MEET THE SBE GROUP
SUSAN BUCHANAN
CHIEF CHANGE MAKER
Susan has been providing professional workshops for teachers, business, social workers and leaders in First Nation and Inuit communities for the past 27 years. Susan is a published author of two books, educational curriculum and is an international Keynote and Conference speaker. Her workshops have been described as enlightening, valuable, positive and dynamic.
Susan’s passion for ensuring the wellness and success of First Nations people has driven her toward the highest standard of excellence in the work that SBE Group does. Her commitment to this mission has allowed SBE Group to expand into the organization that it is today, providing top quality, culturally appropriate and results oriented workshops for all stages of life.
Susan is proudly Cree with Metis status. SBE Group is registered as a 100% First Nation owned company. Our workshops reflect our culture, way of life and our history.
As with us all, Susan has a passion to offer our community members the absolute best experience with SBE Group as possible.
ADRIENNE BUCHANAN
MANAGERIAL CHIEFTESS
Adrienne made her first contributions as a teenager to SBE Group as illustrator for our Social Education Skills Resources. These resources have been shared in over 280 First Nation and Inuit Schools in Canada. Adrienne was raised as a contributing member of SBE Group in workshop promotions, design / creation, advertising, and facilitation. Adrienne often traveled with her Mom to the communities and special conference events, which allowed her to learn more about her culture and Canada’s First Nations.
Adrienne, a Certified Life Skills Coach, also graduated from Red Deer College with a Diploma in Business Management with a major in Marketing in 2019.
Adrienne’s early start in SBE Group as well as her education and training, has supported one of her roles as a facilitator of our, Wellness Webinars, Computer Skills Training and Art Expressions Programs for youth. Adrienne is an integral member of our team that has made our workshops and training what they are today.
As with us all, Adrienne has a passion to offer our community members the absolute best experience with SBE Group as possible.
Aaron Banks
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Aaron was born and raised in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. He can be described as a quiet river that runs deep. In his free time, he pursues everything from programming and computer science to gardening and cooking. Aaron has a minimalist and sustainable life philosophy.
Aaron achieved a Combined Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Chemistry from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Aaron is co-author of two scientific papers and has held a variety of positions since completing his degree. His unique combination of skills makes him a perfect fit for SBE Group, and we are so grateful to have him as our Logistics Manager. When a problem arises, Aaron is always at hand for a quick rescue, with his calm and level-headed demeanor and his instinct for practical solutions.
When a member of our team visits your community, you can be sure Aaron was behind many aspects of our planning, from organizing travel to ensuring we always have excellent supplies to offer the best learning experience in our workshops.
While you may not come face to face with Aaron as he’s working his behind-the-scenes magic, he is an integral part of SBE Group.
KASHA RAE
ORGANIZATIONAL CHIEFTESS
Kasha was raised in Deer Lake First Nation. At an early age she learned the importance of building connections with people as Deer Lake is a tight-knit community. Ultimately, this had led her to acknowledge the significance of being a proud Indigenous person.
Kasha made the decision to attend high school away from home at age 15. She graduated from Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School in 2022. Kasha will be continuing her educational journey at Confederation College where she hopes to become a social worker.
After graduation, Kasha worked with Jordan’s Principle which gave her the opportunity to directly work with community members and a variety of professionals. Her commitment to the well-being of Indigenous peoples is what encourages her to continue down the social work path.
In addition, Kasha is described as dedicated and strong-willed. Although she had to move from home to receive her education, she is committed to becoming a positive role model for Indigenous youth just like her.
Kasha is looking forward to making a positive impact on communities through the SBE Group.
JODI STRIZIC
CHIEF CAPACITY BUILDER
Jodi was born in Southern Ontario, in a suburb of Toronto, but now calls Thunder Bay home. After Jodi obtained her degree from George Brown College, she spent 15 years traveling around the world and living out of a backpack.
Jodi is a certified Red Seal Chef for more than 35 years, and during that time she has also achieved a Master’s Degree in Education. Jodi also holds certificates in Herbalists, Naturopath Nutrition, Nutrition Theory and Food principals, Wild Foods and Prep of Edible Plants.
Jodi’s Facilitating skills have been described as outgoing, entertaining, thought provoking and inventive. Jodi’s working history in the communities makes her an exciting positive to SBE groups’ family.
Jodi enjoys meeting new people, learning about their ideas, opinions, and family traditions. Jodi always feels very privileged when she is invited to join other communities and partake in the sharing of knowledge, customs, and traditions.
As with us all, Jodi has a passion to offer our community members the absolute best experience with SBE Group as possible.
JUDY N GREEN
CAPACITY BUILDER
Judy was born in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Since then, She has worked and lived in five provinces. In 2014, they returned to her husband’s home province of Nova Scotia (in Mi’kma’ki). While listening to friends from L’sitkuk (Bear River First Nation), she came to realize that her Celtic heritage and upbringing had instilled in her a world view that is in alignment with the teachings of many Indigenous cultures.
