Board Members

David Htoo
President
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David has a background in Political Science and International Development from Houghton College and has spent many years volunteering, interpreting, and advocating for refugee rights. He works at Buffalo City Hall as a Senior Data Processing Equipment Operator and part-time at the International Institute of Buffalo as a certified interpreter. David has supported KSB since 2011 and became Board Chairperson in 2023, helping lead community events, support families, and strengthen KSB’s programs.

Daniel Montante
Board Member
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Daniel is the President and co-founder of Montante Solar and a long-time leader in New York’s renewable energy industry. He oversees company strategy, team development, and major solar projects across the state. Daniel also serves as President of NYSEIA and sits on the boards of Artpark & Company and Torn Space Theater, bringing extensive leadership and industry experience to KSB.

Thin Thin Conlon
Board Member
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Thin Thin brings years of experience in community engagement, immigrant support, and nonprofit collaboration. She has worked closely with diverse families in Buffalo, helping them access resources, navigate services, and feel connected to their new community. Passionate about cultural preservation and youth empowerment, she supports KSB’s mission by strengthening partnerships, guiding program development, and advocating for Karen community needs.

Christian Parra
Board Member
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Christian is a community organizer and advocate with experience in social justice, civic engagement, and nonprofit development. He has worked with organizations focused on equity, youth leadership, and immigrant support throughout Western New York. Christian brings strong skills in outreach, partnership building, and grassroots organizing, helping KSB grow its impact and amplify the voices of the Karen community.
Staff Members

Faustina Palmatier
Executive Director
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Faustina is from Myaungmya-Yangon, Burma, and has been supporting the Karen community in Buffalo for many years. She started as a volunteer and became KSB’s Program Coordinator in 2020. She helps run programs, supports families, organizes services, and builds community partnerships. With a Master’s in Social Work and experience as an educator and interpreter, Faustina has spent over a decade helping community members navigate schools, appointments, paperwork, and daily challenges. She’s passionate about helping others and promoting mental well-being.

Lin Naing
Case Manager
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Lin Naing is from Karen State, Burma, and has spent many years working in social services. After working as a social worker in Bangkok, he moved to the U.S. in 2005. He has held roles at Wegmans, the International Institute of Buffalo, and the Burmese Community Support Center. Lin first joined KSB in 2016 and returned in 2020 after the COVID-19 shutdown. With his long experience supporting the Burmese and Karen community, he continues to play an important role in helping families navigate services and find the support they need.

Stephanie Smith
Organizational Development & Grant writing Consultant
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Stephanie is the co-founder of Smith, Nadbrzuch & Associates and has worked with nonprofits across Western New York for many years. Originally from Pittsburgh and a Houghton College graduate, she moved to Buffalo to support the refugee community and spent eight years at Jericho Road, including time as Executive Director. She began working with KSB in 2018 and has been an important part of our growth, using her strengths in operations, communication, and development to support the organization.

Eh Ta Mu
Case Manager
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Eh Ta Mu is a case manager at KSB and earned her BS in Health Services Administration from Bryant & Stratton College in 2024. She’s a caring mom, a devoted wife, and a Sunday school teacher at her church. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her family, playing music together, and trying new recipes. She feels grateful to do work that supports her community.

Phaw Mu Nar
Advocate
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Phaw Mu Nar was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and came to the U.S. in 2009. She graduated from Lafayette High School and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She previously worked with PUSH Buffalo as a Street Team organizer, where she saw firsthand the challenges and oppression her community faces. This inspired her to get more involved in helping others understand and navigate these systems. She serves as an Advocate at KSB, supporting community members with care, understanding, and a strong passion for justice.

Briana Neale, LMSW
Director of Programs
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Briana is originally from Rochester, NY and has spent over 10 years working in the Buffalo community. She studied Social Work and Spanish at Niagara University and later earned her Master of Social Work from UB, becoming a licensed LMSW in 2018. She has extensive experience supporting foreign-born community members, especially survivors of domestic violence, and works to make services more accessible and fair. At KSB, she brings her passion for advocacy and community care to all of our programs.

Pa Lu
Case Manager / Soccer Coach
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Pa Lu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a Minor in Coaching from Buffalo State University. He is passionate about giving back to the community and has been actively involved in community work since graduating. Currently, Pa Lu works part-time as a Case Manager at KSB and continues to serve the community through his dedication to coaching soccer.

