Meet Our Team
Meet some of the people who make the Richmond Vale Academy mission possible.
Trine Wendelboe
Executive Director
Trine Wendelboe is of Danish origin, and has spent all her adult life within the fields of education and development in various settings. She has traveled around the world, and has a passion for gathering people around issues related to equality, prosperity for all and fighting off global warming and climate change. Trine Wendelboe has a flair for culinary art – cooking for health, joy and for people.
Stina Herberg
Director of Outreach & Public Diplomacy
Stina was born in Norway and has for the past 35 years worked with education, environment and development projects in Angola, Mozambique, Denmark, Norway, USA and Caribbean. She is currently using her extensive experience as the director of outreach and diplomacy for Richmond Vale Academy in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Simone Muapsi
Teacher
Simone is from Mozambique in
Africa. He did a BA in Pedagogy at ISET One
World in Maputo. Has travelled in Angola
Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa.
He is here to pass on his knowledge to
the teams going to Africa.
Thomas Iitungu
Teacher
Thomas is from Namibia, Africa. He worked in the Total Control of the Epidemic, a HIV/AIDS prevention initiative managed by Humana People to People and later on as the Headmaster at the DAPP Vocational school providing accredited skills training in areas such as agriculture, bricklaying, and early childhood development. He is teacher for the Climate programs.
Anthony Nugent
Teacher
Anthony Nugent was born in the USA. After running a successful art studio in Puerto Rico he embarked on a journey to become a volunteer and later a project leader in Mozambique. Anthony brings extensive knowledge in teaching, farming and sustainability to the RVA Team.
Giorgia Agus
Teacher
Gio is from Italy, she is a Mathematician with a Master degree in Governance for Environment and Climate Risk. She joined a Climate Compliance program, volunteering in UK and St. Vincent. Gio joined RVA in November 2022 as a Teacher.
Maxwell Chigutse
Teacher and Farm Manager
Maxwell is from Zimbabwe with 20 years experience in farmer mobilization and cooperative development. He travelled extensively throughout Africa and China, working with farmers on crops, goat and pig production as well as layer and free-range chicken breeding. He is excited to collaborate with farmers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to share sustainable, organic farming techniques that build resilience against global warming.
Romain Roberts
Home Garden Project
Romain is from Guyana and he studied Agriculture and Computer Science. In 2019 Romain joined the Richmond Vale Academy and volunteered both in communities in St. Vincent and in Ecuador. Romain joined the Academy in August to work with the Ecological Home Garden Project.
Luke Punnett
Home Garden Project
Luke is from Vermont, St. Vincent and has a BA in Business Management. Luke is a certified Permaculture Design Instructor running an organic farm in Vermont. He teaches organic farming, agroforestry, soil management, production of organic fertilizer. Luke joined RVA in 2014.
Elisabeth Axelsen
Consultant
Elisabeth is from Denmark, started working as a Consultant at RVA in 2022. She has worked within education and rural development projects since the 80ies. She has lived and worked in Denmark, Central America, China and the US. She is passionate about nature, environment and music.
José Mendoza
Enrollment Advisor
Jose Mendoza is originally from Cuba and holds a BSc in Computer Science Engineering from the Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas. He actively shares educational and professional opportunities that help individuals grow and advance in their careers. He is committed to supporting individuals in reaching their goals and takes pride in helping others succeed.
Else Marie Pedersen
ENROLLMENT ADVISOR
Else Marie is from Denmark, has worked with Marketing and Enrollment in St Vincent and the Grenadines for 8 years, before that in the USA and Europe. She has travelled the world extensively including several countries in Africa. She will be here to answer all your questions!
Kenzit Young
Teacher and Project Leader
Kenzit is a Vincentian from Petit Bordel with 15 years of dedicated experience at Richmond Vale Academy. His diverse career spans construction and farming, transitioning into his current role in coral reef restoration. Driven by a deep passion for marine life, he is certifying as a PADI Divemaster specializing in Deep Diving and Fish Identification.
Cleo Westfield
Economy & Administration
Cleo is from Petit Bordel and studied Principles of Business at St. Vincent Grammar School. Cleo has been teaching at Troumaka Secondary School before he started working as an accountant in 2017.
Christobelle Charles
CHEF
In secondary school I found my passion in cooking by doing “cookery” classes. I built up my knowledge from working various places with many different cooks from St. Vincent and other countries as well. I look forward to meeting you and serving one of my soups or other dishes for you!
Chantelle Potgieter
Enrollment Advisor
Chantelle hails from South Africa. She has a background in pharmaceutical sales and has years of related experience in education and training. She is also a seasoned chef, writer and traveller who uses these skills to bring people together around food, storytelling and culture. As the latest member of our promotions team, she strives to encourage people to benefit from the life-changing programs at RVA.