Judy’s Great Grandmother taught school on the Cape Mudge First Nations reserve on Quathiaski Cove, Quadra Island, her grandmother was raised there and her mother was born there. Judy is now an Earth Protector with Stop Ecocide Canada, who works internationally to ensure crimes against the planet are punishable. She understands that all of us are but a single member of a diverse family that shares our beautiful planet.
Judy has over 20 years of heart-centred teaching and coaching in the areas of health & wellness, self-esteem, self-empowerment, as well as computers, employment and entrepreneurialism. She draws on her experiences as a mother, grandmother, computer scientist and a veteran, to connect with people and provide them with the knowledge that can help them become the best person they can be.
As with us all, Judy has a passion to offer our community members the absolute best experience with SBE Group as possible.
Simone Suares
CAPACITY BUILDER
Simone was born and raised in South India. She moved to Thunder Bay 2 years ago and fell in love with the culture and people. Simone has a master’s degree in International Business and a 5-year career in training and Digital Marketing. In these roles, she built her skills as facilitator through curating and leading many workshops. Her time doing so kindled the absolute need to transition into a career solely based on applying these skills to make a difference.
Simone has always had ambitions for social work and has been a stalwart advocate for social justice. She loves nothing more than helping others and making the world a better place. Growing up she saw first-hand the effects of poverty and low access to resources. Every opportunity in her life was hard-earned, with a lack of equal opportunity, especially in her career. As a result, she is determined to lend her skills in lifting others out of the serious hardships that result from systematic injustice, and to make sure people are given what she wasn’t – a fair chance.
When she’s not working you can find her outdoors, exploring the corners of her city. She spends her nights reading and is an accomplished author. She is also an avid art collector and devotes free time to making her space “aesthetic,” as she calls it.
As with us all, Simone has a passion to offer our community members the absolute best experience with SBE Group possible.
Monika Beladiya
CAPACITY BUILDER
Monika is a dedicated and passionate educator. Due to her passion for teaching, she has achieved Bachelor of Education in addition to Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Commerce. Originally from India, she recently moved to Thunder Bay to pursue her master’s degree in education from Lakehead University.
Monika brings a unique blend of teaching experience and collaborative nature to the SBE Group. With six years of her teaching experience, she possesses a deep understanding of educational practices and pedagogical approaches.
Monika’s presence in the SBE Group team reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that celebrates and respects individuals from all backgrounds. Her cross-cultural experiences and global perspective will undoubtedly enrich the organization’s endeavors and contribute to meaningful change in the lives of those they serve.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Monika is an avid explorer with a deep love for travel, connecting with new people, and immersing herself in diverse cultures, beliefs, and values. As a nature lover, she finds solace in spending time outdoors, cherishing the beauty of the natural world.
Monika is keen to empower various indigenous communities by helping them to learn new skills, and connect with new technology. As with us all, Monika has a passion to offer our community members the absolute best experience with SBE Group as possible.
MARILYN BOOTH
RESIDENT ELDER
Marilyn is a retired Social Worker who worked professionally in Alberta and British Columbia for provincial and municipal government. This experience set her on course to learn as much as she could about the Canadian legal system and it’s profound effects on families and individuals. Marilyn has designed workshops and programs that were aimed at informing, educating and empowering individuals to achieve their potential working within the complex limitations of the Canadian Legal System.
Since her retirement from fulltime social work, Marilyn has traveled throughout Canada into First Nations and Inuit communities facilitating workshops on such topics as: dating and family violence, anger management, life skills, team building and feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and work with Canada’s first people.
At SBE Group, Marilyn is our head researcher and lead mentor. She keeps us focused on current issues and relevant topics that constantly enhance our workshops. Her compassion, insight and passion for the communities and the first people is present in all the work we do. Marilyn is our elder and guide.
As we know at SBE Group we are fortunate to work with the and in Canada’s First Peoples.
She has worked tirelessly in affecting change in that area through education and empowering individuals and families.
She moved to the Annapolis Valley in 2006 from the Comox Valley in British Columbia. Marilyn has worked in many social work settings since she started her career in Red Deer, Alberta. She has worked as a Family Court Worker, Child Protection Worker and a Family Mediator for the Government of Alberta. After moving to British Columbia in 1990 she worked for the Regional District of Comox-Strathcona as the first Victim Services Program Manager for the Courtenay RCMP and developed that program for the next 11 years. After leaving Victim Services she was the Center Coordinator for the North Island Women’s Services Society for 4 years. In 2006 Marilyn and her husband, Hank Sawchuk, moved to the Annapolis Valley to be closer to her eldest daughter. Since arriving in the Valley Marilyn has served on the Annapolis County Police Advisory Board, an Advisory Committee, for the Department of Community Services, Province of Nova Scotia and the Homecraft Committer for the Annapolis Valley Exhibition Association. Marilyn is currently the Chairperson for the Bridgetown and Area Friends of the Library. She has been a community volunteer in many areas since her high school days. Marilyn is an avid gardener, quilter and reader. Marilyn and Hank have 4 children, 4 grandchildren and one great grandson.
