Our Team

Michelle OlielExecutive Director and Co-founder

Michelle is a Canadian human rights lawyer based in The Hague. She is a children’s rights advocate and educator with experience working with the United Nations and in both government and private sector. Michelle’s expertise includes de-institutionalisation, children in armed conflict and sexual and gender-based violence. She was named a recipient of the 2016 Odyssey Award at the University of Windsor (Canada) and nominated for the Law Society of Upper Canada’s 2016 Human Rights Award for her work promoting children’s rights.

Ireen Makena Social and Community Development Officer

Ireen is a community social practitioner with a degree in social work and development from the University of Nairobi. She is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and is experienced in working with vulnerable children, families and communities, as well as in child protection. Ireen works closely with the families and children in Stahili’s programme and liaises with the community leadership committee of parents and guardians.

Aaron Ndegwa Chief Financial Officer

Aaron is a Certified Public Accountant in Kenya, holding a master’s degree in Finance and a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He oversees Stahili’s financial management and transparency in Kenya.

Maureen Maina Social Worker

Maureen holds a diploma in Community Development from St Paul’s University, Kenya. She believes that every child has the right to education, family life, and to be protected from abuse and harm. Maureen works closely with the families and children in Stahili’s programme.

Rob Oliver Education and Training Director

Rob is an educator with a background in high school and university teaching as well as training and coaching for international organisations in the non-profit humanitarian sector, including the United Nations. Rob is committed to expanding child rights education and he currently coordinates Stahili’s education programmes.

April L. Carter Legal Strategy and Advocacy Director

Stahili’s Human Rights 365 Team is made up of volunteer experts in the field of children’s rights and law students who are available to provide cutting-edge research and advocacy. Learn more about the work of our Human Rights 365 team.

Stahili Ambassadors

Stahili’s ambassadors are students and young professionals from around the world who are working to make this world a better place for children. Learn about them here.