Friends of Thai Daughters provides education, safe shelter and emotional support to girls at risk of being trafficked in Northern Thailand.
Our program is intensive, comprehensive and produces amazing outcomes.
We are frequently asked, “how do you find your Daughters?” This is actually an incredibly important question. After more than a decade visiting remote hill tribe villages in the Golden Triangle, FTD is known as a highly respected program for at-risk girls to pursue their education and achieve their dreams. We focus on girls who are most vulnerable to being targeted by traffickers, exploited by relatives, or forced into child marriage.
Many of our Daughters are orphaned or have been abandoned by parents unable to care for them. As Thailand lacks birthright citizenship, several of our Daughters are stateless, rendering them unable to work legally, move freely beyond police checkpoints or have access to government provided healthcare.
Our General Manager Mee is a Graduate Daughter and has kindly agreed to share her story.
I was born in a very poor Akha village, located high in the mountains along the Burmese-Thai border. My parents were farmers, with no formal education and unable to speak, read, or write Thai. My mother gave birth to five children. My father became addicted to methamphetamines and heroin, and soon my mother became addicted to opium. When I was 9 years old, my father died of an overdose and my mother was arrested for drug possession. Suddenly, I was responsible for taking care of my younger siblings.
I was constantly hungry, tired and worried. I thought only about getting enough food for my little brother and sisters and keeping us safe.
Read Mee's Story
When my mother returned from jail, she agreed to let me go down off the mountain to stay at a children’s foundation where I could attend school. I was much older than the students in my class because I had missed so many years of school but I loved to learn and was keen to get an education so I could get a good job and support my mother and siblings.
After finishing Grade 9, I was told that there wasn’t enough money for me to go to high school. I was very disappointed because I knew that without a high school degree, my job options were pretty much limited to working as a day laborer, a sex worker, or a drug dealer.
That’s when Friends of Thai Daughters changed my life. FTD supported me through high school AND university, providing love, support and everything I needed to succeed.
Thanks to my education, I started working in real estate and used my earnings to buy a pineapple farm to employ my mother, brother, and other villagers. I was so proud to be able to help my family and neighbors have jobs. It was so important to me to help other girls like me that I asked FTD if I could lead the next generation of FTD. I became a social worker and now nine years later, we have two Sunflower Houses with a third under construction, supporting 50 girls become their best selves: strong, kind, caring and independent.
I’m now happily married and have three sons. My husband and I take care of our Thai Daughters who see us as their “Mom and Dad role models”. Since I come from the same background as many of our girls, they now know that they too can follow in my footsteps — get a good education, help their families and villages, and pursue their dreams.
We don’t “find” girls
Our goal is not to fill our homes but to meet the needs and have a transformational impact in the lives of the most vulnerable. Girls typically enter our program through referrals from local officials or other NGO’s.
For girls to enter our program, they must demonstrate significant need and vulnerability. Our assessments are made by a qualified local social worker and our program manager who have a deep understanding of the local culture and the situations and challenges that it presents.
Evaluation Criteria for Entering Our Program
Our Beginning
While traveling through Northern Thailand in 2002, Jane McBride and Patricia Zinkowski discovered fifteen girls living in an abandoned school in the village of Doi Luang. The girls had little adult supervision and were trying to survive as best they could in an area known for human trafficking agents. The situation was extremely worrying.
Jane and Patty provided financial assistance and made a promise to the girls of Doi Luang that they would not forget them. They later returned to Thailand with a camera and made a documentary about the girls’ stories and life in their villages. Each girl had a tragic story to tell. Many were AIDS orphans or had parents in prison. Most lacked ID cards, leaving them “stateless” and highly vulnerable to traffickers. Something had to be done to protect them before it was too late.
The solution was to provide them with safe shelter, education and support. Friends and family pitched in until Friends of Thai Daughters was incorporated as a non-profit in 2005. Since this time, FTD has helped protect and educate dozens of girls and young women through our family-scale program. In 2015, we purchased our first Sunflower House in Chiang Rai. In 2016, we expanded to city of Chiang Khong, located on the Laos border. In 2019, we purchased land to build the Sunflower Farm, in 2022, we moved into the Sunflower Organic Farm, Thailand’s largest adobe and bamboo structure surrounded by organic gardens, ponds and orchards. Over 125 girls, young women, and their families have benefitted from the FTD program.
