Staff & Co-founders at our Regional Office

Our Team: Dedicated to Improving Learning, Health, & Wellbeing Outcomes

Board of Directors

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Terry Hillaby

Chair

  • Terry has a connection and deep respect for the people of Ethiopia. He was on the Board of Partners In The Horn of Africa, an NGO that did numerous water, education, and other projects in Ethiopia, for over five years. Terry worked directly with staff in both Canada and Ethiopia and brought a solid business perspective to the Board.

    Terry also brings the advantage of understanding working in Ethiopia from a donor’s perspective. He led EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd (EBA) aid work in Ethiopia and he was able to visit some of the projects there in 2010. Through Terry’s leadership, EBA and their 700 employees became Partners with the people of Ethiopia over a 10 year period. During that time, 12 EBA employees travelled to Ethiopia to visit the projects supported by the firm and the employees. EBA’s work in Ethiopia changed the employees’ perspective and brought the company together as a team with a deeper understanding of global responsibility and caring. Terry feels that it was the single most important activity that aligned the firm with its core values.

    Terry’s favorite song with a message … Tim McGraw’s “Live Life Like You Were Dying”…words to live by!

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Natalka Breckenridge

Director

  • Natalka began her entrepreneurial business career in 1979 as Founder and President of Athena Interiors Inc, later rebranded as Canadian Cubicle Curtain Corporation. This sub-contracting Window Covering business flourished on a commercial, industrial and institutional basis with numerous different projects across Canada.

    Natalka was born in Northern Alberta to a farming family, attended N.A.I.T (Business Administration) followed by a B.Sc.(P.HEc) from the University of Alberta She also holds the U of A Extension Certificate in Project Management.

    Natalka has held numerous volunteer board positions in the past.

    We are happy that she can integrate her varied broad sweeping set of past experiences into the development of a school empire with limited resources, allowing youngsters a glimmer of opportunities.five years. Terry worked directly with staff in both Canada and Ethiopia and brought a solid business perspective to the Board.

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Gina Cosco

Secretary-Treasurer, CFO

  • Gina has been involved in charitable organizations for many years, including the Yukon Child Development Centre, A Safe Place Women’s Shelter, and most recently as volunteer CFO of a Canadian organization doing development work in Ethiopia. The latter entailed numerous trips to Ethiopia, which have provided invaluable experience not only of life, needs, and challenges in the country, but also in terms of accounting and accountability issues that arise in organizations working out-of-country.

    Gina worked in public practice as a Chartered Accountant in the Yukon, Canada for a number of years before moving to Edmonton and pursuing her PhD in Business. Her thesis was on accountability and governance in First Nations in Canada. She taught in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta for thirteen years, ending her teaching career with a final stint in the Faculty of Business.

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Norma McElhone

Director

  • Norma has over 20 years of fundraising experience, and is known for her unique ability to understand donor needs and create value-based solutions. As a professional fundraiser and consultant with a passion for storytelling and connecting individuals and organizations to support and further common goals, Norma has had been a part of many noteworthy capital campaigns for a variety of organizations in health, education and social services.

    Norma has led and advised many teams of fundraisers, volunteers and boards throughout Alberta. She enjoys mentoring young professionals in fundraising and helping nonprofit organizations to develop long-term sustainable revenue for their charitable missions.

Staff in Ethiopia

David Cosco

Director

  • David is the inspiration behind, and the co-founder of, Partners in Education Ethiopia. He has been associated with NGOs all of his adult life. He was a founding Director and Treasurer for twelve years of another organization doing development work in Ethiopia before turning his attention to Partners in Education Ethiopia.

    David was a criminal lawyer in the Yukon, Canada for eleven years, after which he turned to lead several very successful businesses. During that time, he was nominated for a Philanthropist of the Year award in Edmonton, Alberta for his work in Ethiopia and for garnering record support for the Run for Mom Breast Cancer Fundraiser.

    Dav has visited Ethiopia over 20 times and continues to be passionate about Ethiopians and about improving the quality of life for them through education.

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Grant Simpson

Director

  • Grant is a CMA who brings many years of experience in both business and non-profit organizations in Alberta. He is presently CFO of Alta-Fab Structures Ltd, and has a particular interest in Special Needs children.

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Yehalem Abebe

Executive Director

  • Yehalem has 20 years of experience working with development organizations. Before joining Partners in Education Ethiopia, he served as Country Representative for 7 years for another Canadian charitable organization engaged in community development work in Ethiopia. In this role, Yehalem was integrally involved in organizing and overseeing local projects and operations.

    During these years of engagement in rural areas of Ethiopia Yehalem has earned enormous respect among the people, particularly government officials and contractors. These relationships, as well as information regarding the needs and possibilities in various areas of Ethiopia, provide Partners in Education Ethiopia with an excellent resource for selecting projects and for ensuring their successful completion.

    Yehalem holds a Bachelor’s degree in history from Addis Ababa University, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria, Canada. His Master's thesis focused on tools for selecting projects, monitoring project progress, and measuring results in small-scale development programs. During his graduate studies in Canada, Yehalem also worked as Policy Analyst with the BC Medical Services Commission, and as HIV/AIDS Evaluation Consultant with the BC Ministry of Health.

