Our board members are:

Angie Jensen ~ Elaine ~ Julie Rosenthal ~ Elaine Wiersma ~ Heather McLeod

Angie Jensen  I was born and raised in Thunder Bay and enjoy the diversity of our region. Growing up on a farm I have a great appreciation for nature and all it has to offer. My youth was spent surrounded by  animals, gardens, and a very creative and supportive family, leading me to my present day endeavours. I presently co-own the Painted Turtle Art Shop & Rainge Gallery with Lorraine Cull. We run art classes and team building workshops for all ages and donate our time to help revitalize the Port Arthur downtown core.  Recently  I have been working with a community options group creating art with a great bunch of folks who inspire me every time we’re together. I have been on the WSCC board since 2007 and enjoy learning, working and volunteering with this group and our clients.

Elaine has worked for the Ontario Government since 1991. She has also worked for projects focused on women’s health, and for  print and electronic media in Thunder Bay. She is a board member  of  United Way of Thunder Bay .  She has been involved with Willow Springs since before incorporation as a not for profit and has stayed involved because of the transformative work the staff do. Her hobbies are Nordic skiing, dog walking, travel and  staying involved in the lives of 3 grown children.

Julie Rosenthal When I was young, I thought I'd like to be an artist when I grew up.  I majored in visual art in high school but was lured towards the sciences later in life.  Although much of my academic and professional background is now in international development and nature conservation, I believe it is also important to make a difference locally.  I joined the board of Willow Springs Creative Centre to rekindle my enthusiasm for creative arts and to support initiatives that bring the benefits of creative activity to all members of the community. 

Elaine Wiersma is an assistant professor in the Master of Public Health Program at Lakehead University. Elaine’s research focuses on the experiences of aging and living with Alzheimer’s disease, and her research uses different creative expressions to capture the experiences of her research participants, including short stories and photographs. Elaine also has a background as a recreation therapist, and recognizes the importance of creative expression through all mediums as essential to life. When Elaine isn’t working, she is usually found in her garden with her son or planning for her garden.

Heather McLeod studied music theory and composition in University, paying for her education gigging as a jazz singer and guitarist and selling her home baking to her Montreal neighbours. Upon graduation she spent a decade touring North America as a songwriter and independent recording artist, moonlighting in journalism and community development on the few days she wasn't on the road. In 2002 she settled in Thunder Bay and started co-hosting Voyage North on CBC Radio. She lives half-way between Lappe and Thunder Bay on the farm on which her husband was raised, with their son, a herd of cats and acres of beautiful land to keep a gardener and wanna-be rancher busy forever
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