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.

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.

Natasha Cassinath, B.A., MBA

Natasha has been with Street Kids International since 2006. She has managed Street Kids' Business and Banking programs in Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, Haiti, Sierra Leone, Egypt and India, and has launched new program areas such as youth microfranchise. In her current role as Chief Innovation Officer, she is responsible for creating new ideas and supporting that of others in order to keep communications and programs fresh and relevant, using both low and high tech platforms.

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 3 languages. Natasha completed the post graduate Asia Pacific Management Program (APMCP) at Capilano University in Vancouver and completed her MBA at l'Institut National Supérieur d'Études Économiques et Commerciales in Paris.

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.

Tashi Dolker, B.COM

Manager of Financial Administration

As a Manager of Financial Administration, Tashi is responsible for ensuring the finances of Street Kids International are managed with both prudence and reliability, within the financial frameworks of the Charity Laws and the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Tashi provides financial advice and guidance as well as performs the operational accounting and internal and external reporting.

At Street Kids International Tashi has combined her passion for making a difference in people’s lives and business education. She was born in Nepal and lived there before she migrated to Canada in 2000. Because of spending almost all her youth in Nepal, she has seen lots of poverty and understands the significance of education and support that street youth needs to be able make changes in their lives. She is very enthusiastic about joining Street Kids International as she wants to pay back to the community and be part of the team that provides sustainable solution to end the poverty. She holds Diploma in Business Administration- Accounting at George Brown College and Degree in Business Management- Accounting at Ryerson University. She speaks fluent Tibetan, Nepali and functional Hindi.

Florrie Hu

Florrie Hu has joined the Street Kids Team in her role as Fund Development Officer. She is responsible for supporting the Annual Fund Program which includes monthly donors, direct mail campaigns and special events. Florrie recently completed her post graduate program in Fundraising and Volunteer Management at Humber College. She interned at Renascent Foundation and the University of Toronto. She also brings with her experience as a Project Coordinator at the China Mining Association of Canada.

In addition, Florrie held a Masters Degree in World History from Peking University. She worked in a leading public relations firm in China as a senior account executive for three years. Florrie is eager to contribute her passion, experiences, skills, and multicultural background to help Street Kids International achieve its mission and vision. She speaks English and Chinese.

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.