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Marnat Adugna

Health Program Lead

  • Marnat has ten years of experience in the field of health, beginning as a health extension worker at the grassroots level. She went on to serve communities working for various local and international non-governmental organizations in different capacities. Through those years of service, she has won several Best Employee Awards. Marnat is particularly known for her diligence and hard work in remote areas where even basic services are hard to come by.

    Marnat holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and is a former nursing professional from Bahir Dar University. As a professional keen on personal career development, Marnat is pursuing her studies for a master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition, which she hopes to complete shortly.

    Marnat joined Partners as a Senior Project Officer in November 2019.

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Zenegnaw Adimtew

Information Management Expert

  • Zenegnaw's joined Partners in Education Ethiopia in May 2021 and currently serves as our IT Management Expert. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from ALKAN Health Science Business and Technology College. Prior to joining Partners, Zenegnaw accumulated over 5 years of work experience, including 3 years as a Clerk on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Project and as a Registrar Officer at GAMBY Medical and Business College.

    Zenegnaw plays a central role in supporting our School Health Program by developing data collection tools for the Door-to-Door survey program, conducting data analysis, and providing technical assistance to community health workers and Health Extension Workers. Additionally, in our Education Program, he creates data collection and assessment tools for both teachers and students. His expertise in computer hardware and software maintenance is also invaluable, as he has helped furnish the school lab by installing networks and computers and provides day-to-day technical support to staff when needed.

Bruck Tesfaye

Assistant to the Executive Director

  • Bruck joined the Partners team in late 2023, assuming the role of Assistant to the Executive Director. In this capacity, he supports the Partners Team overseeing a broad range of responsibilities, including social media management, data analysis, and technical support.

    Bruck holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Unity University, providing him with a strong analytical foundation and a strategic approach to problem-solving.

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Madeleine Cosco

Digital Marketing Consultant

  • Maddie is responsible for managing the Partners in Education website, as well as digital marketing and communications activities for the organization. She helps to ensure the work taking place on the ground in Ethiopia is communicated to donors and stakeholders in Canada through digital channels.

    Maddie has many years experience working in digital project management, content marketing and social media management in Ireland, the UK and Canada. She has a BA in English Literature and Culture, and an MA in International Communications, and is particularly interested in the areas of intercultural communications, environmental sustainability, and international development.

    Maddie is currently Head of Delivery at the content marketing firm Quietly.

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Fredi Merhatsidk

Director of Programs

  • Fredi Merhatsidk Mekonnen is a program management expert with over 15 years of experience leading donor-funded education and youth initiatives in Ethiopia. At USAID/Ethiopia, he managed high-impact programs focused on education in emergencies, youth development, and system resilience. Prior to that, Fredi held senior roles with Save the Children, FHI 360, the Academy for Educational Development (AED), and the local NGO PRO PRIDE, where he led USAID-funded education programs. He also served as a lecturer in both public and private higher education institutions in Ethiopia. 

    Fredi brings deep expertise in curriculum development, teacher training, and education program design, with a strong track record in stakeholder coordination, donor engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. His work has helped shape national education policy and programming in crisis and post-conflict settings, particularly through partnerships with the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, UNICEF, GPE, ECW, and the LEGO Foundation. 

    He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Bahir Dar University, a master’s degree in international Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid from KALU Institute in Spain, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Alpha University College, and a Higher Diploma in Education from Dilla University. He has also completed numerous international training certifications in project management and education. 

    As Director of Programs at Partners in Education Ethiopia, Fredi is committed to working collaboratively with the team to strengthen program quality, scale impact, and advance inclusive, resilient education systems. Consistent with Partners’ mission, his ambition is to help ensure that all children, especially the most vulnerable, have access to high-quality, equitable learning opportunities that empower them to thrive. 

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Mamush Gebresilassie

Physical Facilities Development Lead

  • Mamush Gebresilassie is a civil engineer with 10 years of experience in building design and construction management. Having managed large, complex projects at the Physical Project Office of Bahir Dar University, he joined Partners in February 2022 as a Construction Facility Leader. In this role, he has successfully overseen the design, bidding, construction management, supervision, and payment approvals for various school building projects, including furniture and water station installations.

    Mamush holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Adama Science and Technology University and a master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Bahir Dar University.

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Eyuel Amare

Behavioural Change Communication Leader

  • Eyuel Amare is a dedicated health professional with over six years of experience in both governmental and international NGOs. He earned his BSc and MSc from the University of Gondar, graduating at the top of his class. Eyuel has successfully led initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes in both developmental and emergency situations. Since 2022, he has held the position of Behavioral Change and Communication Coordinator and Team Leader at Partners, where he is recognized for his strong communication abilities and leadership in WASH initiatives within schools

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Temesgen Getasew

Jr Education Officer

  • Temesgen completed his undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Language and Literature from Debere Markos University in 2013. He started working as a primary school teacher in Sodo district of the Guraghé Zone in the South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region. During the five years of his tenure in the school he served as department head and chair or member of several school committees and clubs. He was then transferred to the Amhara Region where he worked as a primary school principal in Shebel Berenta district of East Gojjam Zone.

