MEET OUR PEOPLE
Diverse, Dedicated, and Driven — Our teams spans across East Africa, Australia and The Pacific, uniting passionate and skilled leaders who bring unique perspectives and expertise to drive our mission forward.
UGANDA
Aminah Nanyondo
Programs Manager - Uganda
Aminah is our Programs Manager for Uganda. She holds a degree in Biological Sciences from Makerere University and has experience in medical and pharmaceutical marketing to bridge the gap in healthcare. Aminah works in driving organisational growth through business relationships, strategic partnerships and project management. She believes that integrated health solutions are essential to advancing health.
Hilda Bugingo
Oxygen Engineer - Uganda
Hilda, an oxygen engineer at FREO2 Uganda, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering from Makerere University. With substantial experience in servicing oxygen systems in Eastern Uganda, she collaborated with international students on medical equipment maintenance projects with Engineering World Health Organization. Hilda's background includes volunteering at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital and serving as a teaching assistant at St Francis School of Health Sciences. Passionate about research, design, and innovation, she strives to enhance healthcare systems in low-and-middle-income countries.
Frank Kiwanuka
Technician - Uganda
Frank is a Technician at FREO2 Uganda. He holds a diploma in Civil Engineering and an Advanced Certificate of Plumbing. Frank has over 5 years’ experience in hospital plumbing systems, designing and fixing pipework for water and oxygen systems, plumbing installations and concrete practice.
Patrick Semata
Technician - Uganda
Patrick’s is a Technician at FREO2 Uganda. His 20-year experience in hospital electrical works and maintenance of medical devices is unmatched. Patrick holds a certificate in Electrical Installation and has over the years gained expertise in electrical works and maintenance of medical equipment. He is a Commonwealth Professional Fellow and has completed trainings in various medical device technologies globally.
Anitah Niwensiima
Intern - Uganda
Anitah is a Graduate Intern at FREO2 Uganda. She gained experience in South Western Uganda servicing and maintaining medical equipment after completing her bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering at Mbarara University of Science & Technology. Anitah strives to improve health outcomes in low-resource communities through innovation and technology.
Prossy Nakayiba
Finance Manager (Babies and Mothers Alive)
Prossy is employed by our implementation partner Babies and Mothers Alive (BAMA) in Uganda. Handling accounting and HR responsibilities with precision and dedication, Prossy ensures seamless financial management to facilitate the delivery of life-saving oxygen.
TANZANIA
George Massay
Country Manager - Tanzania
Brother George, FREO2's Tanzania Country Manager, is a member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers of the Africa Province. He initiated FREO2's introduction to the Mbulu District, addressing the unmet need for oxygen treatment in his rural village. George, in collaboration with the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, coordinates the FREO2 Tanzania team. George has vast experiences in leadership and management, having served his Congregation in various positions of responsibility. His vision is to empower young entrepreneurs to establish sustainable oxygen businesses, catering to the healthcare needs of rural Tanzanians.
Msira Mageni
Programs Manager - Tanzania
Msira, FREO2's Tanzania Programs Manager, brings over 7 years of project management experience in the professional and public health sectors. With a Master's degree in Project Management from The Open University of Tanzania, he has successfully managed projects funded by USAID, UKAID, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, DFID, Comic Relief, Bayer, and Acacia Mining PLC. Msira's expertise spans health programs in HIV/AIDS, family planning, gender-based violence, and sexual reproductive health and rights, reflecting his passion for contributing to improved health outcomes in Tanzania.
Dr Josephat Anney
Clinical Training Lead - Tanzania
Dr Josephat, the Mbulu district's Traditional Health Services Coordinator, contributes to FREO2’s Clinical Training Programs in Tanzania. Trained at Tanga and the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, he began as a rural Medical Officer, later advancing his qualifications. Since 2016, Dr. Josephat has played a key role in supporting FREO2, designing clinical training programs that integrate pulse oximetry into hypoxia diagnosis.
