Meet Our Board of Directors

Kaveh Niazi studied electrical engineering physics at the University of California, and worked as a technologist in IC manufacturing for many years.

He subsequently attended Columbia University, where he received a PhD in the history of science. He has published his research on the astronomy of the Islamic world under the title “Qutb al-Din Shirazi and the Configuration of the Heavens.”

He currently teaches math, physics, and Arabic as an instructor in secondary education.

Esfandiar Imani​, MS, MBA

A dedicated pediatrician serving San Francisco Bay Area's underserved communities for over twenty years, Jaleh holds degrees from UC Berkeley (Bioengineering, Health and Medical Science) and UCSF (Medical Doctorate).

After completing her pediatric training at Children's Hospital Oakland, she witnessed systemic challenges affecting children's development firsthand, leading her to establish New Child Fundamentals to support optimal child development and growth.

She currently resides in Berkeley with her husband Esfandiar and daughters Parisa and Kianna.

Program Director

Kaveh Niazi, PhD​

Esfandiar brings over 27 years of executive experience across the energy and advanced scientific projects sectors, leading comprehensive risk and compliance programs that support safety, operations, cross-functional governance.

His expertise has been further established by having lectured on corporate finance and risk management courses at various Bay Area universities. Alongside his professional work, Esfandiar has nearly a decade of hands-on humanitarian service, supporting vulnerable communities at overseas refugee camps and serving in local food shelters.

Esfandiar's professional background in organizational resilience and his long-term humanitarian service reflect a commitment to strengthening organizations and helping people in moments of need.

Jaleh Niazi, MS, MD

CEO and Founder​​
CFO and Treasurer​

Partow is a student at UC Berkeley pursuing a PhD degree in biostatistics within the School of Public Health. Partow grew up in Berkeley and acquired her bachelors in mathematics with an emphasis in medical and life sciences from UCLA in 2014 and an M.A. in Biostatistics from UC Berkeley in 2018.

In addition to working in a pediatric office, Partow has volunteered in service projects such as UNICEF as well as working as an academic and piano tutor.

Based on her experience working with children, as well as her experience in the public health field, Partow believes that creating a robust support system for children is fundamental to public health and is excited to provide such a system to her local community.

Nanette Rooke, PhD

Ghazaleh Rafati, PhD​

Secretary
Neuropsychologist

With a PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from UCLA (2003), Nanette transitioned from her years of cancer and vaccine research to pursue her passion for youth health and education.

As Secretary for New Child Fundamentals, she leverages her scientific background and dedication to nonprofit work supporting young people's wellbeing.

She is committed to helping the organization create accessible paths to health, nurturing, and educational opportunities for children who may otherwise lack these essential resources and environments in their developmental journey.

Program Consultant

Partow Imani, PhD​

Ghazaleh specializes in pediatric neuropsychological assessment of children ranging in age from 6 years old to adults.

She incorporates both a relational and psychodynamic approach to her assessments, working closely with all the caregivers as well as other professionals involved in the client’s life.

Her belief: neuropsychological assessment provide a more in-depth understanding of the client’s strengths and challenges, showing first-hand, how to support and empower them in all the aspects of their life.

Max D'Ambrosio

Technology Consultant

Max brings over 20 years of experience in customer experience, community management, and digital transformation to New Child Fundamentals. His career at major tech companies like WhatsApp and Twitter involved optimizing user engagement for millions and implementing innovative communication strategies. As owner of ITAUSA Network, Max developed tech services for nonprofits, facilitating digital adaptation.

His passion for community building shines through his role as Director of the CMX SF East Bay Chapter and co-organizer of the Berkeley World Music Festival. With expertise in stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, and metrics development, Max is well-positioned to support New Child Fundamentals' mission of fostering healthy child development through innovative, community-centered approaches.

Get in touch

Address

900 Colusa Ave, Suite 204
Berkeley, CA 94707

Contacts

1-​510-225-6805
newchildfundamentals@gmail.com

New Child Fundamentals

is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization