Meet the People
Behind the Impact
From classrooms to communities, our team works directly with children, teachers, and families to deliver quality education where it’s needed most.
Min Shahi
Executive Director & Co-founder
Born in a remote village in Dailekh, Min brings over 30 years of experience in education to ECC Nepal. His journey began as a teacher in rural schools, where he saw firsthand the challenges children face in accessing quality education.
After earning his Master of Philosophy in Education, Min worked within the government sector but realized real change required a more direct, hands-on approach. He went on to spend 16 years with leading education nonprofits, including Mission to Nepal and Rato Bangala Foundation, deepening his commitment to improving rural education.
In 2014, Min co-founded ECC Nepal to bring meaningful change to his own community.
Today, he leads every aspect of the organization—from government coordination and program management to working directly in classrooms with students.
Janie Kaiser
Managing Director & Co-founder
Janie brings a global perspective and deep expertise in child development to ECC Nepal. She holds a degree in Child Development from Vanderbilt University and has extensive experience in both teaching and research.
Her journey with ECC began in 2014 when she came to Nepal to conduct research on rural education. Witnessing the gaps in teaching methods and classroom engagement, she was inspired to take action.
Together with Min, she co-founded ECC Nepal and helped launch the organization in 2017.
Janie is the creator of ECC’s signature Active Teaching and Learning Program (ATLP)—a hands-on training approach that helps teachers create more engaging, effective classrooms.
She works directly with teachers in rural schools, designing training programs, observing classrooms, and supporting educators as they adopt new teaching methods. In addition, she leads ECC’s communications, marketing, and outreach efforts.
Priyanka Shahi
Project Manager
Priyanka joined ECC Nepal in 2018 and has become a key part of the organization’s work on the ground. Originally from the project area in Dailekh, she brings both professional experience and a deep personal connection to the mission.
Before joining ECC, she worked as a teacher in Kathmandu and volunteered with an education-focused NGO, where she developed a strong passion for working with children.
Since joining the team, Priyanka has worked closely with Janie to master ECC’s active teaching approach. Today, she plays a leading role in delivering teacher training and supporting classroom implementation across partner schools.
Prabal Shahi
Admin & Finance Officer
Prabal Shahi grew up between a rural village and Kathmandu, giving him a strong understanding of both community life and urban systems. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus.
He joined ECC Nepal with a strong belief in the organization’s commitment to quality education and its mission to create a positive learning environment for students. Prabal is motivated by the opportunity to contribute his skills in administration and finance to support the effective day-to-day operations of the school.
In his role, Prabal manages administrative and financial systems, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. He also plays an active role in the daily functioning of Sapana Community School—monitoring activities, supporting teachers, and helping maintain a safe and well-organized environment for students.
Beyond his formal responsibilities, Prabal is deeply committed to the school and its community, taking full responsibility for the care and oversight of ECC and school facilities.
Barsha Shrestha
Assistant Education Officer
Barsha Shrestha joined ECC Nepal in 2024, bringing a strong foundation in social work and a genuine passion for working with children. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from St. Xavier’s College, Kathmandu.
During her studies, Barsha completed several internships in child-focused environments, where she gained hands-on experience and developed a deeper understanding of how children learn and grow. These experiences strengthened her connection to education and shaped her interest in working closely with young learners.
She was drawn to ECC Nepal for its practical, classroom-focused approach to improving education in rural communities. The opportunity to contribute to meaningful change—especially in areas where small improvements can have a lasting impact—motivated her to join the team.
In her role, Barsha works directly with teachers and students in the field, supporting classroom activities and contributing to the development of interactive teaching and learning materials. She is especially passionate about finding simple, effective ways to make learning more engaging and enjoyable for children.
Leigh Kaiser
Education Consultant & Community Outreach
Leigh has been part of ECC Nepal since its founding, supporting the organization through her background in elementary education. She graduated from the University of Mississippi and spent four years teaching in rural schools in the United States.
Her experience teaching in resource-limited classrooms gave her valuable insight into creative, practical teaching methods—many of which have contributed to ECC’s training programs.
In 2018, Leigh traveled to Nepal to work directly with the team, assisting with teacher training, classroom observations, and school support initiatives.
Now based in the United States, she continues to support ECC through program development, outreach, and advocacy.
Work With Us
We are always looking for passionate individuals and partners who want to contribute to improving education in Nepal.
If you are interested in working with ECC Nepal or visiting our project sites, we would love to hear from you.
Email us : [email protected]