Board of Directors
Our board of directors consists of a professionally diverse team of individuals who each bring unique perspectives to the ongoing development of program supports.
President
Sue Bruyns
Sue Bruyns 35 years of experience in education, includes roles as a classroom teacher, Principal and System Principal. Sue truly appreciates the opportunity to support and inspire new leaders. She was immediately inspired by the devotion of both the Canadian and Dominican educators. This shared commitment to improving student learning through effective teaching practices will always be at the heart of TMA.
Vice President
Wendy Chan
Wendy Chan has been an educator in the Durham District School Board in Ontario for over 29 years, having taught most grade levels and subjects at the elementary level. From her first trip with TMA in 2019, she demonstrated a passion for sharing best practices and collaborating with educators in the Dominican Republic. Since then, she has been the co-lead on every summer trip, as well as an active member of TMA’s Program Committee.
Treasurer
Jeff Pratt
Jeff is an accomplished executive with over 25 years experience, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Attorney-in-Fact with the Ontario School Board Insurance Exchange. He is enthusiastic about giving back to his community stating, 'there is great satisfaction in volunteering with an organization that genuinely transforms the lives of children by enhancing teacher practices - after all, education is the ultimate equalizer.'
Past President
Nancy Threan Loraine
Nancy Threan Loraine’s varied career includes having served as Director of Missions, a Trustee for Durham District School Board, General Manager of a Chamber of Commerce, and self-employment in public relations. Born in the Dominican Republic, Nancy remains deeply interested in education and is determined to provide high quality educational opportunities for children in her homeland.
Director
Wayne Louie
Wayne Louie is a subject-matter expert in computer technology and cybersecurity, having retired from a Senior Manager role at AMD, working with numerous tech giants. A graduate of University of Waterloo, he wrote his first program in 1973 at age 13 when punch cards were the norm, and has worked in many different industries since then.
Director
José Antonio Lopez Ventura
José Antonio Lopez Ventura is a visionary. He is also an electrical engineer, lawyer, pastor and community activist in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic, who has dedicated his life to serving others. An essential partner, José is known for his wisdom and commitment to education.
Director
Jesus Peral
Born in the Dominican Republic, Jesús began teaching English in 2018 and started collaborating with TMA the same year as an interpreter. His experience with TMA has greatly shaped his teaching practice and strengthened his commitment to being a bridge between Dominican and Canadian educators. He strongly believes in the power of collaboration to improve education and expand learning opportunities in his country.
Director
Denise Taylor-Edwards
Denise Taylor-Edwards is retired educator and self-styled global citizen with a passion for teaching/learning, travel, language and intercultural experiences. After several years as a high school Spanish teacher in central New York, she immigrated and continued her career teaching English to newcomer adults and adolescents with in London, Ontario. She has been part of the TMA ‘family’ since 2012.
Director
Peter Colpitts
As an entrepreneur, Peter Colpits has been involved in education having provided hundreds of student placements in his business of Colpitts Design Inc., Uxbridge. Peter has provided design, product development, and prototyping services for over 34 years to customers in Canada and the USA. Specializing in rapid prototyping and aluminium injection moulding, reverse engineering, fabrication of prototypes, and short run productions.
Director
Dr. Leonor Elmúdesi
Born in Santo Domingo, Leonor Elmudesi was the co-founder of the Lux Mundi Educational Community and currently serves as its General Director. She created the Ethics for Life chair that has been taught at the institution since its inception. In addition, she has been an adviser to EDUCA and has joined the Board of Directors. Her abstract from her doctoral thesis was the basis of the Miracle of Consuelo.
Director
Dr. Aslini Ernesto Brito Gómez
Dr. Aslini Ernesto Brito Gómez is a Dominican educator and leader committed to a humanistic pedagogy that promotes education as a means for comprehensive development. A Doctor in Educational Sciences and director of the School of Education at UCATECI, he promotes teacher training with an ethical, scientific, and transformative approach, integrating faith, values, and social commitment in favor of a more just and supportive society.
Director and Pedagogical Consultant
Dr. Beverley Freedman
Dr. Beverley Freedman is a retired Superintendent of Programs with the Durham District School Board. Bev’s multiple engagements with education ministries and organizations provincially, nationally and internationally have positioned her as a noted authority on pedagogical leadership. Bev is a sought out presenter at education conferences and is a noted leader on collaborative school reviews.
Honorary Director
Laura Elliott
Laura Elliott is currently working as the Executive Director of the Council of Ontario Directors of Education, supporting Directors of Education from Ontario’s 73 publicly funded school districts. With more than 25 years in senior leadership roles, and experience on post-secondary education boards, Laura’s depth of knowledge of education is extraordinary.
Honorary Director
Georges Boissé
Georges Boissé is a retired career diplomat introduced to Teacher Mentors Abroad while serving as Canadian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Georges is a vital member of our organization whose wide-ranging international experiences are particularly valuable.
Are you interested in volunteering with us?
Join our mentor team to support educators in the Dominican Republic. We're always looking for Canadian educators and bilingual interpreters who want to make a meaningful difference in education.