Meet the People Behind Transforming Cleft
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
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Hugh Brewster
Executive Director
Hugh has served as Executive Director within Transforming Cleft’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 TC (formerly Transforming Faces), Hugh was an organizational capacity-builder, grant-maker and learning facilitator as World Vision’s National Manager for Canadian Programs.
TC’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@transformingcleft.org
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Yalexis Barr
Program Manager, Latin America+
Joining Transforming Cleft 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.
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Neeti Daftari
Senior Program Manager, Global Initiatives
Neeti leads Transforming Cleft’s global programs and manages projects in Eastern Europe and Africa. She joined TC 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. Our commitment to comprehensive, inclusive care inspires her.
Email: neeti@transformingcleft.org
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Andrew Inglis
Program & Financial Manager
Andrew supports partners in Ethiopia and India, oversees finances, and manages TC’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@transformingcleft.org
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Melanie Meloche
Administrative Officer
Melanie started working with Transforming Cleft – then Transforming Faces Worldwide, 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.
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Chiara Magboo
Program Officer
Chiara supports TC’s global initiatives and local partnership programs with Comprehensive Cleft Care teams in Low-and-Middle-Income contexts. Chiara joined TF in 2025 and has a master’s degree in Global Development from Norway and Czech Republic. She has over a decade of cross-sector experience and has worked in-country with organizations partnering in Kenya, the Philippines, and Uganda. Chiara is committed to TC’s work to support children, families, and communities through impact and innovation.
Email: chiara@transformingcleft.org
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Sergio Rebolledo
Multimedia Design Specialist
Sergio joined TC in 2025, contributing his expertise to visual storytelling with an interest in supporting vulnerable communities. He has collaborated on diverse design projects with teams in North America, Europe, and Asia, bringing creative solutions to educational, cultural, and technology-driven initiatives. Sergio believes that visual narratives are essential to build bridges among diverse groups to connect, engage, and grow.
Email: sergio@transformingcleft.org
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Danaka Robertson
Special Projects Coordinator
Danaka supports Transforming Cleft’s communication and engagement initiatives, as well as our global programs. She joined TC in 2021 after completing a Master’s degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership with an undergraduate background in International Studies. Danaka is passionate about our commitment to locally-rooted Comprehensive Cleft Care for all.
Email: danaka@transformingcleft.org
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Kristian Wykes
Senior Manager, Communications & Engagement
Joining in 2021, Kristian leads Transforming Cleft’s communications strategy and team. He connects supporters with the work of dedicated local cleft care teams and advances the message that Comprehensive Cleft Care leads to a family’s full rehabilitation. He is experienced in multi-sector communications and is educated in sociology. Previously, he has worked in Brazil, South Africa, and Rwanda on education projects.
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Courtney Mollenhauer
Program Director (On leave)
Courtney leads the development and implementation of Transforming Cleft’s program strategy. She joined TC 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.
(On leave until Jan 2026)
Email: info@transformingcleft.org
Thank you for helping to fulfill the Circle of Care with us!
Our Board of Directors
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Jackie Elton
Chair and Co-Founder
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Rev. Dr. Nan Hudson
Former Executive Director of ICA Canada
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Cindy Guernsey
Former Coordinator of Cleft Lip & Palate Program at the Hospital for Sick Children
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Jill Martin
Former Director of Finance at Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund
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Sanjil Shah
Managing Partner, Alignvest Management Corporation
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Elsa Tesfay
Former Director of Finance 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 Transforming Cleft in facilitating access to safe, innovative and evidence-informed CCC services.
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Dr. Tim Bressmann
Speech Therapy -
Dr. Matthew Fell
Surgery -
Dr. Alex Habel
Pediatrics -
Dr. Nirina Mandrano
Surgery -
Dr. Debbie Sell
Speech Therapy -
Dr. Nicolas Sierra
Surgery -
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 Cleft partners locally in 10+ countries, bringing cleft care closer to home.
Where We Partner Locallly
- Argentina – Asociación Civil Simi Sumaq, Fundación Gavina, Hospital Zonal Dr. Isola de Puerto Madryn
- Bolivia - Fundación Jiwaqui, Fundación para la Salud Ayninakuna
- 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
- Mexico - Fundación AMS, Fundación Tseinan
- Myanmar – An Anonymous NGO
- Tanzania - Bugando Medical Centre, Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania
- Thailand – Northern Women’s Development Foundation