David founded the You Innovate Club, focused on critical thinking for a creative and innovative society. David is deeply resourceful, dependable and hungry to affect change.
Samuel Olara
Monitoring & Evaluation Manager
Samuel graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Kampala International University. He then spent a year working a grab bag of jobs. He keeps us accountable and ensures our work is effective. He is proud to be working with the community, knowing that his efforts are helping to transform the lives of many.
Patrick Sengendo
Lead Trainer
Patrick started his journey as a community health worker showed tremendous zeal and passion for the work. He brings the same vigor and enthusiasm for training facilitation. His smile is as luminous as it appears. We’re grateful for Patrick’s leadership in ushering the next wave of community mental health workers.
our board of directors
Steve Kaeuper
Chair
After majoring in math at Earlham College and earning his Master’s from the University of Kentucky, Steve taught math in a variety of contexts for over the last 50 years — Pavel Reppo was one of his students. He’s worked part time as a Financial Advisor and continues to teach math through tutoring and volunteering.
Julie Riley
Director
Julie has more than 20 years of teaching and university administrator experience specializing in Human Services. She is an experienced licensed clinical social worker, counselor, and consultant specializing in Trauma and Addiction therapy. She provides supervision to clinicians and consultation to various institutions.
Maurice Osire
Director
Maurice is a Clinical Psychologist by profession.
He is a University Counselor and Lecturer at Clarke International University. He has also trained in other therapeutic approaches,
including; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET),among others.
Sarah Durant Finke
Director
Sarah is a mental health clinician, educator, and supervisor who specializes in the treatment of trauma, grief, and loss. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor and owns a therapy private practice in Maine. She has both research and clinical experience in the field of international trauma and specifically in Uganda.
Virginia Fitt
Director
Virginia is a Biotech General Counsel and Head of Compliance. Virginia has a proven track record of succeeding in any environment with strategic partnership, thoughtful decision-making, and solutions-oriented risk mitigation.
Samira Khan
Director
Samira Khan is a global changemaker and corporate intrapreneur committed to the intersection of social innovation/impact and technology. Samira holds deeper expertise in the ESG; digital inclusion; and diversity, equity, and inclusion spaces; and has significant experience creating social impact strategies & programs.
Erin Kogan
Director
Erin Kogan is the CFO at Gridmatic Inc. As founder/co-founder of two funds and three companies, the CFO of three companies, and a fractional CFO for several more, she understands how to think strategically, and build every vital function within an organization. Her passion for continuous learning is key to her success.
Peter Kalulu
Director
Peter is the Founder of Field for Humanity Uganda with a background in Quantitative Economics and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). He has experience in Participatory Planning, District Health Information Systems, and EPIVAC COVID-19 data management. He completed his Post Graduate Diploma in M&E from Uganda Management Institute.
our partners
