Our Team

The Active Hearts Foundation was created by Kiwi adventure guide Dan Keys and Nepali trekking guide Arjun Adhikari.
Dan Keys – Aotearoa New Zealand

Dan (or DK) is the founder of the Active Hearts Foundation. He is directly involved in all parts of the charity; specifically researching, facilitating and overseeing our village projects and leading our Charity Treks. He is an experienced trekking guide, leading tours throughout Nepal, Bhutan, Tanzania, Australia and New Zealand since 2005. Inspired by the selflessness and community-minded Nepali people, the idea to create a grassroots, front line charity was conceived in January 2015. Dan has a passion for culture and really getting to know the ‘locals’. He loves Nepalese culture and is happiest when immersed in projects in rural Nepal.

‘Love and Compassion are necessities, not luxuries.

Without them humanity cannot survive’  Dalai Lama XIV

Arjun Adhikari – Nepal

Arjun is an experienced Himalayan Trekking Guide. He is a founder of the Active Hearts Foundation and our Nepali based Operations Manager. Besides being one of the friendliest men on the planet, Arjun is responsible for inspiring the Active Hearts vision of facilitating small village projects in rural Nepal. All the cultural, social and logistical considerations are handled by Arjun. He is a village leader and community consultant specializing in rural education. Based in Kathmandu with his wife, two daughters and young son, Arjun returns to his childhood village as often as possible to help his family and village with the annual harvests and festivals. We are blessed to have such a selfless and passionate man leading the charge on the front line.

Our Board

Dan Keys –  Aotearoa New Zealand

Dan (or DK) is the founder and CEO of the Active Hearts Foundation. He is a long time trekking guide and outdoor enthusiast. Dan has a guiding background leading expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, New Zealand, Australia and Africa. He is the owner of Heartspace Expeditions a leading Himalayan trekking company. When not guiding and working with the charity he lives in his tiny home by the ocean.

Emma Keys – Aotearoa New Zealand

Emma is a languages teacher and the Active Hearts Foundation Administration Manager. She has been integral in shaping and developing our charity to become the Foundation it is today. She has visited Nepal and hiked to Everest and Annapurna base camps. She is passionate about culture, family, writing and waka-ama. She is also a mum to Joseph, Maia and Jada the dog!

Beth Grannis – United States of America

Beth’s expertise in documentary films, participatory filmmaking, and international outreach frequently brings her back to Nepal. As co-founder of Filmmakers Without Borders, she empowers young digital storytellers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. She supports Active Hearts Foundation projects and creates content to share their story. She enjoys skiing, hiking, and baking sourdough bread.

Mark Traveller – Canada

Mark is our financial director and a huge asset to the stability and sustainability of the Active Hearts Foundation. He has a long history working in global tourism businesses, and a passion for travel. Mark hails from New Zealand, but lives with his wife Val and children Wolfie, Luiza and Griffin in Canada. He loves skiing, biking, playing music and running.

Dee Keys (Ama) – Aotearoa New Zealand

Dee is the principal coordinator for the donated clothing and knitting groups that support the charity. She has visited Nepal four times. She has hiked Everest and Annapurna regions. She has also joined the 2015 and 2019 Ganesh Himal Charity Treks with Heartspace Expeditions. She has been the guest speaker for various clubs and hosted fundraising events to promote our mission.

Rob Cruse – Australia

Rob lives in Melbourne (Australia) with his wife Anita and three boys Ben, Ollie and Matthew. In between helping to grow and develop Active Hearts Foundation within Australia, Rob is an avid traveller and photographer. Free time is spent at the local surf life saving club where he paddles surfskis and volunteers as a lifeguard.

Active Hearts Foundation

Copyright © 2024 - Active Hearts Foundation |
Website design and development by Back9 Creative.