Dr. Bill Brown

General Surgeon & Medical Director

I’ve been a surgeon for 40 years. My surgical training residency was in the 1980’s. That may sound like a long time ago, and it was. But, I’ve come to realize that when I trained, taking a careful history of the problem and doing a thorough physical examination were key to proper diagnosing. My training has served me well over the years. Now, surgeons can depend too much on imaging studies and lab tests. That does not work on a medical mission where sometimes the only tools available are your eyes, ears, and hands. In addition, during my training, we did not have laparoscopes, staplers, harmonic scalpels, endoscopes, etc., which is typically the case on surgical missions. My training has made me and other surgeons of my generation uniquely suited for work in developing countries.

Surgical missions are important to me. It allows me to care for people in desperate need. I have the opportunity to train local surgeons and I’m able to give back a little for the life with which I have been blessed.

I have a wonderful family; three terrific children, and four fantastic grandsons. My family understands and supports me when I take off for weeks at a time for these surgical trips. My daughter organizes everything for our trips from flights to food, housing and the myriad logistics involved. Her help allows me to focus on patient care. She’s also a RN and is by my side in the operating room. I couldn’t be more proud.

When I’m not on a mission trip, I spend as much time with family as I can, especially the grandkids. Watching them grow is a joy. What could be better than playing catch with your grandson, who can throw the baseball faster than I can?

Emily Brown

Registered Nurse & Program Director

I grew up in California and did my undergraduate education at UC Berkeley. I then went back to school at Samuel Merritt University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I have been a nurse since 2010, working in the emergency department since 2012. I went on my first medical mission trip in 2011 to Haiti to assist with the cholera outbreak, and this trip confirmed my love for medical missions. I have since completed over fifteen local and international medical missions. In 2019 my father, Dr Brown, and I went on a surgical mission trip together and this sparked the idea of creating a surgical mission program around my dad.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am lucky to be surrounded by family; my parents, brothers and their families, and I all live within a few miles of each other. I recently gave birth to my first child, a son, who is teaching me new things every day. My family also includes my beloved pets: two Labradors and a thoroughbred horse. I volunteer with my dogs, who are both certified therapy dogs, and competitively show jump with my horse. I love being outside exploring nature and traveling as much as possible.

Paras Barnett

Registered Nurse & Program Manager

Graduated with my Bachelors degree in nursing and have 25 years of professional healthcare experience. My journey began as a dental hygienist and unfolded into the enriching role of a registered nurse. Nursing is more than a profession; it’s a profound calling—an opportunity to give back to humanity with an open heart. Mission work, a cornerstone of my passion, allows me to witness the priceless gratitude in patients’ faces following transformative surgeries.

Beyond healthcare, in my free time, I find joy in my creativity—whether through the stroke of a paintbrush, the meticulous crafting of jewelry, or gardening. Each pursuit is a heartfelt celebration of the beauty life holds. Embracing and living to the fullest, I find joy in exercising my body and mind, playing and training my two dogs, and immersing myself in the beauty of nature.

Dr. Farashuu Salim

Medical Officer

I’m Dr. Farashuu Salim, Kenyan born and raised in Mombasa County, went to Binns’ Primary School, then Star of the Sea High School, for my secondary education.

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBchB at Kampala International University class 2015.

After graduating from medical school, I was posted to Msambweni County Referral Hospital for my internship. I then worked in Diani Health Center from 2016 to 2018.

In 2018, I was posted back to Msambeweni County Referral Hospital. I have also worked at Alfarook Hospital and Bliss Hospital.

I have worked with Kinondo Kwetu Hospital Since 2020. I have worked with Dr. Brown in 2 missions where more than 300 locals were assisted. I have been in several other local medical and surgical camps.

Janet Choni Mrima

Head OR Nurse at Kinondo Kwetu Hospital

My name is Janet Choni Mrima. I was born in the Kilifi County Coast region of Kenya on August 20th 1960. My dad was a civil servant who worked in the health sector, and my mother is a housewife and a farmer. I have 8 siblings and my parents both worked hard to see that all of us were educated. They brought up a family of four nurses (I am the eldest), three teachers, one accountant, and one nurse assistant.

I taught an adult literacy teacher from 1979-1981. I joined nursing in July 1981, and enrolled in community health nursing in December 1984. I advanced to a Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse in 2008. Still working in public hospitals, I enrolled for a diploma course in theater nursing and qualified as a peri operative nurse in 2010. During my nursing career I have worked in most of the nursing related fields and by 1990 I was deployed to theater where I have worked until my retirement in the civil service health sector in August 2020. In September 2020, I was employed by Kinondo Kwetu Health Services as a nurse manager to run the nursing activities and manage surgical services.  I have worked in theater for 33 years. I have trained nurse students in medical school, mentored junior nurses and medical doctors during their internship, and mentored other qualified staff at work from 1985 to date.

I am proud to be a nurse. I am married with four children; three boys and a girl. I have two adopted children; a boy and a girl. We have about ten grandchildren and are expecting more.

Tamara Martinez

Registered Nurse & Operational Support

I grew up in California and all through my early education I had a focus on service. In high school I traveled to Mexico to provide support to underserved communities, and this led me to want a career where I could make a difference everyday, so I chose nursing. I received my degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore 29 years ago.

I have gone on to have a rich and varied career including time in the ICU and most recently in a complex administrative role. As a nurse I strive to make a difference inpeople’s lives using my clinical expertise and years of experience to provide compassionate care.

Dr. Sylvenus Barasa

Reproductive Health Clinical Officer & Physician Associate

Dr. Barasa is a devoted Kenyan healthcare professional who began his medical journey at the Kenya Medical Training College in Mombasa, earning his diploma in 2015.

After working in several hospitals on short-term contracts, he joined Kinondo Kwetu Hospital in 2016, where he continues to serve with dedication.

His focus is on women’s health and reproductive health research, with a passion for reducing maternal mortality, promoting early cervical cancer detection, and ensuring safe deliveries. In 2021, Kinondo Kwetu Hospital sponsored him to advance his studies in women’s health. He completed his training in December 2023 and now serves as team lead for the Reproductive Health & Research team.

Outside of work, Dr. Barasa enjoys time with his wife and two daughters, exploring coastal beaches and playing or watching football.

Agnes Iha

Registered Nurse | Surgery Department | Kinondo Kwetu Hospital

I am a registered nurse currently serving as the lead operating room nurse at Kinondo Kwetu Hospital, where I’ve worked since 2022. I began my nursing career in the Maternity Department, later transitioning to the operating room, where I discovered my true calling. While the shift was initially challenging, the guidance of mentors, compassionate doctors, and supportive colleagues helped me build confidence and develop strong surgical nursing skills.

Being part of Surgical Aid for Kenya has been a deeply meaningful experience. It has allowed me to gain hands-on knowledge while contributing to life-changing procedures for underserved communities.

I am passionate about advancing my expertise in surgical care and plan to pursue further studies in the field. For me, nursing is more than a profession—it is a calling. The relief and gratitude I witness in patients is the greatest reward, bringing purpose and deep fulfillment to my work.