OUR \TEAM
Meet our dedicated team of compassionate professionals committed to providing quality, culturally sensitive mental health support and helping every client move toward healing and wellbeing.
Administration Team
Etienne KAYUMBA
Etienne Kayumba is a Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals and communities, with a particular focus on trauma healing. He holds a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and has extensive experience providing online psychotherapy. As Managing Director of Baho Smile Institute, Etienne is committed to expanding accessible, culturally sensitive mental health services for individuals and communities in East Africa and beyond.
Dr. Celestin MUTUYIMANA
Dr. Celestin Mutuyimana is a Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, filmmaker, and researcher with over 12 years of experience in trauma-focused and relationship therapy. He is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Zurich and has contributed to research on trauma and post-traumatic stress across Africa and other conflict-affected settings. As the founder of Baho Smile Institute, his work focuses on culturally sensitive mental health interventions, intergenerational trauma, digital approaches to healing, and using storytelling and filmmaking to promote psychological well-being and social healing.
Mr. Pamphyle MBIHAYIMANA
Pamphyle Mbihayimana is a Clinical Psychologist with a background in Nursing Sciences and a strong interest in mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. His areas of interest include trauma, internet addiction, and family functioning. As Program Director at Baho Smile Institute, he supports programs focused on mental health promotion and psychological wellbeing. Pamphyle combines clinical psychology, nursing, program management, and research to advance evidence-informed approaches to mental health and contribute to improved care for individuals, families, and communities.
Jonas BIKORIMANA
Jonas Bikorimana is a Biomedical Laboratory Scientist, researcher, and Service Development Manager at Baho Smile Institute. With training in innovation and project management, he contributes to the development of services that promote health and well-being. Jonas is passionate about improving the quality and accessibility of services that help individuals and communities lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Julienne UWIMANA
Julienne Uwineza is an Administrative & Finance Assistant at Baho Smile Institute, supporting administrative coordination, financial operations, and organizational management. With experience in company management, leadership support, and entrepreneurship, she brings strong organizational, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. She contributes to ensuring efficient day-to-day operations and supporting BSI’s growth and patient-centered healthcare services.
Remy TWAGIRIMANA
With more than 15 years of experience in IT programming, data management, and teaching, he has extensive expertise in technology, digital systems, and information management. He is passionate about using technology and data to improve organizational efficiency, support informed decision-making, and develop innovative solutions.
Kellia NIMUGIRE
Kellia Nimugire is a Counselling Psychologist and Music Psychotherapist specializing in relationship and trauma-focused therapy. She has expertise in mental health, research, innovation, and public relations. As Assistant Manager and Public Relations Lead at Baho Smile Institute, she supports clients, strengthens community engagement, connects clients with psychotherapists, and contributes to culturally sensitive interventions while exploring music therapy as an innovative approach to mental health care.
Richard MUNYANEZA
Richard Munyaneza is a Safeguarding and Accountability Specialist and Communication Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in safeguarding, accountability, strategic communication, and audiovisual production. His expertise includes communication, advocacy, organizational impact documentation, digital content creation, photography, videography, and visual storytelling. He is passionate about using effective communication and creative storytelling to promote accountability, strengthen engagement, and communicate impact.
Team of Psychotherapists
Dr. Celestin MUTUYIMANA
Dr. Celestin Mutuyimana is a Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist with over 12 years of experience specializing in trauma-focused and relationship therapy. His clinical and research work focuses on trauma and stress-related disorders, intergenerational trauma, positive parenting, and culturally sensitive approaches to psychological healing. He is the founder of Baho Smile Institute and is committed to developing innovative interventions that support individuals, families, and communities in healing and building healthier lives.
Sophie MUSABEYEZU
Sophie Musabeyezу is a Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in psychology, psychotherapy, trauma healing, and psychosocial support. She has worked extensively with survivors of trauma and SGBV, vulnerable detainees, families, and communities, while also providing training and clinical supervision to mental health professionals. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Therapeutics from the University of Rwanda, alongside qualifications in professional counselling and clinical supervision.
