Canadian staff.

David Pell, HBES, MSc

David joined our team as Executive Director in January 2006. His introduction to Street Kids International was as a volunteer on the Fund Development Committee in 2004. David brings 25 years of experience as Executive Director and CEO of three voluntary sector organizations to our work. His solid fit with Street Kids is built upon his interest in how organizations can become self sufficient by developing an ‘enterprise’ culture within their organization.

Before joining Street Kids International, David operated his own business, worked for the government, universities, colleges and of course the voluntary sector. David was a partner in Development Initiatives Inc. a consulting firm that worked throughout Canada and internationally. He was the founder and President of the Community Business Resource Centre in Toronto a highly successful entrepreneurship training centre and consulting organization in economic development. As the CEO of the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) and the Canadian Youth Foundation, David expanded the organization’s lending, mentor support and career planning programs for young people across Canada. His work throughout Canada, the United States, the European Community as well as several developing countries has provided him with opportunities to learn from many experienced community practitioners and community leaders.

Natasha Cassinath, B.A., MBA

Natasha is the Director of Programs and Partnerships, leading the development of new initiatives and the delivery of Street Kids International’s work. Prior to joining Street Kids, Natasha worked in Nicaragua, Angola and Mozambique in management roles related to child, youth and community development, HIV/AIDS prevention and care, and small business development. Natasha brings her special interest in corporate responsibility and social entrepreneurship to Street Kids International. She speaks fluent French and functional Portuguese and Spanish. Natasha completed the post graduate Asia Pacific Management Program (APMCP) at the McRae Institute of International Management in Vancouver and completed her MBA at l'Institut National Supérieur d'Études Économiques et Commerciales in Paris.

Aruna Aysola

As Director of Fund Development and Communications, Aruna is responsible for securing revenue through major gifts from individuals, foundations, and the general community. She is thrilled to be joining the Streets Kids International team.

Aruna’s global perspective and personal dedication to children’s issues worldwide make her passionate about Street Kids International’s philosophy. She brings with her 11 years of fundraising experience and donor relations. Before joining Street Kids International, Aruna managed the Annual Fund Department at Renascent Foundation. Her ability to consistently engage donors helped Renascent with increased and dependable revenues. Prior to Renascent, Aruna was a patron for the U.S. branch of Child Rights and You (CRY USA), an Indian Based organization that empowers street children. In three campaigns, she secured historic and unprecedented revenue for CRY, leveraging the support and voice of the who’s who of Silicon Valley, California. Prior to her career as a fundraiser, she worked with Silicon Valley companies in the web usability and marketing field. Aruna studied in Athens, Greece and at McGill University; she speaks four languages and has lived, worked and traveled all over the world.

Kristy Vanderplas

As Programme Manager, Kristy is involved in managing several of Street Kids International’s projects, including public engagement in Canada and the internship program. Kristy has lived and worked in South Korea, Taiwan, Czech Republic and Tanzania and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Council for International Cooperation and CSRAI (Canadian Support for Rural African Initiatives). She is passionate about youth involvement and looks forward to contributing her skills and knowledge to Street Kids International’s programming both here in Canada and around the world. Kristy holds an H.BSc in Bio Medical Sciences from the University of Guelph and completed the International Project Management Program at Humber College in 2006.

Asha daCosta, B.A., M.Ed.

As a Senior Programme Manager, Asha will liaise with local and international partners to create opportunities that promote the international exchange of best practices, deliver training, and develop cutting edge tools for youth workers serving marginalized young people. Asha’s previous experience includes work with child focused international NGO’s in Central America as well as local organizations serving marginalized youth. Asha brings to her work a passion for teaching and curriculum development with a focus on cultural relevancy, as well as an interest in child rights advocacy. Asha holds a degree in International Development Studies and recently completed a Masters in Education with a focus on Education Policy and NGO Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Lekhena Peou

As Fund Development Officer, Lekhena is responsible for community donations through our direct mail campaign and the coordination of all Street Kids International’s fundraising events, including third party events.

Prior to joining Street Kids, Lekhena has worked as an International Program Coordinator and a Development Coordinator at War Child Canada and Free the Children respectively. She has consistently demonstrated a strong aptitude in engaging and stewarding donors. Lekhena graduated from Carleton University, Ottawa with Honors, achieving her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Minor in International Development Studies. Fluent in Cambodian, Lekhena has traveled all over South East Asia and Europe and is very passionate about peace-building, education and working with children. Lekhena is excited to be the newest member of the Fund Development Department at Street Kids International.

UK staff.

Philippa Frankl MSc

Philippa joined Street Kids International in April 2008 as the Executive Director of Street Kids International UK. She is responsible for launching the UK operation and taking the lead in Street Kids International programming, communications and fundraising in the UK.

Philippa has seven years experience developing, delivering and managing youth development programmes for young people in the UK, Honduras, Argentina and Peru. These include programmes to develop team work, leadership and communication skills, self confidence through music and life skills through entrepreneurship. She also has experience delivering and managing a mentor training programme to support youth in making positive life choices. Philippa speaks fluent Spanish and has spent three years living, working and volunteering in various capacities across Central America and in Peru. Philippa holds an MSc in Psychology from the University of Birmingham and is a firm believer in supporting young people to realise their innate potential. She is looking forward to applying her experience to developing the Street Kids International UK operation.