Pacekids Society for Children with Special Needs is a registered, non-profit, charitable organization run by a volunteer Board that consists of parents of children in the programs as well as other professional community members.
The purpose of the Board of Directors is to approve strategic goals for the organization, evaluate executive performance, and fulfil governance and fiduciary responsibilities. As champions of the organization, Board members support Pacekids’ philanthropic initiatives by acting as community liaisons for the organization and enhancing a culture of philanthropy.
Scott Matson is the Chief Financial Officer of Trican Well Service Ltd. Scott spent the previous 14 years with Horizon North Logistics Inc., serving as the Chief Financial Officer from 2010 through mid-2020. Scott holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary and obtained his Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA/CA) designation in 1998. Scott is excited to apply his background and skill set in helping Pacekids to deliver on its vision and make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.
With a BA in English and Education, Rhonda started out as a teacher with the Foothills School Division. While raising her family, she was active in her children’s schools and a leading member on her community Board. Rhonda worked in the fitness industry, started a small design/renovation business, and pursued further education in Design and Architecture and Greenhouse Design. Helping meet the needs of children and seniors is a priority for Rhonda. She feels privileged to have the opportunity to support and contribute to the Pacekids community.
Shirley Edwards has 12 years’ experience in nonprofit as an HR and Management professional while combining this experience with 25 years as an educator, currently working as a Human Resource Instructor at Bow Valley College. She has a Master’s Degree (MEd) in Adult Community & Higher Education, is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), has a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Organizations (BSc) and three diplomas: Administration, Supervisory Management and Personnel Management. Shirley is also Dare to Lead™ trained, invested in developing hearts and minds, and works to embed the value of courage. Shirley is excited about bring her passion and expertise to Pacekids.
Terris works in public sector – Government specializing in Human Resources and is currently Director, Disability Management Services. She has a Bachelor of Management degree with a major in Human Resources from the University of Lethbridge with over 20 years of professional experience within the Human Resources field. Her passion to support individuals with disabilities comes from having a sibling with disabilities and experiencing the challenges faced, and is excited to be part of Pacekids for the important contributions they are making for the children they serve and their families.
Yang Guo is an Associate with Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP. Her practice is focused on commercial litigation. Yang has a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and a Juris Doctor from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. Yang is thrilled by the opportunity to contribute her skills to Pacekids, and to help foster a stronger community through the empowerment of children and families.
Farrah Kanji is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and currently a senior manager with Deloitte LLP. Farrah has 10 years’ experience providing audit, accounting, and advisory services with a focus on private organizations. Her experience spans a range of industries including construction, real estate, private equity and not-for-profit. She is excited to assist Pacekids and to contribute her skills to an organization making such a large impact to so many individuals within our city.
Thomas is an Associate with Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP. His practice is focused on commercial real estate law. Thomas has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta. Thomas is honored to be a part of such an amazing organization which positively impacts the lives of children and families in the community every day.
Kofi Oteng is the Co-Owner of Calgary based jewelry company COUTUKITSCH, and co-owner of The Livery Shop, a gift shop located in Inglewood, Calgary. Kofi has over 20 years of retail experience, including time at Canadian Tire Head office as a Buyer for Sport Chek. Kofi holds a Bachelor Degree in Media and Communication Studies from the University of Guelph and obtained specialization in Public Relations from Humber College. Kofi’s daughter was diagnosed with ASD in July 2020, she is currently enrolled at Pacekids. Kofi is excited to bring new innovative ideas to Pacekids and to help improve the lives of children and families in our community.
Julia Read is the CFO of Nomodic Modular Structures Inc. Before formally joining Nomodic in 2014, she worked in a managerial position with MNP LLP in their Assurance Services group where she conducted audits, reviews, and provided other assurance and taxation services for private and public companies. Julia has more than eight years of experience in public practice and her background includes financial reporting and analysis, strategic planning, and tax. Julia is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA/CA) with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary. Julia is passionate about supporting the special needs community and is excited to contribute her skills to Pacekids.