Who We Are

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Global Child Advocates Board Of Directors

Mrs. MaLeesa D. Meyers, Founder

MaLeesa is dedicated to advocating for orphan, foster and disadvantaged children around the world. Uniting seniors and children to serve as global citizens and be the voice for the disadvantaged is her personal mission. Helping to create acceptance, understanding and reality between Chinese and American children is her current focus.

Prior to starting her non profit charity, MaLeesa worked in health care management and human resources. In 2000 she relocated from the Midwest to Arizona to do wellness clinic consulting. She is also the bookkeeper for Meyers Limited Partnership a family farm corporation. Her most important job is being mother to her 12 year old son Quinten and 5 year old daughter Zoë. After adopting Zoë from Jiangxi China in May 2005 she decided to start Global Child Advocates. MaLeesa has always had a special love for children and the elderly.

In 2007 she decided to produce an integrated wellness video entitled Wellcome Home (tm) to help orphan children and adoptive families. She is also the moderator of three Yahoo groups and active in several local adoption groups.

MaLeesa is the co-author of an adoption book titled "Our Blessings from China" which has been released on Amazon.com. It can be purchased on Amazon.com

It tells the stories of nine families' journeys to adopt Chinese children. Each absorbing account describes the unique hills and valleys involved in the process and how it has forever changed and enriched their lives. Ride along with each family as they traverse the emotional spectrum from fear and frustration to bliss and joy as they meet their children and begin the miracle of forming a forever- family through adoption.

The book is a good book for people who are thinking about adopting, in the process of adopting, or have adopted and enjoy reading the experiences of others.

Dr. Duane Meyers, Treasurer

Dr. Meyers started his first Chiropractic practice in 1975. He was the owner and operator of one of the largest multi-disciplinary practices in the Midwest. Before retiring from practice in 2000 he had grown his business to five clinics. Dr. Meyers enjoys all aspects of natural health care. Dr. Meyers has a Bachelors degree in business, is licensed to perform acupuncture, physiotherapy, Chiropractic and practices Applied Kinesiology. Recently, he agreed to serve as a relief doctor for other physicians in the Scottsdale area. Dr. Meyers is a Titleist Performance Institute certified medical evaluator and certified golf fitness instructor. He has over 30 years of experience in physical medicine. He has conducted the GCA sponsored Golf Holeistic program at Troon Golf & Country Club with great success. Dr. Meyers is also the owner of Integrated Golf Sciences. He conducts the golf specific physical, orthopedic and strength testing as used by PGA and LPGA touring professionals to identify a golfer's key weaknesses. Dr. Meyers then formulates a customized golf prescription for each and every golfer. Over the years Dr. Meyers has donated much of his time and financial resources to help children in his community. He is also an avid supporter of GCA and serves as our Treasurer.

Advisory Board

Mr. Bob Frost, Advisor

Bob serves on several valley boards including the Troon Country Club Board of Directors and is currently Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission for the City of Scottsdale, Arizona. He is an excellent auctioneer and is invited to work at many valley charity events. Bob is well known in the non profit community and has provided many contacts for Global Child Advocates. Bob is a consultant and helps his clients with strategic planning, executive coaching, management consulting, team building and retreat planning. Prior to retiring he was a General Manager with the City of Scottsdale responsible for Parks, Libraries, Recreation, Social Services and the Arts. He is a poet and author. He is married to his wife Judy. He has helped provide auctioneer services for our Seniors United in Love event. His experience and talents has been a true asset to Global Child Advocates.

Attorney Barbara Luther, Advisor

Attorney Luther is the owner of the Luther Law Firm in Scottsdale. She graduated from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law in 1989. She also graduated from Northwestern University Medical School with a B.S in medicine and has a M.B.A from Keller Graduate School of Management. Her practice areas are; Intellectual Property, Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets and licensing with expertise in Life Sciences including Medical Devices. She is an AV-Rated Intellectual Property Attorney with the highest rating by her peers (Martindale-Hubbell). Attorney Luther has helped Global Child Advocates by preparing the Copyright agreement for our video project. She has reviewed our photo releases and has demonstrated a real desire to further our mission to help the children. www.barbaralutherlaw.com

