About

Beth Cougler Blom | Senior Learning Designer and Facilitator

Beth has more than 25 years of experience in the field of education, having worked in non-profit organizations, post-secondary environments, municipal government, and as an entrepreneur. She started designing online learning in 2005 when working with the Canadian Red Cross and further strengthened her in person facilitation skills while with Volunteer Victoria for a number of years. She created the company (as Beth Cougler Blom Facilitation) in 2011.

Beth was formerly an instructional designer with Royal Roads University, and remains an Associate Faculty member with them, facilitating in their Professional Certificate in Advanced Facilitation Practices. Beth co-stewards the Vancouver Island Liberating Structures User Group with several other people. She has been the convenor of the Victoria Facilitators Group since she started it in 2011.

Beth is the author of Design to Engage: How to Create and Facilitate a Great Learning Experience for Any Group, a “how to” book for people wanting to grow their skills in facilitating workshops. She launched her podcast, Facilitating on Purpose, in September 2022. Beth is a qualified Instructor and Trainer of the Instructional Skills Workshop. She has a Master of Education in Adult Education from the University of British Columbia, a Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University, and additional certificates in intercultural studies and volunteer management. Beth has lived abroad in both France and China.

You can often find Beth hanging out with her family and friends, reading a good book, baking something, walking in nature, and coming up with new ideas.

Anna McClean | Learning Designer and Facilitator

Anna has dedicated her career to facilitating experiential learning programs and driving positive change. Over the past 15 years, she has worked with many organizations across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, leading everything from hour-long workshops to large-scale culture change initiatives. 

She holds a Master of Education in Theoretical, Cultural, and International Studies in Education from the University of Alberta, and a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology and Latin American Studies from the University of Victoria. Alongside this, she has training in experiential education, emergent design, Liberating Structures, and graphic facilitation. 

When she’s not working, you’ll find Anna attempting to surf, reading a good book, and chasing after her very energetic toddler.

Jason Oliver | Learning Designer and Facilitator

Jason Oliver is passionate about learning, growth, and finding new ways to bring excitement to learners. He has over 20 years of experience using his teaching, educational technology, and wilderness education background to facilitate experiential learning for a variety of clients.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from North Carolina State University, and a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education from the University of British Columbia. He also holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Colorado, including a capstone project on emotional intelligence. Jason is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.

Jason spends many hours playing outdoors using human-powered recreation and is an experienced ultrarunner and adventure racer. He enjoys experiencing various cultures and recently spent 11 months travelling to 23 countries with his family. His current personal learning includes studying Spanish and growing vegetables.

Carla Green | Communications Coordinator

Carla has worked in the field of human rights and community development for over 20 years in Peru, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Canada. Most recently, she worked with immigrant and refugee newcomers, and various programs dedicated to building more welcoming, inclusive, and connected communities.

At the heart of Carla’s work is a passion for research, writing, and public engagement. These are the skills Carla looks most forward to using every day in her work in communications and writing, while also sharing her creativity, and love for colour and design.

Carla’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of British Columbia, and a Master of Arts in Political Science from Acadia University. She was fortunate to have completed her graduate research while working with women-led organizations in Zimbabwe, and then to live and work for several years in the upper east region of Ghana. These experiences formed the foundation of her knowledge about human rights and community engagement, and continue to inspire every aspect of her work here in Canada.

In addition to the work she does, Carla loves spending time with her family, coming up with new and creative projects, and planning travel adventures near and far.

Karyn Lemberg | Learning Technologist

Karyn Lemberg has 20 years of experience in Multimedia Design and eLearning Development, having previously held positions as an eLearning Designer/Developer, Web & Multimedia Designer, Animator, and Illustrator for both print and online courses. Currently a Senior Learning Technologist at Royal Roads University, she supports faculty with online course development and tweaking of technologies. Also a freelance contractor, she loves creating interactive online modules primarily using Articulate Storyline.

Karyn’s formal education includes courses in Fine Arts from Malaspina College, Education from the University of Victoria, and an Advanced Animation Diploma with Honours from the Computer Master Institute of Technology. A combination of interests in both Design and Education is an excellent fit for designing effective and attractive learning experiences. Her skills include web design, illustration, interactive e-learning solutions, 2D animation, and 3D animation. She is constantly expanding her knowledge by participating in online learning opportunities and testing various apps and plugins.

When there is time to relax, Karyn enjoys being out in the garden with a camera, reading, and walking on the beach with her two dogs.

Emily Johnston | Graphic Designer & Illustrator

Emily believes in using design to help uplift compassionate ideas, inspire positive change, and connect with the world around us. Over the past 10 years, Emily has worked with a variety of businesses and organizations, providing services for branding, web and print design, and illustration. In 2019, she started her own studio, Artio Design, to continue to help fellow entrepreneurs and bring their ideas to life in their creative endeavours.

Emily’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design from Vancouver Island University, with additional studies in areas of printmaking, business marketing, and psychology. Alongside this, she is always striving to improve her skills and knowledge through online learning around green graphic design and ethical design practices.

Outside of design, you’ll often find Emily working on a string of creative projects or spending time in the garden. She also enjoys hiking, bird watching, and planning new travel adventures.