{"id":13198,"date":"2025-02-26T15:10:08","date_gmt":"2025-02-26T15:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cadus.org\/?page_id=13198"},"modified":"2026-04-01T13:17:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T13:17:26","slug":"our-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.cadus.org\/en\/our-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Our team"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Our team<\/h1><\/h1><\/span>
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Camila ‘Cami’ Villalobos
\n<\/b>Head of HR & Volunteers<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Cami is responsible for setting up and maintaining our volunteer pool, integrating volunteers and onboarding them into our organization. Together with Daniele, she manages the crewing for the CADUS missions and organizes their mission-specific training:
\n“I ran my own catering company for almost 10 years and have been cooking for political actions, camps and festivals for as long as I can remember – that’s why I also run the CADUS Kitchen Module, a ready-to-use mobile kitchen that can cook wherever it is needed and am currently writing an international cookbook that does without fresh produce but still offers healthy and culturally sensitive food. 14 years ago I started organizing LARP events, which often deal with dystopian worlds and their consequences. I use this knowledge to design simulations and hostile environment awareness training courses at CADUS.<\/p>\n

I took a winding path until I ended up in humanitarian aid, where I always wanted to go. I know that humanitarian aid and emergency response are not the answer to all questions. But for me, international aid is an important, human step and a valuable way of dealing with privilege, history and consternation outside of the political arena.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Hisham<\/strong>
\n<\/b>Country Manager Gaza
\n<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Hisham is a physician with extensive experience in humanitarian healthcare, medical coordination, AI-enabled healthcare solutions and digital health.<\/span><\/span> He holds an MBBS degree, a Master’s degree in International Health and a Postgraduate Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Public Health from Charit\u00e9 – Universit\u00e4tsmedizin Berlin.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Hisham has worked with leading organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and the WHO, specializing in medical coordination, project management, emergency response and the integration of AI into healthcare.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

As a medical advisor at CADUS, Hisham plays a key role in optimizing emergency response processes, supporting CADUS’ designation as a WHO EMT Trauma Stabilization Point and MedEvac team, and assisting with recruitment, logistics and field operations.<\/span><\/span> Driven by his passion for innovative, crisis-adaptive healthcare, he is committed to strengthening the medical capacities of CADUS in humanitarian missions worldwide.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Dr. Corinna Sch\u00e4fer
\n<\/b>Head of IT Department, Research and Development<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Corinna is a co-founder of CADUS and has been involved in the development of the organization in various positions. Today, she heads the ICT department, is the first point of contact for research projects and is part of the WASH team. In addition, she is regularly deployed as part of CADUS emergency aid teams, most recently in Gaza and Sudan.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Dr. Elena Gu\u00dfmann<\/strong>
\nTraining & Education<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Elena coordinates training and educational formats in Berlin and Infield. As a philosopher, she is intensively involved with the question of how the ability to act can be established in borderline situations. Motivated by this, she facilitates the implementation of practical simulations at CADUS. She draws on her training as a paramedic and her experience as an end-of-life caregiver. “For me, solidarity-based humanitarian aid means removing a stone from a wall and adding it to a bridge – always deciding to become part of the solution.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Ayla Mayer
\n<\/b>Project management<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Ayla is responsible for the project management of CADUS deployments abroad. At the Berlin headquarters, she is also responsible for process design and internal communication.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Lysann Kaiser
\n<\/b>Co-Managing Director<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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\u201cA boat is safe in the harbour, but that is not the purpose of a boat.\u201d This pulls me toward CADUS: while media show only visible crises, I want to support people where attention fades. I grew up in Thuringia, trained as a nurse, then studied Medical Education and recently International Health in Berlin. After seven years working with MSF and ICRC in conflict zones, I joined CADUS in August 2023 as Co\u2011Chair, committed to going where help is needed most.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Florian
\n<\/b>IT Administrator
\n<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Together with Uli, Florian makes sure that all laptops work and are up to date, is available for all IT problems and is always on the lookout for errors and optimizations. He works in the office, in the makerspace and on the road.<\/p>\n

Florian on his work at CADUS: “I’m very happy to be part of the team and to be able to help keep the technology running so that everything is a little more pleasant during the important assignments and in the Berlin office.”<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Dr. Matthias Grott
\n<\/b>Executive Board<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Matthias Grott is a member of the Board of Directors and has been a volunteer at CADUS since the association was founded in 2014. After completing his civilian service as a paramedic, he studied physics and is now researching the planets in our solar system. At CADUS, he shapes the strategic development of the organization together with the members of the Executive Board and the members of the Management Board.<\/p>\n

