Nancy McKinstry, chair, Minerva Foundation for BC Women

Nancy, recently retired from her position as Vice-president, Portfolio Manager at Odlum Brown, is currently the Chair of the Minerva Foundation for BC Women. As a founding member (1999), she is dedicated to improving the status of girls and women at home and in the workplace. The mission of the Minerva Foundation is to create opportunities for women throughout British Columbia to realize their full economic and leadership potential.

Setting the standard of excellence, and always raising it, Nancy’s enthusiasm for her community projects is compelling and contagious. Nancy’s counsel and insight is widely sought and valued throughout, she is a mentor to others in the investment industry and in the community. Today, Nancy acts as charismatic leader, spokesperson and role model.

In 2003 she was presented the BCIT Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service and the Queen's Jubilee Commemorative Metal. She was also honoured with the Influential Women in Business Award in 2004 and will be awarded an Honorary Degree from Simon Fraser University this October.

Sue Paish is the managing partner of the Vancouver office of Fasken Martineau. As managing partner she is responsible for the overall operations in Vancouver, which includes 125 lawyers and 180 staff. Sue is also a member of the Partnership Board, the national and international governing body for her firm. As a partner in the firm, her practice focuses on Employment and Human Rights Law. Sue has been recognized in Lexport’s Guide to Leading Lawyers and the Financial Post as one of Canada’s top 25 women lawyers. She was also honoured with the Influential Women in Business Award in 2004.

Sue is a director on the Vancouver Board of Trade, the BCIT Foundation, Women’s Hospital Foundation, ICBC and the North Shore Soccer Development Centre.

Sue and her husband, Brad Gunderson, live in North Vancouver with their three daughters: Diana, Kyla and Nadia.

Elise is a tax partner with the firm of Ernst & Young LLP. In addition to client duties, Elise is responsible for visibility initiatives in Vancouver and represents western Canada in the diversity initiatives of Ernst and Young.

Her clientele are owner managers and high net worth individuals. The focus of her practice is to provide ongoing tax planning, integrating personal and corporate issues. She also assists her clients in creating incentive and compensation information to improve their business practices. Her many skills are focused on bringing overall solid tax services to clients.

Dr. Jan Christilaw, head of Specialized Women’s Health, BC Women’s Hospital

Dr. Jan Christilaw is past-president of the Society of Obstetrician-Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC). She is presently head of Specialized Women’s Health at BC Women’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, where she chairs a task force looking at the issue of cesarean section on demand. She is also a clinical professor in the department of Obstetrics-Gynecology at UBC. She is a member of the SOGC working group on Menopause and the WHI. She maintains a small clinical practice in White Rock, BC where she continues to do obstetrics and gynecology at Peace Arch Hospital.

At present, she chairs the Ethics committee of the SOGC, and also sits as a member of the Ethics committee of BC Women’s Hospital. She is the co-chair of the Women’s Health Policy Committee of the SOGC. She represents the National Specialty Societies on Task Force 2, a joint committee of CMA and Royal College. She has recently completed a Masters of Health Science and Epidemiology at UBC. She is a founding member of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, and Physicians for Social Responsibility.

She plays piano and Celtic harp in her spare time. She is married to Warren Bourgeois, who teaches Philosophy at Kwantlen University College, and has two sons, David age 15, and Timothy age 8.



Ernst & Young is delighted to participate, as the presenting sponsor, with the Minerva Foundation for BC Women in bringing you the Life In Balance Forum. It has long been the policy of Ernst & Young to support the women in our organisation to integrate their work and personal commitments to ensure a healthy equilibrium.

The firm has achieved wide recognition in the business world and media for creating a culture of work flexibility that assists individuals achieve their personal potential. Building a pipeline of women leaders and retaining them is a firmwide commitment, by practice and by geographic area. This year, we were one of just three companies to win the Catalyst award in recognition of sustained, world-class successful initiatives to develop women leaders. We are very proud of this achievement.

The Life In Balance Forum is an important initiative, not only for the women at Ernst & Young but the professional women in our community. You will have the opportunity to learn from inspiring speakers, leadership development coaches, facilitators, consultants, writers, physicians and busy professionals like yourselves. They will help you identify what matters most and the steps you need to take to achieve your goals for a healthy and fulfilling life.

We will look forward to seeing you on September 24.

Yours truly,

Elise Rees
Tax Partner
Ernst & Young

Dr. Gabor Mate, physician, author, speaker

Gabor Maté M.D. is a physician, author and counselor in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has worked in family practice, palliative medicine and addiction medicine. Before entering medical school, he taught high school for three years. Currently he is a staff physician at a facility for drug-addicted persons in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, many of them with HIV.

