Meet Muskaan Team
Our dedicated team of professionals brings together diverse expertise in healthcare, social work, community outreach, and advocacy to serve New Zealand’s communities with compassion and excellence.
Vivek Vij
Vivek is a trustee and Chairperson volunteering with Muskaan Care Trust NZ. An IT engineer living with Thalassaemia, he is a passionate advocate for better support for people with genetic blood disorders in New Zealand. He co-founded Thalassaemia & Sickle Cell Aotearoa NZ (TASCA NZ) and represents ethnic consumer voices at the Consumer Council, Te Whatu Ora. He is also an international member of a global patient organisation.
Dr Previn Dalal
Dr Pervin Dalal is a highly respected South Asian General Practitioner in Auckland and a Trustee and clinical advisor for Muskaan Care Trust. She actively promotes education and awareness about haemoglobinopathies and the importance of screening in medical practice. Dr Dalal provides comprehensive general practice services, supporting both physical and mental health.She and her team are experienced in managing long-term conditions
Balwant Rai Vij
Balvant is a trustee at Muskaan Care Trust NZ and a retired Accounts and Audit Officer with over 50 years of experience in financial management, bookkeeping, and tutoring. Living with Thalassaemia and other chronic health conditions in his family, he is deeply committed to supporting people affected by genetic blood disorders. His personal experiences give him strong insight into the challenges faced by patients and their families
Benifer Porus Irani
Benifer is a long-standing board member and Secretary at Muskaan Care Trust NZ. She is an accounting professional with a Bachelor of Commerce and Cost & Works Accountant qualifications. Benifer also serves as a Justice of the Peace and Marriage Celebrant in New Zealand and is a well-respected member of the migrant and Parsi communities.
Illiana Fusitua
Iliana Fusitua is a Senior Diabetes Coordinator and HOPE Programme Developer at Diabetes New Zealand. She is highly respected and well known within Pacific and diverse ethnic communities across Aotearoa. Iliana holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, with a strong background in health promotion and research. She helps coordinate and co-facilitate HOPE programmes. raising awareness
Ananya Sood
Ananya is a full-stack developer and founder of DevXWeb, focused on building modern web applications and AI-powered digital solutions. She specialises in turning complex ideas into practical digital platforms that create real-world impact. At Muskaan Care Trust, she supports technology and digital initiatives, including website development, social media management, and systems that strengthen the organisation’s online presence and operations.
Mehak
Living with thalassemia is a journey that often goes unseen. Through my own experiences, I’ve come to understand the importance of awareness, early education, and compassionate support. I’m committed to using my voice to make information more accessible and to help others feel understood in their own journeys.
Manisha Juneja
Manisha is a registered nurse at Starship Hospital and an academic at University of Auckland. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing and a Postgraduate Certificate and is currently completing a Master’s in Nursing focused on child health and community-centred care. Through her work, she supports greater awareness and stronger connections between communities and health services, particularly for families affected by long-term and genetic conditions such as thalassaemia.
Sanurag Maini
Sanurag Maini is a Web Developer for Muskaan Care Trust, supporting the organisation’s digital presence. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Software Engineering and focuses on improving the website’s functionality, usability, and accessibility. Through his work, he helps strengthen the Trust’s community outreach and online engagement.
Nivedita Sharma Vij
A seasoned health professional, a woman and a mother with lived experience. Pioneering self care l, self determination and self management building resilience and confidence in people.living with chronic health, genetic blood & rare conditions Volunteering as consultant, technical advisor and service designer for TASCA NZ at Muskaan Care Trust
Harender Singh Jassal
Dr Preetam Rao
Dr Preetam Rao has joined Muskaan Care Trust as Clinical and Technical Advisor.Preetam is well known and respected General Practtiioner in our Migrants, Refugees and Asian Communities.