Photo Gallery

---

After obtaining his professional accounting degree, Ken’s career has included ownership of a food service company, financial management with a major international food company, and fifteen years as the Chief Financial Officer with World Vision Canada. This was followed by 15 years of public practice, involving personal and corporate tax work, consulting, and auditing, focused mainly on Canadian charities.  In 2003 Ken assumed the presidency of Speroway, a Canadian relief and development agency, which he led until his retirement in 2014. During his career he has served on the board of directors of many Canadian charitable organizations, including, Pioneer Clubs, Elim Homes, Careforce International, Crossroads Prison Ministries, Canadian Council of Christian Charities and Everyday Miracles International. He is presently Chairman of the board for Burning Stone Ministries.

Ken spent 1+ years in Sri Lanka leading in post tsunami rebuilding; nine years serving inner city families in downtown Toronto as Executive Director of the Toronto City Mission; over six years directing the relief and development projects of World Relief Canada; five years living in Port-au-Prince, Haiti; and five years in Bangkok, Thailand. Three of the Thailand years were as an Operations Officer with IOM, the refugee resettlement organization of the United Nations. His studies include a Masters of Missiology and an MBA in non-profit sector management from York University.  

Most recently and for 10+ years until retirement in June 2017, Ken served at World Renew (the relief and development arm of the Christian Reformed Church North America), as a Senior Project Manager on the International Disaster Response 

Monica has been a nurse for nearly forty years, currently serving in the role of Patient Care Manager at the Milton, Ontario Hospital. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing. She has blended clinical practice, teaching and leadership throughout her nursing career. As a volunteer she has utilized her nursing skills, working with missions both locally and abroad in Africa, Peru and Guatemala.

 Liza first connected with Burning Stone Ministries while working in Mishkeegogamang First Nation.  Liza is originally from Muscrat Dam First Nation and has an extensive amount of experience in many areas that have helped hers and other northern communities.  Liza's positions and experience include:

• A counsellor at the Reverend Tommy Beardy Memorial Family Treatment Centre
• A native language instructor and teachers assistant at The Samson Beardy Memorial School.
• Teacher and Family support worker and then program Coordinator at the Aboriginal Headstart organization.
• Clinical and crisis worker in Mishkeegogamang First Nation.

 Currently Heather is a Professor in the Baccalaureate School of Nursing at St. Lawrence College, located in three campuses – Kingston, Cornwall and Brockville. She has taught nursing at the Northern College in Moosonee, Ontario, primarily to First Nation's students. For over ten years

Heather has worked in First Nations communities in northern Canada, operating programs for aboriginal children and youth. Her nursing skills were also put to use in several rural clinics, including Attawaspiskat First Nation. During her time working with First Nations communities, she completed her Master's research in the areas of self-respect and well-being. 

After a recent trip to Mishkeegogamang with the BSM program director, Shirley felt  she had left a piece of her heart there.  As the current Vice-President of Programs and Mission at Prison Fellowship Canada, Shirley knew working with Burning Stone would be beneficial for all involved. The over-representation of Indigenous young adults in correctional Institutions across Canada is a critical issue and one that both Prison Fellowship and Burning Stone Ministries programs are attempting to address.   With a Bachelor of Law degree from McGill and as a Certified Mental Health First Aide Facilitator, we know Shirley's experience and knowledge with be a great addition to the Burning Stone team and board. 

Destani Skunk is a strong Ojibwa leader.  She is a mom, a Kokum (grandma) spouse and great friend of Burning Stone.  She is currently the Program Manager for the Mino Bimaadiziwin Program, which means 'Living the good life'.  Destani works tirelessly to help others on their healing journey - helping to make Mish a healthier community in every way.