Dr. Maté is the author of the bestseller, Scattered Minds: A New Look At The Origins And Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder. He gives many presentations to teachers, psychologists, doctors and parent groups on the subject of promoting brain development and emotional healing in attention deficit disorder in adults and children. His second book, When The Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress deals with the mind/body unity in health and illness. It is also a national best seller and is being published in 9 other countries. Dr. Maté’s third book, Hold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Matter was published in February 2004 and it too is a national best seller.

He is married to Rae, an artist. The couple has three children, between the ages of 15 and 28.

Shiella Fodchuk, coordinator of Spirituality Programmes, Vancouver School of Theology

Shiella Fodchuk, BA, MA, RCC, is the coordinator of Spirituality Programmesat Vancouver School of Theology. She is co-author of the Master of Arts degrees in Theological Studies in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction. She teaches courses on Mysticism, Psychology and Spirituality, Spiritual
Direction and the Practice of Prayer. Shiella is former chair of the Ethics Committee of the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors. She is former executive director of the Cathedral Centre for Spiritual Direction at Christ Church Cathedral, which she co-founded in 1993. In her private practice of clinical counselling and spiritual direction, Shiella is dedicated to
helping others move toward emotional and spiritual health.

Tamara Stanners, TV/radio host

Tamara Stanners spent the past two decades enjoying a successful career in radio and television. Her scope of broadcasting expertise is wide, ranging through hard news, documentary, video countdowns and humour-packed morning radio shows. She is probably most well recognized as an on-air personality at 93.7 JRFM, where she is well known for her exceptional ad-libbing talent and her highly skilled interviewing style. As co-anchor for U.News at Six on Canwest Global Television, she was part of the team that produced and presented the hour-long evening show.

A few years ago Tamara decided to take time out from her hard-paced career to step back and focus her attention on her children. She and her husband, an expert at heritage home renovation, moved out to the country and recently bought an old farmhouse that they are currently working on. The Judd Farm located in the Brackendale area just south of Vancouver, which is world famous as an annual destination for thousands of eagles, dates back to the 1880’s. High energy with a multitude of interests, Stanners and her husband own a small coffee company in the Brackendale area. Tamara and her family are avid outdoor enthusiasts who love to travel.

Shannon Byrne, president and CEO, Paradata Systems Inc.

Shannon Byrne is the president and chief executive officer of Paradata Systems Inc., and has an extensive background in software development of information security products and payment systems. Her technical expertise is coupled with extensive sales, marketing and operations experience. She co-founded Paradata Systems Inc. in 1995 and has developed e-Commerce systems for digital goods delivery via CD-ROM and the Internet. Prior to joining Paradata, she worked with her own software consulting firm, Embyr Consultants, as well as for Geovision, Siemens, DMR Group, and Statistics Canada.

She is the winner of the Report on Business Magazine's Canada's Top 40 Under 40™ Award 2000, BC TIA Best Application of Web Technology Award 2001, BC Export Award for Best New Exporter 2002, Influential Women of the Year 2001, presented by Business in Vancouver, Wired Women of the Year 2003 and CEO of the Year, presented by FEW Northwest. She is a member of the following board of director’s and advisory committees: BCTIA; Capilano College; Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation; Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Telus Whistler Pacific Sport Centre; Forum for Women Entrepreneurs; BC Premier’s Technology Council and Electronic Transactions Association Internet Committee Chair. She holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science degrees from Saint Mary's University and a Masters of Computer Science degree from Technical University of Nova Scotia.

Shannon is a wife and mother of two young children.

Barbara Crompton, CEO, The Fitness Group

A dynamic leader, highly regarded in the health and fitness industry and business community for continuous contribution to the well-being of individuals, corporations

and communities, Barbara has shown outstanding performance and growth
in business operations and has initiated, inspired and brought to fruition many community projects and entrepreneurial endeavours.

Founder, president and CEO of The Graham Group of Progressive Companies, which includes The Fitness Group (founded in 1979). Barbara’s community involvement has included: chair and member of the board of governors at The University of British Columbia, chair of Vancouver Economic Development Commission, co-chair fund raising 5 Million Dollar Sports Millennium Facility 2001/02, vice chair of Canada Place Corporation, vice chair and secretary-treasurer of Vancouver Board of Trade, interim chair and founding director of Greater Vancouver Regional Economic Partnership, director of BCAA from 1998 - 2001, and director of IDEA (The Association of Fitness Professionals, a 60,000 member world wide organization).

In addition to her busy work life Barbara is the mother of Kate, Nicole and Timothy, stepmother of

Tim and Teresa, and life partner of Garry.

Julie Blue, singer, songwriter

Julie Blue believes that music is the language of the heart. She is a well-known recording artist, film composer and performer. She has 5 CDs to her credit, writes for and directs the 60 voice ‘Singspiration Singers’, and through her keynote presentations, workshops, and concerts, is an inspiration for many.

