Staff

Family Home Staff

Hem Bahadur Rai

House Manager

Hem Bahadur Rai, affectionately called “Hem Papa” or “Hem Uncle” by the House Daughters, has been a guiding presence at House with Heart since 2006. Raised in rural Nepal, he built his life through determination, integrity, and a deep commitment to service, and holds a BA in business. Hem manages the organization’s accounting, security, and all building construction and maintenance projects. As House Manager, he oversees daily operations, staff, and facilities, and is often the first person the House Daughters turn to for guidance and support. During the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath, Hem coordinated emergency response efforts and helped ensure the safety and stability of the House, later leading reconstruction and expansion projects. Known for his calm leadership and practical wisdom, he brings both warmth and rigor to everything he does.

Samista Thapa

Children’s Supervisor

Samista Thapa joined House with Heart in 2012 and serves as the organization’s Childcare Supervisor, overseeing the daily care and well-being of the youngest House Daughters. Affectionately known throughout the House as “Auntie,” she lives in the residence full time and helps provide a stable family environment. Samista oversees household staff and guides the children through study time, meals, hygiene, and bedtime. With a background as an art teacher, she brings creativity and warmth to daily life, supporting each child’s growth through attentive, compassionate, and consistent care.

Dhana Maya Balami

Residential Supervisor

Dhana Maya Balami has served as Residential Supervisor at our family home in Kathmandu since 2024, where she lives on site and oversees the daily care, safety, and well-being of the adolescent girls and young women in our program. She brings more than a decade of experience working with children and vulnerable communities in Nepal. Dhana Maya previously worked as a Montessori kindergarten teacher and spent several years as a social mobilizer with Change Nepal, an NGO supporting survivors of human trafficking. She also served as a residential caregiver in a children’s home for eight years prior to joining House with Heart. Trained in early childhood development, life skills education, and community outreach, Dhana Maya holds a Bachelor of Education and is a government-certified middle school teacher.

Maya Lama

Childcare Provider

Maya Lama joined the House with Heart family as a young child in 2004 and became a member of the residential staff in 2024, serving as our live-in Childcare Provider. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and recently completed a certificate in project management in Canada. In her role, Maya supports the daily care and supervision of the House Daughters and assists with educational and household activities within the family residence. Her journey is a source of deep pride for House with Heart, demonstrating how long-term care and education can shape confident, capable leaders and caregivers.

Suresh Kumar K.C.

Legal Counsel

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Laxmi Sapkota

Head Gardener

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Bimala Poudel

Head Cook

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Parbati Shakya

Assistant Gardener

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Janaki “Miley” Magar

Assistant Cook

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Sajita Bogati

Childcare Provider, Children’s Learning Center Supervisor

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Isha Tajpuria

Assistant Childcare Provider

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Tej Bahadur Basnet

Night Guard

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Rajendra Tamang

Day Guard

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Anita Khadka

Housekeeper

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Skillful Hands Program Staff

Dev Kala Bishwokarma

Sewing Training Program Manager, Felting Program Supervisor

Dev Kala Bishwokarma leads House with Heart’s Skillful Hands program as Sewing Training Program Manager and Felting Program Supervisor. She teaches intensive, hands-on sewing courses for women in the Kathmandu community and oversees production in the organization’s felting program, whose handmade goods help support House with Heart’s operations. Dev Kala first came to House with Heart to enroll in its sewing training program while raising her young son as a single mother. Today, she is widely respected in the community for training women who go on to build successful careers in tailoring and open their own shops.

Shubhadra Karki

Felting Program Artisan

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Krishna Kumari Mijar

Felting Program Artisan

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Bimala Devi Niraula

Felting Program Artisan

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Education & Enrichment Staff

Dammer Bdr. Bista

Rise Above Program Manager, Lead Teacher

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Sataman B.K.

House Daughters Tutor

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Manisha Tamang

Rise Above Program Teacher

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Sanju Maharjan

House Daughters Karate Teacher

Sanju Maharjan is a senior Kyokushin Karate instructor and a respected leader in Nepal’s martial arts community. She holds an advanced Dan rank and serves as Branch Chief and Chairperson of the Pako-KWA Nepal Kyokushin Karate Association, the national affiliate of the Kyokushin World Alliance. With experience training students of all ages, she is known for her emphasis on discipline, strength, and personal development. At House with Heart, Sanju teaches karate to the House Daughters twice each week, helping them build confidence, resilience, and focus through structured martial arts training.

Misha Maharjan

House Daughters Dance Teacher

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