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    The Ama Ghar Board of Directors

    Lalita Thapa
    , President, Founding Member
    Bandana Shrestha
    , Vice President
    Ashok Shrestha
    , Secretary
    Pabita Basnet
    , Joint Secretary
    Jenuka Dhodari
    , Treasurer
    Vijaya K.C.
    , Past President, Founding Member
    Shekhar Silwal
    , Past Treasurer, Founding Member
    Ashok Raj Pandey
    Pradip Kumar K.C.
    Saradha Adhikari
    Rabindra Shrestha
    Pradip Upadhyay, Ph.D.
    Chandni Ghimire
    Sanu Bhai Tamrakar
    Helen (Chij Maya) Gurung
    Lalita Thapa
    Lalita Thapa
    President, Founding Member

    Lalita is currently serving as President of the Board of Ama Ghar. She was a Founding Member of the board, having met Shrawan Nepali, Ama Ghar Founder, at Paropakar Orphanage, where she was volunteering. In addition to volunteering, she supported five boys from Paropakar and a blind boy from Laboratory School for their education.

    She is a retiree from the UN, where she spent 30 years in multiple countries as a Results Based Management Specialist and Development Economist. She holds a Master of Arts in Development Economics and a Bachelor of Commerce. Her passion continues with the activities of Ama Ghar and the children. She is very happy to be able to contribute in every way possible.

    bandana shrestha
    Bandana Shrestha
    Vice President

    Bandana has professional experience focusing on Children’s Rights with Save the Children, Colombo Plan, UNICEF and among other INGO’s. She holds a Master of Arts in Human Rights from the University of Essex (UK) and a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from the University of New England, Australia.  She has a number of publications on children, inclusion and diversity and has conducted trainings on rights- based programming, gender mainstreaming and human rights training.

    Currently she is a freelance consultant on children and women’s rights and gender mainstreaming:  In addition, she is writing a children’s book.

    ashok shrestha
    Ashok Shrestha
    Secretary

    Ashok Shrestha is a seasoned professional renowned for his expertise in digital marketing and software development. With a strong foundation in Information Technology, Ashok graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering from Nepal College of Information Technology in Lalitpur.

    Transitioning seamlessly from his educational pursuits, Ashok embarked on a diverse career path that reflects his passion for both technology and marketing. As a Digital Marketing Specialist at RSO Consulting, he excels in crafting and executing online marketing strategies with precision. In parallel to his marketing endeavors, Ashok’s technical proficiency shines through his role as an API Developer at Hazesoft.

    Beyond his professional achievements, Ashok remains deeply connected to his roots as an alumni of Ama Ghar, where he grew up. Currently serving as a board member and secretary of Ama Ghar, Ashok contributes his time and expertise to the organization that played a significant role in shaping his life.

    With a relentless dedication to excellence and a commitment to driving impactful change, Ashok Shrestha continues to make strides in both the realms of technology and philanthropy, leaving a lasting mark wherever his journey takes him.

    pabita basnet
    Pabita Basnet
    Joint Secretary

    She is an alumni of Ama Ghar where she joined the family back in 2001.

    Pabita Basnet is a dynamic communications professional with a strong academic foundation in Development Studies. After completing her Bachelor’s degree, she gained significant experience working with various non-governmental organizations (INGOs) where she contributed to project management and advocacy efforts.

    Drawing from her diverse background, Pabita now serves as the Communications Manager for the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF Foundation), where she oversees strategic communications, public relations and media partnerships. Her expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives and driving social change through media.

    jenuka dhodari
    Jenuka Dhodari
    Treasurer

    Jenuka is a very capable Alumni of Ama Ghar and now Treasurer of the Board.   After completing her Bachelor’s in Mass Communications & Journalism in 2021 she secured a job as an Executive Officer at Lekali Dog Chew Nepal.   She is also an avid dog lover and regularly visits the Ama Ghar dogs. 

    In addition to her responsibilities on the job and on the Board she is actively pursuing a Master’s in Mass Communications and Journalism.

