Who We Are

Phil Crean (Co-Founder)

Born and raised on a small sheep farm in New Zealand, Phil has lived in Seattle since 1990. Phil is co-president of a seafood company and is actively involved in a range of organizations in Seattle.

Cora Edmonds (Co-Founder)

Born in Hong Kong and raised in North America, Cora is the founder and director of ArtXchange Gallery, an international contemporary art gallery in Seattle. Cora's research of indigenous cultures and passion for photography have kept her traveling extensively, documenting many minority cultures through the lens of her camera.

Chimey Sherpa (Country Representative)

The first employee of NCF, Chimey was born in Nepal and brought up in Darjeeling, India. He has spent the last 20 years involved in social work, trekking and guiding in the Himalaya region. He also holds the office of President for Project Himalaya and works as a representative for Rose Foundation. Chimey is the General Manager of NCF Nepal operations.

Suresh Bohora (Project Manager)
Suresh Bohara serves as the NCF representative living in Thehe village. Suresh completed his degree in sociology in Kathmandu and is returning to his home village to support the development of his community.

Sandy Clark (Director)

As soon as Sandy finished college at Seattle University, she hit the road. Her first international trip was a solo cycling adventure through New Zealand, which only motivated her to continue traveling the world.  With a young daughter as well as her husband (Chris Shaw), she trekked through remote villages in the Himalayas, developing a special love for the people and culture of Nepal that remains with her today. Currently back in Seattle, Sandy works as the Director of Foundations at Landesa, an international NGO which secures land rights for the rural poor.

Volunteer Support Staff

Special thank you to our volunteer staff who assist with Seattle-based operations: Lauren Davis, Mugoux Varra, Islanda Naughton, and Megan and Tad Williams.