"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”  ~ Albert Einstein

Helen Ries and Paul Knoll  |  Gifts, Gratitude & Growth

When their parents passed away, the life Helen and her brother Paul once knew changed suddenly. Through trials and tribulations, honest self-reflection, and a deep commitment to one another, Helen and Paul found a way to support each other. Paul is recently retired from the Government of Canada; Helen is a consultant, co-leader of a national siblings movement, and is a strong advocate for and has successfully impacted policy change in Ontario. Helen’s website is www.helenries.ca To join or learn more about the national sibling movement, email info@siblingcollaborative.org.

Janice Bartley  | PUSH (Push Until Something Happens)

Janice Bartley is an inspirational woman whose vocabulary doesn’t included the words “No” or “Can’t”. When Janice saw her siblings leave home and create lives of their own, Janice decided she too wanted a life of her own. With humour, persistence and an ever-present smile, she found her way. Janice shares her journey to create a life of joy, friendship, and purpose. Janice is a graduate of the The MothSHOP Community Education Program and a speaker for the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State.

Valerie Tih  | Life after the Big Surrender

Some people get to live comfortable and predictable lives. Not Valerie Tih. Through an incredible journey of change, challenges, and eventually surrender, Valerie acquired incredible strength and wisdom. Her journey to transform grit into gifts enables Valerie to live a life filled with gratitude and meaning. Valerie has over 20 years experience as a speaker, presenter and facilitator of spiritual retreats and educational workshops. She teaches Junior Kindergarten and is a Parent Coach for families seeking to create peaceful homes. Valerie is an active advocate in the Down syndrome community. Valerie’s website is www.joyfullcoaching.ca

Paul Robitaille  |  How Can I Help?

Paul Robitaille was trained in the natural sciences. However, after experiencing the transformative power of the Métis community, Paul re-directed his energies toward examining how communities can transform individuals, and individuals can transform communities. The wisdom Paul acquired from nature is that we all co-exist and impact one another. Paul is a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario, and has a profound belief in the power of community building - a belief fueled by his experiences working with Métis, Inuit and First Nation Youth from across Canada. 

Jerome Bouvier  | The 3-Hour Decision

When Jerome Bouvier crashed into rocks while water skiing, his life changed forever. A severed spinal cord forced Jerome to make a decision. With determination, reflection and gratitude, Jerome transformed his accident into a gift that has guided him to realizing the power of the human spirit. Jerome is executive director of an award-winning not-for-profit ACCESS Youth Outreach Services, author, activist, public speaker, facilitator, race horse trainer and husband. Jerome’s website is www.jeromeinspires.com.

Our presence is the fundamental gift that we bring to the human community. Presence is the foundation of all other opportunities and interactions, of everything that is meaningful.  
                                                                                             ~ Judith Snow