Our people

Dr. Andre Coetzer

Chief Executive Officer

Current country:

South Africa

How long have you worked for GARC?

Since September 2014

What are your main roles within the organization?

I bring over a decade of hands-on experience in advancing rabies elimination efforts across resource-limited countries. I have designed, implemented, and managed technology-driven solutions that focus on empowering stakeholders to make a lasting impact in their rabies elimination efforts.

Mr. Kim Doyle

Chief Operating Officer

Current country:

United Kingdom

How long have you worked for GARC?

As a founding member for GARC, I have been here since the very beginning.

What are your main roles within the organization?

I am responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of GARC. I truly believe that rabies elimination needs to happen at the community level and support the team to empower our global communities. My aim is to ensure that our vision and mission turns into reality through a wealth of knowledge and experience. Following a degree in law, politics and economics, I managed the entrepreneurship community for the World Economic Forum. I subsequently worked for a public-private partnership established by the United Nations Development Program and Cisco Systems in New York. After returning to Europe to manage the philanthropic activities for a leading Italian family, I provided the start-up grant for GARC.

Ms. Kerenza Kathleen Vlastou

Outreach Director

Current country:

Greece

How long have you worked for GARC?

Since September 2018

What are your main roles within the organization?

I am the organization’s first line of contact via social media, website enquiries and other channels of communication while at the same time, bringing the news of our projects to the world in a creative way. An important part of my work is the World Rabies Day events and WRD Awards coordination, while the part I enjoy most is facilitating the work other people and NGOs are doing on the ground to eliminate rabies.

In addition, I have the opportunity to work with inspiring volunteers who offer their translational and design skills for the common good!

Ms. Eunice Charis B. Mendoza

Community Education Manager

Current country:

Philippines

How long have you worked for GARC?

I worked for GARC from October 2012 to December 2017 and started to work for GARC again since January 2020.

What are your main roles within the organisation?

I am the Community Education Officer for GARC Philippines. My tasks primarily include developing educational materials for different audiences, like school children, teachers, and community members, among others. I was involved in the development of the Rabies Education Curriculum Integration Program which is now already part of the curriculum for public elementary schools in the Philippines.

Dr. Ayla Malan

Program Manager

How long have you worked for GARC?

Part-time since May 2023, full-time since February 2025

Current country:

South Africa

What are your main roles within the organization?

As GARC’s Program Manager, I assist organizations with the implementation of strategic, data-driven initiatives that support global efforts to eliminate rabies. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, I manage cross-sectoral partnerships, guide programmatic activities, and ensure the effective use of the GARC Data Platform across our global network. From implementing our various surveillance tools to strengthening donor relations and advocacy, I help turn bold ideas into impactful action, one community, one country, one life at a time.

Ms. Chari Amparo

Technical Manager

Current country:

Philippines

How long have you worked for GARC?

Since October 2013

What are your main roles within the organization?

I help maintain the GARC website to ensure that it stays functional and up to date. I also support the development and upkeep of our rabies elimination tools. Where needed, I provide targeted training to stakeholders. My work mostly focuses on keeping things running smoothly and helping partners make the most of our tools.

Dr. Antoinique van Staden

Communications Manager

How long have you worked for GARC?

Since February 2025

Current country:

South Africa

What are your main roles within the organization?

As GARC’s Communications Manager, I aim to tell our story to a global audience as clearly as possible. I am a language practitioner with a passion for plain language writing and editing. My PhD thesis focused on plain language principles for scientific writing. I am responsible for all content creation within GARC and look forward to implementing a strategic focus on communications rooted in plain language principles to connect with all our stakeholders.

Ms. Adelina Agustin Atienza

Finance Manager for Asia

Current country:

Philippines

How long have you worked for GARC?

Since April 2012

What are your main roles within the organization?

I am Certified Public Accountant, the Resident Agent and Finance /Administrative Officer of GARC Philippines branch office. I oversee the financial management of the GARC Philippines office and ensure compliance with laws and requirements set by GARC headquarters. Handle office management, annual audit, and bookkeeping needs of the GARC projects. I create budgets, monitor funds, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare timely financial report for submission to Management. I also establish and maintain the system of internal controls, including accounting processes and procedures.