Matthias says about his commitment:
\n“I am delighted to be able to make a contribution to a fairer and more humane society at CADUS. We help people in acute emergencies, create sustainable prospects and work together to create a fairer world.”<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Sebastian J\u00fcnemann
\n<\/b>Co-Managing Director<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Sebastian founded CADUS in 2014. Since then, he has headed the organization, with a particular focus on emergency response.<\/p>\n

Sebastian studied biology, education and organizational psychology, but his heart has always beaten primarily for emergency medicine. He has been regularly involved in humanitarian aid for various organizations since 1999 and has worked continuously in a managerial capacity in the rescue service alongside his studies. In 2014, he provided the initial impulse for the founding of CADUS.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Simon Strutwolf
\n<\/b>Public Relations
\n<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Simon brings a diverse background to CADUS’ public relations work. With his commercial and educational background as well as his experience in managing various projects – from artisanal businesses to socio-cultural organizations – he combines strategic communication with practical engagement. His path into humanitarian emergency aid is the result of his conviction that both global and social inequalities require concrete, solidarity-based action. What drives him in his work at CADUS is his personal desire to make grievances visible, raise awareness and strengthen a critical public.
\n“The most humane thing we can do is not to look away.”<\/em> – Primo Levi<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Sophie Wolf
\n<\/b>Head of Public Relations & Fundraising
\n<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Sophie is part of the PR team, specifically for campaigning and fundraising. She gained her know-how in the field of communication as a creative director in various agency networks. In addition to her work at CADUS, she also works as a freelance creative.<\/p>\n

“Empathy is the most important aspect of communication that should be used and encouraged.”<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Tankred Beume
\n<\/b>Head of Emergency Response<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Read more<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
Tankred keeps CADUS ready for new missions and is constantly working to improve our readiness. He is also our contact person for the WHO EMT network. Tankred keeps a close eye on all current disasters and crises and evaluates our options for providing assistance. He also has to maintain a good overview of our own capacities.” How did Tankred come to CADUS?
\n“After training and working in the emergency services and professional fire department, I left a secure job to complete a degree in emergency and disaster relief and then found my profession and calling in humanitarian aid. Fortunately, it worked out. The international exchange with organizations and people who come from all over the world to help in special places has formed many acquaintances and friendships for me over the years.”<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Jonas Gr\u00fcnwald
\n<\/b>Public relations, administration<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Read more<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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As part of the communications team, Jonas makes the background, difficulties and successes of our projects transparent and brings the concerns of those affected by crises and disasters to the public. Jonas also keeps things running smoothly by taking on administrative tasks for the association.<\/p>\n

Jonas says about the goals of his work: “What is particularly important to me is a lasting change in the social conditions that lead to war, exploitation and oppression and the role that humanitarian aid can play in this.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Felix
\n<\/b>Head of Finance<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Read more<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Felix heads our finance department. Among other things, he and his team take care of billing, keep track of our accounts and prepare the annual financial statements.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Anna-Lea
\n<\/b>Head of Training & Education<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Anna-Lea coordinates the Training and Education department at CADUS. As a social worker and systemic consultant, she brings extensive experience from anti-violence work and feminist projects to the design of the programs. After many years as a volunteer at CADUS, including at the Hostile Environment Awareness Trainings (HEAT), she now devotes herself entirely to humanitarian aid. <\/p>\n

Commenting on her motivation, she says: “The future gives me little hope, but giving up is not an option. Who, if not us, can still make a difference here? We have to make the most of the privilege of being able to help – I couldn’t forgive myself for anything else!”<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Gloria
\n<\/b>Logistician<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Gloria has a background in emergency relief.From her base on the outskirts of Berlin, Gloria works with CADUS’ logistics team to oversee the logistical management of the organization’s projects, including warehousing, supply chain, procurement and inventory planning.Gloria actively supports volunteer teams who prepare materials for CADUS missions in the Makerspace.Gloria is a firm believer in the principle of “solidarity, not charity”.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Ronja Heinemann
\n<\/b>Country Management Ukraine<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Read more<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Ronja works as Country Manager and is responsible for our projects in Ukraine. With her many years of experience in the areas of project, process and quality management, she ensures that everything runs smoothly between the infield and headquarters. Although it has always been important to Ronja to have a meaningful job, she only became involved in humanitarian aid through CADUS. Ronja says: “I finally have the feeling that I am doing something really meaningful with my work.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Thorsten Schroer
\n<\/b>Operations Program Manager<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Thorsten keeps the missions running, looks after the team and solves all kinds of problems on a daily basis. He is a trained paramedic and has completed further training as a deminer. He says about his motivation for the work: “I have always been drawn to and worked\/volunteered in international assistance and humanitarian aid. With CADUS I had the chance to make it my full-time profession. I highly identify with the collaborative and open approach CADUS shows.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Ulrich ‘Uli’ Reichel
\n<\/b>IT Administrator<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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As IT admin, Uli provides all employees with access to data, tools, connections and hardware. At the same time he keeps unwanted access away.<\/p>\n

