HeroWork 2015 Extreme Team

Project Leads

Bio

Paul Latour

Paul is a motivational speaker and the creator of HeroWork, a program that inspires people, communities, and companies to come together and complete modern-day versions of old fashioned barn-raisings.

Paul has produced and directed two one-hour TV broadcast specials on HeroWork projects. He has given keynotes and seminars on community building, leadership, and storytelling for such organizations as Alberta Culture, the Project Management Institute, the BC Ombudsman, Rotary, and Administrators of Volunteer Resources of BC, plus others.

He has also been featured on Global National News, on the front page of the Times Colonist, and the Victoria News, as well as featured in the Globe & Mail.

Bio

Kent McFadyen

Kent has been the construction leader for the Mustard Seed and Threshold Housing Radical Renovations. He has been in the construction industry for over 30 years, fifteen of those as a project manager. Previous projects includes award winning commercial renovations, high profile multi-family and single family projects. In addition to his management capabilities he has excellent communication skills and is able to guide clients through the construction process.

 

Bio

Darlene Potentier

I have previously been involved in 3 radical makeovers for Herowork. The first in the capacity as a designer. The subsequent 2 makeovers have been as Onsite Leader.
I believe wholeheartedly in what Paul Latour and Herowork is doing in our community and the benefits to all who volunteer is immeasurable. We are making a difference!

Bio

Val Sharp

Now retired, Val spent the last ten years of her career training budding entrepreneurs across Canada to start their own interior redesign/home staging business. She was the founder and president of the Canadian Redesigners Association and was on the board of Interior Redesign Industry Specialists in the US.

A certified professional co-active coach and interior redesigner, Ms. Sharp has written and self-published The Art of Redesign. She was also published in IRIS in the House…and suddenly everything works! An anthology by 19 of the best redesign instructors in North America. Val has been featured in Chatelaine, the Vancouver Sun, Edmonton Journal, Windsor Star, Victoria Times Colonist, Scarlett magazine, CA magazine, and newspapers in Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario. She has been interviewed on CBC radio and wrote a regular coaching column for PR Canada.

Ms. Sharp was Director of Corporate Communications for a NYSE company where she directed all Public Relations and Investor Relations activities. Prior to that she managed the Investor Relations activities for a Fortune 500 company where she wrote and produced innovative, award-winning annual reports.

Ms. Sharp has been an avid toastmaster, sung with a community choir, has been a mentor for Leadership Victoria, and a member of E-Women Network and Roaring Women. She currently volunteers with Wear2Start and is a mentor for Bridges. Her athletic accomplishments include three marathons, and completion of an Ironman Triathlon (2.5 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26 mile run).

Ms. Sharp received an accounting designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, a certificate in multimedia from the Vancouver Film School, and received her coaching certification from The Coaches Training Institute.

Renovation Team

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Kerry Steinemann

 

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Lew Williams

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Glen Barned

Glenn Barned is a Professional Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Consultant with RGB Enterprises. With over 30 years of experience in OH&S, Glenn has worked with both public and private sectors, achieving their OH&S goals. Glenn is a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP), a Certified Health & Safety Consultant (CHSC), a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), and a Certified Ergonomic Specialist (CES).

Glenn is the Past Chair of the Pacific Rim Chapter, and Past Regional Vice President of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), and sits on the BC NAOSH Steering Committee. Glenn currently sits on the Vancouver Island Advisory Council for the Human Resources Management Association (HRMA), as well as holding other volunteer positions in the fields of OH&S, Human Resources and Emergency Management.

Glenn’s current role with HeroWork is to provide assistance in the area of developing a comprehensive Safety Program and provide safety services to the various projects.

Bio

William Doyle

Shortly after moving to Greater Victoria from Alberta in the summer of 2014, I was seeking ways to get to know the community. Someone told me about a group named HeroWork that was doing phenomenal work, and that they may be able to make use of my construction and engineering background.

I showed up one sunny Saturday morning in September at the Threshold Housing Society project, sporting my best impression of a carpenter’s helper rather than a desk-dwelling engineer. I have difficulty expressing just how impressive of a scene met me at the corner of Oak Bay and Davie, where Hero Work was transforming a dilapidated four unit townhouse into a home in which to cradle, support and inspire at-risk youth. A clean, organized site was crowned by cheery people of all walks of life, buzzing about and preparing for the day. As the work progressed with intense yet amicable folly, I saw a community- contractors, musicians, hardware stores, photographers, restaurants- uniting around a cause and creating something so much greater than the beautiful and high quality building that resulted.

Needless to say, I'm a believer in the phenomenal value that HeroWork brings to a charity in need, and in the vision that HeroWork has to implement this model elsewhere. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute in any way I can.

