Meet Our Team
Holistic Schools Team
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Michael Louis Phiri is the Founder and visionary leader with 8 years of expertise in human development. He has special expertise in child and adolescent development, school counseling, and research. Michael is currently a graduate of Harvard University Graduate School of Education, a Global Center for International Development Research Fellow, a Global Health Cops Fellowship Alumnus, and a Member of the Harvard Innovation Lab.
📧 Email: [email protected]
Director of Programs and Operations
Francisca Chisompola has a professional background in procurement and social work. Recently, she has focused her work on the psychosocial well-being of children and their communities. She has extensive experience in community-based work with children and youths, school counseling, and learner support.
📧 Email: [email protected]
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Dr Derick Singogo, PhD, is an Educational Psychologist, co-founder, and counselor with 17 years of experience as an educator, dedicated to equipping schools with tools to foster emotional resilience. His recent work has focused on the use of Universal Design for Learning to promote inclusive teaching among early childhood teachers.
📧 Email: [email protected]
Holistic Schools Team
Director Training and Curriculum Implementation
Lizzie Mzumara serves as the Director of Training and Curriculum Implementation at Holistic Schools Africa, bringing over 9 years of hands-on experience in child, adolescent, and caregiver coaching. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a deep passion for psychosocial development, Lizzy leads the organization’s strategy and implementation of caregiver training programs, psychosocial support interventions, and holistic child development initiatives. Her role focuses on designing and delivering context-relevant training for educators and caregivers, supporting the emotional, spiritual, and academic well-being of children across diverse learning environments. As an expert public speaker and curriculum facilitator, Lizzy ensures that every caregiver and teacher within our network is equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to nurture emotionally resilient learners. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that transforming the lives of children starts with empowering those who care for and educate them every day.
📧 Email: [email protected]
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement Advisor
Potrine Beenzu Muzumba is an Educational Psychology graduate from the University of Zambia and a certified mental health practitioner with a strong academic background in mathematics. She brings to Holistic Schools Africa (HOLIS-A) a unique blend of expertise in education, mental health, and advocacy. With a deep passion for community well-being, she leads efforts in partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots advocacy, helping to amplify the mission of HOLIS-A across diverse communities.
Beyond her professional credentials, Potrine is the voice behind The Paramount Mental Health Hub podcast, where she raises awareness on mental health issues with clarity, compassion, and humor.
📧 Email: [email protected]
Learner Support Technical Advisor
Elinai Mwasinga is a passionate psychologist with a Bachelor's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Zambia. She brings to Holistic Schools Africa a wealth of experience in supporting individuals toward personal growth and emotional well-being.
Guided by a strong belief in human excellence, Elinai is dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments that promote resilience, equity, and student achievement. Her background in educational and student development settings has shaped a deep understanding of how learners grow, thrive, and overcome barriers both inside and outside the classroom.
As Learner Support Technical Advisor, Elinai leads efforts to strengthen psychosocial support systems for learners. She provides technical guidance on interventions that promote mental health, well-being, and academic success, ensuring that every learner has the support they need to reach their full potential.
📧 Email: [email protected]
Holistic Schools Team
Director of Program Evaluation and Research
Jacob Kasambala is a seasoned Research and Project Evaluation Specialist with a Bachelor of Education in Cultural Studies and currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Development Studies at the University of Zambia. With extensive experience spanning research, program evaluation, and project management in both the health and education sectors, Jacob brings a strategic and evidence-driven lens to his work at Holistic Schools Africa.
As Director of Program Evaluation and Research, Jacob leads efforts to design, monitor, and evaluate the impact of programs that aim to transform school environments and learner outcomes. A scientific enthusiast at heart, he is deeply committed to evidence-based programming that is not only effective but also culturally grounded. He advocates for program adaptation and contextualization—ensuring that interventions reflect and respect the communities they are meant to serve.
Outside of his professional work, Jacob is also a passionate agro-business entrepreneur, finding joy in sustainable practices that nourish both people and the planet. His unique blend of academic rigor, cultural insight, and entrepreneurial spirit makes him a vital force in driving impactful, data-informed solutions at HOLIS-A.
📧 Email: [email protected]