Shrawan Nepali (Founder)
Shrawan was raised at Paropakar Orphanage in Kathmandu. Through the support of Peace Corps volunteers John E. Paul and Dave Fulton, he arrived in the US to pursue an MBA and a successful career. But helping others in Nepal, particularly the most unfortunate, was always on his mind. His vision of creating a warm and loving home is what Ama Ghar continues to strive to be every day – a place where children “always have the keys to come home.”
John Shinner (Board Chair)
Nordstrom, Seattle, WA
A believer in the in the old saying ‘life is what happens while your are making other plans’ - John first came to know Nepal during a trip to Tibet in 2004 and returned home with a newfound passion and determination to make a difference. “The children at Ama Ghar are a powerful testimony to the strength of the human spirit to rise above life’s challenges…they give me hope for a brighter future for Nepal and the whole world in these uncertain times”. As true Seattle area native, John refuses to water his lawn in the summer and never carries an umbrella.
Niley Shrestha (Vice Chair)
Financial Advisor, Oppenheimer & Co, Inc. San Francisco, CA
Niley has been in the financial services industry for almost two decades. He was President of the Nepal Association of Northern California. He is also one of the founding members of Nepali Business Network in the US. His other interests are Nepali Capital Markets and Non-Resident Nepali Association.
Sapana Sakya (Secretary)
Public Media Director, Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), Berkeley, CA
Sapana manages CPB funding initiatives and supports independent filmmakers at CAAM. Her background is in independent documentary and journalism. She produced and directed, “Daughters of Everest”, an award winning film about the first Nepali women’s Everest expedition. Sapana’s work in documentary focuses on the growing communities especially in the US that are living between two worlds cultural and/or economic. Her PBS work includes “Oklahoma Home”, about two Filipino doctors living and working in rural Oklahoma, part of the series, “Searching for Asian America”. She also produced and directed “Red White Blue November” a portrait of a Hmong American family from Fresno, California. Currently, Sapana lives with her family in the Bay Area and is working on a web based game for girls.
Rob Sanders (Treasurer)
Online Marketing Consultant, San Francisco, CA
Rob brings a wealth of energy and experience to the world of online marketing. He currently works with a diverse group of companies across multiple industries providing creative and technical solutions for online growth. This role includes overseeing their search engine marketing and optimization efforts while providing guidance on new online marketing channels such as social networking, blogs and video.Before receiving his undergraduate degree in Communications at the University of Central Florida, Rob was honorably discharged from the U.S. military after serving four years abroad. He also received his Project Management Certification and earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of San Francisco. He volunteers his time for a number of organizations including Junior Achievement, and the San Francisco Aids Foundation.
Bonnie Ellison (Country Director)
Ama Ghar Children’s Home, Kathmandu, Nepal
Bonnie took an early retirement to follow in her father’s footsteps of giving back to the people of Nepal by working with groups that make a difference. Her father, O.T. Ellison, was one of the first Americans to arrive in Nepal in 1956. She is planning on spending the rest of her life there. As Managing Director of a house of 42 children, she is always busy! She will help with future plans and development.
<Manoj Kanskar
Physicist, Madison, WI
Although Manoj grew up in Kathmandu, he has lived in the US since 1981. Currently, he resides in Madison, WI with his wife Kathleen and lovely daughter Mila. He is a physicist and works as Vice President of Research and Development at Alfalight, a company that makes high-power diode lasers. In his spare time, Manoj enjoys art, playing the guitar/mandolin and keeping in shape through running and yoga. He is honored to be serving the Ama Foundation and contributing to the country and people that he loves by assisting with social services and helping to improve the education.
Poonam Mudvari
Bethesda, MD
Poonam was born and raised in Kathmandu. She left for the US to pursue higher eduction and is settled in DC metro area. She has a background in management and marketing. After having left Nepal at young age, she wants to give back to Nepal by empowering children. Poonam believes children are the hope for future. In addition each child deserves a loving home and a chance for a better future.
Richard Hyman
Photographer, Bisbee, AZ
Richard has worked as a fashion and advertising photographer in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas and San Francisco, including a stint as staff photographer for ABC television. Richard’s photographs have appeared in publications worldwide and have received many awards in juried competitions. After 30 years in the Bay Area, Richard has returned to his roots, concentrating on reportage, fine art and travel photography. He and his wife Cathy have traveled widely, spending time on every continent except Antarctica. He has visited Ama Ghar seven times in the past eight years, as he is devoted to the Ama Ghar children. He loves playing sports and games with them and delights in being called “Dick Uncle”.
Liddy Clark
Realtor, Orinda, CA
Liddy Clark lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband, Kevin. She has worked in the Bay Area for more than 30 years as a financial advisor and real estate agent. Liddy ‘s interest in Kathmandu and Ama Ghar emanates from her many inspiring discussions with Bonnie over the years, dating back to the 1960’s. She plans to initiate a mentorship program for graduating students seeking further education or a career. Liddy’s years of experience in networking will assist her in establishing a program that will support the children beyond their years at Ama Ghar