What began as a grass roots initiative to help a group of girls in need has turned out to be the most rewarding work we could have ever imagined. We started with a simple and clear vision to invest in each of our Daughters, to amplify her voice, improve her ability to succeed, give her the education and support she needs to escape exploitation and to be able to help her family and community. For more than 15 years, our Daughters have demonstrated grit, determination and gratitude. Our success is reflected by our graduate Daughters who are now running the program.
– Patty Zinkowski & Jane McBride
Meet Our Staff
Pitchaya 'Mee' Aryi
General Manager
Mee was one of the first FTD program graduates. Mee graduated from Chiang Mai University and manages the operations of the Sunflower Campus. She recruits new Daughters and supervises a large family of girls. Mee is a superb ambassador for FTD and exemplifies our values of compassion and care.
Phuangthong 'Too' Takan
Director, Jasmine Farm, Chiang Khong
Born in Chiang Khong, Too Takan has worked in Child Safety, Human Trafficking Prevention and NGO management for over 20 years. She is the founder and director of the Child Rights Protection Center (CRPC). The management and project work of CRPC is informed by her knowledge and experience of living and working in the region.
Lan Chularungreang
Jasmine Farm Supervisor/Property Manager
Lan started his career as a Police Officer before resigning to start his own bakery business. Passionate about preventing human trafficking, Lan has worked with several organizations to help victims find safe haven and receive support. At FTD, he supervises the maintenance and operation of the Rainbow House, and is property manager of Jasmine Farm. A talented artist, woodworker and musician, he loves to play guitar and sing with the girls. Lan has two children and is married to FTD’s Director Too Takan.
Junjira "Jun" Kirisaenphum
Program Co-Ordinator, Golden Triangle Pickleball
Jun joined the FTD family when she was in 9th Grade and graduated from Rajabhat University, where she majored in International English. A natural born leader, Jun enjoys organizing activities and workshops on a variety of subjects from organic gardening to gender equality. She has traveled to the US several times and spoken at the United Nations on the rights of girls and women. Jun exemplifies the qualities of a youth leader and is a role model for all of our Daughters.
Phitcha "Pink" Ayi
Assistant Housemother/Pickleball Coach
Pink is a member of the Akha hill tribe and the younger sister of General Manager Mee. She grew up in children’s foundations so has a keen understanding of how to care for our Daughters. Pink started playing pickleball in 2021 and has become an accomplished player. She competed in the 2021 Asia Pickleball Tournament and loves teaching the girls how to play.
Muay Yerser
Assistant Housemother, Sunflower Organic Farm
Muay was born in Chiang Rai and graduated from Phayao University where she majored in Agriculture and Natural Resources. She joined the FTD Family as Assistant Housemother in May, 2022. Muay enjoys taking care of the girls, helping them with homework, giving advice, preparing meals and ensuring that each Daughter’s needs are being met. She also enjoys watching Korean TV shows and gardening. “I love being with the girls and acting as a role model for them.”
Sarah Jowett
Director of Strategic Partnerships, Thailand, part-time
Sarah brings nearly three decades of international experience in management, coaching, and business development to Friends of Thai Daughters. A Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, she has worked across sectors from finance to wellness, helping individuals and organisations to grow with purpose. Based between Cyprus, UK and Thailand, Sarah is now contributing her skills to protecting and empowering ethnic minority girls. Passionate about creating opportunities for women and young people, she is committed to fostering collaborations that enable FTD to thrive for years to come.
Ellen James
Marketing Manager, part-time
With a background in journalism and special interests in health and environmental policy, Ellen brings 20 years of communications experience to Friends of Thai Daughters. A passionate advocate for equal rights and opportunities for women, she is wholehearted in her support for FTD’s mission and is proud to be helping the organization to achieve its goals.
Julie Lamy
Director of Strategic Partnerships, USA, part-time
FTD is delighted to welcome Julie back into the family. Julie’s highly successful career in nonprofit development has seen her bring significant growth to organizations promoting causes she has championed, from environmental stewardship to women’s issues and gender equality. Over her three decade career, she has worked with and in service of NGOs, public private partnerships and local governments of all kinds and sizes in the US and abroad to improve the status quo, often creating innovative approaches and strategies to engage new audiences.
