Marius van der Colff

Executive Director and Founder

mars@cargoofdreams.org

As Executive Director of Cargo of Dreams, Mars Van der Colff is responsible for all International and United States operations. With a Bachelors Degree, an MBA in Business Management, and an entrepreneurial spirit, he is ideally equipped to oversee the organization’s broad range of activities.

His vision for Cargo of Dreams commenced in October of 2002 when God placed a clear calling on his heart. Mars was burdened by two sets of needs – a lack of proper preschool facilities in South Africa and a lack of international hands-on outreach opportunities in the United States.

His goal was to create an international outreach program that would allow Americans to use their God-given gifts at home to impact lives across the world.

What began as a simple “UPS Box Program” quickly evolved into a much bigger project. Shortly after following his calling back to South Africa in 2005, he saw a cargo container that had been converted into a preschool. Instantly, he realized that God had up-sized the “box” to involve more people and to expand the outreach opportunities.

Mars and a team of 550 volunteers sent their first converted container from the United States to South Africa in 2007. He currently dedicates all his time to Cargo of Dreams, a Christian relief organization that converts shipping containers into operational facilities.

Prior to embracing this calling, he spent several years working at Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina. During his time there, he established the “West End Co-op” pilot program to help improve the quality of life for those with traumatic brain injuries.

Mars’ heart for missions has allowed him to manage outreach programs throughout South Africa and around the world. For him, faith, trust, and passion serve as the motivation behind aiding many impoverished communities.

He believes we need to embrace our unique individual gifts and talents and make that available to be used by God. As we do, we become part of something that is superabundantly beyond our highest desires, hopes or dreams. The fulfillment outweighs the apparent sacrifices and we get glimpses of the epic love story of creation that touches our souls.

Mars currently lives with his wife, Jeanette, and their baby son Ardou in the USA while traveling extensively on behalf of Cargo of Dreams.

Angel Shahrestani

Senior Director of Strategic Development, Communications, and Vision

angel@cargoofdreams.org

Playing a vital role in strategic development, Angel Shahrestani oversees strategic alliances and media relations for Cargo of Dreams. Her responsibilities include researching and partnering with international programs, churches and business organizations that align with the worldwide efforts of Cargo of Dreams.

Shahrestani’s professional history led to the development of marketing strategies for several Forbes Top 100 executives. Now based in Aliso Viejo, California, she has spent the past fourteen years serving as Director of Ministry for Coast Hills Community Church. She has also consulted for non-profit organizations including MOPS International and Dr. John Trent of the Church Communication Network. Her promotional campaigns in the entertainment industry have received international exposure for the family values audience.

As a visionary, Shahrestani has developed and launched multiple ministries, outreach programs and global events. She currently resides in Southern California with her husband, Babak, and their four sons.

“The necessity of a spark to the fire, is as a grateful heart to a life transformed.”

John Luker

Head of Accounting

johnl@cargoofdreams.org

John Luker, CPA, brings nearly two decades of experience to the Accounting Department of Cargo of Dreams. A graduate of the University of Florida, John completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Accounting degrees at his alma mater. After graduation he moved to Atlanta where he obtained his license as a Certified Public Accountant while working at Price Waterhouse Coopers. He then began working at Deloitte & Touche as a manager in the auditing division and was involved overseeing the audit process and assignments in Mergers and Acquisitions.

Following that term, John moved to California to begin his career in the non-profit sector as Director of Finance for CRI. There he implemented new business software and spearheaded a website initiative that enabled a commerce driven site. In addition to performing all tax responsibilities, he streamlined company procedures that saved CRI both time and money.

His dedication to non profits has led to his position as Vice President and CFO for Orange County Rescue Mission and Hurtt Family Health Clinic where he has served the last nine years. He has successfully managed finance of their $12 million dollar annual budget and their $33 million dollar building campaign. John’s accounting responsibilities include contract compliance and invoicing with state and federal agencies. He also administers all financial and contract audits, as well as development and construction activities for both organizations.

