Category: Management Team

Ms. Lara Abela graduated from the University of Malta with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2018. Shortly after she completed her studies, she joined Fondazzjoni Suret il Bniedem as a Support Worker, where she quickly discovered her passion for helping others.  In 2019,  she stepped into the role of Home Coordinator at Dar Victoria, a position which she has proudly held since then.  In the same year, Ms. Abela was given further responsibilities within the foundation, this time to also coordinate Dar Franġisk. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Psychotherapy with the Gestalt Psychotherapy Institute Malta, deepening her understanding of therapeutic practices to better serve those in need. Her love and passion for supporting people in the mental health and homeless sectors are the driving forces behind her career. This commitment fuels Lara’s ongoing journey to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she works with. Outside of her professional life, Lara enjoys spending time in nature, where she finds peace and inspiration. This is where she recharges and reconnects with herself, taking the time to reflect and ground her energy. Nature provides her with the space to clear her mind and regain focus. Traveling is another passion of hers, as it allows her to explore different cultures and gain new perspectives. Together, these interests help her balance her commitment to others with self-care and personal fulfilment.

Ms. Kimberley Xuereb always had a passion for the social sector, particularly for the most vulnerable sectors in society. She completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honors) in 2016. Upon the completion of her undergraduate degree she started working with Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem as a Support Worker at Dar Victoria. After a few months as a Support Worker Ms. Xeureb was selected for the role of Home Coordinator of Dar Imelda and Paul Debono, which was going to be inaugurated in a few months time. During this time, she was involved in the logistical preparations of a new service, the recruitment of the team, identifying the resident group and in creating the network required to establish the service within various sectors in the field. Ms. Xeureb is by far proud of her 7 year experience as the Coordinator of this Home and perceives this experience as the most rewarding. Being part of this project has continued to drive her to strive to keep up the level of services that Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem offers. Between 2021 and 2022, Kim read for her Masters in Business Administration. Here, she continued to enhance her knowledge in the management field and eventually was able to reflect this in her work as well. In 2024 she embarked on a new journey as the Head Office and Logistics Coordinator. Although the residential setting is still very close to her heart, her interest and skills seem to have shifted to a more operational and logistical nature. Kim is still involved within the services but within her new role she is now putting together the services and operational aspects in a more intertwined manner. In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time outdoors, especially when it comes to camping and exploring nature.

Mr. Andrew Cauchi is a dedicated member of the professional team with a diverse academic and career background. He initially graduated with a Diploma in Telecommunications and later pursued studies in Business Management from the University of Malta at the age of 40. His passion for social work and community support has always been a driving force. Seeing his career as a true vocation, he moved away from the telecommunications sector to join Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem in 2014. He spent eight years as the Coordinator of the males homeless shelter. At Dar Leopoldo, Andrew made a significant impact in helping vulnerable individuals integrate into the community. In 2022, Andrew transitioned to the organization’s Head Office, where he now serves in Human Resources and Finance, bringing a unique blend of compassion, leadership, and business acumen to his role.  In his free time Andrew serves in several parishes all over Malta in the area of animating Liturgical functions. He has also contributed with composing and authoring of various spiritual hymns.

Ms. Tracey Vella started pursuing her passion for working in the social field in 2011 when she enrolled at Mcast for her first Diploma. Over the years, she earned an honors degree in Health and Social Care Management and later pursued a Master’s in Community Action and Development at the University of Malta. Her academic growth was complemented by hands-on experience in various social environments, both locally and abroad. In 2017, she joined Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem  as a Home Coordinator.  In this journey with Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem she has served three different residences.   This path has been immensely rewarding for Ms. Vella as she approaches each day as a new opportunity to empower others and help them improve their life circumstances. Tracey uses music as her outlet. She is a professional clarinet player and plays this instrument in different settings.

Ms. Sarah Bondin graduated from the University of Malta with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2002.  She worked in various social care fields with non-governmental organisations including direct work with homeless women, children on the autism spectrum and young-people in out-of-home care, the latter as a Coordinator of a Home for unaccompanied minors asylum seekers.  She obtained a Post-Graduate Certificate in Systemic Thinking from Tavistock Clinic in 2005 which she mostly applied in organisational settings, first as Head of Care and later as Service Manager for the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers. In her work in the field of migration she particularly focused on unaccompanied minors and vulnerable asylum seekers.  She was a national expert on age and vulnerability assessment and as part of the senior management team she was also responsible for the development of services and the strategic development of the agency. She served as an expert on the development of a curriculum for reception workers at the European Asylum Support Office.  Ms. Bondin continued her studies by reading for a Masters of Arts in Policy, Management and Government at the University of York where she graduated in 2013.  In 2015 she started her journey as Director of The President’s Trust (later The Malta Trust Foundation) till early 2024 when she joined Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem.  Ms. Bondin is also a part-time lecturer of psychology at the Institute of Applied Health Sciences at MCAST.  She enjoys travelling, reading and swimming and is a mother to a young teenager.