The Padma Organization :: Our People

After studying Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, Luke returned to the United States committed to finding a way to help the many impoverished children in Nepal. Through working with his friend and founder of the OCAYHN organization Anjit Bista, the Padma Organization was formed. Luke set out to organize fundraising in America for the children in the OCAYHN home in Nepal.

After working at a non-profit hospital serving the poor, Anjit decided to focus on transforming the environments in Nepal leading to rampant illness. His efforts primarily focus on removing children from unhealthy environments and designing programs to best nurture these children. He also works extensively with ex-drug addicts, alcoholics and gang members throughout the Kathmandu Valley and is a major proponent of 12 step programs in Nepal. Anjit currently lives and works at the OCHAYN orphanage.

Eric holds a Master’s degree from the University of Utah in Educational Psychology. For the past several years Eric’s work as a teacher in a special needs school exemplifies his commitment to serving others and his community. His skill in managing databases and commitment to helping others has allowed Padma to grow beyond a dream and become a viable service-based organization.

As an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years, Heidi’s dedication to service sparked her interest in helping the Padma Organization. Her experience on numerous professional committees and as former chair of the Utah Occupational Therapy Association provides a professional expertise vital to Padma.

Tia is making a huge difference with her involvement on the Padma team. Her enthusiasm and dedication prompted her to sell her car in order to make a visit in Fall 2008 to the orphanage in Nepal. She saw the operation there first-hand and was able to spend some amazing time with the kids and identify some new goals for Padma to make things even better for the orphans.

Blaire brings a new perspective and new ideas to help Padma grow. After hearing about Padma's efforts, especially those geared toward helping the children of Nepal, Blaire was anxious to get involved. Blaire plans on traveling to Nepal soon to oversee the operation and seek new opportunities where Padma could lend a hand.

Chris is responsible for the design and maintenance of the Padma site, and is one half of the design team at Arcane Palette Creative Design. Chris taught himself how to hand-code HTML almost 15 years ago and graduated from the University of Redlands, Johnston Center in 2001 with a B.A. of his own making titled Creative Arts in the Digital Revolution. Learn more about Arcane Palette Creative Design.

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