In addition to his full time responsibilities at the Orange County Rescue Mission, John serves as a Board Member of Olive Crest Treatment Centers, Coalition of Orange County Community Clinics and the Orange County Workforce Investment Board. Further equipping John for his role with Cargo of Dreams is his spiritual commitment, evidenced by the fact that he holds a ministerial license and is a graduate of the Master’s Program by Bob Shank which equips Christian leaders to engage in service. John currently resides in San Juan Capistrano with his daughter Madison

Greg Buckingham

Senior Director of Development

greg@cargoofdreams.org

Greg Buckingham brings to Cargo of Dreams organizational skills along with strategic vision and extensive experience in fund development. His strengths speak into the broader vision of Cargo of Dreams’ international relief efforts as he offers a diversified approach to fund development and sound fiscal responsibility.

Greg has served on several ministry boards in leadership development roles including The Sheepfold and Hope’s House boards for abused women and children. He developed major fundraising events for South Africa’s “Acres of Love” whose emphasis is to meet theneeds of aids orphans. Other fundraising events to which he contributed are Mexico’s “Lily of the Valley” orphanage, and for the Sumba Foundation in Indonesia. For Southeast Asia, Greg is currently involved in bringing the gospel to unbelievers as well as assisting on a development project with a local orphanage. He also serves as the strategic team leader for the Foundation for Hope Disaster Relief Team, which relocated hundreds of families following Hurricane Katrina. During the California fires the team was asked by the city of San Diego to head up the Rancho Bernardo Relief Center for fire victims.

In addition to his humanitarian services, Greg founded a national retail chain in 1987 which has allowed him to dedicate his time to ministry projects throughout the world. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a BA in finance from Michigan State University. Greg lives in Jackson Hole Wyoming with his wife and their two children.

Kenneth Hammond

Creative Director of Marketing and Web Materials

Helping create the look and feel for Cargo of Dreams is Creative Coordinator, Ken Hammond. Ken has over 20 years of experience in the field of graphic design and marketing. Prior to Cargo of Dreams, Ken provided strategic creative direction for marketing campaigns in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. He is currently employed as the Communications Director for Coast Hills Community Church in Aliso Viejo, California.

It was while attending Coast Hills that he first learned of Cargo of Dreams and soon became involved with a container conversion project shipped to South Africa. Since that time, Ken has helped to create the unique look and feel of the Cargo of Dreams marketing and web materials. His humanitarian efforts have also led to his involvement with Y-Malawi, a nonprofit organization focusing on sustainable development for the people of Malawi, as well as several other missionary organizations. Ken credits Cargo of Dreams for helping him to grow spiritually in doing God’s work with fellow believers. According to Ken, “I would love to see the community come together and get involved for this common goal.” Ken currently resides in South Orange Country with his wife and daughter

Craig Morris

Evangelism Coordinator

Born and raised in Southern California, Craig Morris is a graduate of Santa Barbara’s Westmont College. He actively participated in several outreach programs at the University of California Santa Barbara and consulted for Campus Crusade. After earning his Master’s Degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity Seminary, Craig broadened his ministry experience by serving as a Young Life Director, a youth pastor, a Bible teacher and as the Athletic Director for a Christian High School.

This background led the way to a full time position as Assistant Chaplain at Wheaton College. Craig later helped establish an Evangelical Free Church in Santa Barbara. He currently serves as Adjunct Professor at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa and a full-time minster at Search Ministries, where he leads forum discussions in various settings. Drawing on his wealth of ministry experience, Craig is a valuable asset to Cargo of Dreams through his volunteer participation on the leadership team. He resides in Southern California with his wife Cherish and their two daughters, Sophia and Alexa.

