Staff Spotlight | Sharmila Khatri

Sharmila Khatri is a case manager with CRIS’ Older Refugee/Senior Program.

Sharmila Khatri is a caseworker in CRIS’ Older Refugee Program, but her passion for this role dates back to her youngest years. Her family was forced to leave their country of origin–Bhutan–when she was just one month old. They were relocated to a refugee camp in Nepal. Sharmila’s father was a physician in the refugee camp, and her mother was a businesswoman in the camp. Sharmila’s family grew to include three younger siblings. One family connection for Sharmila played a pivotal role in her development. “Of all of my grandfather’s grandchildren, I was his favorite–we had a very strong connection…he had my whole heart.” Her grandfather passed away when she was eleven, yet his influence has shaped the course of Sharmila’s life.

At 17 years old, Sharmila’s family was resettled to Phoenix, Arizona, in 2009. After marrying, completing high school, and starting a family, Sharmila relocated to Pittsburg to be near her in-laws. It was there she began her career in serving the elderly, working as a nursing assistant in a group home. In 2015, Sharmila and her young family moved to Columbus to be near her parents who had relocated to the area. She continued her work with the elderly as a nurse’s assistant in a day facility for seniors. In 2017, she began working part-time with CRIS’ Older Refugee Program. She now serves as a full-time caseworker with the same program. 

She explains, “I have a special place in my heart for seniors and children and vulnerable populations. My heart smiles when I can help them, and each time I see a smile on their faces, I feel I’ve gotten a promotion. Their happiness is my victory.”