Meet Our Team

Dr. Alieu Jawara

CRNA, DNP

Dr. Alieu Jawara from The Gambia, West Africa. In 2011, he relocated to the United States to advance his education. Alieu successfully earned a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesiology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2024, fulfilling a significant professional aspiration. He now serves as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Seattle, WA. As a rising leader in the field of anesthesia, Alieu is recognized for his collaborative approach to promoting comprehensive patient care.

Prior to attending anesthesia school, Alieu worked as an ICU RN at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, WA. After his experience as an ICU nurse, he participated in projects and advocacy related to healthcare for marginalized communities. He has a keen interest in global health and, during his doctoral studies, was honored with a Distinguished Service award among other accolades.

Alieu's commitment to addressing critical health challenges is evident in his work with Roots Health Gambia's initiatives to expand access to safe anesthesia in underserved rural regions.

Dr. Binta Manneh

CRNA, DNP

Dr. Binta Manneh, CRNA, was born in Banjul, The Gambia, and moved to the United States as a teenager to pursue her dream of higher education. She began her nursing journey at Shoreline Community College in Shoreline, Washington, where she earned her associate degree in nursing in 2019. Shortly thereafter, Binta joined the University of Washington Medical Center as a cardiothoracic intensive care unit nurse while completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Washington Bothell.

That same year, Binta was elected as the first female president of the Seattle Gambian Association, where she contributed to the growth and visibility of the organization. During her tenure, she secured grant funding, expanded community programming, and developed opportunities for cultural preservation, youth mentorship, and community support. Binta broadened the association's network across Washington State and forged partnerships with local nonprofits to enhance its community impact.

In 2021, Binta expanded her clinical expertise as an ICU travel nurse in COVID-19 hard hit regions, demonstrating adaptability, resilience, and leadership in the face of unprecedented healthcare challenges.

In 2022, she was accepted into the Nurse Anesthesia program at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. After receiving a Doctorate degree in Nurse Anesthesia in June 2025, Binta joined the University of Washington Medical Center as a staff Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Beyond her clinical practice, Binta remains deeply committed to service and social impact, serving on the boards of nonprofit organizations across Washington State and dedicating her time to volunteer work, youth empowerment, and community outreach.

Charles Ceesay

CPA

Charles Ceesay, CPA, is a seasoned accounting professional with over two decades of experience in financial management, auditing, and tax strategy. Based in Seattle, Washington, Charles currently works at Seattle CPA Firm LLC, where he delivers expert accounting services to a diverse portfolio of clients. Known for his precision, integrity, and client-first approach, he is a trusted advisor in the Seattle business community.

A passionate advocate for community empowerment, Charles actively supports local and international development initiatives. He is a committed supporter of Seagam Soccer and the Seattle Gambia Association, contributing his time and expertise to promote youth engagement and cultural connection within the Gambian diaspora.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Charles extends his impact through pro bono accounting services for Roots Health Gambia. His dedication to giving back underscores a lifelong commitment to service and social responsibility. Charles continues to blend professional excellence with community leadership.

Dr. CPT Francis Mendy

CRNA, DNP

Dr. CPT Francis Mendy, CRNA, hails from Brikama Suba Ward (Drimakolong). He relocated to the United States in 2009 to pursue higher education. In 2012, Mendy earned his associate of science degree from Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas.

Mendy joined the US Army Reserves as a Private in 2013 and achieved the rank of Sergeant in 2015. Subsequently, he attended the University of Oklahoma, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 2016.

Mr. Mendy gained extensive experience working in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit from 2016 to 2019 before transitioning to a Surgical ICU leadership role. That same year, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Nurse Corps.

In 2020, Mr. Mendy was accepted into the inaugural class of the Nurse Anesthesia program at the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma—the first such program within the state. Upon his graduation in 2023, he commenced his role as a staff Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, OK.

In addition to his responsibilities at Hillcrest Medical Center, Captain Mendy serves as an Anesthesia provider with a combat hospital medical detachment. He is dedicated to spending quality time with his family, enjoys outdoor activities, and volunteers his expertise during private medical missions as well as humanitarian operations with the US Army.

Dr. Ebrima Touray

CRNA, DNP

Dr. Ebrima Touray, CRNA, originally hails from Gunjur, The Gambia. Inspired by witnessing limited access to medical care in his community as a child, and determined to make a difference, Ebrima journeyed to the United States in the early 2000s to pursue higher education. After earning his first degree in Biotechnology, Ebrima decided to further his impact in healthcare by studying nursing at Edgewood University in Madison, Wisconsin.

Following his graduation in 2012, Ebrima immediately began working in the Neuro and Medical ICU at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he honed his clinical skills in high-acuity settings. Driven by his experiences in the ICU and his commitment to specialized patient care, he entered graduate school at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2018 to pursue a doctorate in nurse anesthesia.

Ebrima completed his doctorate in 2021 and launched his anesthesia career at St. Cloud Hospital in Minnesota. Building on this success, Ebrima transitioned to North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale, Minnesota—one of three level one trauma hospitals in the state—where he continues to serve a diverse patient population.

Ebrima's current and future ambitions center on continually advancing his skills in anesthesia and applying his expertise to serve patients in both the United States and The Gambia. He is confident that these aspirations can be achieved through his ongoing involvement with Roots Health.

