Members of the Executive Committee have substantial personal/professional experience working with children with learning differences and their families.
| Augusta Klaarenbeek, Executive Director Nationality: Dutch Executive Director since 2010 With Shanghai Chosen Families since 2009 In Shanghai since 2008 with husband and two teenagers, 15 & 17 Living in Pudong Other professional experience: 1990 - 2010 Human Resources Consultant 1996 - 2005 Chairman of the Board of a childcare organization 2004 - 2005 Member of the Consultative body of a health care organization contact information: shanghaichosenfamilies@gmail.com, aklaarenbeek@gmail.com |  |
| Kim Choi, Librarian Nationality: UK My husband’s career brought my family to Shanghai from the US in August 2008. Our three children are 10, 9 & 8 yrs and they all attend international school. I originally joined Shanghai Chosen Families in late 2009 and within a short time I felt I wanted to do more than just attend the meetings. I saw a need for more community support for families with children with special education needs and learning challenges here in Shanghai: families like my own. In 2010, I joined the Executive Board to offer my experience and resources to the community. I do not have any professional expertise, but as the mom to 3 young children with varying needs, my personal experience has grown considerably. In February 2011, I was elected to the newly formed Executive Board for SENIA (Special Education Network in Asia – www.senia-asia) and I hope that by combining my two roles, I can better serve not only the families in Shanghai, but also those across the Asia region. |  |
| Patricia Dunn, VP for Pudong | |
| Liz Milsom, Secretary | |
| Vanessa Whittaker, Treasure | |
| Victoria Plekenpol, Liason to Community Center | |
| Lisa Hwang, Special Projects Nationality: Asian American/Taiwanese American/American! Board member since arrival in August 2009 Steve (hubby), Jordan (10 yr old son) & Sophia (6 yr old daughter) Corporate & Mediation Lawyer Mom Wife WBOC (Women Business Owners Club) in Hong Kong Trained instructor for Lindamood Bell ABA training in Hong Kong & Shanghai | |
| Irene Burkle Mom-to-Mom Board member since August 2011 With SCF since January 2011 In Shanghai since 2008 with husband & 2 boys Living in Pudong | |
| Charyl DeSouza, Special Projects | |
| Elaine Leach, Marketing Director / Special Events eleach04@hotmail.com Nationality: U.S.A. My family, husband, son and I, moved to Shanghai in 2008. My 25 yr. old daughter lives in Texas. I heard about this support group and attended my first parents meeting in 2009. My goal, as the social skills coordinator is to provide a fun, non-clinical environment for the kids to come together, with no expectation but to be themselves. I feel physical activity is important for a healthy functioning body and mind. I strive to teach my son the independent and social skills necessary to someday live on his own in the States. For 25 yrs. I worked as computer facilitator and taught Microsoft programs in major corporations. I bring to the group my computer skills to contribute to the publications and marketing for SCF. | |