Key skills and expertise

With five years of experience in international development, the expert specializes in mental health and human rights. They have led initiatives to improve mental health access for over 65,000 refugees in Rwanda and coordinated with organizations such as UNHCR and WHO. Key skills include project management, cross-cultural communication, and both qualitative and quantitative research. Previously held roles include a leadership position as a Mental Health and Wellness Consultant, where they facilitated wellbeing frameworks and digital innovations. Additionally, they have a strong background in trauma-sensitive practices, public speaking, and working with at-risk populations.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors like UNHCR and WHO in Rwanda, leading a UNHCR-funded initiative to enhance mental health access for refugees through digital innovation and in-person interventions. This involved aligning interventions with national and international mental health guidelines and conducting workshops to foster community awareness. The work was conducted at the Mahama Refugee Camp and involved coordination with the Rwanda Biomedical Center and Viamo, focusing on mental health and psychosocial support in a regional context.

Sectors and geographic focus

Bringing experience across key sectors including health, humanitarian aid, human rights, and community development, the expert has held roles such as Mental Health and Wellness Consultant and Communications Lead. Responsibilities have included project management, mental health support, and advocacy. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes digital innovation in mental health and trauma-sensitive practices. The geographic scope of their work spans Rwanda, Thailand, and the USA, reflecting a commitment to regional and international development initiatives. Extensive geographic experience in these countries has provided a strong understanding of local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues.

Languages and education

With a background in international contexts, the expert is a native English speaker and has professional working proficiency in Spanish. They possess limited working proficiency in both French and Hebrew, utilizing these language skills in various international settings, including work in multilingual teams and in-country experiences in Rwanda, Thailand, and Israel. The expert is pursuing a Master of Arts in International Community Development at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, expected in 2025. They hold a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in Human Rights from the University of California, Berkeley, USA, where they graduated summa cum laude with high honors. Additionally, they are undertaking a comprehensive four-year professional training in the Hakomi Method, a mindfulness-based approach to psychotherapy, and have completed a 400-hour Trauma-Informed Breathwork Facilitator Training.