Who
we
are

Our Team

We are a small but committed team that has the experience, determination and vision to transform the lives of children and families living in extreme poverty.

As a team, each member’s skills compliment the others. In practice we have seen that our approach works, as we continue to witness profound changes in the lives of those we seek to help.

In Romania we have eight members of staff, as well as volunteers. We are proud that some of our team is of Roma heritage. This is a great privilege, as it enables a better cultural understanding of the Roma children and parents we work with.

GET TO KNOW US

Rebekka Single

Founder and CEO

Leading the team and creating and implementing Open Hands’ vision

Rebekka is passionate about what she does behind her desk but feels her calling the most working on the ground in Romania.

Andrea van Hoven

Co-Founder

Managerial and administrative role at Open Hands.

Andrea loves best working directly with the children in Romania. She is a mother figure to children and parents alike and they lovingly call her „Mama Andrea“.

Ionut Pastrav

Director in Romania

Manages and coordinates the work on the ground in Romania.

Ionut’s wealth of knowledge and experience are of immense value to our work. He is a teamplayer with a great senes of humor.

Olga Kalusi

Rainbow House Manager and Family Support Worker

Responsible for the day to day running of the Rainbow House and works directly with children and families at home.

Olga’s nature is giving. She is a mother to many that were deprived of one. Her love for the children shines through every part of her work.

Iulia Pastrav

Manages Lighthouse No. 1 and Family Support Worker

Responsible for the day to day running of Lighthouse No.1 and works directly with children and families at home and within schools.

Iulia works with a gentle determination that improves the lives of very vulnerable children. She listens and focuses on each child and makes many small faces light up with joy.

Firuta Pastrav

Manages Lighthouse No. 2 and Family Support Worker

Responsible for the day to day running of Lighthouse No.2 and works directly with children and families at home and within schools.

Firuta works from the heart. She has 25 years of experience and is a ‘jack of all trades.’ Her passion lies in working with disabled children, education and refurbishing the homes of the poor.

Yael Hildebrandt

Public Relations - Design

Yael is the driving force who has been developing and designing Open Hands' public appearance. She has, among other things, designed this website and is the face behind our social media work. Yael designs our logos, newsletters, flyers, and so much more. She is tireless and always surprises with her mounts of creativity!

In her own words: "I am impressed by the team's tireless commitment and the visible sustainability of Open Hands' fight against poverty in Romania. I want to make this visible in the form of expressive images, apt slogans and a professional public image."

Beyond Borders

Open Hands is a registered charity in Romania, the UK and Germany. As a team we work together beyond borders to achieve one aim: a better future for the poorest children in Romania.

I enjoy my work for Open Hands as I feel that I am making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children and families. I work directly with the families and place a strong focus on education because it changes lives for the better.

Firuta Pastrav

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