Mr. Bill Brown, Advisor

Mr. Brown's directorial debut film, budgeted at $1,558,000 was Dreamrider, starring James Earl Jones, Leigh Taylor Young, and Murray Rose. Dreamrider earned 12 times its negative cost, grossing over $20,000,000 worldwide as both a theatrical and cable feature. Prior to Dreamrider Brown wrote and directed a twenty minute tribute film, The American Combat Soldier, which was commissioned by the United States Army in celebration of the Army's anniversary. Mr. Brown also wrote and directed a series of product videos for Rockwell International covering diverse subjects and locations ranging from a warship in the North Atlantic to a sonobouy facility in El Paso, Texas. Flexerball was a thirty minute product video and infomercial for Nordic-Trac Products which Mr. Brown also wrote and directed.

A BA graduate of USC in Film and Television, Mr. Brown also holds an MS in Education from California State Fullerton. Brown has taught English, Psychology, Oral Communications and History in the Fullerton Union High School District in addition to serving as an Adjunct Professor of Cinema at Fullerton College. Brown wrote and produced an English language textbook, Survival English which has been translated into seven languages and sold around the world. Mr. Brown has also served as a media consultant to the California State Senate, dealing primarily with image creation, presentation and message clarity.

Mr. Brown has been a sought after lecturer and instructor in various aspects of acting and dramatic preparation for the screen. Mr. Brown was honored by the Worldfest Houston with its Gold Award as the writer and director of the festival's outstanding dramatic feature film, I Can't Lose (later called Dreamrider).

Brown's most recent effort, "The Hidden Epidemic" is a 40 minute educational docu/drama on Post Concussion Syndrome. "The Hidden Epidemic" explores the connection between concussions and many students inability to learn in school. The film shines a light on the role concussion plays in low test scores, school drop-outs, depression, substance abuse, and for some suicide. The film's message is an important one for all those who work with adolescents. Over five hundred people have requested tickets to the film's premier January 22nd, 2007 at the historic Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton California. To find our more information about Post Concussion Syndrome go to www.thehiddenepidemic.com

Mr. Brown is a true advocate for youth and we are honored to have him join our team.

Mr. Jim Ward, Advisor

Jim Ward's 25-year business career has placed him at the forefront of some of the most innovative and leading-edge technologies in the world. He has been able to break through preconceived business limitations and change the way products come to market. As a successful business leader, Jim has applied his vision, passion and straightforward approach contributing to the success of companies like Apple, Microsoft, Nike and Luscasfilm.

Ward is currently a Venture Partner with Alsop Louie Partners. As a venture partner, Jim provides the necessary resources and guidance to new companies that have the capacity to develop new technologies, provide jobs, support the local economy and pay taxes.

Prior to his current position, Ward served as President of LucasArts and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Distribution and Online at Lucasfilm, Ltd. where he managed the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. At LucasArts, Ward led the growth of the video game company, creating such popular award winning games as Star Wars Battlefront, Star Wars Lego and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Additionally, at Lucasfilm, Ward oversaw the planning, development and execution of global marketing and distribution programs for all Lucasfilm's motion picture, television and video properties.

Ward's career began in advertising. He was involved in many major global product introductions including Apple's PowerBook, Microsoft's Windows '95 and Nike's partnership with Tiger Woods.

His efforts earned him numerous awards including Advertising Age's Top 100 Marketers and two prestigious Gold Effies and a Grand Effie award from the American Marketing Association. Ward has served as Chairman of the Entertainment Software Association and was nominated for an Emmy in 2007. He is particularly proud of being named Thunderbird's Alumnus of the Year with Distinction in Marketing in 2000, and winning Hanover College's Alumni Achievement Award in 2003.

Jim Ward currently serves on the Economic Development and Public Policy Advisory Boards of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. He is also an advisor to Arizona State University's SkySong Innovation Center.

Mr. Ward is a native of Rockford, Ill. Ward received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hanover College and a Master's degree in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. A classically trained pianist, Jim Ward and his wife Dawne have been married 25 years and have two daughters adopted from China. We are honored to have Mr. Ward join our team of Advisors.

