Maia holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a license as Professional Teacher and Environmental Planner.
She has nearly two decades worth of experience in municipal relations, rural development, and youth programming in her home country, Philippines, through her diverse employment history that includes roles as Project Development Officer, Statistician, Child-Friendly Movement Focal Person, and Teacher. She has developed versatile skills that enables her to adapt quickly to new environments and engage with the community of various age groups and cultures.
Moving to Morden, MB Canada with her family in May 2023 was not only a big challenge but also a good opportunity for them. By God’s grace, she feels like a dream came true when she was chosen as the Community Foundations Coordinator of the Community Foundations in the South Central region of Manitoba which includes Morden, Pembina-Manitou, and Morris, because she loves working with people who help turns communities into becoming better places.
Elmhar Castillo moved to Morden, Canada, from the Philippines in 2019. A dedicated family man, he enjoys camping and other outdoor activities with his wife, Cherry, and their three sons: Nathan, Noah, and Nicko. Before moving to Canada, Elmhar worked as a swine specialist and integrated farm manager in the Philippines, gaining extensive experience in agriculture and livestock management. He is also a passionate community leader, serving as the head of the Filipino group for the sixteen13 ministry, where he plays an active role in organizing outreach programs and humanitarian missions. Known for his strong commitment to helping those in need, Elmhar is deeply involved in serving the community, always striving to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Yvonne Stoesz and her family have lived in the Morden area for almost 30 years and has been a social worker in various health settings in the area. Yvonne has volunteered with various organizations such as Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba, Habitat for Humanity, Many Hands, Douglas Kuhl School of Music, teaching English with newcomers, riding in bike-a-thons as well as other efforts.
Yvonne enjoys volunteering in the community and is pleased to be part of the Morden Area Foundation board.
Zainab was called to the Manitoba Bar in 2024. She is also an Internationally Trained Lawyer. She is a graduate from the Oba Ereduwa College of Law at Igbinedion University Okada in Edo State, Nigeria, and called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2015.
Prior to her immigration to Canada, she volunteered her services with the Legal Aid Community Development Services (CDS), wherein she provided free legal advice to the indigent of the community. Zainab was part of a team that provided reformatory programs for persons in prison, the programs ranged from teaching inmates the three Rs to setting up tutors for advance classes for willing inmates.
With respect to the Morden Area Foundation, she intends to passionately service the foundation and assist in the growth and advancement of its mission and vision to the community
Armed with a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Science from Purdue University, Lenore began a long career in the Provincial civil service. She worked in several departments (recreation and culture, tourism and highways and transportation), and in three locations – Thompson, Winnipeg and Morden.
Lenore moved to Morden in 1998 and was hired as the MAF “Our Millennium” coordinator to promote the development of legacy projects to mark the millennium – a great way to get to know the community. Soon after arriving, she secured a position in the Pembina Valley regional office of Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism.
Through her work, she developed a keen interest in Morden’s history and served as Chair of the Historical Society and co-chair of the125th Anniversary Celebration Committee. She was responsible for the development of two books about Morden and its residents – “Women in Morden” and “Life as They Knew It”, as well as several booklets and pamphlets on Morden’s history.
Now retired, she happily spends time on creative projects at home. She is an avid reader and prolific quilter. Lenore is a previous MAF board member, having served as chair in the early 2000s.
