Korean Canadian
I am a Korean Canadian who has also lived in Belgium and Korea. I have volunteered with various international and social welfare organizations throughout my 17 years abroad. Living in Korea completed me. It was the missing piece I never knew I was missing. I am proud of my beautiful heritage and passionate about learning and sharing its culture. I also love cooking, especially for other people. My chocolate chip cookies will always remind me of the children and their smiles while eating them.
Barbara Bai
Founder
Currently Based In Canada
Founded in 2016
Sri Lankan
She/Her/Hers
I am a mum/Environmental Scientist/ Health & Wellness coach/Education advocate who is happiest combining these areas: Healthy People = Healthy Planet! I am a global citizen with Sri Lankan roots. My family is both cross-cultural & blended. I love working with OA and using my leadership & organizational development skills to guide us towards our Vision. Maria Montessori said it best "Within the child lies the fate of the future.”
Sanjini De Silva Rijsberman
Executive Director
Currently Based In Sri Lanka
OA Member since 2018
Korean Canadian
She/Her/Hers
I am a Korean Canadian currently based in Seoul and a mum of a lovely young son who attends Seoul Foreign School. I believe God has led me to this beautiful team and to the precious children to be of good service in many ways, especially in my field of dealing with boring government documents in Korean or tax/accounting numbers, etc. I can finally make good use of what I have painfully learned thus far as a certified public accountant…LOL
Alicia Chung
Official Representative
Currently Based In Korea
OA Member since 2019
British
I am originally from the UK but have lived overseas for the past 20 years teaching in various International Schools along with my husband and 2 daughters. I am currently a teacher at Seoul Foreign British School. Being part of Open Arms is a very special part of my life here in South Korea, opening up my world to some amazing people and beautiful children.
Katy Freeman
Education Director
Currently Based In Korea
OA Member since 2019
British
I came to Seoul from the UK in 2013 with my husband and 3 of my 4 children, who have now grown up and returned there. My faith in God who loves each and every person motivates me to help at Open Arms. I have a background in school governance. I speak French and try to learn Korean. I also enjoy pottery, poetry, and coffee with friends. I love living in Korea!
Sally McEachen
Administration Director
Currently Based In Korea
OA Member since 2019
American
I am a mom with a heart for parentless children. I love volunteering with the Open Arms team to share encouragement with the precious children in local welfare homes in Seoul - with hopes of helping them build a brighter future.
Dee Dee Wasmund
Toddler Team Leader
Currently Based In Korea
OA Member since 2016
American
I am a wife and mother who spent 3 years in India during which I volunteered 3 days a week in a school and orphanage, organizing volunteers, projects, donations and awareness. I am a parent at Dwight school Seoul with a background in corporate marketing.
Nicole Gorman
Fundraising Coordinator
Currently Based In Korea
OA Member since 2022
British
I am a British citizen that has lived in Seoul since 2018 with my wife, son and 2 dogs. In Korea, I love to be outside, whether this is hiking or riding my bike, and the scenery is alway spectacular. Open Arms gives me the opportunity to connect with smiling, enthusiastic children and the chance to give back to the local community.
James Loft
Program Team Leader
Currently Based In Korea
OA Member since 2020
Danish
I have an educational background in public health science. Since I was a teenager I have had a passion for human rights and believe that we all have a shared responsibility to make the world a better place in whichever way we can. This belief eventually led me to Korea where I have been based since 2021. I have had the privilege of working with Open Arms ever since I came here, and it is my hope that together we can contribute to a better future for the children and that they one day, in turn, are able to help push society in a positive direction.
Kathrine Nielsen
Welfare Home Liaison
Currently Based In Korea
OA Member since 2021
Korean Canadian
I am working as a field epidemiologist and have been involved in vaccine research focusing on preventing infectious diseases in the world’s poorest populations. I love being outdoors, particularly on my bike somewhere in a quiet and picturesque part of Korea.
Justin Im
Fundraising Coordinator
Currently Based In Korea
OA Member since 2018
Korean
She/Her/Hers
I am a confused Korean–Born in Korea but raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I am a college student in Providence and a designer virtually based in New York. I create identities and give colors to our mission and vision at Open Arms. I connect with the kids by thinking like a kid–It’s a natural talent!
Mei Ahn
Identity Designer
Currently Based In The United States
OA Member since 2019
Korean American
She/Her/Hers
Hello, my name is Mi Yong Lee, a Korean-American from the lovely state of Michigan. I have been a part of Open Arms since its inception. Working with kids here in Seoul has been a rewarding part of our stay. I have learned so much Korean from my precious students while teaching them English. It's a great symbiotic relationship!
Mi Yong Lee
Program Team Leader
Currently Based In The United States
OA Member since 2017
Korean
She/Her/Hers
As a reflective practitioner, I am a Change Management Consultant for adult organizations and shaper for kids. An inspired traveler worldwide and the mind to share my experience and knowledge is my life. As Henry Miller said, our destination is never a place but a new way of looking at things.