Our Team
The Nandi management team consists of 100% volunteers.
They support Nandi’s mission and are dedicated to helping abandoned and stray animals in the Western Algarve.
Each member of the team brings experience and valuable insight to the daily operations of Nandi
with the goal of continuing the legacy of The Nandi Charity.
Thanks to the commitment of Nandi’s management team and its group of volunteers,
The Nandi Charity is able to assist local animal sanctuaries and charities and contribute to the community.
Joshua Braun
President
I was born and raised in the United States. I started my career in Finance in 1985.
I then moved to the hospitality and construction industries.
From there, I started my own business. After graduate school, I also started working as a professor of economics. After purchasing an apartment in 2022
here in Lagos, my wife, dog (Sophia) and I moved to Lagos full time in May, 2024.
We plan on staying and applying for citizenship.
Sandra Thompson
Vice-President of Animal Help
Born and raised in Northamptonshire, England, I dedicated nearly 40 years
to public service in the UK before moving permanently to Portugal,
with my husband in 2020,
after owning a home here for two decades. With a strong desire to support
my local community, I began volunteering with Nandi, bringing my experience
and knowledge of the digital world to help their mission.
I also volunteer with Algarve Families in Need, working to connect
both organisations for the benefit of animals and people alike.
Mel Lister
Treasurer
Born and brought up in Portsmouth, England, I trained and worked for a firm of accountants before moving to Portugal with my family. Here, I managed a detox retreat until the business was sold. With time on my hands, after losing my mum, I joined Nandi as a volunteer in the Furniture Shop.
That extended to another shift in the Clothing Shop, together with becoming the bookkeeper. Now, I am the Treasurer as well.
I live in Alfambras with my son, 5 cats, 23 chickens, and 2 geese.
Marsha Hallsworth
Clothes Store Manager
I was born in Leningrad 70 years ago, received my degree
from Leningrad University.
After Perestroyka, I started my career in the hospitality industry,
working as a Training/Quality Manager, and later a Director in 5–Star Hotels around the world. In 2004, I resided in the UK and in 2014,
we put our cat Frankie in the carrier and flew to Portugal.
Since 2021, our small family– my husband and our adopted dog - live in Lagos.
John Worman
Secretary
I have worked at Nandi for more years than I like to remember.
I have held every management position within the organisation
at one time or another, and therefore I have lots of experience
with Nandi’s processes and procedures.
In my previous life, I have worked in a number of corporate institutions,
including financial and communications, specialising in I.T.
and Project Management.