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Bruce is the principal of Fraser Plumbing & Heating Ltd., established in 2010. Fraser Plumbing offers plumbing, gas and heating services, renovations and new construction for residential and commercial properties. He does it all. Bruce is generally a one-man-show but can sometimes talk a son or two to pitch in.

Bruce has been a supporter of the Centre since 2001, when his wife Michele took the counselor training program. Whether it’s being “voluntold” to help with the plumbing around the aging building or pitching in at Tip a Fool, the Centre’s annual fundraiser, as an assistant waiter, a traveling minstrel, a spare guest, and/or the sound man, Bruce has always been happy to do what he can to help keep Citizens’ door open and toilets flushing.

Bruce  really enjoyed being a part of this amazing project.

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Victoria Williams

Ever since I was a teen, I have been volunteering and giving back to the community. There is something magical that happens when people come together with positive purpose and intent to enrich the lives of others. My first encounter with HeroWork during the Threshold Housing renovation, was no exception. From my first day on the site, I was hooked! Now, I help to support HeroWork as a member of the Funds Development Committee, and by providing strategic business advice as the society grows and evolves. This is the most wonderful, supportive team of people that I have ever worked with, and I am honoured to be a part of it. Witnessing the joy and heartfelt gratitude bestowed by renovation recipients after weeks of hard work is a very moving moment indeed, and lingers long after the keys are handed over.

I came to Victoria, BC in 2007 from Ottawa, Ontario and have never looked back. I am a fiercely proud mom, loving sister, aunt, and partner, and by day I work as an Organization Development Consultant. I am also a Certified Management Consultant and have worked over the years in psychology research, information technology, project management, facilitation and coaching, and business consulting. When I’m not hanging out with the HeroWork team, I enjoy many outdoor activities, artistic pursuits, music, reading and travel.

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John DeMedeiros

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Design Team

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Cheryl Rowley

When Cheryl Rowley left Los Angeles for Victoria in 2011, she was leaving an illustrious, lifelong career in residential and hospitality design. As the principal – and creative director – of the 40-person Cheryl Rowley Design, she had created literally dozens of dazzling hotel interiors for Ritz Carlton, Rosewood, Kimpton, Starwood and Four Seasons, and countless equally extraordinary environments for residential clients across the globe. She had won virtually every award her industry offers, and some of them over and over again.

So it’s no surprise that, after almost 40 years, she was ready – very ready – for quiet and peace: for cooking, gardening, and walks on Island View beach. She came to live with her husband in the woods of North Saanich, and wound down for a couple of years. Then she started looking. Last fall, in the Times Colonist, Cheryl found what she was looking for. She went to work with Herowork, first in demolition and then in decoration – painting, really – on the Oak Bay project for Threshold. She spent all four weekends at it, much of the time on the floor. And now she’s coming back for more.

“I am pleased and proud to be part of this extraordinary organization,” Cheryl said. “I look forward to this next project, and I hope to many more.”

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Nicole Scott,

I love to decorate and I am continually learning and growing in the field of interior design in order to bring you exciting products and creative ideas that will set your project apart.  Nicole Scott Designs Inc is now in its fifth year in Victoria, BC and the firms focus is on creating beautiful, yet casual, residential interiors that reflect you and feel like home.

Incorporating our past with contemporary comforts is the eclectic ideal that I aim for every time, and when styled and edited thoughtfully… beautiful rooms are revealed. Whether you like classic or modern or something in between I am skilled in helping you achieve a look and feel that is uniquely you. The truth is that I will simply do what it takes to make you happy. If you contact me, of course I’ll help you… cause I’m nice like that.

Nicole

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Amy McGeachy

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Daria Bunting

I am a talented Interior Designer and Stager living in beautiful Victoria, BC.

I specialize in color consulting, furniture selection, space planning, home and office organization, flooring consulting, window treatments, home decor, staging and custom storage solutions.

I stage homes to sell and style homes to stay.
I will make your home the comfortable retreat we all need...Design an area with Daria!

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Emily Stuart

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Casey Bauce

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Ambre Fisher

I am a recent addition to Victoria's thriving design community, and I am thrilled to be a part of designing Citizens' Counselling Centre. In my experience, I have felt deeply connected to projects which focus on wellness, West Coast living, and community involvement. Thanks to HeroWork for allowing me to merge all three in one project, it has - and continues to be - extremely fulfilling work for an excellent cause.

 

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Naomi Dankwerth

Naomi Dankwerth is an Interior Design Professional and the Principle Designer of Found Interior Designs, located in Victoria, BC.

With a background in counseling and life coaching, Naomi has developed a strong sense of awareness and attention to detail. This lends to her philosophy on all interiors; a thoughtful, well-integrated design translates into a positive and often times transformative life experience, enhancing the clients sense of well-being, quality of life and relationship with their environment.

