Team
We are a diverse team of health professionals and community leaders passionate about promoting gender equality
Meet the Team
In 2017, Casey, Betti, and Eluby embarked on a journey that began with the establishment of a women’s group in the cozy living room of Betti’s house. Their shared mission was to address the health concerns of women in their community, equipping them with accurate and evidenced-based information to empower their personal and family well-being.
Not long after the group’s inceptions, Casey received an inquiry from The Cova Project, an organization based in Australia, about the potential benefits of introducing menstrual cups to the community. Without hesitation, Betti and her friends embraced this idea, leading the expansion of their efforts to educate and distribute free menstrual cups across Malawi.
Driven by their deep love for the country and profound passion for the health of the Malawian people, they established CARVE Africa in 2023 as a testament to their unwavering commitment.
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In 2017, Casey, a California native, moved to Malawi, where she served as adjunct faculty at Mzuzu University School of Nursing and Midwifery in the northern region through Seed Global Health. Here, she focused on clinical teaching and practice improvements in district hospitals countrywide.
She has also worked in Liberia, Ghana, and Uganda, ensuring quality menstrual health education and program efficiency with The Cova Project. Learning from diverse teams in these regions, she applies lessons to her work in Malawi for a more holistic approach to SRHR.
Casey excels in bridging cultural and knowledge gaps with humor and adaptability, believing laughter fosters engagement and humility strengthens bonds.
Casey holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Universidad Del Turabo, Puerto Rico, a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources from Oregon State University, and a Master in International Public Health from the University of Sydney.
Casey English
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Betti, a proud native of Mzuzu, is the esteemed MHH (Menstrual Health and Hygiene) and menstrual cup trainer at CARVE Africa. Prepare to be captivated by her unparalleled ability to seamlessly blend humor, humility, and technical expertise, engaging everyone she encounters. For the past four years, Betti has served as our primary trainer in community-based menstrual cup programs.
In even the most remote locations, Betti has managed to bring laughter and active participation to discussions on MHH and menstrual cups, even involving 10 chiefs. She possesses an extraordinary aptitude for navigating cultural sensitivities while fearlessly challenging taboos, harmful traditions, and gender stereotypes.
Betti's open-mindedness, quick thinking, extensive experience, and respected leadership within her community make her an invaluable asset to the success of CARVE Africa.
Betti Nhlane
Prisca Chakholoma
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Prisca is dedicated to ensuring the success of our initiatives. She oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all our programs, focusing on delivering high-quality reproductive health education and resources. Prisca coordinates with our team of nurses, community members, and youth change-makers to create impactful and evidence-based programs that align with our mission.
Her role includes managing multiple projects, fostering community relationships, and ensuring efficient use of resources. Prisca’s commitment to promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) is vital in driving our mission forward, helping to empower individuals and improve health outcomes in the communities we serve.
Chimwemwe Mkandawire
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Chimwemwe is responsible for the coordination and overall ground implementation focused in District of Chikwawa. She ensures the highest quality Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program coordination in rural areas with Illovo Sugar. Chimwemwe works directly with communities, and nurses to implement our menstrual health programs by ensuring full transparency and accountability.
Her role involves overseeing the distribution of menstrual products, conducting training sessions, and maintaining strong relationships with local stakeholders. Chimwemwe’s dedication and expertise ensure that our initiatives are impactful and meet the needs of the communities we serve, enhancing our mission to improve health outcomes through collaborative efforts.
Shammah Chidambe
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Shammah is a seasoned operations professional with 9 years of global experience in logistics, financial management, and safety oversight. His proven ability to enhance operational efficiency and foster team collaboration makes him an invaluable addition to CARVE.
Passionate about volunteerism and leadership development, Shammah's expertise aligns perfectly with CARVE's mission to empower young people and advance sexual and reproductive health rights. His leadership will be instrumental in driving the impact of CARVE’s programs in Malawi..
Jessica Swart
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Jessica has over 17 years of experience in international development, with a strong focus on Malawi and other Southern African countries. Throughout her career with leading international NGOs, she has developed and implemented large-scale, multi-sectoral programs, successfully mobilizing and managing over USD $150 million in funding. Her work spans major donors, including USAID, FCDO, the EU, Global Affairs Canada, private foundations, and UN agencies.
Jessica brings deep expertise in partnership development, strategic planning, project management, gender equality, safeguarding, monitoring and evaluation, and adaptive learning. Her technical leadership has been instrumental in delivering impactful, sustainable programs across multiple sectors.
She holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University in New York and a Bachelor of Political Science and English from the University of Southern California.
USA (501c3) Board of Directors
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Mark Miness brings valuable expertise and experience to the CARVE Africa board. As a Partner at Generation Investment Management since 2020, he demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and shared prosperity, aligning with CARVE Africa's mission.