Youth Council

Michael Pond, Youth Council Director (Spirit Division)

My Name is Michael Pond. I am currently 20 years old and attend church services regularly. I grew up going to church and I considered myself a Christian, but I now realize that I wasn't. I attended church for every reason except for Jesus. It would make my parents happy, I had a lot of friends there, and most of all, there were a lot of cute girls there. Even though I thought I had all of the answers, I had a lengthy and secret addiction. This addiction stayed with me until August 28th of 2008 when I actually met Jesus for real. I will never forget the day when I encountered his saving and redeeming grace.

While all of this was happening, I have always had a love for skateboarding. I started skateboarding when I was 12 years old. I learning kick-flips and a few grinds and this motivated me to make a skate video. I didn't know my quest of saving nickels and dimes to buy my first camera would lead to my passion and career in video production and multimedia. I started a Christian company called Pond Media LLC with some individuals from my church. Through all of these things going on, I keep Jesus in my skateboarding, Jesus in my company, and Jesus in every aspect of my life.

I will always have a heart for skateboarding and other extreme sports. My partner Brent and I have started a ministry called Feed the Need. This ministry is intended for, but not limited to, the extreme sports culture. A culture who loves to push the limits in everything they do, and do it to the best of their ability. We desire to shift the focus of their attention from their sport to Jesus Christ as we preach the gospel through our words and actions. We don't wish to steal their passion for their sport, but we do wish to give them a purpose in doing what they do, and that comes through Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Meyers GCA's founder invited us to join her in the mission of GCA. We will be working as advocates/mentors to kids that enter the GCA wellness model. We will reach outward and build relationships with kids and invite them to get on the path toward wellness with the confidence of knowing that Jesus is on their side. We will help to strengthen the Spirit side of the GCA wellness triangle.

Brent Crawley, Youth Council Director (Spirit Division)

My name is Brent Crawley. In the past 2 years I have become very involved in the skateboarding, and underground music movement. I have watched the generations flock to these followings in unity and commonality. For these kids it is as if life stops at the thought of anything less. I am a junior high age youth group counselor at a thriving church in north Scottsdale Arizona. My partner Michael Pond and I are founders of the outreach ministry called Feed the Need. This ministry is about connecting with individuals on a common ground of friendship, and spiritual growth, guided by Jesus Christ. We strive to consider ourselves evangelists in the name of Christ and perfection is the farthest thing from our goal. The HOLY BIBLE contains a book called Matthew and it quotes "Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Global Child Advocates understands the importance of a healthy human spirit. We are excited about the opportunity to help kids be healthy, heal their pain and find solace in Jesus Christ. GCA has given us the platform to spread God's word to hurting kids around the world. We hope to help kids "feed their need" with fruit that will prove plentiful vs. fruit that will destroy their lives. We will strive to instill in the kids a sense of compassion for others. We will emphasize the importance of a balanced, Christ centered lifestyle.

Quinten J.C Meyers

"I look forward to using my voice to speak for others in need. I hope to inspire other kids and parents to get involved and help make this world a better place for all of us, especially for kids who have parents that are unable to care for them."

GCA Friends & Supporters

Elements of Wellness is a Physicians group of medical professionals that have come together to offer state of the art Medical, Health and Wellness programs. Providing our patients with a "True" multidisciplinary practice, offering Eastern and Western medical services provided by Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, Naturopaths, and Physical Therapists all under one roof, while utilizing several state of the art healing modalities. Elements of Wellness, in keeping with the main objective of helping the patient, will focus on all medical treatments including nutrition, herbal medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, counseling and when necessary pharmaceuticals. With a specialty of Pain Management, we use the latest laser technology to provide our patients with the fastest results.

Elements of Wellness will be working in partnership with Global Child Advocates by providing complimentary wellness services to the kids entering our wellness program. It is our mutual goal to help kids, teens and young adults to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. www.eowaz.com

PHOENIX CHILDREN'S Hospital has provided hope, healing, and the best health care for children and families since it was born 25 years ago. Today, Phoenix Children's is one of the ten largest children's hospitals in the country and provides specialty and sub-specialty inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care to patients throughout Arizona and other Southwestern states.

Phoenix Children's offers world-class care in 40 sub-specialty fields of pediatric medicine and, most recently, has focused the development of its medical programs to build Centers of Excellence in neonatology, hematology/oncology, neurosciences, cardiac services, and orthopedics.

