The CDV team

As healthcare professionals, the founders of CDV understand how crucial the first cries of a newborn are to their health journey, and even to their survival. It is essential to ensure that every newborn has the opportunity to let out that cry. No matter where they are born, the life of every newborn has value, and it is vital to give each one a chance to live. All of this must be accomplished without social, cultural, or religious discrimination. United by these values and the desire to share their skills, the founders created CDV.

Micha Mfuana, Co-founder and administrator

A clinical nurse specialized in neonatal intensive care for the past 15 years, I am deeply passionate about the health of newborns and mothers. Holding a Master’s degree in Public Health with a focus on Global Health, I have dedicated my career to improving neonatal care both locally and internationally.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to mentor and train many healthcare professionals, imparting the necessary skills to save lives. As the President of the organization “Une Chance de Vivre” since 2016, I am committed to promoting access to quality care for mothers and newborns in low-income countries.

  • Global Health, with a particular focus on maternal and child health
  • Public Health Project Management
  • Instructor for the Neonatal Resuscitation Program.
  • Team Management

Stephanie Mardakis, Co-founder and administrator

A clinical nurse since 2012, I have over 12 years of experience in neonatal and pediatric intensive care. Holding a Master’s of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Global Health, I have dedicated my career to training nurses and improving neonatal care, both in Canada and in low-income countries.

My expertise includes neonatal resuscitation, maternal and neonatal health promotion, and healthcare professional education. Since 2016, as Co-Founder and Administrator of “Une Chance de Vivre”, I have been working to strengthen healthcare systems in various contexts to improve the quality of care and long-term impact on families and communities.

  • Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Training
  • Maternal and Neonatal Health Promotion
  • Nurse Education and Training
  • International Collaboration to Improve Care in Low-Income Countries

Cynthia Garcia, Co-founder and administrator

A clinical nurse specialized in maternal and neonatal care. Committed to improving nursing practices for mothers and newborns. Since 2010, I have dedicated my career to promoting and improving maternal and neonatal care. Holding a Master’s degree in Nursing Sciences with a focus on advanced practice nursing, I have gained solid experience in neonatal intensive care, high-risk pregnancies, as well as managing birth and post-partum units.

My commitment also involves continuous nurse education, particularly in neonatal resuscitation. Since 2016, as Co-Founder and Administrator of the organization “Une Chance de Vivre,” I have worked to improve access to care for mothers and newborns in low-income countries through international collaborations.

  • Neonatal Intensive Care
  • Maternal Care (High-Risk Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Units)
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Training
  • Maternal and Neonatal Health Promotion
  • Nurse Education and Training
  • International Collaboration to Improve Care in Low-Income Countries

Maryam Mozafarinia, Co-founder and administrator

As a clinical nurse, specialized in neonatal intensive care and a committed dedicated researcher, I am deeply passionate about the humanitarian mission of our NGO, “Une Chance de Vivre.” Holding a Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine focused on research, I am fully engaged in managing innovative projects and training nurses to improve the care of vulnerable newborns.

Through my international professional experience, including in oncology and adult intensive care before specializing in neonatal intensive care, I have directly observed the striking disparities in care standards across countries. This unique perspective has fueled my passion for reducing global inequalities in healthcare quality, inspiring my deep commitment to the NGO “Une Chance de Vivre,” where I strive to give every newborn the best chance at survival — regardless of where they are born.

  • Neonatal Intensive Care and Resuscitation
  • Management and Coordination of Research Projects
  • Clinical Education and Nursing Mentorship
  • International Collaboration and Improvement of Care Standards