Board Members

OFFICERS

• James King, President – Jim travelled to Haiti twice with Msgr. Gaus, the first time in the 1980’s and again in 2009.  As a professional photographer and successful owner of Henry’s Studio, Jim was instrumental in filming and producing numerous promotional photos and video DVDs which have been invaluable tools in fundraising throughout the years.

• Doug Tusing, Vice President – Doug first visited Haiti with Msgr. Gaus in 2009, and returned with his wife, Gina, in 2012 to guide a mission trip for several key donors.  The couple made a third trip to visit their daughter, who worked in Hinche at a US non-profit midwifery school.  Doug led the development of the charity’s website and Facebook pages and continues to manage both. After a 20-year career in the US and abroad with a top international corporation, Doug relocated to Ebensburg and is now an associate real estate broker.  He was elected to Ebensburg Borough Council in 2006, and has served as Council President since 2012.

• Sister Marjorie McGuire, CCW, Secretary – Sister Margie has been a member of the Carmelite Community of the Word (CCW) for over 50 years.  She has been to Haiti on 4 mission trips, while her CCW sisters have made nearly annual visits for more than 20 years.  Sister holds an MA in Theology from Loyola University of Chicago and is the Director of Evangelization at Holy Name Church in Ebensburg, where Msgr. Gaus served as pastor for some 27 years.  She has assisted Msgr. in presenting mission appeals to local parishes on behalf of Kindred Journey.

• Michael Nott, Treasurer – Mike was first introduced to Kindred Journey as a former priest in ministry with Msgr. Gaus at Holy Name Church.  Since 1988, he has made 3 mission trips to Haiti with Msgr.  He has also served previously as Secretary of the Board of Directors.: 

ADDITIONAL BOARD MEMBERS (in alphabetical order)

• Mildred Bodenschatz – Millie has participated in 12 mission trips to Pandiassou, Haiti, both with Kindred Journey and the CCW Sisters and continues to be active in fundraising activities.  Millie is retired from a career in special education.

• Michael Bradley – Mike is a former US Navy officer who has been a strong advocate and a key donor.  Mike served as Board Secretary in the past.

• Annalisa McCann – Annalisa had the opportunity to travel to Haiti three times. She fondly remembers learning about the importance of Kindred Journey from Msgr. Gaus as a young child at Holy Name School. She lives in Ebensburg with her family and is employed at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School.

• Martha O’Brien – having traveled to Haiti numerous times, and as strong speaker of both French and Haitian Creole, Martha has been indispensable with assistance in communication and translation.  She retired recently as Dean of General Education and Instructor of Music at Saint Francis University in Loretto. Martha also oversaw the documenting and recording of 3 collections of Haitian hymns that had been composed by the Little Brothers/Sisters of the Incarnation.

• Dr. James Takacs – Jim is a local veterinarian and owner of the Ebensburg Animal Hospital.  He and his entire family have been key supporters of Kindred Journey dating back to the early 1980’s.

• Although not formally a member of the board, we would like to acknowledge the countless hours of work that Lori Bender, office manager/secretary at Holy Name Church, has dedicated by providing administrative support to Kindred Journey since its inception.