Jacqui O’Kane

Associate Director of Development

jacqui@cargoofdreams.org

Jacqui O’Kane is a medical student at the Georgia Campus of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM) and a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. An alumna of Furman University in Greenville, SC, Jacqui first read about Cargo of Dreams in the Furman magazine. She immediately felt that God was calling her to become part of the Cargo of Dreams mission. After one year of working with Mars to plan several potential projects in Georgia, she officially became part of the team.

As an experienced student leader, Jacqui brings a unique perspective to the table. She recently served as the GA-PCOM Student Osteopathic Medical Association President, Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons Vice President, and Christian Medical & Dental Associations Leader. Additionally, she was a key fundraiser and medical missions participant for the Pray It Forward Foundation, an organization that partners with physicians to bring medical and spiritual care to the poorest of the poor worldwide.

Jacqui is an award-winning writer and editor who hopes to utilize her talents to help Cargo of Dreams achieve its communication and financial goals. She and her husband Stephen reside in Suwanee, GA with their dog and two cats. Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 1:6: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”

Dr. Suzanne Perrin

Director of Corporate Sponsors and Major Events

suzanne@cargoofdreams.org

Born in Northern California, Dr. Suzanne Perrin earned her Psychology Degree from the University of California at Irvine and her Doctorate in Public Health from Loma Linda University in Southern California. She previously worked as a Preventive Care Specialist with a focus on the prevention and treatment of lifestyle related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

She also served as the Director of Quality Management for the second largest Mental Health HMO in the United States. Her commitment to helping others has resulted in her work with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) where she worked as a National Development Consultant and cofounded a National Walk that brought funding into MOPS and helped increase membership.

Suzanne has also worked as the Events Director as well as in the area of Administration for Women’s Ministries at Coast Hills Community Church in Aliso Viejo, California.

Suzanne’s current role with Cargo of Dreams is that of Senior Director of Ministry Development with an emphasis on Project Management, Corporate Sponsorship and Major Events. She considers her family and her involvement with both her local church and Cargo of Dreams her main priorities. Suzanne is especially passionate about improving the standards of living for under-served populations. For Cargo of Dreams, Suzanne plays an integral part in furthering the mission of Cargo of Dreams and she provides expertise in the development of Clinictainers (medical clinics made out of shipping containers).

In regards to missions, Suzanne strongly believes that, “You don’t need to travel abroad to be part of a missions project. Your family and your community are also your mission field.” A motivating factor has been her commitment to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through improving accessibility to education and medical care for impoverished people both locally and internationally. “God continues to reveal Himself through Cargo of Dreams,” says Suzanne. “It has been amazing to be a part of this ministry.” Suzanne lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their three children.

Christene Sloan

Art Director

Prior to her work with Cargo of Dreams, Christene Sloan dedicated eight years as the Director of Visual Arts at Coast Hills Church. There she successfully managed a team of 15 people. Her art background includes drawing and painting since childhood and attending Chinouard’s Art Institute. Professionally, Christene worked in the trade show industry where she led the production art department. As a small business owner for 20 years, Christene developed strong organization, communication and management skills. She also provides training for churches on the subject of “art as worship” and serves as a teacher at Art and Worship Conferences in Southern California.

Christene has been on several mission trips to Africa to help educate at-risk children and impoverished communities about art with the use of scripture to inspire creativity. Currently she acts as Chairman of the Board for The Grove Center for Art & Media, a faith based ministry whose vision is to see Christ in Culture through Art & Media. She has served in many capacities including financial, creative events and serving artists. Christene and her husband, Michael are both retired and involved in serving the church and their family. With an unusual combination of gifts in administration and creativity, she has found a home serving the church and fellow artists.

Mike Sloan

Construction and Project Manager

California native, Mike Sloan, brings over 50 years of electrical installation and engineering experience to Cargo of Dreams. After starting his employment with Southern California Edison Co, Mike went on to become the President and Co-owner of Kirkwood Electric and KDC Inc. Adding to his pedigree are his contracting licenses in the states of California, Hawaii, Washington and Colorado.