Board of Directors
Peta Bassett
Director
Originally from Australia and based in Bangkok, Peta is a strategic communications specialist, writer and partnership builder with more than 20 years of cross-sector experience helping organisations communicate complex ideas, engage stakeholders and create positive social impact. Peta has supported Friends of Thai Daughters through strategic communications, fundraising, partnership development and stakeholder engagement, helping to strengthen organisational visibility, mobilise corporate and community support, and advance the organisation’s mission to protect vulnerable girls through education. A passionate advocate for empowering women and youth, she brings people, ideas and resources together to create sustainable change.
Barry Kean
Director
Barry spent his professional career in finance and real estate after graduating from Northeastern University with a BA and MBA, Finance. He divides his time between Palm Beach, FL and Ogunquit, ME where serves on the board of Saint Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church. Barry is a long time supporter of FTD and an active fundraiser. “I am so impressed by the Thai Daughters’ desire to improve themselves and help others.”
Kate Horgan
Director
A champion and advocate for many years, Kate has lent her creativity and generosity to FTD’s Sunflower Celebrations and opened her heart and home to FTD Daughters. Previously an educator and interior designer, Kate says, “I have raised money for various causes in my life but never one this personal and so humane. I am in awe that Patty and Jane saw this travesty and took action.”
Brian 'Buzz' Makarewicz
Director
Buzz and his husband, Mark, owned and operated Topside Inn and Mid-Town Motel in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Topside Inn received many awards in the time Buzz owned it, being named the #1 Boutique Hotel in the US (and #7 in the world) in 2022 by Tripadvisor. For 16 years prior to owning the inn and motel, Buzz designed wellness programs for large health plan clients working for WebMD. Buzz graduated from UMass Amherst in 1994. He joined the FTD Board of Directors in 2024 and has been a big supporter of the organization for many years.
Jane F. McBride
Co-founder/Executive Director/Director
Jane is FTD’s Co-Founder. She spends several months a year in Thailand, visiting with our Daughters and traveling to hill tribe villages to meet with families and children at risk. A lifelong entrepreneur, Jane was CEO of a global aviation and luxury travel company. “The resilience and optimism of our Daughters is a constant source of inspiration to me.”
Patti Salvucci
Chair
Patti was the owner and operator of three BNI franchises in the greater Boston area with 2,700 members. She is a speaker, motivator and inspirational leader working with professional teams to help advance them to the next level. Her specialties are team building and motivational speaking. Patti is a staunch champion of girls and young women and loves FTD’s mission of empowerment.
Marlene B. Seltzer
Director
Marlene is the retired CEO of Jobs for the Future, a nationally recognized $50 million non-profit organization helping low-income youth and their families gain economic mobility. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with the philanthropic, education, and business communities to build partnerships and pathways for young people to gain the education in our global economy. “As a long time supporter of FTD, it’s wonderful to witness the transformation of our Daughters.”
Patricia Zinkowski
Co-founder, CFO, Director
FTD’s Co-Founder, CFO and Director, Patty was co-founder of Flight Time Corporation, and President of Avicus Group Ltd. Former Chair of the Board of Trustees of Lasell College in Newton, MA, Overseer of Boston Ballet and Board Member of New England Women’s Business Owners as well as an avid equestrian, farmer and world traveler. “When we discovered some very sweet kids in desperate need, we decided to help on the spot.”
Advisors
Joy Adrien
Advisor
A frequent visitor to FTD’s Sunflower Houses, Joy has hosted several Thai Daughters at her home outside of London where they have studied English, explored British culture and met with donors and supporters. A native of Jamaica, Joy’s background as a teacher, magistrate and health service officer has contributed to her passion to fight inequality and champion the underdog.
Barb Glenn
Advisor
Irma Go
Advisor
Susan Nivert
Advisor
Arlene "Tuny" Page
Advisor
Tuny has known FTD Co-Founders Jane and Patty for over 30 years and has been a supporter of FTD since its inception. She brings her leadership and fundraising skills to FTD having served on the Board of the US Equestrian Team Foundation and as Co-chair of the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. Tuny’s Daughter Chariotte volunteered at the Chiang Rai Sunflower House Fall 2017.
