CHRIS GENT
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Originally from Vancouver Island, Chris spent over a decade exploring the globe before choosing to make his home in the Columbia Valley 21 years ago. Chris has always had a love of the outdoors, finding beauty in nature. This passion, combined with creativity helps bring each design to life. Chris strives to work together with clients to create a beautiful outdoor space that is unique to their needs and lifestyle.
JOHN NEWTON
PRESIDENT
John is a retired businessman with experience in initiating projects and serves on a number of public service boards. With a relative in long-term care, he has the time and desire to lead CHES and develop the healing garden.
BILL BONNER
VICE PRESIDENT
Bill has been a full-time resident of Invermere since 2014. Prior to making Invermere his permanent home, Bill was involved in numerous charitable endeavors in Calgary. Bill's wife, Debbie, was a resident of Columbia House until she passed away in 2017. As a tribute to Debbie's legacy, Bill made the Healing Garden project, and the benefits it will provide to others like Debbie, his personal charitable priority.
LINDA GOBLE
BOARD MEMBER
Linda is the recreation program coordinator for Columbia House, where she plans activities for the residents who live in the home. Linda has recently moved from the West Coast after working in the recreation field for 30 years. She has a passion for recreation, health, and wellness for seniors. She loves gardening and has studied permaculture. She enjoys the outdoors and loves calling the Columbia Valley her home. Linda joined CHES to act as a liaison for Columbia House and to provide input on the needs of the residents as the garden progresses.
JOHANA ROGGEMAN
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
Johana’s deeply held belief in living a life of greater purpose through touching lives has led her to follow her heart into working with non-profit organizations. She has immense experience in web design and online marketing, gained through working in the IT industry with big corporations like Siemens and IBM. As the founder of www.Holamedia.ca and www.rpurpose.ca, she is on a mission to contribute to the social good in all forms. When she is not helping her clients, she enjoys going on long walks in nature with her husband and son.
BETTY NEWTON
COHO FAMILY COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON
Betty is retired from business and is now able to practice and teach Yin Yoga and Qi Gong. Betty has been involved with CoHo for 10 years as her two sisters went into long-term care at ages 54 and 60. She feels the Healing Garden is important to create a safe and beautiful outdoor space for residents, families, friends, and staff. "We are a ‘family’ at CoHo, and the gardens are a part of 'home.' Having a beautiful garden to relax and visit in will bring happiness to all and peace in life’s journey.
DANIEL ZURGILGEN
BOARD MEMBER
Daniel immigrated to Canada from Switzerland in the early '70s and has been a businessman and entrepreneur in the Columbia Valley since 1980. He has been a board member for various organizations and volunteer committees. Daniel and his family love all the recreation the valley offers. Recently retired, Daniel is looking forward to supporting the CoHo Enhancement Society.
ELIZABETH SHOPLAND
HEAD GARDENER
“A healing garden experience for all to enjoy is one that is specifically designed to tantalize the senses, engage the mind, body, heart, and soul, and whisper its wisdom to all who seek it,” says Elizabeth M. Shopland, head gardener of the CoHo Community Garden. Elizabeth has lived in the Columbia Valley for over 25 years and is a well-respected horticulturist, horticulture therapist, garden designer, and consultant. Over the past 18 years, her business, Nature Inspired Living Co., has remained rooted in nurturing our healing and sense of overall well-being by enhancing our awareness and re-connection with nature.
DOUG McROBBIE
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Hybrid Landscapes serves the Columbia Valley in beautiful British Columbia, including Invermere, Windermere, Radium Hot Springs, Fairmont Hot Springs, and beyond. Drawn by the beauty of the area and ample outdoor recreation opportunities, Doug and his family moved to the Columbia Valley 20 years ago. Doug brings 25 years of landscape design and construction experience to Hybrid, and his strength lies in working cooperatively with all clients and budgets to create welcoming, beautiful outdoor spaces. Doug continues to expand Hybrid’s portfolio, employing both traditional and contemporary design elements.
