Board of Directors – MCAngels.org

Barb Bremner – President

I have always enjoyed being involved with helping others. I was first introduced to Pasitos de Luz in 2011 and it changed my life. My involvement has been a labour of love: helping the children, coordinating fundraisers, writing newsletters, website and newspaper articles, serving on the board of directors in Mexico and assisting with developing strong management processes to further the mission of Pasitos de Luz. I bring board experience having served on a significant number of academic boards, service boards, and condominium boards.

I have spent time annually in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay since 1975. Since 2010, my husband John and I spend approximately six months in Puerto Vallarta each year. My educational background consists of three bachelor degrees, a masters degree and a doctorate in higher education administration/leadership. I taught school for several years, followed by several management positions including dean, and associate vice president academic & research at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Being involved with MCA Mexico’s Canadian Angels Foundation is a natural extension to my personal commitment to provide help in areas where it is needed most. My goal to help ensure long term sustainability for youth and children with disabilities in Banderas Bay working with intermediary Pasitos de Luz and Casa Connor .

Stephen Verhoeff – Director

I am a proven executive and leader and have been in business for over 30 years. I founded or co-founded 6 business & non profit organizations. I took Hemisphere GPS public in 1996 as the founder and CEO. Currently my role is owner and Co – President of Advance Flooring which is a western Canadian service provider for The Home Depot. I am currently active as a major shareholder/founder/director of Trading Post Brewery and Eatery in BC, Beach House Brewing in Lahaina Hawaii, Stoneboat and Valley Commons winery in BC and a commercial art company called HFA Fine Art Services in Vancouver which is involved in providing art to the hospitality and commercial sector.

I have history and am active in non profits. I founded and served on CCRE (Canadian Carpet Recovery Effort). I serve on the board of Trinity Western University Spartan Foundation and am a past board member for Promise Keepers Canada. I am also active as a fund raiser and speaker with Opportunity International as an advocate for the poor in developing countries as well as being an active board member of Pasitos de Luz at Casa Connor, a centre for children with disabilities.

I have been married to Joyce for 39 years and have three adult daughters and three grandchildren. I have a Bachelor of Commerce from University of Calgary graduating in 1986.

Chris Weening – Director

A Calgary native, I pursued my degree in the United States at Calvin College University before returning to Calgary to earn an MBA at the University of Calgary. I have worked for my family business, Rainbow Contractors, for over 20 years and consider it a privilege to work alongside my family while at the same time using my business acumen to forward the company’s goals. I have a history of serving on Not-for-Profit boards, including my local church and school boards as well as PCCE (Prairie Centre for Christian Education) and most recently, the National industry-related board of Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC).

I value community, helping others, planning for the future and my Christian faith. Connor Vanderveen and his family were and are a part of my community and I now consider Pasitos de Luz/Casa Connor a part of my extended community. The father of four amazing teenage daughters, I am passionate about the health and well-being of all youth and look forward to bringing that passion to this board. After visiting Casa Connor, I feel especially connected to the vision of Pasitos de Luz to enhance the lives of children with disabilities in Puerto Vallarta. My wife Missy, my family and I live in a home filled with laughter, love and one bossy cat. My hobbies include golf, going on adventures with my family, cooking and art appreciation.

I was privileged to spend a week volunteering at Pasitos de Luz in 2019 and was blessed in getting to know some of the children and staff. The joy and love at Casa Connor is overwhelming and it is an honor to be part of a cause that is making a significant difference in the lives of some amazing kids and their families.

I have a background in Engineering, and have been in business for over 30 years. Most of my board experience has been with non-profits, colleges and churches.

Board Members and Volunteers