Little Planet is an organization of like-minded individuals from around the world dedicated
to delivering experience based programs that inspire people by engaging them in activities
that are fun, educational and rewarding. Driven by a passion for experiential education,
outdoor adventure and the natural world, the Little Planet family promotes personal and social
growth by collectively drawing upon six decades of experience in creating and managing project
and expedition-based outdoor programs.
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Richard Joyner
Richard Joyner has worked as
an outdoor educator throughout North America and South East Asia. Having
started his career as a counsellor and instructor at various summer camps,
Richard has since developed, implemented and led programs for numerous
organizations including Boundless Adventures, the British Army, United World
Colleges South East Asia, Direct Bearing and Chinaclimb.
A strong advocate of outdoor experiential education and adventure, Richard has
repeatedly witnessed the growth that is possible through positive experiences
in the outdoors. Through Little Planet, Richard continues to provide others
with opportunities to play and learn in new environments that are rich with
challenge and adventure.
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Nicholas Arsenault
Through his work with
numerous organizations, including Boundless Adventures and the High Mountain
Institute in Colorado, Nicholas Arsenault shares his passion for outdoor
education and continues to prove that wilderness experiences are an avenue for
growth and appreciation of life.
Nick holds a bachelors degree in Environment and Resource studies and a BA in
Spanish and Latin American Studies and currently teaches special needs children
at the high school level in Canada.
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Michael Bertuzzi
Toronto born outdoor leader
and educator Michael Bertuzzi has worked with a diverse range of outdoor
education providers. His career includes leading wilderness canoe programs for
Youth at Risk, working as a Sports Coordinator in Japan and as a Camp Director
in Korea. As Manager of Operations for Chinaclimb, he helped turn a small
guiding service into China’s leading outdoor education provider, working with
schools from around the world.
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Robin Blanchard
A competitive sailor and level four Canadian nationally certified sailing coach, Robin Blanchard spent eleven years working with the Quebec Sailing Federation. As manager and head coach of the provincial team, Robin spent three years revitalizing Quebec's high performance sailing program and implementing a program for the long-term development of athletes. His international experience is a great asset to Little Planet's sailing and youth development programs.
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Lara diTomasso
Lara diTomasso
has been involved in community development work both in Canada and abroad. She
has worked in partnership with local NGOs in Lebanon to develop and run
educational activities for children and youth in Palestinian refugee camps.
Lara has also worked for Oxfam Quebec in Lebanon on the implementation of
social development projects with over 40 local NGOs.
Lara currently works as a Family
Support Worker and Community Liaison with immigrant and refugee families in
Montreal.
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Kate-Mills Drury
Kate-Mills Drury is
currently pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology at Concordia University
in Montreal. Kate completed her training
as a yoga teacher at New York City's OM Yoga Center in 2004. She combines psychological and yogic
training, along with her love of the outdoors into the creation of programs
that promote social adjustment, health and well-being in childhood and
adolescence.
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Daniel Francis Haber
Daniel
Francis Haber is a professional photographer, accomplished screen and stage
writer/performer and a founding member of a Canadian film production
company. With a Bachelors degree in communications, Dan infuses Little
Planet media and entertainment-based programs with creativity, infectious
energy and hilarity.
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Michael Lamarche
With a Masters degree in Education, Michael Lamarche is an accomplished musician, former member of the Canadian National Kayaking team and all around dynamo.
A devoted developer and facilitator of experiential-based adventure programs, Michael enjoys connecting people to their natural environment, fostering environmental ethics and empowering today’s youth.
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Jason McLean
Currently teaching Chemistry at the Mt. Mansfield Winter Academy (a private school for student athletes competing in winter sports at the elite level), Jason McClean's focus is Biological and Chemical Oceanography.With a Bachelors degree in Earth Science, Jason is graduate of
the University of New Hampshire and gained significant experience in data collection, sonar mapping and the study of beach erosion while working aboard the R/V Gulf Challenger (a UNH research vessel). Jason is also an avid hiker, cyclist and skier.
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Elizabeth Sanner
Currently living in Stowe, Vermont, Elizabeth Sanner has been working with a wide range of youth for the past ten years in both traditional and alternative settings. Recognizing the power of outdoor pursuits and overcoming challenge at a young age, Elizabeth completed an Outward Bound Mountaineering Course in the Canadian Rockies and participated in a Mount Everest Base-Camp expedition in 2001. Elizabeth holds a Masters degree in Education and is an elementary school teacher.
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Kurt Skjaevestad
Before earning a scholarship to study piano at Montreal's McGill University, Kurt Skjaevestad was studying music full-time under the tutelage of acclaimed Canadian Jazz pianist Tilden Webb.
As an instructor, Kurt uses his multi-instrumentalist and vocalist skills to teach well rounded and happy musicians who continue to pursue their relationship with music on their own.
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Jennifer Taylor
Currently completing her Masters degree at the York University School of Environment in Toronto, Canada, Jenny is a certified yoga instructor who has taught adults and children for the last 5 years and has been practicing Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga for over a decade. Her method blends the physical and spiritual aspects of the practice and encourages students to recognize opportunities for applying what is learned in class to their daily lives.
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The Lagoon Staff
For the past five years, the Lagoon has been operating under the
direction of John Amos as an outdoor education center for international
schools in South East Asia. John and his team have established two
properties on opposite ends of Juara Bay as outdoor education centers,
as well as spearheading the Tioman Turtle Hatchery Project. The support
and local knowledge that he and his staff provide are instrumental in
the day to day operations of Summer Camp at The Lagoon.
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