Hassim Tunkara

Technology & Infrastructure Specialist

Hassim Tunkara serves as Technology and Infrastructure Specialist for Roots Health Gambia, overseeing IT systems, security controls, and technology infrastructure supporting the organization's operations across the US and West Africa.

He holds CompTIA Security+, CySA+, Network+, and A+ certifications and is completing a B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at Western Governors University. Ghassimu brings hands-on experience in access control, vulnerability management, data protection, and secure remote connectivity to the organization's mission.

Dr. Ndey Fatou Njie-Demba

CRNA, DNP

Dr. Ndey Fatou Njie-Demba was born and raised in The Gambia before relocating to the United States in 2010. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Christian University.
Ndey Fatou began her nursing career in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, where she gained extensive clinical experience. Driven by a passion for critical care, Ndey Fatou later worked as a travel ICU nurse across several states - including New York, Ohio, and California - serving in diverse clinical settings such as cardiac, surgical, and medical ICUs, as well as step-down pediatric care units.

Ndey Fatou's dedication to advancing patient care led her to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in New Orleans, LA. Following her graduation, she accepted a position as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas, where she continues to serve as a skilled anesthesia provider.

Outside of her professional work, Ndey Fatou enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring cuisines from around the world.

Dr. Numukunda (Papa D) Darboe

CRNA, DNP

Dr. Numu Darboe, CRNA, originates from Niani Dobo, The Gambia. He is an experienced anesthesia provider with a strong commitment to advancing healthcare access and quality at both local and international levels. Numu obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Washington State University in 2009 and earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Anesthesia from Barry University in 2023. As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, he has provided safe, compassionate, and patient-focused anesthetic care across a broad range of surgical specialties throughout Florida.

Dedicated to global health initiatives, Numu actively collaborates with Roots Health Gambia, where he leverages his expertise to improve surgical and anesthetic outcomes for communities in The Gambia. His efforts include education, mentorship, and direct patient care, all aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and empowering local providers.

Paboy (Sana) Conateh

Former Country Coordinator & Active Member

Paboy (Sana) Conateh is a seasoned businessman, healthcare provider, and global health philanthropist. As the country coordinator for Roots Health Gambia between 2019 and 2025, Paboy led community health initiatives and managed the distribution of resources in underserved regions. He remains an active member of Roots Health.

With hands-on experience as a healthcare provider in various hospitals across Seattle, Washington, Paboy combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of global health challenges.

Known for his unwavering commitment to service, Paboy generously devotes his time and resources to causes that uplift communities and promote health equity. His life's work reflects a powerful blend of leadership, compassion, and a deep-rooted belief in giving back.

Saikou Beyai

CRNA

Saikou Beyai, known as Mbake, is a dedicated healthcare professional from The Gambia who moved to the United States in 2002. Inspired by his experiences growing up in The Gambia, where access to medical care was often limited, Mbake developed a passion for improving the lives of children in underserved communities. He earned his bachelor's degree from the City University of New York in 2011 and went on to complete a Master's in Nurse Anesthesia at Georgetown University in 2016. Now working at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, he specializes in pediatric anesthesia and is recognized for both his expertise and compassion. Beyond his professional role, Mbake volunteers with Children's Surgery International, helping provide essential surgical care to children in need, including those in his country of origin.

Dr. Seedy Ali Sarr

CRNA, DNP

Dr. Seedy Ali Sarr is originally from The Gambia and moved to the United States in 2010 to pursue higher education. He has developed a professional interest in working with people, which influenced his decision to enter healthcare.

He attended Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC), receiving an associate's degree in economics in 2012 and an associate's degree in nursing in 2014. He later earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2018. Following graduation, he worked as a registered nurse (RN) at Regional West Medical Center (RWMC) in Scottsbluff, Nebraska for four years, then joined the intensive care unit (ICU) at Great Plains Health (GPH) in North Platte, Nebraska. In 2020, Seedy began focusing on nurse anesthesia by enrolling in the Nurse Anesthesiology Program at Clarkson College in Omaha, Nebraska. He completed his Doctorate at Clarkson College in 2023 and subsequently returned to work at RWMC in the anesthesia department.

His current objective is to apply his knowledge and expertise to provide advanced patient care in the United States and in The Gambia. Roots Health Services serves as a platform for him to contribute toward this goal.

Sulayman Darboe

CRNA

Saul Darboe graduated from Georgetown University in 2010 with Masters in Nurse Anesthesia. He has been board certified with NBCRNA since 2011. After graduation, He worked for the INOVA system in the Northern Virgina and DC Metro area for 2 years prior to moving back to the Washington State to work for UW Valley Medical Center and Providence Medical Center. He has vast experience In Trauma, Cardiothoracic, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Neuro, Robotics, Acute & critical care, Orthopedics and Regional Anesthesia.

Saul is a big advocate for training, developing and mentoring new anesthesia providers. He is invested in elevation the quality of anesthesia care patients receive, particularly in underserved communities in the form of equipment & anesthesia supplies deployment, provider training, and volunteering anesthesia services.

Saul enjoys spending time with his family. He also takes part in outdoor recreational boating & fishing, camping, biking, traveling.