Natascha Dammann
Founder / Executive Director
Natascha is the founder of House of US, helping shape its creative vision through a shared commitment to social empathy. With a background in fostering cross-cultural understanding, she has spent years engaging diverse communities and championing the power of human connection. Before launching House of US, Natascha led language and educational ventures, turning her passion for languages and intercultural dialogue into thriving, community-focused projects. She brings a blend of thoughtful leadership and hands-on experience, inviting everyone at House of US to work together toward a kinder world.
Dr.Jeff Katcherian
Director of Programs & Development
Jeff Katcherian is a socio-cultural anthropologist, university instructor, and social entrepreneur with a deep commitment to global education and experiential learning. He holds a Doctorate in Anthropology from UC Irvine and has worked across academic, governmental, and civil society spaces, including contributing to the launch of the EU–US Transatlantic Degree Program in Brussels and collaborating with stakeholders at the European Commission.
As a researcher, Jeff has examined global mobile banking and financial inclusion among underserved populations, bringing together academic, banking, and telecommunications leaders through international conferences. He later served as an Instructor of Anthropology at the University of California, Irvine, and founded the transatlantic nonprofit Culture Academy, creating opportunities for students to engage directly with cultures beyond the classroom. At House of US, Jeff brings this global, people-centered perspective to the design and growth of programs that foster social empathy and meaningful community engagement.
Dr. Alexander Lawler
Director of Research & Publications
Dr. Alexander Lawler is an educator and researcher with a passion for learning, critical thinking, and student growth. Since 2018, he has worked extensively in tutoring and academic support across standardized testing, English, history, mathematics, and science, helping students strengthen understanding, confidence, and executive functioning skills. His work centers on meeting learners where they are and supporting them in discovering their strengths and academic voice.
Beyond education, Dr. Lawler is also a musicologist and has collaborated for many years with scholars on research and writing projects focused on American composers and lyricists. At House of US, he brings a thoughtful, interdisciplinary perspective to research and publications, upholding accuracy and intellectual rigor while translating complex ideas into accessible, mission-aligned content in the service of social empathy and public understanding.
Meetra Gilad
Director of Administration
Meetra brings over 20 years of experience in educational administration and leadership, with a focus on ESL training and learning support. With a background in English studies and literature and a TEFL certification from an institutional member of the College of Teachers in England, she brings both structure and care to her work. Meetra has supported countless students in their language-learning journeys and finds deep fulfillment in helping learners grow in confidence and achieve their goals. At House of US, she supports organizational effectiveness through thoughtful coordination and attention to detail, bringing a culturally responsive approach shaped by years of working with learners from diverse backgrounds.
Liliana Arreola
Director of Operations
Liliana Arreola is a Montessori educator and lifelong advocate for dynamic, learner-centered education. With over 25 years of experience teaching Spanish as a second language and training volunteers in early childhood education, she has dedicated her work to creating spaces where language, culture, and creativity meet. Liliana has served schools, school districts, and community organizations across Illinois and California, always adapting her approach to the unique needs of each learner. She is also the author of the children’s book The Timeline of Jesus’ Life and finds deep joy in inspiring both children and adults through teaching, writing, and service.
Ozge Bek
Director of Finance
Ozge Bek serves as the Financial Director of the organization, bringing a strong background in law, nonprofit finance, and regulatory compliance. She holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs from California State University, Long Beach, a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Istanbul Aydın University, and has begun an MBA program at Westcliff University to further strengthen her expertise in financial management and organizational leadership.
With formal legal training and professional experience in both the United States and Türkiye, Özge has worked extensively in legal operations, financial oversight, and grant-funded programs. Her experience includes budget development, grant management, financial reporting, contract review, and compliance with state and federal regulations, ensuring accurate documentation and strong internal controls.
As Financial Director, she oversees financial planning, budgeting, compliance, and transparency, aligning legal rigor with sound financial governance to ensure responsible stewardship of the organization’s resources in support of its mission.
Ebru Bek
Digital Communications Coordinator
Ebru Bek is a Digital Communications Coordinator specializing in website design, digital content management, and user experience optimization. Her work emphasizes the development and maintenance of clear, accessible, and visually cohesive web platforms that support effective institutional communication and consistent branding across digital channels.
She holds an academic background in Biomedical Engineering, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Engineering Management. Through coursework in the master’s program, she has further strengthened her skills in website design and digital project execution. This educational training has informed her analytical approach to problem-solving, project coordination, and systems-based thinking. It further enables her to manage complex digital initiatives, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and present information in structured, user-centered online environments.