Tools for growth, resilience, impact
A bit about me...
I’m a retired minister and trainer who still loves learning — especially about how people grow stronger, communicate better, and live with purpose. These days, I focus on Resilience Circle Training and facilitation using Liberating Structures — helping groups connect more deeply, clarify their purpose, and find creative solutions together.I’ve spent my life building bridges across cultures, worldviews, and sectors — working in both community organizations and faith settings.
Born and raised in apartheid-era South Africa, my early work focused on bringing people together across racial divides and supporting those living in poverty.
For more than three decades, I’ve led initiatives in Canada and internationally that foster inclusion, fairness, and collaboration. My roles have ranged from revitalizing struggling groups to forging innovative partnerships that connect people’s skills and passions with the needs of their neighbourhoods.
Along the way, I completed a PhD in Leadership and Organizational Change at the University of San Diego, studying with lawyers, educators, business leaders, and public servants. My academic and consulting work has focused on helping organizations navigate change while staying true to their purpose.
At this stage of life, my work continues to be guided by one conviction:
Communities are strengthened when we create spaces where all people are invited to contribute, belong and thrive.
Certifications and Training
Resilience Circles Facilitator Training — Center for Transforming Engagement (Seattle, WA), Aug 2025
Clear Leadership – Train the Trainer — Helen Lingham Consulting (Langley, BC), Feb 2019
Clear Leadership — with Gervase Bushe, Clear Learning (North Vancouver, BC), Feb 2017
Open Space Technology — Harvest Moon Consultants (Bowen Island, BC), Apr 2016 — Opening space for important conversations
Appreciative Inquiry (Facilitator Certification Course) — University of San Diego & Company of Experts, Jul 26–29, 2011
Situational Leadership (incl. Train-the-Trainer, unlicensed) — Center for Leadership Studies (Escondido, CA), Mar 7–11, 2011
Creative Leadership (Weekend Intensive) — Center for Creative Leadership (San Diego, CA); included FIRO-B & 360 assessments
EQ-i® Emotional Quotient Inventory — MHS, Inc. (Toronto, ON); Certification Training – Certified
“Tough Stuff” Social Skills Training — Cosby & Associates (Seattle), ..
Academic Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD/ABD), University of San Diego; San Diego, California; January 2016.
· Concentration: Leadership Studies and Organizational Theory
· Specialization: Individualized Program – Leadership in groups.
· William P. Foster Outstanding Dissertation Award
Denominational Studies and Testamur (6 courses). Vancouver School of Theology.
Master of Divinity (MDiv). Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries (AMBS), Elkhart, Indiana: 1994.
· Concentration: Congregational Leadership and Ethics.
· Master’s Integration Paper: “Loving Yourself as Your Neighbor: Self-Care in Ministry.”
· “Outstanding Work in Hebrew” Award.
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa; April 1991.
· Majors: Psychology; Theology.
· Minor: African Politics.
· Degree awarded “With Distinction”