Plenary Session Facilitator:

Lisa Martin, founder & president, Briefcase Moms

Lisa Martin is on a mission to help career-oriented women find a balance in their lives. An interactive, thought-provoking speaker, Lisa addresses work-life balance, success building strategies and personal growth topics with passion, energy and humour. Her customized keynotes, workshops and seminar series involve lots of just-in-time coaching and audience participation.

Lisa is the author of Briefcase Moms: 10 Proven Practices to Balance Working Mothers’ Lives. She also publishes a monthly newsletter Briefcase Moms® and has created the powerful, life-changing "Briefcase Moms® Program: 90Days to a Balanced Life." Lisa is a work-life expert for www.homemakers.com, bluesutimom.com and Positive Path Network. This dynamic woman has been noted and quoted in local, national and U.S. publications. She has also been featured on numerous radio, television and Internet programs.

Lisa lives what she writes and talks about. A professional certified coach and working mother with 20 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, she is the founder and president of Briefcase MomsÒ, an international coaching and personal development company. Since establishing Briefcase Moms®, she has helped hundreds of female professionals, executives and entrepreneurs achieve success in balancing work and a family... while enhancing the quality of their own lives.

Lisa lives in Vancouver with her husband and son.

Workshop Presenters:

Dr. Tasnim Adatya, naturopathic physician

Dr. Adatya received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine located in Oregon. Since 1996, Dr. Adatya has been in clinical practice and has lectured nationwide in over 300 cities on menopause and midlife women’s health issues. She has fellowed with Dr. Nathalie Johnson, a renowned breast oncologist and clinical associate professor of surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University. Dr. Adatya is further certified in clinical breast examinations for Breast Cancer Risk and Assessment through the Oregon Cancer Center in association with OHSU. She also holds certification in Homeopathy, Acupuncture and IV therapeutics and is a candidate for certification in Obstetrics. Dr. Adatya is a respected authority on health care and has been interviewed in print, television and National Public Radio. Dr. Adatya has published numerous articles and is a contributing author of the book, A Woman’s Health Resource - A Guide to Health and Hormone Balance.

Dr. Adatya maintains a practice in Kitsilano.

Jan Marie Dore, professional certified coach, speaker, writer

Jan Marie Dore is a professional certified coach, speaker, writer, and certified yoga instructor who supports female executives, professionals and business owners to become more visible and engaging leaders, to find balance in a busy world, and to realize their life’s goals and dreams. Jan Marie left behind a 20-year corporate career as a certified management accountant to move west and launch her international coaching and training business in 1996.

A candid and stimulating speaker, Jan Marie encourages individuals to clarify, prioritize, take action, and reach their most important goals. She asks challenging questions and speaks from a strong, creative, intuitive and spiritual focus as she shares her unique ability to make the complex simple, giving specific tools and exercises that assist her listeners to stay focused, motivated, and on track.

Jan Marie produces her own monthly newsletter ‘The Balance Sheet’ and has published many other articles and tip sheets, available at her website www.janmariedore.com. She also creates and facilitates customized workshops and retreats in the greater Vancouver area and beyond.

Andrea Jacques, president, Kyosei Consulting International

Andrea is a dynamic and inspirational speaker and facilitator known for her ability to synthesize ideas from a variety of disciplines. She has 15 years experience working in both Asia and Canada to develop individual and business potential. Her clients represent a diverse cross-section of industries including banking, retail, government, insurance, academia, hospitality and high tech. As a consultant, Andrea spent five years in Japan where the core philosophies of her work on integrity and the relationship between passion, performance and profits took shape. Working with the Japanese Government, the Center for International Communication and Management, and companies such as Fuji, NEC and Chase Manhattan Bank, she synthesized eastern and western wisdom to develop the practical principles she now espouses in her writing, speaking and consulting. Andrea returned to Canada in 2000 to focus more deeply on enhancing passion, engagement, wellness and sustainability in the workplace. As president and founder of Kyosei Consulting, an organizational development and training firm, Andrea's passion is in building inspired organizations that increase the ability of both organizations and the people within them to thrive on all levels.

Kelly Kennedy, mediator, trainer and counselor

At an early age the Spiritual challenge presented itself to Kelly and this has opened many opportunities to explore this area in several cultures and countries. She has designed and facilitated a Women’s’ Spirit Circle both as a ten week program and a week long retreat in Mexico, as well as studying spiritual concepts and rituals over the years. As a counselor, mediator and trainer, Kelly brings this gift to her work. Kelly is presently completing a degree in Theology and has degrees in Business Management, Psychology and specialized areas of counselling and mediation. She is president of a Non Profit and ambassador of a Networking Organization and chairperson for a Women’s Networking Society.

