Meet our Board Members

Cherie co-established the Embrace Nepal Foundation alongside Dr. Amar Raut in 2023. With over 23 years of experience as a registered nurse, including 13 years as a contract/traveling nurse, she is a devoted mom and a proud "Mimi." Cherie grew up in Boulder, Colorado but has spent most of her adult life in California. Cherie's passions include hiking, backpacking, trekking, camping, skiing, traveling, and aiding others. It is her deep-rooted desire to help others and her love for the mountains that drew her to Nepal.

Originally from Lahan, Siraha, Nepal Dr. Amar co-founded the Embrace Nepal Foundation with Cherie Rezen, RN in March 2023. Known for his caring nature and excellent bedside manner, Dr. Amar got his M.B.B.S. from Kathmandu Medical College. His deep love for helping fellow Nepalese drives his mission to bring hope, love, and positive change to the people and the environment. When he is not taking care of his patients, Dr. Amar loves to get creative! He is into palmistry and enjoys fun indoor activities like silhouette art, crocheting, and cooking experiments. He is a social butterfly who loves hanging out with friends, singing, mimicking for fun and sharing his hiking adventures through vlogs.

Brittany obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2019. She had a nomadic upbringing, traveling across various places in the US with her mother. Currently, she resides in Kansas with her husband and daughter, cherishing quality time with her family. Her love for the outdoors includes camping, boating, and skiing, and she's a dedicated pet owner to dogs, ducks, and chickens.

Rachel, originally from Detroit, Michigan, holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Theater, Music, and Drama. She continued her academic journey, earning a PhD in Theater History and Criticism from the University of Texas at Austin. Rachel is not only an Actress and Singer but has also been a resident of West Los Angeles for over 18 years. She presently resides in Venice with her beloved fur companion, Zuzu, and she's a self-proclaimed "lover of all animals (including you!)."

Lillian's life journey began in Michigan, but she later settled in Boulder, Colorado, where she raised her family and cherished the breathtaking surroundings of the state. Throughout her career, she wore various hats, serving as a Senior Cost Analyst at an engineering company, managing Guest Services at a Boulder hotel, overseeing restaurants in four different states for an extended period, and even working as a car salesperson in Colorado. Now in retirement, she calls Washington state her home, where she shares her life with her three feline companions.

Amy, originally from Michigan, spent the majority of her adult life in Boulder, Colorado, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She has had a successful real estate career spanning over two decades. Currently, she calls Melbourne, Florida home, along with her adorable fur baby, Bella Bunz. Amy enjoys beach outings, visiting the dog park, boating, camping, 4-wheeling, fishing and cherishing moments with her family and friends.

Lisa Phillips is a real estate agent/broker and a retired attorney with over two decades of experience in Residential and Commercial real estate. She lives in Marina del Rey, California, with her family. Beyond her professional life, she's a passionate advocate for abandoned, neglected, and vulnerable animals. Lisa actively rescues and fosters these animals until they find their forever homes.

Sally, a seasoned yoga instructor, resides in West Los Angeles with her husband and two adorable furry children, Bonifay and Chipley. With two decades of experience, she's been sharing the practice of yoga on the west side of Los Angeles, conducting classes in studios and private in-home sessions. As a retired modern dancer, she infuses her vinyasa flow practice with a deep appreciation for the transitional movements between poses. Her classes, guided by music, strike the perfect harmony between strength and flexibility while embodying a celebration of life's journey rather than just its destination.

Ellyn, a native Washingtonian, resides in the tight-knit community of Lake Forest Park, just 20 minutes north of Seattle, where, along with her husband, Brian (of 24 years!) raised twins who are now in college.  Ellyn has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years, working her entire career at the University of Washington Medical Center, in both the CT-ICU and PACU.  As if being a full-time mom, wife and nurse is not enough, Ellyn is also a Lake Forest Park city councilmember.  Ellyn adores her two dogs, Max and Lola and cats, Daisy, and Louie.  Ellyn is an avid gardener, enjoys yoga, hiking, swimming, baking, cooking, entertaining and spending time with family and friends.  Ellyn is deeply passionate about providing healthcare equity for all.

Chris, an ICU nurse, earned his BSN from Ohio University in 2015. He gained diverse ICU experience, including PICU, CTICU, and Trauma, shaping him profoundly. Witnessing patients' second chances fueled his passion. Beyond nursing, his connection to Nepal predates his career. With Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Exercise Science from Miami University, he traveled to Nepal in 2010 and 2011. There, he trekked to Everest Base Camp and summited Island Peak as part of study abroad experiences, fostering deep bonds with Nepali locals. Chris eagerly anticipates providing healthcare in Nepal's remote regions.

Teresa Marie Sena, an English educator, boasts a diverse four-decade career. She started in Lakewood, Colorado, with the Jefferson County School District. In Beijing's Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2016, she collaborated with educators from 30+ countries to create a secondary school program, earning Teacher of the Year and Model Classroom of the Year honors. Upon her return to the US, she founded GlobUS International Group, and currently, she aids teachers as a Teacher Effectiveness Coach in Tucson, Arizona. She's also pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Arizona. In her personal life, she treasures time with her family.