If you reach out to us with any administrative questions, concerns or issues, Katlin is likely to be the one responding and taking care of you. You can reach her directly at katlin@vergepermaculture.ca or through the contact form on our website.

Mitch comes to us with a BSc. in physical geography with a concentration in Earth Systems from the University of Victoria (BC, Canada), and an MSc. in physical geography (applied meteorology) from the University of Otago in New Zealand where he researched the utilization of machine learning for frost prediction in complex terrain, and the controlling meteorological variables of frost events.

In his spare time you can catch him outside taking photos, reading, running around or cycling, dipping in some cold water, going for walks with his cat, Smokey, or working on his latest funky sauerkraut recipe (Verge PDC Grad 2021)

Ben is a UBC graduate with a B.A. double major in Psychology and Anthropology. Ever curious about our cultural connection to natural environments, he took our online Permaculture Design Course and soon after made the trip from his home in Toronto to volunteer with us at our new farm. Two months later we brought him on as an Environmental Technologist and he’s been with us ever since. Ben plays a big role in planning + executing our courses and he might be the one taking care of you when you reach out via email! (Verge PDC Grad 2020)

Phila Hoopes is Verge’s long-time marketing copywriter, transitioning to the team in 2021 after serving as a freelance contractor for more than 10 years. A graduate of Verge’s 2020 Permaculture Design Course, she brings decades of combined copywriting, technical writing, and journalistic experience to her work.  She hails from Baltimore, Maryland, where she’s implementing her permaculture project and networking on stormwater management issues, rigorously supervised by three cats and wildlife of various species.

Takota is a 4th generation farmer who helps steward Coen Farm, a 250 acre award winning organic farm in Central Alberta that produces nutrient dense milk fed pork, grass fed beef, and forest garden fruits. In addition to farming, Takota works with famers, ranchers, and acreage owners across Canada to help them design for healthier land, healthier profits and the time to enjoy both. He holds a Permaculture Design Certificate from The Permaculture Research Institute, a Holistic Management Certificate from Holistic Management International, and a Red Seal Journeyman Certificate for Carpentry. (Verge PDC Grad 2016)

The lead instructor for the Verge PDC, Carmen has had a varied career, working for the Alberta government in the fields of sustainable resource management, forestry and privately in silviculture, soils and horticulture. As founder and owner of Calgary’s URBAN FARM SCHOOL, as well as the Urban Farm Permaculture Project, she is dedicated to helping emerging gardeners and permaculture enthusiasts gain the freedom, confidence and skills they need to live more abundant, sustainable and resilient lives. Having grown food organically for over 4 decades, Carmen gets excited about helping others cultivate great food, and in turn, great selves.  (Verge PDC Grad 2013)

Initially an architectural graduate, Jen first heard of permaculture on a trip to Sierra Leone with Earthship Biotecture in 2011, but wasn’t formally introduced to it until she took a few introductory workshops with Jardins sans Frontières in Montreal. Everything seemed new yet was so basic; permaculture struck such a chord with Jen that she felt like her brain was being rewired. After taking the Verge’s Professional Development PDC with 1-on-1 mentoring, Jen moved away from architecture and interior design to launch her own company so she can merge her love for design, technical skills, and health. (Verge PDC Grad 2017).

Ben is a UBC graduate with a B.A. double major in Psychology and Anthropology. Ever curious about our cultural connection to natural environments, he took our online Permaculture Design Course and soon after made the trip from his home in Toronto to volunteer with us at our new farm. Two months later we brought him on as an Environmental Technologist and he’s been with us ever since. Ben plays a big role in planning + executing our courses and he might be the one taking care of you when you reach out via email! (Verge PDC Grad 2020)

Kalista has a diploma in Renewable Resource Management and has been working in the field as an environmental field technician, environmental educator and environmental program coordinator for more than a decade. She has taken a variety of courses and certificates in topics such as wetland and stream health and restoration, aquaponics, passive solar greenhouse design, sustainable building, beekeeping, and more. Through Avalily Permaculture and The EarthSkills Institute she helps people create holistic human habitats and aims to equip people with the knowledge and tools necessary to be self-sufficient, resilient and healthy. (Verge PDC Grad 2016)