Dawn Lybarger, founder of Suit Tutor, personal and workshop follow-up coach

Dawn S. Lybarger, MBA, MSW is the founder of Suit Tutor, a firm providing workplace coaching to make management and leadership learning stick and become part of an employee’s unconscious competence. In addition, she provides personal coaching to people wanting to break free of old patterns and move on to make the most of their time and lives. Dawn brings to clients depth of experience, including her 20 years in multinational corporations, non-profit management, social work and counseling training, plus a genuineness of warmth and spirit and engaging energy.

Susanne Matheson, principal at Tekara Organizational Effectiveness Inc., coach, organizational and leadership development consultant

Susanne is a principal at Tekara Organizational Effectiveness Inc., a consulting firm focused on leadership and organizational development. Relying on her 15 years of experience in the human resources field, Susanne’s focus is to work with business leaders to create sustainable results through their people. She believes solidly in the power of intention, purpose and coaching and is passionate about living a balanced and joyful life. Susanne herself has made some significant changes in her life recently to move towards balance and honour her values around her family. As a coach Susanne relies heavily on her intuition, sense of humour and unwavering belief in her clients. An engaging speaker, Susanne joined the Minerva Board of Directors in January of 2004.

Marion McAdam, founding partner of Tekara Organizational Effectiveness Inc., leadership development consultant, business coach

Marion integrates her approach of ‘reflect, plan, take action’ into all aspects of her coaching and consulting practice. With over 25 years experience as a consultant, senior manager, and business coach, she helps business leaders and teams define and achieve their organizational goals. As an organizational development consultant, Marion has a particular focus on strategic planning and implementation, and encouraging and guiding action in the midst of on-going change - personal and organizational. As an active member of the community, she has extensive experience in chairing boards and planning committees in not-for-profit organizations, authorities and community agencies. Marion is a founding partner of Tekara Organizational Effectiveness Inc., a Vancouver based consulting and coaching firm. Juggling career, family and volunteer work has created a need to look at life from a perspective of managing energy - not just time.

Debrah Rafel, president, Wyndehorse LifePractises, life coach, corporate wellness facilitator, yoga instructor, speaker and writer

Debrah Rafel is a life coach, corporate wellness facilitator, yoga instructor, speaker, and writer. For almost 20 years, she has been passionately committed to improving the quality of life for herself and others through the study and practice of holistic health. In 1997, she left a 15-year marketing career to launch her Life Coaching practice and to offer seminars, programs and retreats supporting others to reclaim their self-care and life balance. In 1999, she began teaching Integrative Yoga, breathwork and meditation. Today, she offers a number of products and services through her company, Wyndehorse LifePractises, which support, challenge and inspire others to expand their personal and professional potential, and restore authenticity, vitality and peace.

As a life coach, Debrah works locally, nationally and internationally with clients to foster their personal, professional and spiritual development to increasing levels of fulfillment and success. As a wellness facilitator and speaker, Debrah brings seasoned expertise and a balanced perspective. People find her humour, calming presence and clarity of delivery enables them to easily integrate tools, practices and information to benefit their life balance.

Her greatest joy is to share what she has learned with others.

Ann Searles, president, IBT Canada

Ann Searles is the President of The Institute for Business Technology, Canada/Caribbean. IBT is an international network of consulting offices on four continents and 23 countries. Nearly a million people have participated in IBT’S "Personal Efficiency Programs." Across Canada, IBT consultants deliver PEP in English and French.

IBT helps executives enhance personal productivity by ‘Coaching People to Work Smarter’. The result? More focus on achieving corporate objectives and less wallowing in ‘administrivia’. The Benefits? When you can get the right things done at work, it is easier to shut down and go home to…a life.

IBT’s Canadian clients include Telus, Le Cirque du Soleil, Pfizer, Bombardier and Rolls Royce. IBT is a member of the Vancouver Board of Trade.

Ann Searles' PowerPoint presentation

Lynn Robinson, international trainer, speaker & coach

Lynn’s proven expertise lies in working with senior executives to develop new strategies and new ways of thinking needed in today’s fast changing world. Her focus is on helping people develop a mindset for success, which instills self-confidence and a strong skill base.

Lynn is an international trainer, speaker and coach traveling extensively in the USA and the UK. As a certified trainer of Neuro Linguistic Programming, Lynn brings an added dimension - the science of the mind - to interpersonal communication skills. She is the author of audio CD’s, which utilize the power of the mind to find balance, focus and assist learning.

Whether it’s a speaking engagement, a training program or a personal coaching session, Lynn’s participants receive practical tools to improve their communication skills, build strong co-operative relationships and develop their personal power.