The Team
Ann-Marie Brown
Founder, Sport Program Director
Ann-Marie is based in Launceston, Tasmania, and her journey is a testament to the transformative power of sport and education. As a national-level netball umpire, coach and bench official, she has spent decades deeply embedded in the sport. Her experience spans coaching junior and senior teams, mentoring young umpires, and leading programs that use netball as a vehicle for confidence, leadership and personal development. Her work in rural and semi-urban India revealed a stark contrast in opportunities available to young girls. In 2023, while leading a health outreach trip with Australian nursing students, Ann-Marie saw the power of sport break down social and cultural barriers. During health assessments at a local school, a spontaneous game of netball unfolded on a small, walled courtyard littered with rocks and rubbish. Despite the harsh environment, the students connected instantly. That simple moment of play opened the door to meaningful conversations about physical health, personal development, challenges at home and future aspirations, topics many felt unable to discuss openly elsewhere. After two years of returning to India and running similar programs, Ann-Marie recognised the intrinsic power of sport as a platform for connection, empowerment and education. This realisation sparked the creation of the Here If You Need Foundation, dedicated to equipping children, particularly young women, with life skills, confidence and health awareness through sport. Alongside her extensive netball career, Ann-Marie is also a Senior University Lecturer in Nursing, bringing deep expertise in health, education and community engagement. Her dedication to the mission of Here If You Need reflects her long-standing commitment to making a meaningful difference both in Australia and abroad.
Dr. Prafullata Rajput
Founder, Health Program Director
Dr. Prafu is an Ayurvedic doctor, yoga teacher and registered medical practitioner with a postgraduate certification in Alternative Medicine. She graduated with a Medical Degree from the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in 2005 and completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga at Tilak Maharashtra University in 2007. She opened her first clinic in 2008 and now oversees multiple Ayurvedic clinics across Maharashtra and Goa. Dr Rajput is also a dedicated classical artist. A professional Bharatanatyam dancer with a postgraduate qualification in Performing Arts, she creates innovative interdisciplinary dance works that explore contemporary themes through the classical form. Since 2012, Dr Rajput has served as the Academic Director at Beyond Borders, where she manages international health placements and plays a key role in global program development. In 2019, she became a Director of the organisation, helping expand its network across the Global South. Her commitment to community health extends over more than a decade. Since 2010, she has been involved in internationally funded research projects and has contributed extensively to the social sector, including her work as a medical officer with Kayakalpa NGO, where she supported HIV, AIDS and STI prevention initiatives for brothel-based female sex workers in Pune. With her extensive clinical experience and expertise in yoga, Dr Rajput continues to use holistic, evidence-informed approaches to support the development and wellbeing of children and communities.
Arunabha Pal
Founder - Project Director (India)
Arunabha (Aaron) is a Science Graduate from Calcutta University and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Global Sales and Marketing Administration from the National Institute of Sales in India. He began his career in the corporate sector, working with multinational organisations such as GE Capital and Mphasis EDS. In these roles, he managed international assignments with major financial institutions including Abbey National Bank in the UK and JP Morgan Chase in the US. His final role in the for-profit sector was as Director of Operations for India at Option One Mortgage Corporation. In 2006, Aaron transitioned to the not-for-profit sector, joining the Magic Bus Foundation, where he played an integral role in building the Magic Bus Enterprise model. He continues to mentor two social enterprises: one focused on women’s empowerment through skill development in Traditional Medicine therapies, and another creating livelihood opportunities for marginalised communities through environmentally sustainable products. Between 2014 and 2016, Aaron served as co-investigator on a Canadian Government-funded research project exploring affordable solutions for safe and clean drinking water in high-risk communities. A strong advocate for youth development, he now leads transformative leadership workshops designed to unlock the potential of young adults from diverse backgrounds. Aaron has been associated with Beyond Borders since 2010, where he drives the organisation’s strategic vision for growth and impact. His work focuses on organisational development, expansion into new regions, and ensuring that program depth, quality and health and safety standards align with global best practice.
Liz Miko
Founder - Project Director (Australia)
Liz is based in Melbourne, Australia, and brings more than 23 years of experience as an administrator and Business Manager within the education sector. She completed a Diploma of Management in 2011 and later earned a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Federation University Australia, strengthening her expertise in organisational leadership, operations and financial management. In 2023, Liz participated in a Business in a Developing Economy program in Nepal through the Australian Government’s New Colombo Program. This experience deepened her understanding of global inequality and inspired her commitment to supporting organisations like Beyond Borders. She is proud to contribute to the Here If You Need Foundation and its mission to provide health education and awareness to children in Nepal, India and Australia. Liz is passionate about using her professional skills to support the personal growth of others and to advocate for marginalised communities, particularly women and children. She believes strongly in the power of small, compassionate actions to create meaningful change. As an experienced Business Manager in the Australian education sector, Liz adds significant strategic and operational insight to the Here If You Need Foundation, helping strengthen its capacity, governance and long-term impact.
Meet the Local Mentors:
Nissi, Nishita and Kartiki