Dr Chrispin Gaare
Clinical Lead - Tanzania
Dr Chrispin, a General Practitioner, contributes to FREO2's Clinical Training Programs in Tanzania. With a Bachelor's Degree in Medicine from St. Francis University of Health and Allied Science-Ifakara Tanzania, he currently works at Bashnet Hospital in Babati District-Manyara. Dr. Chrispin is dedicated to advancing FREO2's mission by ensuring local healthcare workers receive comprehensive training in oxygen therapy and respiratory condition management for infants and children. In 2022 alone, he has trained over 80 healthcare workers, emphasising the importance of community care for the well-being of our future generations.
Petro (Babu) Msuya
Senior Technician - Tanzania
Petro, or “Babu”, is a Senior Technician helping to coordinate the maintenance for Tanzania installations. He is a qualified Electrician, and oversees the site installations. Babu’s ingenious skills are such that he is asked to advise the local hospitals on equipment and infrastructure. He is renowned for being an “improviser”, a very important skill when spare parts are not always available. Together Babu and Damiano provide regular monitoring and maintenance of the FREO2 systems in Bashanet and Dongobesh.
Damiano Massay
Senior Technician - Tanzania
Damiano is a Senior Technician at FREO2 Tanzania. He is affectionately known as the FREO2 “Fundi”, which is a term for a wise, skilled technical person. He is our local oxygen technician, responsible for all of the piping and mechanical installations. In Dongobesh, where he is based, Damiano can leverage his extensive network on contacts and solve any problems that the Tanzania team many encounter.
Anatoli Umbu
Senior Technician - Tanzania
Anatoli is a Senior Technician at FREO2, working in installation and maintenance of FREO2 technology in remote health centres in Tanzania.
He received his Electrical Technician certificate at Mbulu Vocation Training College in 2013 and specialises in solar energy installation and support. Anatoli gained experience as a technician and salesperson at a local solar company that promotes solar energy in rural Tanzania.
Alex John
Field Supervisor / Technician - Tanzania
Alex joined FREO2 Tanzania in 2021 as a Field Supervisor and has proceeded to train as a Technician, serving both positions. He trained as a Secondary School Teacher with Mkwawa University College of Education and later studied Computer Science. Alex followed his passion in wildlife conservation where he worked as a ranger and graduated with a Technician certificate from Pasiansi Wildlife Training Institute in Mwanza, Tanzania.
Alex is passionate about improving oxygen access, as he credits medical oxygen therapy to saving his mother’s life, who was at the time suffering with a chronic heart condition.
Sister Basilisa Panga
Clinical Lead - Tanzania
Affectionately known as Sr. Panga, Sister Basilisa Panga is the heartbeat of FREO2's Clinical Training team. Since joining in September 2021, Sr. Panga has channeled her passion for healthcare and education into building capacity and providing vital training on hypoxemia and oxygen therapy. Her unwavering dedication to ensuring access to essential medical care for every child is evident in her tireless efforts to empower healthcare workers and alleviate suffering.
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Dr Divi Ogaoga
Country Manager - Solomon Islands
Divi is FREO2 Country Manager in Solomon Islands and Pacific Region and a local paediatrician in the Solomon Islands. He has vast experience in public health and clinical care. Divi has previous hospital work experience in Papua New Guinea, Australia and Solomon Island Hospitals. Divi was Provincial Health Director and Director of Maternal and Child Health in the Solomon Islands for many years. His undergraduate and paediatric training was at the University of Papua New Guinea and he gained his Masters in Public Health and Tropical Medicine from the James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.
John Donga
Technician - Solomon Islands
John embarked on his career in healthcare with nursing training at Helena Goldie Hospital, Munda, and later transitioned into the role of a technician. John seamlessly integrated with the FREO2 team, clinical staff, and technical professionals in the healthcare facilities. John played a pivotal role in installing the pilot site systems and continues to provide essential maintenance and support. With our unwavering confidence in his capabilities, we believe John will excel in overseeing future installations under the guidance of our Australian team.
