LEADERSHIP TEAMS
Justice Health Initiative, Inc. is a Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding holistic healthcare access for patients. We support children worldwide with severe and rare diseases that cannot be treated in their home countries. Our mission is made possible through the dedication of our board, medical advisory team, volunteers, and community.
The Board of Directors
The Medical Advisory Board
The Medical Advisory Team reviews and plans all JHI efforts and helps plan each patients appropriate treatment and helps establish the process for JHI's efforts through operation.
OTHER VOLUNTEERS
Administration: Yeji Lee, Cailyn Kim
Finance: Tabitha Yuen,Tim Jaegle, Peter Du Plesis
Appeals: Kay McMahon, Sabrina Salov, Yena Lim
Grants: Sarah Palmer, Neelam Nishad
Operations: Sandra Rizkallah
Marketing Communications: Lynn Flaherty, Yeji Lee
Patient Support: Nancy Falb, Zoe Weiss
Events: Jenn Wang
Event Development: Marc O’Neil, Alex Gitungano
Our Founder's Story
Alex
Gitungano
Founder and President
​The jewelry that shines today was not shining when it was found in the dirt yesterday. My life journey started with pain from a young age. I found myself as a refugee at the age of four when the civil war broke out in 1993 in Burundi. My mother, sisters and I had to run for our lives without knowing exactly where to go without shelter, food, or any other basic needs. I was also still grieving for my stepbrother, cousin and other beloved family members who were killed. I left everything behind me, and our house was destroyed, too.
We fled to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which at that time was still Zaire. One year after arriving in the DRC, my mother lost over 90% of her family members in the Rwandan genocide. Life was hard in the DRC. I couldn’t understand at all what I was going through. I witnessed other children dying from infectious diseases and malnutrition. I thought, “will I be next?” I did get sick with malaria, other infectious diseases, and malnutrition, but it was not my time to go. My mother, as a mama bear, could not watch her kids dying with her own eyes and did everything she could to save us. She treasured her Kitenge, colorful pieces of fabric that women wear in Africa, but decided to sell them so that she could bring us to the hospital to get treatment. When there was nothing else to sell anymore, she could not afford to take us to the hospital or buy any medicines. My siblings and I were getting sick and malnutritioned again. When we arrived in DRC, we depended on the World Food Program (WFP) for food. We were so thin to the point you could count the number of our ribs. My younger sister, Jane, got malaria and almost died. My mother, who was desperate, came up with what I thought was an insightful idea. She gave us a smoothie made of Cola, tomato paste and yogurt as medicine. I have no idea how this cured us. It was only God’s grace. My mom is always grateful that we survived our time in the DRC, because so many parents lost their children.
In 1996, when I was 10 years old, a war broke out in the DRC. All Burundian refugees in the DRC at that time were targeted to be killed, so even though the war in Burundi had not ended, we had to flee the DRC and return to Burundi. We traveled by a wooden boat because traveling by car would have been too dangerous. The boat started to sink, so we had to go back and try again the next day. On our second attempt, we made it safely across the lake to Burundi.​
"My friend reached out to me and asked if I would help (with conjoined twins). When I saw the pictures of the two babies in need of urgent care, I could not say “NO” anymore. I realized this was the time to start my organization."
We had to start a new life in Burundi, because our home had been destroyed by war. We started a new life renting an apartment in a new town. My mom had to work hard to provide for our needs and pay our school fees. My dad also tried to help but he was not always present in our lives due to polygamy. Despite all these challenges, my mother was always committed to helping others in need. As a young boy, I used to see her feeding children and adults who didn’t have food at their homes. She would also help patients in the hospital, friends, and strangers. Her care ministry inspired me to go and help those in need, especially people in the hospital.
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She cooked, brought meals to patients in the hospital, washed their clothes, and often bought for them whatever they might need. I would say that I inherited from my mother the calling to care and love for people with health issues. When I went to high school, I followed the path of my mother’s ministry and started visiting patients in the hospital. I used to go and talk to them, encourage, and pray for them. I didn’t have much to offer, but when my mother gave me pocket money to buy lunch or snacks or to pay for a bike taxi, I would buy some bananas, oranges or bread and give to the patients. These are people that I didn’t know. I have amazing stories and memories of people who were impacted through this noble ministry. Later on, I started visiting patients with my friends from my church every Sunday afternoon. I was still visiting my own patients during the week after school. When others went home to have lunch, I went straight to the hospital to visit patients. The hospital that I often visited was “Prince Regent Charles Hospital '' named after Prince Charles who was a member of the Belgian royal family who served as regent of Belgium from 1944 until 1950. The hospital was halfway between my home and school. One time I helped an old man named “Babu” (an endearing term for an elderly male). He was from Rwanda, suffered from various chronic diseases and had no one to take care of him. My mother asked me to take care of him. I cared for Babu until he died.