He describes what Uli does on a daily basis as follows: “Introducing and explaining new tools, processes, data security, basic and advanced knowledge about everything that processes data, has a keyboard or an IP address. Bringing material and personnel up to date. Always in between troubleshooting and moving things forward. Mostly to be found in the office looking at one or more screens, talking to staff and sometimes pulling electronic devices or cables between flashing things in the makerspace.”<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Niklas Forreiter
\n<\/b>Executive Board<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Niklas officially became the third member of the CADUS Executive Board in March of this year.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Hareen De Silva
\n<\/b>Head of Health Department<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Read more<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Hareen is a general practitioner with a British degree. After qualifying as a general practitioner in 2015, he moved into the field of remote medicine, i.e. medical care in regions with poor infrastructure. He has worked as an expedition medic, traveling to Dominica, Costa Rica, the Gough Islands and the Midway Atolls, has a Masters in Public Health and has subsequently worked with MVI, CADUS and UK-MED in Greece (clinician), Syria and Iraq (medical coordinator), Ukraine (trainer) and Gaza (head of mission\/CADUS and head of a type 1\/UK-MED inpatient clinic), is interested in health inequalities and is a trustee of the UK medical education charity Fairhealth. In 2020 he was awarded the British Empire Medal for his work as a GP during COVID-19.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Ruben Neugebauer
\n<\/b>Risk Management, Safety & Security<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Ruben first came into contact with war and conflict zones while working as a journalist, which sparked his interest in humanitarian work. He earned his academic title “Master of Disaster” not only because it sounds cool, but also to continue his involvement in emergency aid. As a co-founder of the sea rescue organization Sea-Watch, he met Cadus during a joint SAR operation. This collaboration marked the beginning of a lasting connection: Ruben is still involved in various voluntary roles for Cadus today, inspired by the organization’s philosophy, which corresponds to his own vision of redefining global solidarity in increasingly restricted humanitarian spaces. Spaces in which a clear stance is often essential. Today, he focuses full-time on risk management at CADUS.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Astrid Barrera Pesek
\n<\/b>Executive Board<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Read more<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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I had wanted to work in the humanitarian sector since I qualified as a nurse in 1995, but life always got in the way.
\nI stumbled across CADUS by chance, attended a few information events and was very impressed by the practical, pragmatic and inclusive atmosphere from the very beginning. I hadn’t imagined humanitarian work to be like this – in a positive sense. <\/p>\n

In 2019, I made a new attempt to fulfill my dream and enrolled in the International Health Master’s program at Charit\u00e9 with the aim of gaining a solid theoretical foundation for working in the humanitarian field. During the pandemic, I was given the opportunity to go to Lesbos with Cadus to provide basic medical care to the thousands of refugees who had just been resettled and were suffering from multiple traumas after the catastrophic fire in Camp Moria, together with other international NGOs. This two-week mission made a deep impression on me at all levels – including the way we interacted with each other in our mission team. As a complete beginner, I never had the feeling that I was clueless or not fully integrated, and this was true of all team members: it was one of the few times when “team” felt like “team” in the very best sense. Without exaggeration, this assignment changed my professional life. <\/p>\n

Back in Germany, I have since attended all the CADUS events such as HEAT trainings, online lectures, etc. that I can get. Each of them has given me new information, new approaches, new opportunities to deal with critical issues of political-social developments in the humanitarian context. I am endlessly grateful for that. It was therefore an honor and no question that I naturally accepted the “job” as
\nboard member at CADUS when I was asked. Here I can support the organization in its entirety, infield and back office, and accompany
\n. It is particularly important to me that both sides of the coin (back office AND infield) are viewed and treated equally, including when it comes to dealing with stressful situations. For me, unconditional solidarity applies in exactly the same way: unconditionally, without conditions, regardless of where you work, regardless of your status, regardless of whether you are an aid recipient in Gaza or a colleague in Kreuzberg – anyone who needs help gets it. That’s how it should be for everyone worldwide.
\nThat’s how it is at CASDUS. That’s why I’m involved here.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Saskia
\n<\/b>Finance & Fundraising<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Saskia takes care of the administration of funds and provides support with private fundraising and donor support.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Mirko
\n<\/b>IT administrator<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Mirko supports our IT team in the administration of programs, the communication-related preparation of assignments and ensures that the printer is up and running again with gentle taps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Moritz
\n<\/b>Logistics and warehousing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Moritz manages and distributes equipment and ensures that everything arrives where it is needed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Flavia
\n<\/b>Coordinator Crewing Ukraine<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>