GLOBAL
Máire Ruane
CEO
Máire Ruane, the new CEO of FREO2, is an experienced leader in entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategy. Committed to preserving FREO2's legacy, her personal encounter with hypoxia's devastating effects fuels her dedication to FREO2’s mission. As an energetic entrepreneur, Máire excels in delivering complex change and addressing global injustices in the not-for-profit sector. Her expertise in design thinking and portfolio management offers a fresh perspective to purpose-driven organisations. A fervent advocate for global health, especially children's health, Máire believes in uniting courageous leaders to tackle audacious goals.
Dr David Peake
Co-founder & Director
David is Co-founder and Director at FREO2. Dr Peake completed his PhD in Accelerator Physics in conjunction with the Australian Synchrotron in 2012, and shortly afterwards began his work at DETECT Australia, a high-tech startup providing specialised instrumentation for industry and research institutions. He is currently a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, leading the FREO2 SOLAR project.
Caroline Wairimu
Storyteller, Administrative Assistant & Advocacy Lead
Caroline is a FREO2 Storyteller, Administrative Assistant and Advocacy Lead for FREO2. As a FREO2 Storyteller, Caroline is dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals from remote villages in accessing life-saving oxygen. Motivated by her personal experience of losing her niece due to oxygen scarcity, Caroline passionately advocates for equal access to oxygen therapy. Residing in Kibera, Nairobi, she brings firsthand knowledge of poverty and limited access to essential services, inspiring her to share stories that shed light on the struggles faced by many in remote areas due to distance and resource constraints.
Nico Snellen
Solomon Islands and Special Projects Manager
With almost four years of dedicated service at FREO2, Nico Snellen has traversed various roles, demonstrating expertise from marketing communications to project management. Currently spearheading the Pacific Islands Program, Nico is fuelled by a passion for sustainable global health solutions and community-led initiatives. Armed with a degree in Professional Communications, PR, and Advertising from RMIT and pursuing a Master of Global Health, Nico brings a blend of skills and experience to drive impactful change.
Peter Casamento
Photographer
Peter is a photographer and volunteer at FREO2, with a passion for raising awareness of social justice issues. Through visual storytelling he aims to connect people and bring about positive change to build healthier, stronger communities.
Kate Holland
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kate, FREO2’s Marketing and Communications Manager, is dedicated to elevating the brand and implementing impactful marketing strategies through effective communication, graphic design, and compelling reporting. Her passion lies in aligning FREO2's marketing initiatives with organisational goals, and she excels in enhancing the visual identity and messaging consistency of FREO2.
Having resided in Arusha, Tanzania for the past six years, Kate brings a wealth of experience from the non-profit sector, previously working with Partners for Equity and The School of St Jude.
Bronwyn du Preez
Strategic Operations Lead
Bron is the quintessential problem solver and operations maestro at FREO2. With a wealth of experience in business architecture and process optimisation, Bron is driven by a relentless pursuit of understanding the bigger picture and translating it into actionable strategies. With a focus on delivering oxygen services to communities in need, Bron harnesses her expertise to ensure tangible results that positively impact patients and their families.
Imelda Wanja
East Africa Lead
Imelda brings extensive expertise in fundraising, resource mobilisation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable finance in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She excels in impact finance, private finance, investment banking, grant-making, philanthropy, and innovation.
As the East Africa Lead, Imelda oversees regional operations, driving the organisation's mission and identifying growth opportunities. Imelda's versatile skills, from healthcare investment planning to international banking and health-tech, position her to significantly impact FREO2's future in the region.
WANT TO WORK WITH US?
We are always on the lookout for talented and passionate individuals to join our cause.
We also work with a variety of students and interns.
Please email contact@freo2.org with your CV if you are interested.