    He hopes to complete his post graduate program at the Kotebe Metropolitan University for a master’s degree in Language and Literature in the near future.

    Temesgen joined Partners as a Junior Education Officer in October of 2019.

Theodore Cosco

Research consultant

  • Teddy is a well published epidemiologist and public health researcher, currently an associate professor with a joint appointment in the Departments of Gerontology and Public Policy at Simon Fraser University.

    In addition to his experience in population-level research, Teddy has hands-on experience in field research in Guyana. His unique research skillset is very useful in designing and evaluating measurement outcomes, providing robust means of project assessment, and identifying potential areas of improvement.

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Abiyot Ashenafi

Regional Manager

  • Abiyot obtained a master’s degree from Bahir Dar University in Educational Psychology, a bachelor’s degree in Educational Planning and Management from Addis Ababa University, Diploma in Mathematics from Gondar College of Teacher Education and has attended several short-term courses including Mother-Tongue Language Material Development. He has amassed a rich and varied experience working for over 15 years in the public sector in various capacities such teacher, high school principal , zonal education department supervisor, and academic dean of a teacher education college. He also worked in the non-profit sector as a teacher capacity development officer and project team leader prior to joining Partners.

    Abiyot’s intimate knowledge of the Amhara Region, the Ethiopian government’s educational policies, programs and strategies, different educational interventions of NGOs, as well as his hands-on experience, have enabled him to know well the opportunities and challenges presented in ensuring access, quality and success for Ethiopian children. Abiyot is our senior education expert, based in Bahir Dar.

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Bahiru Mehiret

Senior Finance & Admin Officer

  • Bahiru Mehiret Hailu holds a Bachelor Degree (BA) in Accounting and Finance from Bahir Dar University. For 10 years prior to joining Partners, he worked in various international non-profit organizations in the capacity of Accountant, regional finance and administration officer and coordinator. Based in Bahir Dar, Bahiru performs a broad range of accounting duties, as well as using his wealth of experience in the areas of project budget proposals and monitoring.

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Meseret Cherie

Behavioral Change Coordinator

  • Meseret holds an MA in Gender and Development Studies from Bahir Dar University and a BSc in Applied Biology from Addis Ababa University. With nearly a decade of experience, she has developed expertise in gender mainstreaming, rural development, and community-based initiatives, including WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) in schools and communities. Meseret has worked with various organizations such as the education department (as a biology teacher), Oxfam GB (in Livelihood projects), and CVM, an Italian international organization (in WASH programme). Her roles with Partners have centered on teaching, gender facilitation, women’s economic empowerment, and behavior change in WASH programs, in both Benishangul and Amhara regions.

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Meazaw Desalegn

Jr Education Officer

Volunteer Consultants

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Getnet Tadele

Research and Resource Mobilization Adviser

  • Getnet is a professor at the Department of Sociology, Addis Ababa University and Honorary Professor at Jimma University, Ethiopia. He has been working on the interface of sociology/anthropology and health for over two decades with particular focus on sexuality, HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights, podoconiosis and other NTDs, enhancing gene*environment interactions, among other things. He has numerous publications and has received numerous prestigious academic grants and fellowships.

    For more than two decades, Getnet has been intensively engaged in community or consultancy services for various government organizations, multilateral and bilateral organizations, local and international NGOs based in Ethiopia, and foreign universities and organizations. In addition to contributing to the production of knowledge on uncharted territories, many of his academic and consultancy research projects contributed to improved policy and practice.

    Cognizant of the difference education has made in his life, Getnet has been working tirelessly and passionately with like minded individuals and organizations to enable children from low income families to have access to good quality education close to home by identifying and addressing the multiple in and out of school barriers children face. It was this commitment to giving back to the community that has enabled Partners to work with Getnet for several years and to benefit from his rich experience and expertise at no cost.

Arebu Ahmed

Jr Project Officer

  • Arebu Ahmed is a dedicated educator and emerging leader in Ethiopia’s primary education sector.

    He holds a diploma in Language and Literature from Woldia College of Teachers Education and graduated with great distinction from Wollo University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature. He has taught English and held key leadership roles across various primary schools in Albuko Woreda, South Wollo Zone.

    Arebu has also completed specialized training in Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA), Classroom Continuous Assessment, School-Level Continuous Professional Development, School Leadership Capacity Building, and School Trachoma Awareness.

    Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in teaching English as a Foreign Language at Wollo University.

    Arebu is a Junior Education Officer for Partners, seconded by the Albuko Woreda and based at Jema Negus Primary School. In this role, he co-ordinates the implementation of Partners’ holistic education model, supports teachers and school leaders, and works to introduce our successful practices across neighboring schools.

    Arebu Ahmed not only brings classroom and leadership experience, but also a deep commitment to educational equity. He is a vital team member in our pursuit for quality, inclusive education for all.

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