Phoenix Children's has shown interest in reaching out to adoptive families by joining us in our mission to encourage adoption, educate adoptive families and provide health care to children that have been adopted domestically and internationally. www.phoenixchildrens.com

Please click here to view and print the upcoming ADOPTIONS OPTIONS seminar flyer. This seminar is being offered as a free public service to adoptive families or those considering adoption. Please join us at PCH on Saturday November 8, 2008 from 8:30-11:30. GCA President MaLeesa Meyers will be speaking about international adoption and how her adoption changed her life forever.

TROON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Surrounded by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, Troon Country Club is a special place. At 2400 feet, this private, member owned golf club is nestled within the beautiful North Scottsdale golf community of Troon Village. For over 20 years, Troon's breathtaking desert golf course has been ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world. The staff is warm and attentive, cultivating a welcoming atmosphere for Members and invited Guests. For Troon Members, the Club is an extension of home and an integral part of their lifestyle. Troon Country Club is the first golf club to assist us with our Golf Holeistic wellness program. This program gives golf enthusiasts the opportunity to improve the lives of children in orphanages and at the same time improve their own health. Thank you Troon for donating your beautiful facility, and for giving us the opportunity to share our mission with your members. www.trooncc.com

The Baby Signs^® Program helps babies communicate what they see, what they need, and even how they feel. Child development experts Dr. Linda Acredolo and Dr. Susan Goodwyn at the University of California have spent over 20 years evaluating the effects of signing on infants' development. The Baby Signs^® Program is the Original sign language program for hearing babies. Today, it is the world's leading program because it is the only program that has been tested through scientific research, was developed specifically for hearing babies, was created by child development experts, provides flexibility to meet the needs of any family, and has a full range of signing resources. For more information about the Baby Signs^® Program, visit www.babysigns.com.

Hope Village AZ
The mission of Hope Village is to develop and sustain an inter-generational neighborhood for adoptive families of foster children that promotes permanency for children, while offering meaningful purpose in the daily lives of older adults. Hope Village is a unique program that changes the lives of foster children, retirees, and families by creating a safe and nurturing neighborhood. At Hope Village, families adopt children whose birth parents can no longer adequately care for them. At Hope Village, children who might otherwise spend most of their childhoods in foster care are adopted. At Hope Village, retirees maintain a meaningful productive life by helping younger generations, as well as one another. Global Child Advocates will be working in partnership with Hope Village so that both GCA and Hope Village may realize their mission to help children. For more information about Hope Village go to www.hopevillageaz.org To find out more about the first inter-generational model Generations of Hope go to www.generationsofhope.org

Integrated Golf Sciences (IGS) was designed to offer a golf instructional experience that is unparalleled throughout the world. This is because IGS provides the ultimate learning experience for golfers ranging from beginner levels to those who are already successful on the PGA and LPGA tours. IGS utilizes the latest in health care technology and methodology to offer lesson programs that objectively improve golfer's swings from the ground up. The strength of IGS lies in our ability to use an objective teaching system that goes directly to the cause of the problem, each and every time, eliminating the subjectivity of improvement. Utilizing the latest technology, IGS professional staff can diagnose swing inefficiencies with greater accuracy. Combining this type of learning experience with a proven and highly successful business model will allow premier facilities to seamlessly integrate the IGS model into their facility. Hosting a IGS facility will allow each property to create more brand awareness, provide an unparalleled academy to promote the game, while continually offering value added services to the bottom line of the property. IGS will offer these services to wellness centers, golf clubs and fitness centers around the valley. The IGS Doctor and staff provide high levels of customer service for each and every golfer.

Suppoa Base Camp Productions is a digital video production company based in Phoenix, Arizona. We specialize in digital video productions for corporate, training, as well as seminars and special event videography. Our services include shooting low-to-medium budget productions, events, television commercials, website promotional/information videos and ad spots on location, as well as editing in-house to produce broadcast quality video productions done in Standard Definition (SD). Suppoa-Base Camp worked with GCA on our Wellcome Home video and did this project at a reduced fee. www.suppoa-basecamp.com

Another way that you can help foster children is to become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). A CASA is a citizen making significant contributions to the community by becoming actively involved in protecting the rights of abused, neglected, and abandoned children. Appointed by a juvenile court judge, CASA volunteers are specially trained to speak up for these children and to make sure their calls for help are being heard. To find out more information about becoming a CASA go to the CASA website at www.maricopacasa.org