Ian Rendell
Advisor
Ian has been a dedicated volunteer for FTD for many years and is now joining the organization as an advisor with a specific interest in FTD’s future growth. Ian’s extensive background in business development and a proven track record in managing growth and revenue across a variety of fields will be a valuable addition to FTD. Ian said: “Being in a position to give back to this organization that over the course of my life has given me so many amazing experiences is something I’ve always hoped for. I’m excited to be supporting FTD in providing life-changing opportunities and creating future generations of success stories.”
Aoy Sereethammaphilat
Advisor
Aoy joined the FTD family when she was 18 years old. She graduated from Payap University with an English degree and is currently the Project Manager of the “Keeping Girls Safe” program run by an anti-trafficking and child rights organization. Aoy frequently visits the Sunflower Houses. She is married and has a delightful young son and daughter. “FTD changed my life and it’s an honor to be on hand to help the next generation of Daughters achieve their dreams.”
Chollada “Kae” Mekratri Sirisant
Advisor
Kae started her career as a model at 18 and has since worked across the entertainment industry, including as a TV host, actress, writer, DJ, VJ, and singer. She runs her own YouTube channel – Chollada Channel – and founded Pirada Gems, a jewelry brand, and Communication One Excellent (Comone PR), a public relations company. She is passionate about animal welfare and philanthropy. She founded The Voice Foundation, which has been helping stray and underprivileged animals for over 12 years, and she supports children’s charities such as World Vision Thailand. Kae said, “I am honored to take on a role as an advisor for Friends of Thai Daughters, where I can help mentor and inspire young girls.”
Prom Sirisant
Advisor
Prom Sirisant is currently the Country Head for American Express Thailand, where he leads the company’s strategic growth, financials, premium customer engagement, and brand initiatives. He was also appointed by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs as an Australian Global Alumni Ambassador; Prom works with the Australian Embassy and key stakeholders to strengthen Australia–Thailand relations. He also serves as a HeForShe Campaign Ambassador for UN Women Thailand, advocating gender equality and inclusive leadership. Prom holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Management Excellence from Harvard Business School, a Master of Business in International Marketing from the University of Technology Sydney, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Macquarie University. A results-driven and people-centric leader, Prom combines strategic vision with strong execution to inspire teams and deliver lasting impact across both corporate and social sectors.
Duangporn "Bo" Songvisava
Advisor
Chef Bo is a Michelin-starred chef and co-owner of Bangkok’s Bo.lan Restaurant, named one of the world’s best restaurants in 2019. Featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, Chef Bo is globally recognized as one of the world’s top chefs. An ardent supporter of FTD, Chef Bo and her husband Dylan Jones have conducted cooking demonstrations and workshops at our Sunflower House and provided hands-on training through internships at Bo.lan. She is a wonderful role model of entrepreneurial success and philanthropy.
Titiya Xuto
Advisor
Known for her passion for service and attention to detail, Titiya has held senior leadership roles at some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands. Her career has been defined by a dedication to service excellence, people development, and creating environments where both guests and staff feel truly cared for. As a mother of a teenage daughter, Titiya brings both professional expertise and personal insight into the lives of young women. Guided by the value of family care and respect, she says “The courage and kindness of FTD inspires me , I am so honored to be a part of these heartfelt missions and will contribute in whichever way I can, to help making a difference to the life journey of our Thai Daughters”
Anna Olsson-Moore
Advisor
Originally from Sweden and based in Bangkok for nearly two decades, Anna is a business development, marketing, and partnerships professional with a strong track record across international environments. She currently serves as Director of Business Development at GPS Legal & GPS Accounting. Anna is a creative thinker with a natural instinct for connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.
Anna brings both strategic perspective and genuine passion to supporting organisations that create lasting social impact. She is a committed supporter of FTD, where she advocates for sustainable growth, visibility, and stronger corporate and community engagement, driven by a deep belief in education, opportunity, and long-term stability for the communities the organisation serves.