Capacitar Staff

In Memoriam Patricia Mathes Cane, PhD—Founder/Executive Director from 1988 through 2025

Pat Cane, PhD, was the Founder and Executive Director of Capacitar International. For more than 35 years, Pat taught thousands of trainings in over 45 countries. She developed programs for grassroots groups and professionals in areas affected by trauma, violence, war and disasters, in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Pat was the author of Trauma Healing and Transformation, Refugee Accompaniment, Capacitar for Children, as well as other Capacitar manuals in different languages for schools, caregivers, refugees, persons with HIV and cancer and trauma counselors.

While earning a PhD in Multicultural Wellness Education, Dr. Cane conducted her doctoral research in trauma studies related to survivors of natural disasters and political violence in Central America. She also held an MA in Counseling Psychology and a BA in Biological Sciences. Dr. Cane was honored with the Nell and John Wooden Ethics in Leadership Award by the Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership at California State University at Long Beach.

Joan Rebmann Condon, MA—Interim Executive Director and Special Projects Coordinator/International Trainer

Joan Rebmann Condon M.A. is Special Projects Coordinator and International Trainer for Capacitar International. Working in health and international development since 1990, Joan has been a part of Capacitar for over 30 years. Joan is serving as Capacitar’s Interim Executive Director. She holds a Master of Arts degree in the Humanities. Joan teaches leadership, team development and trauma healing practices to groups in the Americas, Asia, and the Caribbean. She presents in English and Spanish. Joan Condon is the co-author of Capacitar’s research study, Healing Trauma, Empowering Wellness.

When not working in other countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Haiti and El Salvador, Joan is an active volunteer with the Golden Oldies Cat Rescue in Monterey, CA.

Meredith Jones—Capacitar Office Coordinator

Meredith Jones works as the Capacitar Office Coordinator, facilitating communication and operations from Capacitar’s home office in Soquel, California. She has a background in design and as a former preschool teacher, she is passionate about sharing knowledge and helping children learn and grow in our ever-changing world. Meredith enjoys constantly learning and reading about new things and experiencing life through travel and culinary adventures. Besides enjoying her work with Capacitar, she is a full-time mom to an incredible little boy who is her constant companion and inspiration.