Mark's previous roles as a director at AMP Capital, vice president in institutional sales at Cohen & Steers, and associate director at Wellington Management Company further highlight his extensive background in finance and investment. These experiences equip him with insights into financial management and strategic decision-making, which are essential for guiding CARVE Africa's financial sustainability and growth.
Mark's educational background, with a BS in Finance & Marketing from Questrom School of Business, Boston University, provides him with a solid foundation in finance and business management. This knowledge equips him to contribute effectively to discussions on fundraising strategies, financial planning, and organizational development within CARVE Africa.
His diverse experiences and alignment with the organization's mission and values position him well to contribute meaningfully to CARVE Africa's success.
Lilia Tverdun
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Lilia Tverdun brings over 20 years of extensive experience in development cooperation to her role as a board member at CARVE Africa. Currently, she serves as Chief of Party at MTENGO (Malawi Market Transitions to Enable New Growth Opportunities) based in Lilongwe, Malawi. Her role focuses on promoting climate-smart agriculture solutions and farmer first approach to decrease food insecurity in the region.
Her thematic expertise lies in rural economic development, with a focus on land privatization, land rights, and the integration of socioeconomic and gender variables into agribusiness development. Additionally, she excels in local governance, capacity building of civil society and state institutions, and fostering interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approaches to policy dialogue and national reform.
With an academic background in business administration, business development and management, economics, and local governance, Lilia's expertise is enriched by her diverse international experience, including work in Moldova, Russia, Montenegro, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Bangladesh. Her multifaceted skill set and drive for gender equality in the workforce coupled with her proven track record make her a valuable asset to CARVE Africa's board.
Jacob Falcon
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Dr. Jacob Falcon, MD, is an experienced emergency medicine specialist based in Kyle, TX, with over 11 years of dedicated service in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2012, demonstrating a strong academic background and commitment to healthcare excellence.
Driven by his passion for humanitarian efforts, Dr. Falcon actively supports CARVE Africa's fundraising goals. With his extensive experience and expertise in emergency medicine, he brings valuable insights and a compassionate approach to promoting evidence-based health information to all.
Mark Miness
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Corey Hounschell is a dedicated member of CARVE Africa's board of directors, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to global health equity. He is finishing his surgical residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center with a fellowship TBD in surgical oncology.
Corey's professional interests lie in global health equity and surgical oncology. His passion for addressing healthcare disparities led him to spend time in Malawi, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by underserved populations, particularly in the realm of cancer prevention and treatment. During his time in Malawi, Corey recognized the urgent need for improved preventative and treatment care for cancers.
Motivated by his experiences in Malawi, Corey became actively engaged in advocating for women's health and leveraging his medical expertise to make a meaningful impact. He collaborated with CARVE Africa's founder to explore ways to enhance women's health initiatives and advocate for better health information dissemination in underserved communities.
Corey ensures our curriculum is centered around the latest in evidenced-based research, all our program staff stay up to date thanks to his efforts.
Corey Hounschell
Casey English
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Casey English is the visionary founder and Executive Director of CARVE, driven by her profound love for Malawi and knowing firsthand what the power of quality information can do specifically in enhancing health outcomes.
Throughout her nursing career, Casey volunteered in various countries, including Haiti, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Peru, and India to fuel her desire to learn outside her comfort zone while being able to provide a skill. These experiences fueled her desire to deepen her understanding of global health, leading her to pursue a Master's in International Public Health from the University of Sydney, Australia.
Casey's commitment to making a difference in the field of global health brought her to Malawi, where she served with Seed Global Health and the Peace Corps. She spent two years with the University of Mzuzu teaching nursing students both clinically and didactically, contributing significantly to capacity building in the healthcare sector.
Today, Casey considers herself fortunate to call Malawi home, where she continues to lead CARVE's efforts in promoting SRHR and empowering communities to achieve gender equity and improved health outcomes. Her leadership, passion, and dedication are driving forces behind CARVE's mission to create positive and sustainable change in Malawi and beyond.
Stephanie Charitonenko
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With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Stephanie has dedicated her career to developing and strengthening financial systems across more than 20 countries. Her work on World Bank, USAID, and other major aid agency programs has made a significant impact globally, particularly in supporting small businesses and economic development.
Stephanie’s passion for women’s health aligns perfectly with CARVE’s mission. As the founder of Pathfinder Financial Services, she has provided financial planning, insurance, and tax services to successful professionals and small business owners since 2005. A Federally-licensed Enrolled Agent (EA), Stephanie’s expertise in commercial and development banking is invaluable to our team. We are excited to have her bring her knowledge, experience, and commitment to women’s health to CARVE’s board.
