SBE GROUP - Key Persons
Aaron was born and raised in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. He can be described as a quiet river that runs deep. In his free time, he pursues everything from programming and computer science to gardening and cooking. Aaron has a minimalist and sustainable life philosophy.
Aaron achieved a Combined Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Chemistry from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Aaron is co-author of two scientific papers and has held a variety of positions since completing his degree. His unique combination of skills makes him a perfect fit for SBE Group, and we are so grateful to have him as our Logistics Manager. When a problem arises, Aaron is always at hand for a quick rescue, with his calm and level-headed demeanor and his instinct for practical solutions.
When a member of our team visits your community, you can be sure Aaron was behind many aspects of our planning, from organizing travel to ensuring we always have excellent supplies to offer the best learning experience in our workshops.
While you may not come face to face with Aaron as he's working his behind-the-scenes magic, he is an integral part of SBE Group.
Adrienne made her first contributions as a teenager to SBE Group as illustrator for our Social Education Skills Resources. These resources have been shared in over 280 First Nation and Inuit Schools in Canada. Adrienne was raised as a contributing member of SBE Group in workshop promotions, design / creation, advertising, and facilitation. Adrienne often traveled with her Mom to the communities and special conference events, which allowed her to learn more about her culture and Canada's First Nations.
Adrienne, a Certified Life Skills Coach, also graduated from Red Deer College with a Diploma in Business Management with a major in Marketing in 2019.
Adrienne's early start in SBE Group as well as her education and training, has supported one of her roles as a facilitator of our, Wellness Webinars, Computer Skills Training and Art Expressions Programs for youth. Adrienne is an integral member of our team that has made our workshops and training what they are today.
Allison is a passionate educator with a background in psychology and education. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Education degree from Lakehead University. She has most recently dedicated her teaching career to teaching elementary grades. Beyond the classroom, she is a proud spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters, advocating for mentorship and the positive impact it can have on young lives. As an educator and avid volunteer, Allison understands the transformative power of education and connection in uplifting and empowering individuals, and she looks forward to continuing this work through SBE Group.
For as long as she can remember, Allison always wanted to be an educator. It happened later in her life than she planned, but she is grateful for the life experience that fostered her teaching pedagogy. Before becoming a classroom teacher, she felt privileged to have been able to stay at home with her children and support her husband's military and educational career. Allison and her husband both grew up in Thunder Bay before living the military life in Ottawa, Victoria, and Kingston. They feel very lucky to have found their way back to Thunder Bay where they can share the joy of raising their two daughters and son with their families.
Allison values her Finnish heritage. She has a strong connection to nature and her cultural traditions such as the sauna, puula (Finnish coffee bread), coffee, and spending time with family. Allison takes pride in her Finnish SISU, which was passed down from a long line of strong females. When she's not working, you can find her at the lake with her family, enjoying a sauna and jumping in the water.
What sets Allison apart is her genuine interest in connecting with others and her eagerness to learn with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. She treasures every chance to share experiences and build meaningful relationships. Together, with the SBE team, Allison is confident that they will continue to achieve remarkable outcomes and create lasting positive change.
Jodi was born in Southern Ontario, in a suburb of Toronto, but now calls Thunder Bay home. After Jodi obtained her degree from George Brown College, she spent 15 years traveling around the world and living out of a backpack.
Jodi is a certified Red Seal Chef for more than 35 years, and during that time she has also achieved a Master's Degree in Education. Jodi also holds certificates in Herbalists, Naturopath Nutrition, Nutrition Theory and Food principals, Wild Foods and Prep of Edible Plants.
Jodi's Facilitating skills have been described as outgoing, entertaining, thought provoking and inventive. Jodi's working history in the communities makes her an exciting positive to SBE groups' family.
Jodi enjoys meeting new people, learning about their ideas, opinions, and family traditions. Jodi always feels very privileged when she is invited to join other communities and partake in the sharing of knowledge, customs, and traditions.
Job Titles:
- ELDER
- RESIDENT
- Retired Social Worker
Marilyn is a retired Social Worker who worked professionally in Alberta and British Columbia for provincial and municipal government. This experience set her on course to learn as much as she could about the Canadian legal system and it's profound effects on families and individuals. Marilyn has designed workshops and programs that were aimed at informing, educating and empowering individuals to achieve their potential working within the complex limitations of the Canadian Legal System.
Since her retirement from fulltime social work, Marilyn has traveled throughout Canada into First Nations and Inuit communities facilitating workshops on such topics as: dating and family violence, anger management, life skills, team building and feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and work with Canada's first people.
At SBE Group, Marilyn is our head researcher and lead mentor. She keeps us focused on current issues and relevant topics that constantly enhance our workshops. Her compassion, insight and passion for the communities and the first people is present in all the work we do. Marilyn is our elder and guide.