Nelly UMULISA RURANGWA
She is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in child and adolescent mental health and care. She is passionate about supporting young people while empowering parents to understand and navigate emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. With experience in psychotherapy, community and public health, and national and international organizations, she brings a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach to her work. She is committed to creating safe, supportive environments where children and families feel heard, understood, and empowered to thrive.
Marie Bienvenue MUKANTWALI
Marie Bienvenue Mukantwari is a licensed Psychotherapist with extensive experience working in mental health clinics and hospitals in national and international settings. She specializes in sexual and relationship therapy, supporting individuals and couples to address intimacy challenges, improve communication, and rebuild emotional connection. Her compassionate, confidential, and non-judgmental approach creates a safe space for clients to explore sensitive concerns. She is committed to helping individuals and couples develop healthier relationships, strengthen intimacy, and achieve greater emotional and sexual wellbeing.
Marie Grace UMUTESI
Marie Grace Umutesi is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist with more than five years of clinical experience. Her areas of interest include family relationships, couples, and interpersonal wellbeing. Her approach is grounded in Ubuntu principles, emphasizing interconnectedness, mutual care, dignity, and healthy relationships. She creates a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where individuals, couples, and families can navigate challenges, strengthen their relationships, and build lasting emotional wellbeing.
Emmanuel HABUMUGISHA
Emmanuel Habumugisha is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist pursuing a PhD in Neuropsychology at the University of Rwanda in collaboration with Duke University, USA. His interests focus on brain health, neurocognitive functioning, and child and adolescent development. He has experience supporting individuals with neurological and cognitive conditions, including stroke. At Baho Smile Institute, he contributes to neuropsychological assessment, research, monitoring, and neurorehabilitation, applying evidence-based approaches to improve cognitive and psychological wellbeing.
Justin NIZEYIMANA
With more than 10 years of experience in clinical care, psychotherapy, and professional nursing, he brings an integrated perspective that connects physical health, psychological wellbeing, relationships, and sociocultural and spiritual environments. He is particularly passionate about spirituality, personal values, and meaning in life as pathways toward healing and balance. As a psychotherapist, he provides a safe and compassionate space for reflection and healing, helping individuals understand their experiences, reconnect with their inner resources, and restore a sense of coherence, purpose, and wellbeing.
Jean Claude NZAKIRA
Jean Claude Nzakira is a Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist with experience in psychological assessment, child and adolescent psychotherapy, and positive parenting. His research focuses on psychometrics and the role of parenting behaviors in shaping children’s emotional and behavioral outcomes. He is committed to translating psychological research into culturally responsive clinical and family-based interventions that promote healthier development and wellbeing.
Mr. Pamphyle MBIHAYIMANA
Pamphyle Mbihayimana is a Clinical Psychologist with a background in Nursing Sciences and a strong interest in mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. His areas of interest include trauma, internet addiction, and family functioning. As Program Director at Baho Smile Institute, he supports programs focused on mental health promotion and psychological wellbeing. Pamphyle combines clinical psychology, nursing, program management, and research to advance evidence-informed approaches to mental health and contribute to improved care for individuals, families, and communities.
Athanase NSENGIYUMVA
Athanase Nsengiyumva is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist with over eight years of experience in mental health assessment and evidence-based interventions. He supports individuals experiencing PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and other stress-related conditions. His expertise includes Narrative Therapy and Problem Management Plus (PM+). His trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach focuses on strengthening resilience, developing coping strategies, and promoting recovery in a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment.
Team of Psychiatrists, Medical Doctors and Nurses
Dr. Patana MULISANZE
Dr. Patana Mulisanze is an FMH Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and a Psycho-Sexologist with clinical experience in Rwanda and Switzerland. He specializes in psychiatric care, psychotherapy, sexual and relationship health, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), clinical sexology, and group psychotherapy. With a holistic and compassionate approach, he supports individuals and couples experiencing psychological, emotional, relational, and sexual challenges, providing a safe and confidential space to promote healing, stronger relationships, and wellbeing.