This attentive philosophy carries into Naomi’s gift as an Interior Designer, paired with her artistic flair and years as an entrepreneur, she has a unique, creative perspective dedicated to enhancing functionality and quality of life through considerate, aesthetically developed design.

There is nothing more satisfying to Naomi then creating beautiful, harmonic living spaces that embody the home her clients have always dreamed of.

Naomi invites you to connect with her to bring your concepts to creation.

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Diana Zinck

I am a home stager with my own company The Stage Coach. I worked on the Herowork project last year as a volunteer member. I love to give back to my community whenever possible especially if I can use some of my design talents.

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Kelly Robinson

Kelly is originally from Alberta and now that she has set down roots in Victoria with her family she is taking advantage of all there is to do on the west coast & has become a caring and involved member of the community. Kelly is a design assistant with Nicole Scott Designs Inc and she, and her whole family, were involved in the Threshold Housing Renovation in 2014. Kelly was invaluable throughout the reno, her husband Shaun was a volunteer electrician on site, and her daughters helped with art projects and decorating the car for the parade.
We're so lucky to have the Robinson's join us again for the Citizen's Rad Reno!
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Valerie Westra

I've been working as a home stager in Victoria since 2009. Shortly after moving from Toronto, I realized how wonderful Victoria is, and mostly because of the community work and support that local businesses provide to those in need on so many levels. Getting involved in Herowork project also gives me a feeling of global connectivity because I know that like minded people and organizations in Ukraine, where I am from, are also helping communities in need.

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Megan McKeage

Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Megan moved to Victoria in 2011 and has been enjoying life on the island ever since. She received her diploma of interior design in 2013 from Pacific Design Academy.

Megan works at Harbour City Kitchens as a Designer and Salesperson and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her friends and her cats.

This is the first Heroworks project that Megan has worked on, and she is very excited to be part of the team!

Onsite Team

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Annette Wall

As Chair of the HeroWork Board of Directors, Annette is committed to the work of HeroWork with a passion for collaborative leadership.

She has a lengthy career in executive leadership in government and as a management consultant. She works with a focus on building strong teams, establishing collaborative leadership strategies and fostering strategic relationships, all of which she brings to HeroWork.

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Sally Glover

Sally Glover is an internationally recognized consultant, coach, keynote speaker, psychologist and community booster.

Local Victoria heros gave a face-lift to Casa Maria, Emergency Housing Society duplex several years ago. Co-host of the event, Sally worked hand in hand with Hero Work's creator Paul Latour.

It was an unforgettable event. Looking forward to this one!

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Audrey Mairi

Audrey is the published author of Trager for Self-Healing: A Practical Guide for Living in the Present Moment and Pathway to Presence E-Book and CD. She has experience both as a medical laboratory technologist and a movement re-education therapist. She has built a practice as a Certified Trager Psychophysical Integration practitioner and tutor.
Audrey regularly holds workshops for students and therapists teaching practical ways to cultivate presence. In addition, she has given numerous presentations to professional organizations and has been published in Alive Magazine, One Magazine, Connections Magazine, and various on-line magazines as well as several Trager newsletters. She has also been interviewed on various radio and TV stations.
She was a member of the Trager International Board of Directors from 1999 - 2001 and the Canadian Tutor representative from 1998 - 2001. Audrey is an active member of Trager International and is once again on a Trager committee for Trager International.
Audrey is an active member of the Victoria community, singing in the Gettin’ Higher community choir and participating as an extreme team leader in all HeroWork renovations.

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Arden Mathieson

Arden is a recent graduate of the University of Victoria departments of Urban Geography and Environmental Studies. She is most passionate about the connection between people and place, and how this connection can be used to make measurable change in the community. She has been honoured to work with some of the most prestigious social and environmental justice organizations in the country. The highlights of her education include being involved with the Hakai Beach Institute, The UVIC Community Mapping Lab, Learning Without Borders, The Heiltsuk Resource Management Department, Raincoast Applied Conservation Science Lab, The Starzomski Lab, and DIVEST UVIC.

This will be Arden's first radical renovation with the HeroWork Society. Her role as the Community Manager blends her ability to connect people and mobilize them to make a difference in the community through place making initiatives. In her words, "I feel so truly blessed to be a part of all of this!"

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Narissa Arter

Narissa is a task master and a people person. As an office administrator for Cushman & Wakefield in Victoria BC, Narissa is known to be dependable while going above and beyond to meet the needs of her clients and team. She has a unique talent to anticipate the needs of her business partners, she has a natural tendency to ensure things run smoothly while focusing on the details.

Always up to the task, Narissa is responsible for a host of administrative responsibilities including scheduling, invoicing, greeting customers, organizing events, travel and accommodations bookings, and making the office environment efficient and positive. Being well organized, helpful, cooperative, tactful, down-to-earth, practical and eager to please she is an asset to her team.

