Christel DeHaan co-founded Resort Condominiums International (RCI), and under her leadership, RCI grew into a global enterprise with offices in 38 countries. Then she had a profoundly transformative experience that changed the course of her own life and the lives of thousands of children around the world.
“After she sold RCI, I introduced her to a nun in charge of orphans and abandoned kids in Mexico City,” remembers Gabriel Oropeza, former President of RCI Latin America and now Board Chair at Christel House Mexico. “I asked Christel for a check to help these kids. Christel came back not only with a check but with a new mission in her life.”
Christel DeHaan quickly realized that for children to break the cycle of poverty, they needed access to a strong education along with all the necessary supports to succeed — nutrition, healthcare, character education, family assistance, career support, and more. From that moment on, she devoted her time, energy, and financial resources to this cause.
In 1998, she founded Christel House International and developed a holistic school model designed to move children and their families out of poverty. That same year, the first Christel House school was established in Mexico, originally as a complementary education center, before it transitioned into a full-time school.
Today Christel House has expanded into multiple countries, taking its transformative model to underserved communities around the world.
Explore the remarkable 25-year journey of Christel House
from the inception of our first learning center in 1998 to our
global impact today.
A world where poverty doesn’t limit potential.
Our Mission: Christel House prepares graduates to achieve upward economic mobility, demonstrate good citizenship, and become empowered to identify and realize their goals, dreams, and human potential.
Our model is focused on the holistic development of the child; it’s deliberately crafted so that thousands of children globally will realise this mission. Graduates of Christel House are proactive, empowered individuals who surmount adversity, make positive contributions to society, and pave the way for future generations.
The Christel House team is dedicated to transforming the lives of children around the world through education.
CEO Christel House Mexico
Chief Finance and Operating Officer
Development and Marketing Director
Community & Social Services Director
Academic Director
President, Doc Solutions
Founding Partner, Visiting Angels
Managing Director, Deutsche Bank
Partner, Finaccess SAPI
Sustainability Partner, Deloitte
Chief Financial Officer,
Logistics Properties of the Americas
Partner, Alpha Patrimonial
Retired Principal, Instituto Thomas Jefferson
Independent Development Consultant,
Finanzas y Microempresa AC
President, All Hands & Hearts Mexico
General Director, Conecta
Executive Director, Travel and Membership
Director, Playeras Source S.A. de C.V.
Computer Engineering Program Principal, ITAM
Iberoamerican Government Affairs Manager,
Coursera LATAM
General Director, RLH Properties
We adhere to rigorous business practices. Accountability and transparency are paramount, and financials are audited annually. 100% of donations support programs and services for children. All our administration, finance, marketing and fundraising costs are funded by the Founder’s bequest to the organization.
Registrations & Accreditations:
• Non-Profit Organization with the Department of Welfare and Social Equality | Folio 4213
• Public Benefit Organization in terms of Title III Income Tax Act | RFC: CHM9807097U4
• Diagnosis of Principles of Transparency and Best Practices for Non-Profit Organizations CONFIO | Accreditation of compliance with sustainability and accountability criteria
to an optimum degree.
• Accreditation of Equivalency Determination, certified by NGO Source
• Accreditation of assistance activities SHCP | Folio 5084129
• Accreditation of educational activities SHCP | Folio 5287245
• Hygienic Food Handling Standard, Distinction “H”
Registrations & Accreditations:
• Non-Profit Organization with the Department of Welfare and Social Equality | Folio 4213
• Public Benefit Organization in terms of Title III Income Tax Act | RFC: CHM9807097U4
• Diagnosis of Principles of Transparency and Best Practices for Non-Profit Organizations CONFIO | Accreditation of compliance with sustainability and accountability criteria
to an optimum degree.
• Accreditation of Equivalency Determination, certified by NGO Source
• Accreditation of assistance activities SHCP | Folio 5084129
• Accreditation of educational activities SHCP | Folio 5287245
• Hygienic Food Handling Standard, Distinction “H”
