Meet the People Behind Transforming Cleft

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 Transforming Cleft, 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

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.

Email: yalexis@transformingcleft.org

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

Andrew has been with Transforming Cleft since 2022. He collaborates with partners in Tanzania, India, Thailand, and Myanmar on Comprehensive Cleft Care, supports partners in Ethiopia with Electronic Medical Record systems, manages TC’s programmatic finances, and supports technology and data initiatives. He has worked in Tanzania, Ghana, and Vietnam on youth entrepreneurship, digital reading, and education projects. Andrew is passionate about building data systems to support good decision making for both financial and programmatic purposes.

Email: andrew@transformingcleft.org

Nicole joined Transforming Cleft in 2026, where she leads our digital platform for cleft professionals and supports francophone projects. Her role centres on fostering shared learning across TC’s collaborative initiatives. She brings experience in vocational training and project management across Madagascar, Colombia, and India. Her background in Global Health and Development has shaped her commitment to inclusive, Comprehensive Cleft Care.

Email: nicole@transformingcleft.org

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.

Email: melanie@transformingcleft.org

Courtney oversees Transforming Cleft’s program team and strategy, including new partnership development and project design, monitoring and evaluation. She joined the team in 2014, initially drawn to TC’s comprehensive approach to care for children and families, and sustained by TC’s collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to local partnership. Courtney has an educational background in international development and experience supporting health and education programs across Asia and Africa.

Email: courtney@transformingcleft.org

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. He believes that visual narratives are essential to build bridges among diverse groups to connect, engage, and grow.

Email: sergio@transformingcleft.org

Danaka joined Transforming Cleft in 2021. Today she leads the grant reporting and application cycle, and collaborates to drive public engagement & donor stewardship. Her role sits at the intersection of relationships, resources, and reach in advocating for Comprehensive Cleft Care. She has a Master’s degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership and an undergraduate background in International Studies. Danaka is passionate about deepening relationships and promoting locally-rooted Comprehensive Cleft Care for all.

Email: danaka@transformingcleft.org

Kristian has been with Transforming Cleft since 2021, leading the organization’s communications team and strategy. He connects supporters with the work of dedicated local cleft care teams, advancing the message that Comprehensive Cleft Care leads to a family’s full rehabilitation. With a degree in sociology and multi-sector marketing experience, Kristian has worked in Brazil, South Africa, and Rwanda on education and advocacy projects. He is especially passionate about video storytelling and making complex topics understandable to drive thoughtful change.

Email: kristian@transformingcleft.org