 

On her spare time you can find Narissa hiking and running the beautiful trails that Vancouver Island has to offer, or out at a local venue enjoying music by many local and national bands.  Narissa also loves to sail, cozying up with a good book, or watching a great movie.

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Maartje Meijer

ve been involved in community groups since I was 12. Wouldn't have it any other way. People can make miracles happen when they work together and I like miracles.

I was born in Holland, but lived in the US, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UK and Canada as well. It's made me see that underneath the traditions and culture, there are human values, no matter where you are. Did I mention people are amazing?

I'm a mom, have two awesome teenage sons who keep me on my toes, who eat like wolves and live life with passion and joy. A cat, two gerbils, three geckos and an aquatic frog complement our family. Oh, and the chorus of crickets.

What I do - I love giving furniture a second, third, fourth chance and when I have the space for that you'll find me mucking around with varnish, chalk paint, tools, and glue. When I'm not doing that, you'll find me repairing walls and trim, flooring, and such when people are getting their homes ready to sell or rent. And I am a self-worth coach, working mostly with women in person, on the phone or during workshops. I need to work with my hands in order for my brain to work, and vice versa.

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Zoi Hahn

Why am I a part of HeroWork? As a busy mom, wife, Realtor & fitness coach, time is fleeting. Being a HeroWork member puts me in a place where I can intentionally share a bit of my time to help make someone else's life better. It doesn't require a lot, but the pay off is lifelong. It's also been great having my family join in to help with the projects & watch peoples lives be changed for the better. I love the memories we've made and the smiles we've shared.

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Robin Rushton

I found out about the team when I saw 3 different HeroWork signs in one day! The last sign was on a friends car that I was visiting and once I learned about it, I've been hooked ever since! As a lifetime volunteer, I love working with people who are committed to building community, its a good fit for my beliefs and values. My grandmother always said: "Service is the rent we pay, for our time on earth". The positive energy of this team and the fabulous work they do really grabbed my attention and touched my heart. Thanks for the opportunity to be involved once again!

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Ann White

I heard about HeroWork through John DeMedeiros. He was so enthusiastic about the projects and I knew I had to help in some way. The best way for me is through photographs.

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Chris Geater

 

I work with local charities to make our community a better place for everyone. I am passionate about saying yes to people. I like to tell plumbers and accountants, students and retirees, doers and thinkers alike that yes, they can be an essential part of saving a life or healing a community. I love to tell people yes, they can have a bed or a sweater, a meal or a treatment, or a shoulder to cry on. I like to tell people in need that yes, there is someone out there who cares about them. There are thousands. I like to tell people yes, I’m proud of the small way I help make the world a better place, and you can be too.

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Madeleine Duncan

Volunteering is an awesome way to learn about other people and share stories and circumstances. It is a means of building character and strengthening spirit. I have had many opportunities to volunteer - cooking, sewing, working in third world Habitat teams on builds, working with Mustard Seed and of course on the last 2 Herowork projects to name a few.

 

Why do I do it? Because I can and because I meet  so many wonderful people who want to make a difference.

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Christine Moore

I am the office manager for a security integration company called BMS Integrated Services, and our sister company M6 Security. I believe that volunteering in our community is very important both for the community and for personal growth. I am very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this dynamic team.

Social Media Team

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Adrian Seeley

Trill PR is a online public relations and digital communications agency that provides services, such as social media management, training, consulting, and strategy to small businesses and individuals.

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Pat Amsden

Pat Amsden is a writer of romance and mystery who lives in Victoria and works for the local hospital.

For as long as she can remember she has loved stories. First reading them and then making them up. Sometimes that got her into trouble when she was younger but that's another story!

She studied journalism in college but got side-tracked raising a family and working a variety of other jobs to pay the bills. Writing fell by the way-side. The years went by and one day she decided to check out a local writer's group.

There was a workshop with an exercise. Write something that had the hero and heroine meeting within the first page. Maybe there could even be a kiss! She decided, why stop there, let’s put the heroine on top of the bar! Many revisions later, the result was Lost In Vegas!

She went on to create the Death by Chocolate mystery series, set in Victoria and available on Amazon. These books became best sellers on Amazon.com and she is currently working on the fourth in the series.

Then she heard about Herowork. Really, who doesn’t love a hero? The more she learned, the more she wanted to be involved and that’s when she met Paul Latour.

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Beth Allan

An author and photographer with experience in marketing, event planning and project management. Passionate about nature and a sustainable world for everyone.

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Juile Coles

I'm a Raging Granny with the Victoria Raging Grannies. I'm a retired gov't worker & now I pet-sit & do Reflexology for family & friends. I've volunteered on 2 other HeroWork renos & have met so many wonderful people! It really does the heart good to see the kind of people that come together when asked to help out at the HeroWork Radical Renovations. Its an honour to be part of such a fabulous team of hard working people!