Our Team

Grace holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, has three years of successful project coordination experience. Her professional life aligns with her strong personal advocacy for mental health, rooted in the belief that mental and physical health are equally vital.

Beyond her qualifications, Grace is deeply devoted to people's well-being. This devotion drives her commitment to creating positive change, understanding that true well-being requires supportive and empowering environments. Her dedication extends to advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, reflecting her belief that everyone deserves a fulfilling and healthy life.

"I absolutely love working with Rugare! Their vision to spread mental health awareness, break down stigma, and build a mentally strong nation really resonates with me. It's so important because for too long, people have ignored their mental health, treating prolonged distress as normal. I'm delighted that Rugare is taking the lead in changing that. Plus, the team is filled with passionate young people, and the work environment is incredibly safe and supportive. It feels like a real community where we can all look out for each other, especially when it comes to mental well-being."

Pemphero is a Level 6 Chartered Procurement Officer and Certified Public Speaking Assistant Coach. Driven by a genuine passion for people and well-being, she believes mental health deserves the same care and attention as physical health, if not more on some days.

Known for her energy, warmth, and ability to connect with others, Pemphero combines program coordination and public speaking to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

For Pemphero, working at Rugare is more than a role, it’s an opportunity to help build a future where asking, “How are you?” is never just a formality.

Pempho is a journalist and Social Media Manager with experience in communications, storytelling, and community engagement.

Passionate about mental health advocacy, she enjoys working with Rugare to amplify important conversations, promote wellbeing, and inspire positive change in communities.

Eliza is a community development enthusiast passionate about empowering young people and creating positive change in her community and country. She has experience in youth mentorship, leadership, community outreach, and health education and has also gained international experience through the YESS Girls Movement Exchange Program in Uganda.

She is currently a teacher and also has a passion for entrepreneurship and fashion design. Through her experiences, Eliza continues to develop her leadership skills while creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities. She loves working with Rugare because she value it's focus on mental health awareness and creating safe spaces where people can feel supported, heard, and empowered.

Upendo is an educator, aspiring educational psychologist, mental health advocate, and disability and inclusion activist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the Catholic University of Malawi and has additional training in civic leadership, community engagement, and mental health preventive education. She is passionate about mental health awareness, youth empowerment, education, and promoting inclusive communities.

Her work with Rugare reflects her commitment to reducing mental health stigma, promoting preventive mental health education, supporting young people, and creating safe spaces where individuals can openly discuss and seek support for their well-being.

She has experience in community outreach, research, program coordination, and resource mobilisation, including supporting fundraising initiatives, developing project ideas and proposals, and identifying opportunities to strengthen community programs.

Tuwire Favour Elise Jimusole is a mental health advocate and counselling practitioner with certificates in Mental Health Advocacy and Christian Counselling. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Tuwire is passionate about supporting individuals navigating anxiety, stress, burnout, grief, low self-esteem, relationship and family challenges, and other life transitions. She has a particular interest in supporting women, young people, and individuals seeking to improve their emotional wellbeing and resilience. Her approach is compassionate, holistic, and person-centred, creating a safe space where individuals can feel heard, understood, and supported towards healing and growth.

Tatuna N. Ngwira a Registered Psychologist with a BSc. in Psychology (Hons) obtained at Africa University in Zimbabwe and she is a certified Psychosocial Therapist with over 5 years working experience in the mental health field driven by the belief that everyone deserves a safe space to be heard. Her goal is to help clients navigate life’s challenges, process emotions, and develop effective coping strategies to manage stress and reduce symptoms. She believes that with the right tools and support, clients can learn to identify triggers, recognize warning signs, and build resilience in the face of adversity. Currently she is pursuing certification in Play Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to deepen her expertise and her ability to support children through healing and growth. Outside of the clinic, she is passionate about promoting everyday mental wellness and self-care, believing that small, intentional practices can lead to significant positive change.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a profound passion for mental health, I integrate psychological care with creative expression and the healing power of nature. My mission is to promote holistic well-being by creating safe spaces that extend beyond the therapy room.

As a certified counsellor with the Malawi Association of Counselling, I am dedicated to helping individuals heal, feel seen, and discover their unique paths to wellness. I believe in the importance of diverse therapeutic approaches, ensuring that everyone can find the right fit for their mental health journey.