About the Team
Matthew Oostvogels - M.Ed., B.Ed., B.A. -Director and Trainer
Matthew Oostvogels - M.Ed., B.Ed., B.A. -Director and Trainer
Matthew Oostvogels - M.Ed., B.Ed., B.A. -Director and Trainer
After spending 6 years in the Canadian Forces, Matthew decided to pursue a career in teaching and received his Bachelor of Education and Masters in Education. He has spent 6 years in the K-12 classrooms, 4 years as a college-level instructor, and is currently a college administrator. He participated in the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldier Ini
After spending 6 years in the Canadian Forces, Matthew decided to pursue a career in teaching and received his Bachelor of Education and Masters in Education. He has spent 6 years in the K-12 classrooms, 4 years as a college-level instructor, and is currently a college administrator. He participated in the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldier Initiative - Veteran Trainers to Eradicate the Use of Child Soldiers program in 2016. It was from this experience that Matthew noted the gap in training and educating individuals and communities abroad - it needs to begin with the teachers.
Elizabeth England - CD, M.A., B.A.- Head of Planning
Matthew Oostvogels - M.Ed., B.Ed., B.A. -Director and Trainer
Matthew Oostvogels - M.Ed., B.Ed., B.A. -Director and Trainer
Elizabeth (Liz) England is a Consultant in International Peace and Development. After 18 years of service she retired from the Canadian Armed Forces at the rank of Major, and worked with the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. She holds an MA in Human Security and Peace-building from Royal Roads University, and is a graduate of University of Alberta Law JD.
Cassandra Bensch - B.Ed. Curriculum Development Coordinator
Dr. Ashley Oostvogels, Ed.D. Networking Specialist and Lead Researcher
Dr. Ashley Oostvogels, Ed.D. Networking Specialist and Lead Researcher
Cassie started her education training by obtaining a rehabilitation services diploma through Red Deer College where she specialized in working with individuals who have physical and intellectual impairments throughout Alberta. She obtained a teaching degree with a focus on indigenous students from the University of Alberta. She has been w
Cassie started her education training by obtaining a rehabilitation services diploma through Red Deer College where she specialized in working with individuals who have physical and intellectual impairments throughout Alberta. She obtained a teaching degree with a focus on indigenous students from the University of Alberta. She has been working for the past 8 years as a grade one teacher in an elementary school in Northern Alberta and is the co-author of Teach Peace Developments children's story, Akiki's Journey and the Rights of the Child.
Dr. Ashley Oostvogels, Ed.D. Networking Specialist and Lead Researcher
Dr. Ashley Oostvogels, Ed.D. Networking Specialist and Lead Researcher
Dr. Ashley Oostvogels, Ed.D. Networking Specialist and Lead Researcher
As an educational researcher, Ashley has spent time as a teacher in the K-12 system, a college-level instructor, and, currently, as a college administrator. She has seen, first-hand, the impact that education can have in shaping individuals, families and communities, and ultimately, in changing lives.
Jon McDougal - Logistics Coordinator
Jodi Wilson - B.A., B.Ed. -Communications Coordinator and Trainer
Jodi Wilson - B.A., B.Ed. -Communications Coordinator and Trainer
MCpl (Ret) Jon McDougal has spent over 11 years as a member of the Canadian Forces, including a tour of duty to Afghanistan. He brings with him, experience in multiple avenues related to communications and organization. He is currently studying Social Psychology at the University of British Columbia and Queensland University.
Jodi Wilson - B.A., B.Ed. -Communications Coordinator and Trainer
Jodi Wilson - B.A., B.Ed. -Communications Coordinator and Trainer
Jodi Wilson - B.A., B.Ed. -Communications Coordinator and Trainer
Jodi brings with her over 20 years experience in the field of education and the past 15 of those include experience working as a humanitarian, collaborating with Ugandan Womens' Effort to Save the Orphans. Within this role, she has returned to Uganda 4 times, to champion professional development for rural schools in Masulita, all while su
Jodi brings with her over 20 years experience in the field of education and the past 15 of those include experience working as a humanitarian, collaborating with Ugandan Womens' Effort to Save the Orphans. Within this role, she has returned to Uganda 4 times, to champion professional development for rural schools in Masulita, all while supporting numerous projects at the Masulita Children's Village. Jodi has one daughter and five sons, three of which are survivors of the Rwandan Genocide. She truly demonstrates a response to the mantra, "Who are we as humans if we ignore the suffering of others".