Nastia brings both heart, strong leadership and unique combination of data-driven decision-making, and hands-on operational experience to her role as Founder of Mending Roots.

With an MBA and background in program evaluation, project management, and financial oversight, she managed complex initiatives across nonprofit, public-sector, and entrepreneurial environments. Her focus and passion have always been on translating data into actionable outcomes, building strong cross-sector partnerships, and ensuring accountability and transparency - skills that are critical to stewarding humanitarian resources responsibly.

Her background in evaluation, planning, and accountability allows Mending Roots to act quickly while remaining transparent and grounded in real needs. She is deeply committed to ensuring that every donation is used thoughtfully and responsibly. Combined with her fluency in Ukrainian and Russian and her lifelong connection to the people and communities being supported, Nastia is uniquely positioned to assess urgent needs, allocate funds effectively, and ensure that support reaches individuals and families in Ukraine quickly, thoughtfully, and with dignity.

Monica Yanosick serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Mending Roots, bringing a dedication to humanitarian service and animal welfare. With a BA in Women's Studies she has experience working across several non-profit organizations. Monica was drawn to Mending Roots by the passion and dedication of the Founder and Executive Director, Nastia, as well as the transparency and commitment of keeping the administrative costs as minimal as possible to ensure every donation reaches those most vulnerable in Ukraine. Monica believes that compassion should have no boundaries, and that along with caring for the people, caring for the animals of Ukraine is an essential part of preserving the country's heart and community.

Kateryna Nazarova is a dedicated nonprofit board member originally from Ukraine who relocated to the United States in August 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics and has professional experience in finance, education, mentoring children, and the nonprofit sector. Since settling in Exeter, New Hampshire, Kateryna has been actively helping the Ukrainian community navigate life in the United States, with a consistent focus on supporting children and families.

Kateryna began working in the nonprofit sector in April 2021 in Ukraine and later continued her work in New Hampshire after joining BCNH. In May 2025, she began serving as a Board Member of Mending Roots. Her heart has always been with Ukrainian children, and both before and after moving to the United States, she has continuously supported orphanages in Ukraine through advocacy, outreach, and direct assistance.

She has longstanding connections with children’s orphanages in Ukraine, and after adopting her own child, Kateryna gained a deep personal understanding of the challenges children face. This lived experience informs her compassionate and thoughtful approach to supporting vulnerable children and families.

Susan Gallagher has been working one-on-one with patients as an acupuncturist for the past 23 years. For her, it is the way to change and heal the world. Mending Roots shares this commitment, so it is fitting that she supports this organization with her time and finances.