staff
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Gurinder Mann Executive Director Gurinder moved to the Lower Mainland from England over fifteen years ago. A passionate advocate for promoting positive change, he possesses extensive experience in the non-profit sector and has been active in the community for many years. Besides completing his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UBC and Master's in Applied Legal Studies from SFU, he is trained in mediation and facilitation. Known for his excellent interpersonal and communication skills, he is also experienced in the field of counselling and program coordination. His passion for restorative justice brought him to CERA in 2008, where he became an active volunteer. He served on the Board of Directors, and was the Chair of the Organizational Development Committee. As the current Executive Director of CERA, he aims to utilize his skills, knowledge and experience to lead the organization to continued growth. Contact: gmann@cerasociety.org |
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Gerry Baragar Program Director Gerry Baragar is a retired member of the RCMP now living in South Surrey. In his role with the RCMP National Youth Strategy, and as the National Restorative Justice Advisor he is considered an expert in youth justice and crime prevention issues. He has been very active promoting peaceful school environments through restorative practices throughout his long career in the RCMP. Since his retirement from the RCMP in 2005 he has worked in BC communities promoting safe schools, homes and neighbourhoods. He is presently working as the program manager for "CERA" (Communities Embracing Restorative Action) This includes Community Engagement, Volunteer Coordination and Education, Peer Mediation in Schools, and Youth Centered Restorative Justice Programs. He is also working as technical advisor to a Juvenile Justice Reform project in Ukraine sponsored by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Contact: gerry@cerasociety.org |
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Mary Hagen Johnstone Administrative Assistant Mary joined CERA staff in early 2000 and has served the society from its first years as Fraser-Burrard Community Justice Society through its transition to CERA in the fall of 2008. Born and raised on the west coast, Mary has called Coquitlam home for the past 25 years. She believes in community participation, considering herself fortunate to be involved with an organization that is aligned with her personal values. Having worked for many years in business, Mary enjoys the unique dynamic of a non-profit sector where she finds receptive opportunities in her role as Administrative Assistant to utilize her creative ideas and exceptional organizing abilities. Contact: mary@cerasociety.org |
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Alex Larson Empowering Youth Program Coordinator Alex joined CERA as a volunteer in 2006, where she became active as a restorative justice facilitator for youth. In 2008, Alex supported the restorative practices training for high school students in the participating Tri-Cities area. Recently she was named the Empowering Youth Program Coordinator, responsible for teaching restorative practices to middle and high school students, who serve as peer mediators to the student body. Alex has a broad management background, including leading teams, training and coaching staff and managers and facilitating group process. She is in the process of completing her certificate in mediation at the Justice Institute. Contact: alex@cerasociety.org |