Mike is a member of several organizations including the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the National Electric Benefit Fund (NEBF), and the National Electrical Cooperative Committee (NECC). In the 90′s, he served as President of the Los Angeles Chapter of NECA and has since dedicated over ten years as the Co-chair for the California Electrician Certification Advisory Committee (CECAC). In addition to his electrical expertise, Mike holds 40 years of experience in the construction industry and 35 years in management. Although he retired from his position in December 1999, he continues to be active in the electrical industry through his involvement with non-profits. For the past six years, Mike has served on the Board of Directors for Growers First, a nonprofit ministry which works with indigence coffee farmers to find good sources to market their coffee. Since 2007, Mike has been involved with Cargo of Dreams to provide construction knowledge and contacts to further the effort of providing safe and secure facilities for the impoverished communities. Currently residing in Orange County with his wife Christene, Mike is a proud father of six children, twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Jeanette van der Colff

Head of Administration and Shipping

jeanette@cargoofdreams.org

Jeanette Van der Colff, Head of Administration and Shipping, was born and raised in South Africa. Her background as a social worker helped pave the way for her commitment to missions. Following her graduation from the University of Stellenbosch, Jeanette joined an outreach program that led her to Russia.

In 2007, Jeanette became involved with Cargo of Dreams after meeting her future husband, Mars Van der Colff, Founder of Cargo of Dreams. As a result of Jeanette’s involvement and service, Cargo of Dreams has grown to become a widely recognized nonprofit organization based on love, generosity and compassion.

Today, Jeanette divides her time between California and South Africa, fulfilling her administrative role and managing the shipment of containers. She credits Cargo of Dreams for opening countless doors of opportunity to touch lives throughout South Africa. “Cargo of Dreams has made me aware that I can make a profound difference in any part of the world,” says Jeanette. “Most importantly, it has helped me to put my trust God.”

Gabrielle Guerin

Head of Architecture

Gabrielle Guerin recently received her Master’s of Architecture degree from the NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego. In addition to her graduate work, she holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Architecture from Texas Tech University. With six years of intensive architectural study and a heart for humanitarian work, Gabrielle felt called and equipped to head the Architecture Department of Cargo of Dreams. Her work will involve designing flexible, modular layouts that can adapt easily to each particular project. Her interests lie in the coupling of efficient design with the ability to customize to each specific program, site, and climate.

For the last year, Gabrielle has been devoted to developing a construction system for third-world countries. It is our hope that system may become a vital part of the Cargo of Dream expansion planning; creating opportunities for more efficient, innovation construction methods that will compliment the shipping containers. In additional to her architectural duties, Gabrielle will explore the potential of the system through testing and prototyping. The capabilities of the hybrid design are endless, offering an efficient, customizable solution for project expansion.

Gabrielle is a NewSchool Presidential Scholar and 2009 Designer of the Year recipient, both of which she credits to the Lord. With a wealth of research in understanding the needs of developing countries, countless trips abroad immersed in different cultures, and a passion to create change through architecture, Gabrielle is overjoyed to be a part of the Cargo of Dreams vision, sharing God’s love in a tangible way.

Nicole Michelen

Interior Design Coordinator

nicole05_mich@hotmail.com

Nicole Michelen is an Interior Design student at the Art Institute of California in San Diego. She will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design December 2011. Nicole combines her knack for people and her experience in understanding spatial qualities to create inviting and functional interiors.

Designing started at a young age for Nicole, as her father is a leading corporate interior architect in Guatemala. She attributes much of her passion and creativity to growing up in the biz. With a lifetime of inspiration and a heart to use her talents to benefit those less fortunate, Nicole cheerfully joined the Cargo of Dreams team.

After a destined meeting at a Cargo of Dreams event, Nicole has volunteered her efforts to help create the interior feel for CoD’s projects through careful programming, color choice, and space planning. She utilizes an array of tools such as, Auto CAD, SketchUp, and hand renderings to create high quality presentations.