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Melanie Zurba – Founder/ Director / Program facilitator
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I have a passion for creativity and community empowerment. I have found through my various experiences that creative tools are meaningful for community participation in decision-making, learning and other processes. By pulling together my background in science (ecology), management (natural resources), and creativity (multi-media) I have been honoured to direct several creative empowerment projects with communities in Canada and around the world. I am currently working on a PhD in Natural Resources and Environmental Management with a focus on transformative learning and governance as a form of on-going community reconciliation.
For more information on my credentials please feel free to visit my on-line CV.
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Durdana Islam - Business administration / Project facilitator
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Durdana brings many unique skills to CGtC including a background in computer science, an MBA, and her continued research in community-based resource management and food security. Her other interests include Aboriginal community development (related to her PhD research) and participatory video. Her uplifting and generous spirit also makes her a very talented presenter and facilitator.
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Cara Zurzolo – Participatory education programming / Curriculum and policy development
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Cara’s passion and expertise in participatory curriculum development makes her contributions essential to education programming at CGtC. Her insightful and innovative approach is grounded in hands-on experience and always focused towards fostering empowerment within learning. Cara brings 8 years of teaching experience, a Master’s degree in education, and is currently working on her PhD through The University of Toronto with a focus on curriculum policy.
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Arron Sanduliak - Youth project facilitator
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Arron is an exceptionally gifted youth facilitator. He has several years of experience working with inner city and ‘at risk’ youth through a variety of programs. He works creatively with different tools and infuses his passion for community into his every day work. Arron is compassionate and grounded, extremely insightful and an absolute joy to work with.
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Marion Orr - Peace building programming / Project facilitator
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Marion is passionate about fostering peace processes within and amongst individuals, and the community. She has over 1o years of experience working in various facilitation and counseling capacities, an undergraduate degree in conflict resolution studies, and is currently working on a Master’s in counseling psychology. Marion’s awareness, compassion and joyful personality makes her an exceptionally attuned and skilled peace builder.
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Benjamin McDonald - Sound expert / Video technician
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Ben comes to CGtC with over 10 years of experience in sound recording. He is an expert in his field and has worked for a number of TV shows, movies, and events including the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. His enthusiasm and passion for community-based projects and social justice makes him a tremendously valuable member of the creative team.
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Jeremy Wat - Creative multimedia specialist / Video technician
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Jeremy loves working on creative collaborations. He brings a variety of skills and seven years of experience working with creative media. His passions include graphic design, film-making, and editing. Jeremy also has an uncanny ability to be resourceful and brings an exceptional amount of spirit to creative projects.
To learn more about Jeremy visit http://www.jerwat.com/
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