Our Advisors

Germain McKenzie is a Peruvian-Canadian theologian and sociologist who earned a Ph.D. in Religion and Culture from the Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.). His academic interests focus on the intersection of Catholic theology and sociology in both a theoretical and applied manner. In regard to the former, he is currently studying the pre-conditions for a dialogue between theology and the social sciences, and Latin American ecclesiologies. As per the latter, Dr. McKenzie is studying new evangelization initiatives in Canada through the use of quantitative and qualitative sociological approaches, in the light of secular and post-secular studies.

Dr. McKenzie studies issues related to moral theology, in particular those belonging to Catholic social ethics as applied to refugees and immigrants into Canada. He has been an activist for Catholic-inspired social change in Latin America and has served poor communities in the shanty towns of Lima, his city of birth, for more than 10 years. 

Amy Burkey spent two years serving with Christ in the City, a missionary outreach program to those experiencing homelessness and other forms of poverty in Denver, CO. Prior to that, she spent a year at St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission, growing through intentional community and young-adult faith formation.

She has volunteered for Catholic Street Missionaries in an advisory role since the summer of 2023, and is excited to help build up missionary apostolates in her Canadian home.

Dr. Blackstock is a retired tech executive, long time resident of Coquitlam, and the father of two married sons.  Mike has been volunteering with St. Mary’s Street Ministry and CSM for a number of years providing support, advice and regular outreach to our street friends.

Jack Ong is another of our advisors with a background in tech.  He provides some strategic advice to CSM and cookies to fuel the meetings.

Louisa Gietz works for the Archdiocese of Vancouver helping parishes form disciples. She has a MA in Leadership for the New Evangelization from the Augustine Institute. Louisa has served in young adult and youth ministry for over 10 years. She has been blessed to volunteer with Catholic Street Missionaries for 2 years.

Born in Singapore. Bachelor of Electrical and electronic engineering in UK. Worked in IT multi-national corporation for 15 years then retired as a full time mom to 2 boys.

Migrated to Vancouver in 2015. Joined CSM Stage 2 planning committee since formation. Carol is also an outreach volunteer with St.Mary's Street Ministry.