Board Biographies
Marc O’Neil
Chairman of the Board
Marc O'Neil serves as the State Relationship Manager for Straight Ahead Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support programs for juvenile offenders. In this pivotal role, Marc manages the intricate relationships between Straight Ahead and various juvenile detention centers across Massachusetts. His responsibilities extend to recruiting, training, and overseeing volunteers who facilitate the organization’s programs within these facilities. Bringing over two decades of expertise in relationship management and marketing, Marc's background in the corporate sector has equipped him with the skills necessary to foster and maintain essential partnerships that enhance the mission of Straight Ahead Ministries. His commitment to transforming the lives of young offenders through structured support and rehabilitation reflects his deep dedication to social change and community betterment.
Sandra Rizkallah
Clerk
Sandra Rizkallah, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Plugged In Band Program, brings a wealth of experience in media and arts education to her role. Holding a degree in film and television from Emerson College, Sandra has a strong background in documentary production and has significantly contributed to the post-production department of NOVA at WGBH. Her expertise in film and media has not only enriched her ability to lead and innovate in arts education but also provided her with unique insights into storytelling and communication. At the Plugged In Band Program, Sandra applies her creative talents and passion for the arts to inspire and empower young musicians, fostering an environment where they can thrive both creatively and personally.
Board Member
Camille Humphries Lee
Camille Humphries Lee brings over two decades of experience in investment management, including senior roles at MFS Investment Management, where she served as Portfolio Manager and Institutional Portfolio Manager for various funds. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from 1994 to 2023, she holds an MBA and BA from the University of Virginia. Camille is deeply committed to volunteer service, with leadership roles at Highrock Church, FOCUS, and the Wellesley High School Robotics Team. As JHI’s Treasurer since 2024, she leverages her financial expertise and dedication to help advance JHI’s mission of providing holistic healthcare to children with complex medical conditions.
John Triedman
Board Member and Medical Advisor Lead
Dr. Triedman is a distinguished pediatric cardiologist and electrophysiologist, serving as the Associate Chief of Cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital and a Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. His clinical practice is primarily focused on diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders in both children and adults with congenital heart diseases. Dr. Triedman is highly skilled in advanced procedures, including radiofrequency catheter ablation, intra-procedural imaging, and the implantation and management of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Beyond his clinical expertise, he is deeply committed to improving quality measures and standards within electrophysiology. A prominent member of the Heart Rhythm Society since 1992, Dr. Triedman has also served as the past president of the Pediatric and Congenital EP Society (PACES). His illustrious medical career began after earning his degree from Harvard Medical School, followed by completing both pediatric residency and cardiology fellowship training at Boston Children’s Hospital. Through his dedication and leadership, Dr. Triedman continues to make significant contributions to pediatric cardiology and the broader medical community.
Bob Kilroy
Legal Counsel
Bob Kilroy is the Co-Managing Partner at Mirick O'Connell, a prominent law firm with offices in Worcester, Westborough, and Boston. With a distinguished legal career focused on defending corporations and executives in employment litigation, Bob provides strategic advice to help clients navigate complex workplace issues. A former US Marine Corps officer, Bob brings discipline and leadership to his legal practice, frequently representing healthcare institutions like Mass General Brigham and UMass Memorial in employment and peer review matters. He has also served as Chair of the Milford Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees and other leadership roles within his community. Bob resides in Upton, Massachusetts, with his wife Deb, and enjoys spending time with their family and summers on the coast of Maine.
Paul Chae
Planning Stategist
With over 30 years of experience leading global teams at athenahealth, Microsoft, Accenture, and Rockwell Automation, Paul Chae brings a unique perspective to executive coaching. Combining expertise in high-tech industries, organizational psychology, and business strategy, he empowers senior leaders to navigate challenges, build resilience, and lead with clarity and purpose.
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Integrating neuroscience research and proven leadership frameworks, Paul helps leaders overcome obstacles like overwhelm and self-doubt, fostering sustained growth and transformation. With his experience and strategic insight, he is a valuable asset to JHI’s mission.
Jessica Haberer
Board Member and Medical Advisor
Dr. Haberer is a respected internist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a Professor at Harvard Medical School, where her academic and clinical pursuits are deeply rooted in global health. Since the early 2000s, Dr. Haberer has been at the forefront of research into adherence to antiretroviral medications, a critical factor in the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. Her innovative research primarily focuses on real-time adherence monitoring and intervention strategies, aiming to enhance patient outcomes through timely and responsive care. Currently, Dr. Haberer's impactful projects extend across several countries, including Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, reflecting her commitment to addressing global health disparities and advancing HIV treatment methodologies on an international scale.
