Braden Betts
Khamla Sibounheuang
Having grown up in Kuwait, Thailand, and Singapore, Braden brings over 20 years of international experience and a deep knowledge of Southeast Asia to our team. Braden lives year-round in the region and currently oversees operation in both Laos and Myanmar. In his free time you’ll find him scouring the globe for waves, thrills, and spicy street food.
Khamla has managed our Laos operations for nine years. Originally from the Xayaboury province, he received a degree in economics from Souphanuvong University in Luang Prabang, where he now lives with his wife and young daughter. He has also been instrumental in the expansion of our Luang Prabang base house on the Mekong River.
Davanh ‘Paradon’ Simphouvanh
Gaia Bonini
Born in Nam Ma village in the northern province of Bokeo, Laos, Paradon studied business and law at Manivanh College in Luang Prabang. There he learned English which he applies as a tutor for other members of the Laos staff. He lives in Luang Prabang with his wife and two sons. Paradon is also a skilled soccer player and show-stopping karaoke singer.
After receiving a degree in journalism from the University of Florida, Gaia moved out of the newsroom and onto the Mongolian steppe. Previously, she managed our elephant conservation programs in Asia. Gaia has worked in eleven of the countries in which Rustic Pathways operates and has enjoyed sharing her love of travel with students since 2011.
Chaima Ait Al Mekki
Chit Oo
Born and raised in Marrakech, Chaima has been with Rustic since our first year in Morocco. Fluent in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish and with a degree in actuarial finance, Chaima uses her knowledge of business, languages, and culture to manage stellar programs. She is a strong believer in cross-cultural discussions to better understand one another.
Hailing from Kengtung in eastern Shan State, Chit Oo is an integral member of Rustic’s Myanmar team. With a degree in geography from Kengtung University, he enjoys sharing his Shan culture and stories of colorful hill tribe people with our students. Chit Oo has mastered English, Burmese, and Thai and loves practicing his photography while on programs.
Myint Zaw
Kelly Moynihan
Myint Zaw comes from a small village near U Bein Bridge in Amarapura. After years of working with foreign tourists, he is fluent in English and French in addition to his native Burmese. His extensive knowledge of history and sense of humor make him a valued part of our team. Myint Zaw enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.
Nine years of program leader experience, fluency in Spanish, and commitment to community service make Kelly a natural to direct our Peru operations. She previously worked in Costa Rica with indigenous communities and turtle conservation efforts. Originally from New Jersey, she earned a degree in journalism from American University in Washington, D.C.
Alex Ball
Aaron Alvarez
Fluent in Spanish and a graduate of Brandeis University with a degree in international relations, Alex has led programs in Costa Rica and Peru for ten years. He is the founder of a nonprofit educational dormitory that provides school access for Peruvian girls from indigenous communities. Alex’s commitment ensures that our service projects constantly improve and grow.
Our resident cusqueño, Aaron graduated from San An tonio Abad University with a degree in tourism. Aaron began working with Rustic in 2012 and brings his willingness to help and strong work ethic to the team. After a long day in the office, you can find Aaron at a live music show, futból match with friends, and with his wife Carolina and their son Joaquin.
Patrick Ziemnik
Cecelela Tomi
Patrick began his career as a Harvard student, managing the University’s First-Year Outdoor Program. After a stint as an AmeriCorps volunteer, he brings his strong leadership skills and previous Rustic experience to our operations in Tanzania. His dedication to community partnerships and meaningful student experiences continue to shine in our Tanzania operations.
Cecelela was awarded scholarships to study Kiswahili in Zanzibar and Arusha while at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon graduating, she mentored innercity youth in Washington D.C. through AmeriCorps. Her Swahili fluency, Tanzanian heritage, and passion for empowering young people make her a perfect fit as our community impact manager in Tanzania.
Pattiya Taedaengpetch
Bryan Haggerty
Pat has bought his vast knowledge of Buddhism, sense of humor, and love of adventure to our Southeast Asia team for nearly 20 years. An experienced computer engineer, photographer, former monk, and licensed tour guide, Pat is a true Rustic Pathways all-star and one of our most beloved global directors. He is responsible for operations throughout all of Southeast Asia.
Bryan studied philosophy at Saint Michael’s College before moving to Southeast Asia, where he has worked for over a decade. He taught at Chiang Mai University for several years while advocating for local ethnic minority groups. Bryan speaks fluent Thai and Lao and has managed our Thailand operations since 2008. Bryan splits his time between Vermont and Chiang Mai.
Laos and Myanmar Country Director
Laos Country Manager
Laos Country Manager
Morocco Country Director
Myanmar Country Manager
Myanmar Country Manager
Peru Country Director
Peru Country Manager
Peru Country Manager
Tanzania Country Director
Tanzania Community Impact and Program Manager
Southeast Asia Regional Director
Mongolia Country Director
Thailand Country Director
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