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.
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.
John Bean is President and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC). He joined CSEC in January 2010 as the Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration and CFO, and was named the Chief Operating Officer of CSEC in September 2013 and President and CEO in July of 2018. Prior to joining CSEC, Mr. Bean held a variety of senior executive roles in the oil and gas services industry. Mr. Bean is the Lead Governor on the CFL Board of Governors, a Governor on the WHL Board of Governors, an Alternate Governor on the NHL Board of Governors, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Calgary Flames Foundation.
Mr. Bean obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan, became a Chartered Accountant in 1987 and obtained his ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors in 2018.
Dr. Signe Bray is a faculty member in the Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Her research uses magnetic resonance imaging to study brain development in children and how the brain is impacted by neurodevelopmental conditions. On her way to studying kid’s brains, she completed a BASc in Computer Engineering and a PhD in Computation and Neural Systems. Signe is delighted to have the opportunity to support the Pacekids mission.
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.
Stu’s career has spanned over 38 years in the fields of fundraising and organization development, and he continues to bring his experience to the boards and clients he works with. One of the first recipients of AFP’s Outstanding Fundraising Professional award, Stu recently stepped away from full time work after holding senior leadership positions with Kids Cancer Care, KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.), the University of Calgary and McMaster University. His volunteer involvement has included Arts Commons, the Calgary Stampede’s Courtesy Car and Grandstand Show Committees, Pearson College of the Pacific, Pacekids, and the OWN Cancer Campaign cabinet. He has served in leadership positions with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.