LANA BULLOUGH
CAPACITY BUILDER
Lana is passionate about teaching healthy life skills and relationship skills to individuals who want to live a purposeful and abundant life. She is an award winning speaker trainer educator and musician who combines all of these skills and unique and inspirational ways when delivering workshops.
Lana has a bachelors degree majoring in sociology with 25 years experience in career and employment counseling. Through those years of helping students and adults discover their life and work passion she developed innovative training strategies that help foster healthy relationships, promote life balance and manage stress in our high demand world.
Lana has returned to her native Thunder Bay area after living in Alberta for 35 years and now lives in her beloved little piece of heaven in Shuniah Ontario
Lana has two grown children, two grandkids, a dog and a husband (not necessarily in that order)she is very excited to be a part of the SBE group
As with us all, Jessalyn has a passion to offer our community members the absolute best experience with SBE Group as possible.
JESSALYN LONGMIRE
CAPACITY BUILDER
Jessalyn was born and raised in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Lived in Fredericton, New Brunswick where she achieved her Bachelors Degree in Nursing, then returned back to the Annapolis Valley to establish her home and begin her nursing career.
Growing up in a small town, she learned as a child, the importance of strong community relationships. She has always valued her close family and friends. Even though she no longer lives in the community she grew up in, she maintains relationships and carries the sense community wherever she goes.
Jessalyn has worked as a Registered Nurse in the medical field for 7 years. This has allowed her to make new relationships, work with a variety of different people and cultures. Through her work in the hospital, she was able to find and cultivate her passion for helping and teaching people.
She is looking forward to trying something that continues to be rewarding, helping others and fun. Always interested in learning new things she is very excited to be taking this step with the SBE group.
As with us all, Jessalyn has a passion to offer our community members the absolute best experience with SBE Group as possible.
BRENDA FERRIS HYATT
CAPACITY BUILDER
Brenda is a happily retired school Principal with 30 years of experience working with First Nations communities. She has taught almost all levels of education and is really enjoying teaching youth, adults, and education professionals.
Brenda believes we all have special skills and abilities, and as an educator, she is committed to helping all her clients discover theirs. Like many of us, she enjoys being outside either fishing, riding, or playing with her two horses. Brenda is the proud mother of two grown daughters and along with her husband, owns and operates Hyatt’s Manion Lake Camp fishing and hunting resort in Northwestern Ontario.
GARETH EVANS
VISUAL ARCHITECT
Gareth has been involved with SBE Group for over 12 years, helping out with design and production.
He began his career as a graphic designer and a production artist in the printing industry over 25 years ago, including managing a small print shop for several years.
Gareth transitioned to the agency industry, joining Extreme Group as a project and production manager, where he remained for over 11 years, and now plies his trade at Chester + Company, managing their studio.
He has worked with such high-profile clients as Tourism Nova Scotia, Bell Aliant, Sony Canada, Moosehead Breweries, Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, Eastlink, and O’Regan’s Automotive Group, among many others…
ELVIS
CHIEF BARKETING OFFICER
Elvis is a cool dude that specializes in making visits to SBE group offices a memorable event. Special requests to have Elvis visit your community are an option. He loves to share the love and his chill personality. Once on your lap, you will love him as we all do.
IT IS OUR HONOUR TO OFFER THESE AND MANY MORE WORKSHOPS
Bullying is an issue that concerns us all. In this informative workshop learn how to deal with bullying, social skill issues that result in negative interactions and how to create a safe, bullying-free environment.
This informative 3 hour session is designed for caregivers, parents, front line workers, concerned community members & all those who work with children & youth.
This workshop is designed to help individuals learn more about travelling through grief, loss and trauma in the most empowering way possible, for ourselves and others, that we want to help in our lives.
Designed to assist parents and caregivers with the difficult role of parenting. In this workshop participants will walk away with a “parenting plan” covering such areas as social skills, rules, chores, homework, school, and much more. “You go!” moms, dads and caregivers.
Who doesn’t need a little help along the way. Becoming Emotionally Healthy focuses on empowering people and helping them to reflect and discover themselves while gaining a better understanding of who they are.
You will learn more about emotions, self-regulation, and anger management so that you can have more meaningful, long-lasting and healthy bonds with others, as well as with yourself.
This team building workshop is for Chiefs, councillors, Entities, Band Office Staff, School Staff, Board, Health Center… any team!
These positive and interactive sessions are for: youth and adults who are seeking positive change in their personal lives, while also seeking new careers, business ventures or education.
© 2017 SBE Group | All Rights Reserved