    She makes regular visits to Ama Ghar to engage with her younger brothers and sisters to help motivate them in school and socially.

    vijay-kc
    Vijaya K.C.
    Past President, Founding Member

    Mrs. Vijaya K.C. served as the Board President of Ama Ghar Nepal for 22 years and continues to contribute as a dedicated board member for the past 3 years. With a Bachelor of Arts from Tribhuvan University and advanced nursing and midwifery education from India, she has had a distinguished career in public health, including serving as Special Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Health. Her leadership and vision have greatly influenced health policy and nursing education in Nepal.

    Mrs. Vijaya’s lifelong dedication to healthcare and child welfare has been instrumental in shaping Ama Ghar into the safe, nurturing home it is today for underprivileged children.

    shekar silwal
    Shekhar Silwal
    Past Treasurer, Founding Member

    Shekhar worked alongside Ama Tika and Shrawan in setting up Ama Ghar in it’s first location in 2001.   He was Treasurer until recently.  A long time, generational resident of Godavari, Shekhar was invaluable in helping Ama Ghar acquire the land that is now the permanent home of Ama Ghar.

    He is retired from his past businesses and spends time with his wife visiting his two married daughters, currently living in the USA.  Is a first-time proud grandfather.

    ashok raj pandey
    Ashok Raj Pandey

    Ashok worked at John Hancock Insurance Co and Montgomery Ward while in the USA.  Returning to Nepal he was instrumental in introducing the Safa Tempo in Nepal.  After these endeavors he has been working two regular jobs, Principal of the South Asian Institute of Management and Finance Director of CIWEC Hospital.

    He is married with a daughter, a son and 4 grandchildren.

    pradip kumar
    Pradip Kumar K.C.

    Pradip worked many years as the Tribhuvan University Deputy Administrator involved with examinations and Centre for International Studies until his retirement. Father of three children and one granddaughter.

    saradha adhikari
    Saradha Adhikari

    Sarada Adhakari has been a dedicated member of the Ama Ghar Board for over 20 years. Despite being visually impaired, she lives independently with her mother and balances both personal and professional life with remarkable resilience. Sarada holds a Masters degree in Major Nepali and works with Helen Keller International, where she contributes to the well-being of communities in need. She has also served as the Treasurer of the Women’s Committee, demonstrating leadership and financial expertise. Sarada regularly visits the children of Ama Ghar, sharing her warmth and wisdom. Most recently, she celebrated her birthday with the children, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of connection and care within the Ama Ghar family.

    rabindra shrestha
    Rabindra Shrestha
    pradip upadhyay
    Pradip Upadhyay, Ph.D.

    In addition to his commitment to Ama Ghar, he is currently Chairman of SETCO (Shivamaya Educate the Children Organization) and is working as Managing Director at DRTC (Development Resource and Training Centre).

    His past involvement was as Principal of Camad College and a GoN employee as Director of NDVS, an under Secretary and Section Officer.

    He is married with a son, daughter and one granddaughter.

    chandni ghimire
    Chandni Ghimire

    Chandni is a passionate psychologist and co-founder of Vaav, an organization committed to developing social and emotional well-being.  She has devoted her career to helping individuals and communities to enhance their emotional intelligence, build resilience, and foster positive relationships.  Through Vaav, she leads innovative programs and workshops aimed at promoting mental health and well-being, empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and empathy.

    She is married with four grandchildren.

    sanu tamrakar
    Sanu Bhai Tamrakar

    Currently engaging with various social organizations and actively participating in the charity works to support people with physical and social challenges.  I am also encouraging the youth in the field of cultural promotion.

    Sanu Bhai has  thirty-five  years experience in Administration and Logistics with CARE Nepal and the UN Peacekeeping Missions.

    He has had special training and an interest in International trading of organic agricultural products.

    Sanu Bhai is married, has 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

    helen gurung
    Helen (Chij Maya) Gurung

    Over 18 years of progressive work experiences in development focusing on child and women’s rights in anti-trafficking and children in alternate care.  Edited and implemented with translators on the book Bechiyeki (SOLD) by Patricia McCormick as an anti-trafficking educational tool.  Distributed this book  and worked with schools, urban and remote communities, government groups and organization to help prevent human trafficking.