Meet the Team

True transformation rarely arrives with a flourish; it begins in the quiet, focused space where a mentor leans over a student.

Since 2013, MTIMA has served as the heartbeat of this quiet revolution in Malawi.

Inspired by Dr. David McCarty’s relentless and dedicated mission, the organization bypasses the traditional machinery of aid, operating instead on a radical model of pure, unadorned volunteerism.

This is healthcare stripped to its most beautiful essence: expert hands lending their dexterity to a nation’s future.

Through a rigorous commitment to education and durable quality systems, MTIMA ensures that Malawian clinicians don’t just receive help—they inherit mastery.

In this corner of the world, hope isn’t a fleeting sentiment; it’s a system being built, a lesson being learned, and a pulse growing stronger every day.

Here, the legacy is written in steady hands and shared expertise—changing the future, one heartbeat at a time.

Our Team

  • Marcello Na

    Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

    Marcello Na is the co-founder of MTIMA, and currently the Director at Cardiac Care North York, while continuing his skills and knowledge in cardiac sonography. He is dedicated to advancing sonography education and standards. Marcello leverages his expertise in health informatics to support and improve global health services. At MTIMA, he actively contributes to initiatives designed to enhance healthcare access and quality nationwide.

  • Dr. David McCarty

    Chief Medical Officer & Co-Founder

    Dr. David McCarty, formerly of Western University and the Echocardiography lab at London Health Sciences Centre, is deeply committed to advancing cardiovascular healthcare in developing nations. Presently in Malawi, he works tirelessly to raise local healthcare standards and educate the community. His efforts are a testament to his vision and mission, which align perfectly with MTIMA's goal of enhancing cardiovascular services in underserved regions.

  • Dr. Carlos Fernando

    Chief Operating Officer

    Carlos Fernando, serving as a clinical research manager at Unity Health Toronto and the managing director at Medicus MFC Inc., brings a unique blend of medical, business management, and research expertise. This skill set has been instrumental in advancing MTIMA's mission, particularly in healthcare operations and organizational efficiency. His dedication to streamlining healthcare processes and business acumen has been a key factor in amplifying MTIMA's effectiveness and impact.

  • Dr. Karim Taha

    Chief Financial Officer & Co-Founder

    Dr. Karim Taha, an interventional cardiologist and advocate for global healthcare equality, co-founded MTIMA after volunteering in Malawi. He leads fundraising efforts and coordinates crucial medical equipment donations from Canadian hospitals to Blantyre's Queen Elizabeth II Hospital. Karim is trying his best to bring basic cardiac services to one of the most underprivileged regions in the world.

Executive Directors

Christine Portwood

Education Program

Christine Portwood is an Instructor and Clinical Liaison for the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program at Mohawk College, a Registered Cardiac Sonographer and holds a background in Biological Science and Paramedicine. She has a passion for teaching, helping others and global outreach. Since volunteering in Malawi, she has become part of MTIMA’s education team. She is dedicated to expanding MTIMA’s impact and advancing cardiac care in Malawi.

Dr. Karen Ho is a cardiologist at the University of Alberta who specializes in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease and Echocardiography. She was deeply touched and impressed by the sustained efforts to improve cardiovascular care in Malawi during her mission trip as a trainee. At MTIMA, she is dedicated to enhancing the cardiovascular education of Malawian trainees and to promoting the remarkable, life-changing work of the organization.

Research Program

Dr. Karen Ho

Marketing

Gabriel Ho

Gabriel, a cardiac sonographer at Sunnybrook Health Sciences, enhances MTIMA's outreach and academic programs through his expertise in social media and education. His efforts boost MTIMA's online presence and public awareness, introducing innovative strategies for the organization's growth and development.

Marketing Director
Marketing Manager

Sherin Anton

Sherin is a registered cardiac sonographer with a strong background in kinesiology and health science. As a dedicated member of the education and social media team, her goal is to provide comprehensive educational resources aimed at enhancing the standards of cardiac care within disadvantaged communities, leveraging her expertise to make a meaningful impact on public health.

Education

Marleigh Connolly

Marleigh, a registered cardiac sonographer with a background in acute care nursing and kinesiology, is an integral member of MTIMA's education team, dedicated to expanding MTIMA's educational reach and advocating for equitable, sustainable improvements in global cardiac health.

Education Content Manager

Sarah Jajoueimoghaddam

Sara holds distinguished degrees in Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) and Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography from Mohawk College, Canada. She is passionately dedicated to advancing cardiovascular health in African countries through her extensive volunteer work with MTIMA, where she actively contributes her expertise to improve medical care and education.

Education Content Manager

Annu Dhaliwal

Annu, a skilled Cardiac Sonographer with a Health Science degree, brings six years of experience as a Cardiology Technologist. She actively supports MTIMA’s Quality Assurance and LinkedIn efforts, combining her expertise with a passion for advancing global cardiovascular care. Born in Penticton, she’s committed to making a meaningful impact.

Quality Control Manager

Mission

Victoria Lee

Victoria is a dedicated cardiac sonographer with a deep passion for global health and a strong drive to create positive change. Her primary role at MTIMA focuses on social media and education, where she helps raise awareness and share knowledge. In the future, she hopes to participate in medical missions and support health initiatives to help communities around the world.

Medical Mission Manager
Logistics Manager (Malawi)

Joseph Beka

Joseph Beka, originally from Blantyre, Malawi, holds a Diploma in IT System Support and an Advanced Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management. As MTIMA Malawi’s Onsite Logistics Director, he coordinates mission operations, and actively supports local initiatives and community partnerships.

Consultants

Rianne de Bon-Bruin

Rianne, an adept sonographer and researcher at Amsterdam UMC, has been invited to collaborate with MTIMA. Her role involves working alongside the team to deliver quality, accessible education to healthcare practitioners in Malawi. Her experience and expertise are vital in enriching the educational aspects of MTIMA's mission.

Mission & Education Consultant

Dr. Keith Kwok

Dr. Keith Kwok, a seasoned cardiologist from North York, Ontario, is dedicated to advancing global cardiovascular care. Actively involved with MTIMA, he shares his expertise through teaching and mentoring, contributing to medical missions that empower local healthcare professionals in underserved communities.

Mission & Education Consultant

Dr. Michael Hammer

Dr. Michael Hammer, a Cardiologist and co-director at North York General Hospital, serves as an educator at MTIMA. Trained at the University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, he specializes in cardiac imaging, valvular heart disease, and heart failure. His expertise supports MTIMA's mission to elevate cardiac care education in Malawi.

Education Consultant

Jacob Hammer CPA

Jacob Hammer, CPA, CA, applies his extensive experience in audit, M&A, and tax strategy to enhance MTIMA's mission through strategic financial guidance. As a seasoned finance leader at Russell Reynolds Associates and former VP at Kilberry, he aligns MTIMA’s financial operations with their vision, fostering growth and sustainability.

Finance Consultant