Lynn Hetterich

Director

Lynn fell in love with Nepal during a trek to Everest Base Camp in 1981. Three years later, newly married, she returned with her husband, Steve, during their 18-month trip around the world. Back in Denver, she began hearing about Olga Murray and her inspiring work. In 2000, while traveling abroad with their two children, Lynn and Steve met Olga and Som and witnessed NYF’s life-changing programs firsthand—an experience that began her enduring commitment to NYF.

Raised by parents who modeled a life of service and philanthropy, Lynn was inspired early to give back. While earning a degree in International Studies, an influential professor nurtured her passion for meaningful engagement. That opportunity arrived when Montview Church, her Denver congregation, funded a pediatric wing at Patan Hospital in Kathmandu and sent volunteers to “follow the money.” Lynn co-led the first service trip in 2000, and since then has brought more than 200 people of all ages to Nepal to connect with its people and contribute through community projects.

Under Lynn’s leadership and encouragement, Montview Church helped fund the first Nutritional Rehabilitation Home (NRH) in Kathmandu and three community centers in Saptari District. The church has also supported NRHs across Nepal, the New Life Center, and the reconstruction of a school destroyed in the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. Lynn’s family sponsored the playgrounds at the Kathmandu NRH and at Olgapuri, and have sponsored a brother and sister through NYF since 2000—remaining close to them as adults today.

Now retired from a career in residential real estate, Lynn and Steve have passed the business to their children. They remain avid travelers, hikers, cyclists, gardeners, and cooks.