Sasha in Beirut, Lebanon with some of the refugee early learner
sasha koomen - CEO & FOUNDER
Sasha’s passion for education and travelling has taken her all over the world. The idea for the NGO came to her in a true ‘aHHa’ Moment on an immersion in South Africa – realising the true potential in her students and the impact of teachers globally. Since then she has continued to pursue her dream, sharing the love of learning and social justice in schools internationally. She continues to teach and recently completed her Masters in ‘Comparative and International Education’ at the University of Oslo, completing her thesis on the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon, focusing specifically on the imperative role and motivations of refugee teachers.
Ruby putting together some of the families beautiful flowers for aHHa fundraising.
RUBY KOOMEN - DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Ruby is our artist, farmer, florist, teacher and human rights advocate, also known as ‘Ruby Soho’ she is a local Melbourne social light and is truly passionate about education and the Love Revolution. Her connections with the community through radio (Garageland, PBS), the music industry and her flower network make her the perfect head of fundraising. A woman with many talents she has completed studies in the music industry, floristry and international relations, as well as her Master’s in Education at Monash University.
Kate working with youth in the Melbourne community
KATE KOOMEN- COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Kate is our true fundamental human rights activist and talented social worker, who has connected with multi-cultural communities all over Melbourne. After studying her Bachelor in Social Work at RMIT, she has completed inspiring community projects with Sudanese and Somalian Youth and more recently with youth in drug and alcohol harm minimisation. Since her recent eye-opening adventures in Africa, she is now studying Arabic and studying her Masters in International Development at RMIT.
Nyangak (Lizzy) Dobol Kuoth - Volunteer Coordinator
Lizzy is our proactive and dedicated volunteer coordinator who is determined to ensure Australia’s communities are safe for all people. Lizzy is passionate about social justice and has worked as a consultant for the state government as well as a community organisation - advocating for women, children and families marginalised by poverty, mental illness, disability and social isolation. Lizzy is currently studying Criminology and Psychology at the University of Swinburne and is inspiring students through her work as a multicultural officer in schools throughout Melbourne.
Rhys Telfer -
Web Analytics Developer
Rhys Telfer is our eye for detail and a talented Melbourne photographer and web designer. Rhys joined the team on a trip through Africa, in which he was able to capture the purest moments of landscape and human relationships, we are incredibly lucky to have him on the team. Rhys completed his Bachelor of Commerce at Swinburne University of Technology.
Pat Nelson - Treasurer
Pat was one of the critical thinkers behind the aHHa movement, and his logic, honesty and humour make him a highly valued member of the team, who we trust with all the big decisions and finance. Pat is a talented Melbourne based architect, who completed his Masters in Architecture at the University of Deakin.