Janna Welch
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Dr. Janna Welch is a highly respected leader in medicine and a seasoned Emergency Medicine physician with over 20 years of dedicated service in the field. Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to teaching and mentoring young residents, sharing her wealth of knowledge and expertise to shape the next generation of medical professionals.
Having spent time in Malawi, Dr. Welch understands firsthand the critical importance of quality education, safe spaces, and high-quality healthcare for women worldwide. Her experiences have solidified her belief in the transformative power of education and access to healthcare in improving lives, particularly for women in underserved communities.
A longstanding supporter of CARVE Africa, Dr. Welch has demonstrated her commitment to promoting safe access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services and information globally. Her advocacy for women's health spans across continents, reflecting her firm belief in the fundamental rights of all individuals to comprehensive and dignified healthcare.
Malawi Board of Directors
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Mr. Msiska, hailing from Rhumpi in the Northern Region of Malawi, brings a wealth of expertise to our board of directors. Currently serving as a Branch Manager for a prominent Malawian business, he specializes in the marketing and production of beverages, showcasing his exceptional skills in the industry.
Having previously engaged in HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection awareness work, Mr. Msiska has collaborated with renowned partners such as USAID and Chibuku. These experiences have fostered his deep commitment to addressing crucial health issues within the community.
Mr. Msiska's character shines through his unwavering loyalty, honesty, and humility. Descending from a line of Chiefs, he is a passionate advocate for workplace equality, always striving to create an inclusive and empowering environment for all.
His diverse background and remarkable qualities make Mr. Msiska a valuable asset to our board of directors. We are privileged to have his insights and contributions as we work towards our mission of creating a positive impact through CARVE..
Owen Msiska
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Mr. Bheda brings a unique blend of business acumen and a deep commitment to education and inclusiveness to our esteemed board of directors. His extensive experience includes serving as Chairperson for Mount View Primary School and Central High School in Blantyre, where his initial mandate was to elevate the schools to international recognition. Under his guidance, these schools not only achieved that goal but have consistently ranked among the top 5 in academic excellence nationwide.
Mr. Bheda's dedication to inclusivity extends beyond gender equality, as he has played a pivotal role in increasing female enrollment from 3% to an impressive 52% in Form 5/6. Furthermore, he has spearheaded initiatives to improve enrollment for Indigenous Malawians, successfully raising it from 3% to 48%. His advocacy for inclusivity extends to special needs education, where he established a dedicated department to promote awareness, ensure safety, and provide tailored education for children with special needs and their parents.
Energetic, passionate, and driven, Mr. Bheda is a constant force within our board, relentlessly pursuing sustainability and genuine impact through CARVE Africa. He is motivated by a desire to transcend the confines of the aid industry mechanics, pushing us beyond the status quo. For Mr. Bheda, the pillars of impact, local leadership, and quality are essential in all our endeavors.
We are honored to have Mr. Bheda as a member of our board, and we eagerly anticipate the transformative contributions he will continue to make, ensuring CARVE Africa's enduring success.
Irfan Bheda
Imogen Feilding
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Imogen is an impassioned champion for quality education and inclusivity, dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring equal access to education in various countries including Malawi, Egypt, and the UK. With a postgraduate certificate in education from the UK, her expertise is particularly focused on primary school students.
During her tenure as Head Teacher and Lead Administrator at a school in Northern Malawi, Imogen played a pivotal role in ensuring that numerous vulnerable girls were able to remain in school. Her unwavering commitment to keeping girls within the educational system is unparalleled, and her efforts have had a profound impact on the lives of these young individuals.
Imogen's unrelenting drive to maintain the highest standards of quality education aligns perfectly with the values cherished by CARVE Africa. Her dedication to providing equitable opportunities for all students is at the core of our mission. Imogen's passion and unwavering pursuit of excellence make her an invaluable member of our board of directors, inspiring us to continually strive for educational empowerment and lasting impact.
Betti Nhlane
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Betti, a native of Mzuzu, Malawi, epitomizes the spirit of community mobilization, leadership, and passionate advocacy for menstrual health. She has been a driving force behind the establishment of CARVE Africa, serving as a cultural liaison and igniting the organization's mission. Betti's influential role within her community is characterized by her remarkable sense of humor, which transcends language and cultural barriers.
For the past five years, Betti has collaborated closely with the founder, Casey English, beginning with humble women's groups in her living room and progressing to comprehensive menstrual health and hygiene training sessions. Now, as a member of the board of directors, Betti ensures that community advocacy remains at the forefront of CARVE Africa's work, addressing the most fundamental needs and aspirations of the community.
Betti's unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and championing menstrual health makes her an invaluable asset to our board. Her deep-rooted connection to the community and wealth of experience continue to shape the organization's impact and drive. We are honored to have Betti's guidance and expertise as we work towards our shared vision of menstrual health empowerment in Malawi and beyond.
