team
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Gurinder Mann Executive Director Born and raised in England, Gurinder completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), followed by a Master's degree in Applied Legal Studies at Simon Fraser University. His belief in restorative justice brought him to CERA in 2008, where he became a trained facilitator and later served on the Board of Directors, before becoming CERA's Executive Director in 2010. Gurinder spent six years in the field of intelligence for the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC), formerly known as the Organized Crime Agency of BC. He is known for his excellence in the fields of justice, law, and crime prevention. His professional accomplishments have led to instructional assignments at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) and Douglas College. In addition to his proficiency in the justice and law enforcement arena, Gurinder is a specialist in the area of South Asian Studies. He possesses a second Master’s degree in Asian Studies and also serves as faculty at UBC. Contact: gmann@cerasociety.org |
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Irene Vanderspek Facilitator/Mediator Empowering Youth Coordinator Although Irene's educational background is in criminal law, she always had a passion for the collaborative aspect of mediation and facilitation. This drew Irene to the field of restorative justice over ten years ago. She believes the direct role that parties play in the restorative justice process is truly unique since it allows the victim and the person who committed the harm to come together, share perspectives and collaborate on the resolution of their case. She has worked on a substantial number of cases and has considerable expertise in the area. She also coordinates CERA's Empowering Youth Program, going into schools training peer mediators and educating students on the values of restorative justice. Contact: irene@cerasociety.org |
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Linda Ohashi Facilitator/Mediator As well as a Restorative Justice facilitator, Linda is also a Family Mediator and a member of the Civil and Family Rosters of Mediate BC. Before joining CERA in 2014, she worked as a school administrator in youth and adult education. She is committed to the values of restorative practice and believes that communities have a very important role to play in the justice system. Linda holds a Master's degree from Simon Fraser University, as well as certificates in Conflict Resolution and Family Mediation from the Justice Institute of BC. Contact: linda@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 |