Paw Say Wah
Finance & Admin Manager
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Paw Say Wah was born in Mae La Refugee Camp and moved to the U.S. in 2008. She graduated from D’Youville University with a degree in professional health care studies. She cares deeply about helping non-English speakers and supporting her community through advocacy and communication. She joined KSB in 2024 and hopes to continue growing her leadership and management skills. Outside of work, she loves dancing and staying connected to her cultural roots.

Madee Greely
Lead Youth Worker
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Madee is from Burma and grew up in a refugee camp in Thailand, where she first became a teacher. She moved to the U.S. in 2007 and has spent many years supporting families and working in education. At KSB, she leads the after-school and summer youth programs and teaches Karen language and culture to help children stay connected to their roots. She also assists families with applications, translation, and immigration paperwork. Madee is active in community leadership and works to bring people together.

Serneka Htoo
Advocate
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Serneka grew up as a refugee in Thailand before resettling in Buffalo with her family in 2006. She learned English, worked hard in school, and became the first in her family to graduate college, earning a BA in Psychology from Houghton College. Now she uses her lived experience to support youth and families at KSB. Serneka is passionate about helping the Karen community grow, strengthening leadership, and raising awareness of Karen culture.

Ida EhDah Htoo
Golden Star Program Coordinator
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Ida is originally from Wall Meet village in the Ayeyarwady Region of Burma and is the eldest of five siblings. She speaks four languages and has worked in youth education and community support for many years, including roles in Burma, Thailand, and 14 years in early childhood education at Jericho Road. She and her family resettled in Buffalo in 2008, where she continued her education and raised her three children. In 2024, she joined KSB as the Family Engagement Specialist, supporting Karen families and youth. Ida is passionate about education, community connection, and helping families feel supported and empowered.

Hser Pawju Soe
Karen Language Instructor
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Hser Pawju Soe was born and raised in Burma and Thailand. She came to America in 2006 and graduated from the Karen Theological Student Center. She taught Sunday School at Hermon Karen Baptist Church. She now works in the Karen Society of Buffalo Youth Program where she teaches Karen literacy. In her free time, Hser Paw enjoys spending time with her son.

Hsaklo Moo
Case Manager
(Family)
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Hsa Klo Moo has a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness from Buffalo State and a certification in Health Promotion. He has also completed QPR Suicide Prevention training, CPR certification, and other coursework focused on community health and safety. His background gives him a strong foundation for supporting families and helping community members stay healthy and informed.

Hser Naygay Paw
Human Resources Manager
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Hser Paw graduated from D’Youville University with a degree in Health Services Administration and a minor in Business. Originally from a refugee camp on the Burma–Thailand border, she is the first in her family to graduate college. She currently works as an Assistant Administrator at Safire Rehabilitation of Southtowns and supports KSB as the Human Resources Manager. She is proud to serve her community and hopes to help strengthen knowledge and leadership within the Karen community.

Glaw Reh
Teacher Assistant
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Hello! My name is Glaw Reh. I work with students in KSB’s summer and after-school programs, and I hope to become a teacher in the future. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, going hiking, and spending time with friends.

Manndy Say Light
Advocate
Case Manager
(Family)
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Manndy Say Light is passionate about supporting families and helping community members navigate everyday challenges. As both an Advocate and Family Case Manager at KSB, she works closely with clients to connect them with resources, provide guidance, and offer a caring, culturally understanding presence. Manndy enjoys building trust with families and is committed to strengthening the Karen community through compassion, communication, and support.

Kaw Khu
Karen Language Instructor / Transportation
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My name is Kaw Khu, and I work at KSB as both a driver and a teacher in the After-School Program. I provide safe transportation for seniors and youth, and I help students learn their native language and stay connected to their cultural roots. I enjoy working with both youth and elders and am committed to supporting our community across generations.

Minan D. Go
Case Manager
(Family)
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Minan was born in Burma, raised in Thailand, and has lived in Buffalo since 2004. She volunteers often in the community, providing Karen-language translation at the DMV, hospitals, schools, and courts. She is studying social work at Erie Community College and joined KSB in 2025 as a case manager. Minan loves helping others and is committed to growing her skills so she can continue supporting and uplifting the Karen community.
Contact Us!
Where To Find Us?
Location: 246 Lafayette Ave Buffalo, NY 14213
Phone: (716) 768-0064
Email: Info@karenbuffalo.org
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