Dr. Claudia UMUHIRE
Dr. Umuhire Claudia is a psychiatrist registered with the Rwanda Medical and Dental Council and specialized in Psychiatry at the University of Rwanda. With six years of healthcare experience, she has expertise in general medicine, adult psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry. She takes a compassionate, evidence-based approach, tailoring care to individual needs. She provides psychiatric consultations and therapy in Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili, supporting patients from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Landouard HABUMUGISHA
Dr. Landouard HABUMUGISHA is a Rwandan medical doctor with extensive clinical experience across various healthcare settings. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in General Human Medicine from the University of Ngozi, Burundi, in 2016. From 2016 to 2024, he worked in hospitals including Kabgayi, Gitwe, Muhima, Nyarugenge, and Kiziguro. Since 2024, he has pursued Residency Training to further develop his clinical expertise. He is committed to providing compassionate, quality, patient-centered healthcare and is fluent in Kinyarwanda, with proficiency in English and French.
Gisele MUKAMANA
Gisele Mukamana is a Biostatistician and Healthcare Professional at Baho Smile Institute, with a background in nursing and expertise in health data and research. She combines clinical knowledge with quantitative and analytical skills to support evidence-based healthcare and informed decision-making. Her work focuses on ensuring accurate health data, strengthening research quality, and applying data-driven approaches to improve health outcomes, quality of care, and the effectiveness of healthcare programs.
Sonia TUYISHIME MUGENI
Tuyishime Mugeni Sonia is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Adventist University of Central Africa. She has experience in clinical nursing, pharmacy practice, and healthcare services. Her training at King Faisal Hospital strengthened her skills in patient care, assessment, teamwork, and evidence-based practice. A former Vice Guild President, she also brings strong leadership and advocacy skills. She is passionate about patient-centered care, nursing leadership, education, and quality healthcare.
Gilbert NSENGIYUMVA
He is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse with an Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Rwanda. He works at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital, providing assessment, management, and patient-centered care for individuals with diverse mental health conditions. Committed to compassionate and evidence-based practice, he also promotes mental health awareness, challenges stigma, and advocates for accessible mental health services. His goal is to improve mental health outcomes and strengthen individual, family, and community wellbeing.
Psychologist Coaches
Joselyne UMUTONI
Umutoni Joselyne is a Counseling Psychology graduate with a strong interest in trauma, parenting, and family well-being. She is passionate about supporting individuals and families through emotional challenges, promoting healthy relationships, and fostering resilience. She is committed to providing empathetic and supportive guidance while contributing to the well-being and development of individuals and families.
Genevieve UWIMANA
Genevieve Uwimana is a Clinical Psychologist and Coach Psychologist at Baho Smile Institute, providing psychological assessment, counselling, and psychosocial support. She promotes mental health and wellbeing through compassionate, evidence-based care. Her interests include emotional wellbeing, resilience, trauma-informed care, and coping strategies. She supports clients in strengthening self-awareness, navigating life challenges, and achieving meaningful personal and professional goals.
Bernard KAMIRINDI
Bernard Kamirindi is a Clinical Psychologist with a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Rwanda. He is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges. His approach focuses on helping individuals develop healthy coping strategies, strengthen resilience, and promote lasting psychological wellbeing.
Kellia NIMUGIRE
Kellia Nimugire is a Counselling Psychologist and Music Psychotherapist specializing in relationship and trauma-focused therapy. She brings a compassionate, culturally sensitive, and client-centred approach to mental health care, supporting individuals through emotional challenges, trauma, and depression. Her passion for music therapy enables her to explore creative and innovative therapeutic approaches that promote healing, resilience, and improved psychological well-being.
Fabrice RWAMURANGWA
A Clinical Psychology professional passionate about mental health, psychological wellbeing, and compassionate, culturally sensitive support. With experience in clinical and rehabilitation settings, I am committed to helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, build resilience, develop practical coping skills, and achieve meaningful personal growth and wellbeing.