OUR TEAM
is made up of experienced and dedicated humanitarian aid volunteers who have been brought together through our shared passion for social justice and dignity for all. We come from a diverse set of backgrounds and countries including Palestine, Spain, Ireland, USA, Scotland, Egypt and Canada.

  • Yolanda Barea

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Co-Founder of Renew Roots with extensive experience in business management and consulting. Active in humanitarian aid for refugees since 2015, and leader of various refugee support systems since 2022 including evacuation and housing support.

  • Fionnuala Hoffmann

    DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

    Co-Founder of Renew Roots with several years organizational and teaching experience esp. in parenting education and teacher training. Active in setting up humanitarian aid support systems for refugees since 2015.

  • Afnan Alrkhawi

    LEARNING CENTRE MANAGER

    Positive Discipline Parent Educator from Gaza. Holds a BA in English Language Education and a MA in Business Administration. Active in developing trauma informed community and family support.

  • Deborah Owen Sohocki

    LEAD EDUCATIONAL AND TRAUMA ADVISOR

    International educator, author, coach, and licensed psychotherapist specializing in Adlerian psychology, trauma, grief, loss and developing courageous and joyful resilience. 

  • Michelle Hamilton

    CREATIVE CONSULTANT

    Refugee rights worker, providing several years of support in solidarity with displaced communities. Founder of Solidarity Beyond Borders. Believes education is the foundation of health and well-being. 

  • Liz Lezius

    COMMUNICATIONS

    Marketing professional specializing in external communications. Active in humanitarian aid since 2023. 

  • Kareema Hussien

    SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

    Social media editor & seasoned aid worker with a wealth of on-the-ground experience fundraising & supporting critical field missions.

  • Dr. Nardeen Awadalla

    CONSULTANT PSYCHOLOGIST

    Clinical psychologist, guides clinicians in community-based work, emphasizing supportive environments and tools to empower communities, trusting they hold the knowledge to foster their own well-being.

  • Alyssa Rani

    OPERATIONS

    Clinical Scientist with 10+ years of experience in community organizing and co-chairing resource networks in STEM. Passionate about bridging science and social impact to drive inclusive, community-centered humanitarian and mutual aid initiatives.

  • Roaa Hany Shafik

    PUBLIC RELATIONS

    Holds a BA in Mass Communication. Extensive experience working in advertising, project management and school administration in both local and international organizations.