Meet our Leadership Team
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Tracy Torregrossa-Brandt
Co-founder & President
Tracy’s personality has been described as “lightning in a bottle”. She is a driven entreprenuer and devoute mother of two whose vision and ‘nothing is impossible’ philosophy has shaped Rising Lotus since its inception.
Click the button to learn more about Tracy’s devout work and hear her full story in her own words.
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Hari Prasad Sharma
Co-founder and Director of Operations - Nepal
Hari is as full of life as anyone you are bound to meet. An extravert in every definition, his ability to make deep connections and his tireless commitment to improving children’s lives through care and education has led to each and every success story at Rising Lotus.
Click the button below to dive deeper into Hari’s story and his passion behind dedicating his life to children in need.
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Nathanael 'Nate' Koehler
International Managing Director
Nate or ‘Nathan-sir’ amongst the girls, is a self-described “kid who never grew up”. He has been working with children since 2010 and became an irreplacable member of the Rising Lotus family in 2019 after spending 3 months at RLCV, immersed in the organization and Nepali culture. The girls captured his heart and never gave it back.
Click the button below see and hear Nate’s story in his own words.
Meet Our Staff
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Bishnu Didi
Facilities Director and Lead Caregiver
Bishnu or Bishnu ‘Didi’, meaning older sister in Nepali, is the beating heart of the Rising Lotus campus. She has been with the organization for almost a decade now overseeing all activities on our campus. She serves as lead cook preapring the girls three meals per day, facilities maintenance, and attendance to our girls’ physical and mental health. She llives on site and eads two other staff members, Tikka and Belie, in all care giving related activities. She is in our eyes, a living saint, and a true blessing to our organization and our girls.
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Tikka Goree
Onsite Caregiver
Tikka is one of our dedicated onsite caregivers, serving our girls since January 2022. She is always wearing a smile.
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Belhi Ghartimagar
Onsite Caregiver
Belhi is one of our dedicated onsite caregivers, serving our girls since January 2022. She is always helping the girls at every step. She is an expert tik-toker as well.
Group Photos !!!
Group Photos !!!

Tracy & Hari's 1st visit to Chitwan Kanda - c. 2008

Traci and Hari with three of the first RLCV children post graduation- Suman, Bikash and Bishal - c. 2017

Hari, Tracy & Hari's wife Bishnu - c. 2014

Tracy with the RLCV children - c. 2013

Nate's 1st week in Nepal at the Swayambhu temple with Hari - 2019

Hari & Nate in some tight living quarters. Chitwan, Kanda - 2019

Our graduates and staff with Nate: Biku, Shoba, Bishnu Didi, Belhi & Tikka - 2022

Bishnu Didi & Nate on Nate's last 2022 day in Nepal & RLCV

Hari & Nate on Nate's last 2022 day in Nepal & RLCV

Bishnu Didi and Tikka distributing biscuits before school - 2022

Farwell Program for Camille - 2022

Hari off to school with our class 6 through 9 girls - 2022

Staff appreciation night - 2022

Hari & Nate with long time program supporter Tsuneko Nishijima Neupane - 2019

Hari & Nate with long time program supporter Rajendra Thapa - 2019

Celebrating Dashain with the Sharma's - 2019

Sanat Claus Nate celebrating with the girls - 2019

Cultural field trip to Patan Durbar Square - 2022

Hari & Nate with four of our girls from Chitwan Kanda on our visit to the Patan Durbar Square & history museum - 2022

Hiking field trip with the girls and staff - 2022

Hari & Nate in Chitwan, Kanda - 2019

Hari, Nate, Jenisha Chepang and the film crew in Chepang Kanda - 2022

Film shoot with local children from Chitwan, Kanda. Nate, Hari, film director Suraj & Nate's partner Camille - 2022