Richard Ehrlichman
Board Member and Medical Advisor
Dr. Richard J. Ehrlichman is a distinguished plastic surgeon based in Boston, Massachusetts, boasting affiliations with several reputable hospitals, including Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and North Shore Medical Center-Salem. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Ehrlichman has dedicated over two decades to the field of plastic surgery, specializing in the intricate replacement and repair of skin, bone, and various tissues. His extensive medical expertise is complemented by a notable military career; he serves as a Colonel in the United States Army Medical Corps and holds the prestigious position of Senior State Physician for the Massachusetts National Guard. Dr. Ehrlichman's dual roles in civilian and military healthcare underscore his commitment to advancing medical practice and serving both the public and his country.
Nancy Falb
Board Member and Medical Advisor/Patient Supporter
Nancy Falb, a dedicated member of the Justice Health Initiative (JHI) team, has been a resident of Boston since 1983 and brings a wealth of nursing experience to her role. Throughout her career, Nancy has worked in various healthcare settings, accumulating a diverse range of medical expertise. This extensive background equips her to effectively advocate for and support JHI patients, ensuring they and their families face less uncertainty as they prepare for treatment. Nancy’s compassion extends beyond her professional life into her personal activities. Residing in the western suburbs of Boston, she enjoys gardening and spending quality time with her family and friends, nurturing her community ties just as thoughtfully as she cares for her patients.
Junne Kamihara
Medical Advisor
Dr. Junne Kamihara is a distinguished pediatric oncologist at Boston Children's Hospital, specializing in the treatment of childhood cancers and genetic cancer predisposition syndromes. With a dual MD and PhD degree from a prestigious university, Dr. Kamihara has dedicated her career to advancing the understanding and treatment of pediatric cancers through both clinical excellence and groundbreaking research.
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Dr. Kamihara received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and her PhD in genetics from MIT. She completed her pediatric residency training at Boston Children’s Hospital/Boston Medical Center and her fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital.
Frederick Lee
Medical Advisor
Dr. Lee is an internist and infectious diseases specialist with a profound depth of experience in clinical practice, academic research, and teaching. Beyond his medical expertise, Dr. Lee has also excelled as a consultant in various roles. These include performing in-depth analysis of high-complexity cases that pose diagnostic or treatment dilemmas, and evaluating innovative healthcare ventures, particularly at the intersection of healthcare and artificial intelligence. Dr. Lee became involved with Justice Health Initiative (JHI) after being deeply inspired by the unwavering dedication, faith, and compassion of its founder, Alex. Alex's commitment to providing life-changing medical care to children from resource-poor nations resonated profoundly with him. Sharing JHI’s core values of compassion, service, and hope, Dr. Lee is honored to contribute his expertise to the organization’s mission. As a member of the Medical Advisory Board, he plays a crucial role in carefully reviewing and synthesizing medical records to help the team evaluate patient cases and ensure that JHI can offer a second chance at life to children through transformative medical care.
Edith Reshef
Medical Advisor
Dr. Reshef is an Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon specializing in the unique field of pediatric ocular and periocular conditions at Boston Children’s Hospital. With a robust background in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery, this expert brings unparalleled precision and care to treating structural issues around the eyes that affect vision and appearance. Their dedication extends beyond surgical excellence, as they are deeply committed to advancing the field through innovative research and education, ensuring that the next generation of specialists is well-equipped to continue improving patient outcomes. As part of the Justice Health Initiative (JHI), they apply their specialized skills to make significant contributions to global health efforts, providing life-altering surgical interventions for children from underserved regions, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to see the world clearly and without hindrance. Their role at JHI underscores a profound commitment to enhancing not just vision, but the overall quality of life for vulnerable pediatric populations worldwide.
Omar Sultan Haque
Medical Advisor
Dr. Omar Sultan Haque is a psychiatrist, social scientist, and philosopher who studies issues ranging from global health, anthropology, social psychology, to bioethics, law, and religion. Dr. Omar Haque is an honors graduate of Harvard Medical School, and Brown and Yale University, and has 16 years of caring for patients. Dr. Omar’s work focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and schizophrenia. At Harvard Medical School, Dr. Haque is a faculty member in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine/Program in Psychiatry and the Law; he is also a UNESCO Chair in Bioethics. He has received several awards for his work accomplishments.
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Peter Choo
Medical Advisor
Dr. Choo is a renowned physician, clinical epidemiologist, and private investor with a dynamic career at the nexus of healthcare, academia, and finance. He embarked on his academic path with a medical degree, expanded into public health with a focus on epidemiology, and further enhanced his expertise with an MBA in healthcare management. Throughout his career, Dr. Choo has held pivotal roles in healthcare systems, focusing on improving patient outcomes through innovation and research, and has made strategic investments in medical technologies. He is deeply involved in the nonprofit sector, contributing to public health, education, and community welfare initiatives. Dr. Choo is committed to using technology and data to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency, particularly in underserved areas, aiming to bridge healthcare gaps through ongoing initiatives that promote a more equitable healthcare landscape. His work exemplifies a dedicated effort to integrate various disciplines to foster global healthcare improvements.