The Mahereza Nutrition and Health Center employs two local Malagasy, Felana and Feno, in order to help keep the Center running smoothly as well as have a direct connection with the mothers and children that come every day during their 6 week program. We also have volunteers that come periodically to help with our education program.

Felana

I am in charge of the everyday operations, such as inventory, well being of the families, and working with the other members of the Mahereza Nutrition and Health Center located in Antsirabe! I am married and have 3 children, a son and 2 daughters and have lived in Madagascar my whole life. I always love helping people because it gives me inner peace!

Feno

I am the local assistant at the nutrition Center. My job is to make sure all the members are healthy and happy and to help run the Center. I am so thrilled to help these children who need this program! I was trained as a community health worker so I help facilitate a lot of the education programs and workshops!
 

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Founders

We founded Mahereza Nutrition and Health Center because we strongly believe in the betterment of women's health and reproductive rights as well as educating everyone at the Center in order to create a sustainable way of living for the future.

Christine Paulen

Since the age of sixteen, Christine has been passionate about travel and culture. The most fascinating part of going to a new place is learning about the traditions that are the foundation for these wonderful communities created by the native peoples. She also enjoys the hands-on outdoors experience made possible by the vast geography of all the countries she has been to. Her love for travel also goes hand in hand with her love of philanthropy. She has volunteered in Tanzania, Nepal, and Peru and participated in numerous projects dedicated to providing supplies, education, and healthcare for those in need.

Patricia Majorel

Born and raised in France, when she turned 18, Patricia felt the need to expand her horizon beyond Europe. So she set off to South America first then Asia and became overwhelmed and saddened by the amount of poverty and disease. From that time on, she began to raise awareness about the families and children in the underdeveloped countries she had been to. As an educator, she tried to carry these messages and share her first hand experiences throughout her everyday life. Finally, she decided to refine her efforts and dedicate more time to providing help to the malnourished children of Madagascar.

Charlotte Steppling

I have lived in Madagascar for 8 years. I first arrived to the island serving as a US Peace Corps Volunteer. I soon fell in love with this country and its generous people. I now work as a Project Manager for Operation Smile. I am very passionate about nutrition and fighting against malnutrition. I help support the activities at the Mahereza Nutrition and Health Center and facilitate educational opportunities for our members. My priority is to provide a safe space for malnourished children and ensure a healthy collective nutrition program so that they can strive and live a better life.