We are a small down-to-earth international group, all of us having the passion for improving the conditions mentally ill people in Cameroon live in. Our different cultural, professional and academic backgrounds offer a perfect combination to achieve our goals. As we expand our organisation, we will continue to rely on diversity as our core strength.
Sandrine Tchouamou Magwa Épse Kameni
Cameroonian
Founder – Managing director
Sandrine founded Hand on Heart in 2009 and is the driving force behind the organization. She is the main contact in Cameroon. You can find her daily in her office in Yaoundé.
Julienne Sitchawa Magwa
Cameroonian
Project Manager
A sociologist by training, Julienne worked in the humanitarian field for more than five years in the Far North region.
Having defended a thesis on mental health in Cameroon, Jullienne helps Hand On Heart on public health as well as in activities with a social aim.
“There is no health without Mental Health!” is her leitmotiv.
Isabelle Hontebeyrie
French
Founder
Isabelle did indispensable work in setting up the association in 2009.
Patrice Florent Kameni
Cameroonian
General Secretary
Sandrine Hinrichs
German
Psychology consultancy
As a German-French Master of Psychology, Sandrine helps further setting up new projects by bringing in a more psychological perspective.
Rebecca Zavon, MPH
American
Psychology consultancy
Rebecca has a background in public health and psychology and a history of working in communities. She helped with program planning and partnership outreach.
William Marcel Leutou Magwa
Cameroonian
General advisor
William a project manager engineer, working in the field of drinking water supply for more than a decade. He works on facilitating access to drinking water, thus reducing waterborne diseases. William supports Hand on Heart in the deployment of social activities.
Bas Wallet
Dutch
Engagement and Experiences
Bas has a background in User Experience Design and Multicultural Management and supports Hand on Heart with various strategy, digital, and outreach activities.
Kat Gradek
Polish / British
Data-driven approach
Kat helps to guide the organisation’s strategy and ensure our projects achieve their maximum impact. She has extensive programme management, operations and marketing experience in the tech and e-commerce sectors.
Eponine Signe Noumbou Épse Nana
Cameroonian
Legal specialist
Eponine is a practicing lawyer and is passionate about humanitarian work. Bringing smiles to others has always been her credo. Eponine works on drafting partnership contracts and serves as a mediator in case of possible disputes.
Carole Fondjo
Cameroonian
Community Rehabilitation
Carole has experience doing rehab therapy with adults and elderly population in need. She practices a variety tasks including encouraging patients to have active, healthy lifestyles while monitoring mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Eric Marcellin Kameni Etoundi
Cameroonian
Accountant
With a degree in accounting, Eric is responsible for managing the association’s accounting. He assists the association in the preparation of financial and tax statements.
Our collaborations
We will bring about change more quickly through successful partnerships. We work with, and actively seek out, other organisations and individuals who share our vision and commitment to improving access to mental healthcare and education. We are thrilled to have the backing of Clinical Psychologist and Mental Health Expert, Dr Didier Demassosso.
