Alumni
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Chad Walsh
While specializing in information technology, and computer systems analysis, Chad also has extensive experience in sustainable construction on Nantucket Island. In addition to running his own construction business, Chad has worked in the Green Building industry in San Francisco. He has spent time hiking in India, South America, and Europe with focus on travel writing and photo-journalism. In 2009, he hiked the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail over a period of seven months.
Aaron Sangster
With an extensive background in disaster relief work, Aaron’s contributions integrate all he has learned in his previous deployments to help build a strong base of operations. The major factors in his decision to join GRU were the core concepts of community mobilization and the often overlooked element of supporting other aid organizations helping them operate most efficiently. In 2005 after the Thailand Tsunami he led crews in the reconstruction of fishing villages and helped rebuild 108 long-tail boats lost in the disaster. His work in Haiti began in 2008 post hurricane Gustav where he led crews clearing mud-filled homes, and built/reinforced over 100 wells. In post 2009 earthquake Indonesia he led crews in deconstruction, and managed construction of transitional shelter systems.
Karl Cook
In Janury 2011, Karl joined GRU as projects coordinator. Karl oversees both local and international volunteers as they work to improve the GRU resource center and work on external projects. Karl is also the GRU videographer, filming and producing informational and fundraising videos for GRU. Karl has a BS in Forestry, and works as a wildland firefighter for the US Forest Service.
Corinne Poulsen
Corinne Poulsen was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and has traveled worldwide. She earned a B.A. at The University of California, Berkeley in Peace and Conflict Studies. Corinne worked in Human Resources and Accounting in Silicon Valley for 7 years before coming to Haiti in March, 2010 where she went to work in field hospitals. She joined GrassRoots United as the Medical Program Coordinator in August.
Brenda Zimmerman
Bringing a mix of business, accounting, human resources and marketing skills, Brenda ensures that GRU operations run smoothly. Prior to joining the team, she managed a real estate and construction company in Lake Tahoe. Brenda has volunteered with Tahoe Women’s Services, the North Tahoe Public Utility District and the North Tahoe Business Association on various community fundraisers ranging from beach clean ups to outdoor education scholarships for area children. She brings a love of the outdoors, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Sierra Nevada College, with a degree in Business Management.
Nishan Padayachee
Nishan has coordinated and overseen disaster relief projects in Thailand, Peru, Samoa, and Indonesia. In Thailand, he supervised reconstructed of two fishing villages devastated by the Asian Tsunami. He volunteered in post-earthquake Pisco Peru as a Project Coordinator with Hands on Disaster Response (HODR) clearing fallen buildings. He then led the oversight of constructed schools for UNICEF in Ica, Peru. Working with Burners without Borders, he built schools and coordinated a group of 115 volunteers. Neesh provided vital logistical and project development work on the ground in Haiti during the launch of GrassRoots United.
