Left to right back row: Mateja Henigman, Jessica Pemberton, Deb Griffith, Patrick Yesh
Front row: Linda Stinson, Laura MacKinnon, Karin Ogilvie
Jessica Pemberton, President
My background is in horticulture, I graduated from Vancouver Island University with my certification in horticulture in 2010. My husband and I immediately moved to the Invermere area. We have two school age boys and we are actively involved in our community. I have been involved with Groundswell Network Society since 2014.
Deborah Griffith, Partnership Director
An Ontario flat lander turned BC mountain woman, grandmother, artist, writer, traveller, skier, hiker… Worked as a RN in Ontario, then for Parks Canada in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks. A Board member for Friends of Kootenay, Wings Over the Rockies, and the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network. Helped start the Wild Voices for Kids program. Am currently interested in creating connections to nature through gardening.
Karin Ogilvie, Treasurer
Former hospitality executive and current instructor with College of the Rockies. Passionate about food, wine, service, dogs, and the great outdoors. Preferably all at the same time.
Linda Stinson, Community Gardens Director
I am a retired ceramic artist and teacher. In my role of as an art specialist I worked at international schools in Puerto Vallarta Mexico and Cairo Egypt. As a ceramic artist my direction was working in functional ceramics however, I am now investigating sculpture. In addition, my passion, since returning to my home in Invermere is discovering how to plant and grow vegetables and flowers. Groundswell is my teacher.
Patrick Yesh, Member at Large
Lives in Invermere BC, with Family; Entrepreneur; Professional Fine Artist, Portrait artist-photographer; Certified Teacher-AB, BC,ON.; M.ED & BFA.; Retired Teachers Assoc. Dedicated to creating spiritual art and showing people how to live from their souls and higher values.
Laura MacKinnon, Member at Large
Environmental consultant, yoga instructor, and hobby herbalist She lives in Invermere with her partner and daughters. Laura loves all things green, wild or dirty, and has a passion for helping others discover their own love and respect for Nature.
Mateja Henigman, Member at Large
Business, marketing and advertising executive, Mateja is a globetrotter, skier, hiker, and explorer. She is drawn to nature, growing food and living sustainability. She is currently building an eco-wilderness retreat with the aim to teach others about living more simply and being self-sufficient.