Board & Wisdom Circle
The Directors come from a variety of life paths and bring their extensive experience and insights in service to furthering the vision and mission of Be The Change Earth Alliance.
Executive Director: Maureen Jack-LaCroix, MA (founding Director)
As the CEO of Jack of Hearts Productions, Maureen brought twenty years experience producing large multi-faceted events such as Slam City Jam international skateboard festival, Music West festival and conference, Tears Are Not Enough African aid initiative, and the Gala Opening of Expo '86 for CBCTV. A student and leader of group process in humanistic, cognitive and transpersonal psychology for 15 years, Maureen facilitates leadership training and team building for companies and executives. She was awarded the 40under40 Top Business Achievers in 1993 and the Ethics In Action Award in 1996. With a Master of Arts in Eco-Psychology and Creation Spirituality, Maureen brings her love of the arts, Earth and community together as the Founder and Executive Director of "Be The Change".
Life On Purpose Network interview produced by Pinc Productions Inc
Living Visions Retreat where Maureen speaks about living her vision.
President: Derek LaCroix, QC (founding Director)
Derek is the Executive Director of the Lawyers Assistance Program of B.C. Derek practiced law in B.C. from 1975 to 1993 and was also called to the bar in Oregon in 1995. Since 1987 Derek has made personal development, spiritual growth, and working with others his avocation and he obtained a Diploma in Counseling in 1996 and a Ph.D. in 2003. He began work with the LAP in 1997. He has published articles on the health problems facing lawyers, helping others, stress and depression. He has spoken at conferences on the role of volunteers, reaching out to others, stress, and addictions. He also leads workshops on many topics concerned with Healthy Living and Personal Growth. He is active on several non-profit boards and is a Commissioner of the American Bar Association, Lawyers Assistance Programs and the Co-Chair of the CoLAP Conference in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Derek received the designation of Queens Counsel in 2004 in recognition of his work in the legal community.
Vice-President: Toni Pieroni, RCC. (founding Director)
Toni is a Registered Clinical Counselor in private practice working with individuals and couples. She facilitates workshops and retreats in Ecopsychology based on the work of Joanna Macy. Toni is passionate about accelerating the shifts in consciousness that are needed to shape values and behaviours toward the healing of our world. She's also a volunteer at The David Suzuki Foundation.
Treasurer: Elizabeth (Tosh) Hyodo
Elizabeth Toshiko Hyodo (Tosh) lives in Vancouver, BC. In 2009 she left a successful 20-year career as a personal financial planner and investment advisor to commence a new chapter of service and self-realization in her life. She brings financial acumen to Be the Change Earth Alliance as Treasurer and is an active Facilitator of the Awakening the Dreamer, Being the Change Symposium. Tosh has been on a life-long spiritual path and is now also giving Mid-Life DoulaTM seminars and coaching to women who want help giving birth to their spiritual power.
Secretary: Suzanne Barois
Suzanne Barois received her M.Sc. degree in Resource Management Science from the University of British Columbia in 1987. She has extensive experience, including work as a Fisheries Biologist for local environmental consulting companies; as a marine biologist with the Pacific Biological Station; and overseas for the International Research Development Centre Canada. Over the past decade, she has been involved with a wide variety of non-profit organizations. Suzanne is wholeheartedly committed to the global effort towards sustainability through community building and social action, nonviolent communication, and education. Other interests include spirituality and meditation, yoga, reading, and becoming increasingly fluent in the French language.
Honourary Board Member: Bruce Sanguin, M.Div (founding Director)
Minister, author, speaker and workshop leader, Bruce has led congregations in the United Church of Canada for 20 years, currently serving as Lead Minister at Canadian Memorial United Church in Vancouver, B.C. His theology and passion to teach a progressive and emergent Christian faith are summarized in his books, "Darwin, Divinity and Dance of the Cosmos" and "Summoning the Whirlwind: Unconventional Sermons For a Relevant Christian Faith". He is a Clinical Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Bruce's daughter, Sarah, is a successful actor, living in Los Angeles. For fun Bruce plays guitar, practices Bikram's yoga, and reads more than he should.
Joining the above Board Members on the Wisdom Circle (Big Picture Strategic Planning Committee) are:
Gregory Almas – A Property Manager and has been a member of three Be The Change Circles. He is also a trained Awaken the Dreamer- Be The Change Facilitator.
Larry Butler – Professional facilitator and workshop leader, specializing in behaviuor modification.
Leslie Glover – Ordained Presbyterian Minister, on the Board of Directors of Critter Care and a trained Awaken the Dreamer – Be The Change Facilitator. She is also co-heading our United Church Action Circle initiative.
Sharon Pendlington – An experienced community generator for Be The Change, a trained Awaken the Dreamer – Be The Change facilitator, yoga teacher, and mother of two young children.
Tyee Bridge – Professional journalist, writer and founder of the Wild Salmon Circle.
Zamir Dhanji – A Graduate of spiritual economics, he is also a musician, poet, and a special events promoter.
