Meet Our Team
Board of Directors
Corinne
Durston
Henry
Sielmann
Born and raised on a farm in Germany, Henry pursued a career in industry without ever losing his passion for nature. Henry holds a M.Sc. in Engineering Physics and managed various technology and energy projects. Now happily retired in the Okanagan Valley, Henry is free to share his love of the outdoors and help promote a responsible use of our natural resources.
Lori
Goldman
Lori is an ESL teacher and former business owner who cares about social justice. She is a world traveler who has known extreme air pollution in China and Nepal. Lori is active in the community volunteering with seniors and animals, striking for the climate, and encouraging others to participate for a future of climate justice. She loves birding, hiking the Penticton hills and waterways, and learning languages.
Khati
Hendry
Khati is a recently retired family physician with a strong interest in community health and the environment, especially forests. She worked in immigrant health centres in California, bought a hybrid car in 2001, and moved to the Okanagan in 2004. She has been distressed to see the predicted climate changes accelerating, and is keen to mobilize people to do all we can for a better future. Interests include exploring nature, drawing and always learning.
Corinne
Durston
Corinne grew up in small Manitoba towns. After doing her BA at the University of Winnipeg, she moved to Vancouver to do her MLS and then worked as a librarian for over 30 years.
After retirement she served on the Friends of the Vancouver Public Library Board.
Since moving to Penticton, she has worked as a wedding officiant and became involved with the Grandmothers for Africa.
As a grandmother and great grandmother she is passionate about acting to create a liveable planet.
Jim Beattie
Jim has been a farmer, farm representative for government, and farmworker advocate. He represented Penticton as an MLA in the 1990s. Active in the South Okanagan Environmental Coalition, he fought against pesticide use in Okanagan Lake. He is a member of a Naramata Truth and Reconciliation Group and Musaic Vocal Ensemble.
Kathleen Davies
Kathleen taught high school in Australia, and was a lawyer practicing in Edmonton before retiring to the South Okanagan. Kathleen enjoys music, dance and reading, and is passionate about being physically active and outside in nature.
Margaret Holm
Margaret has worked in outreach and education for cultural and conservation organizations as a researcher, writer and program facilitator. She now devotes time to climate engagement, environmental conservation, gardening, and staying active.
Sue Kirschmann
Sue grew up in Penticton and feels fortunate to be back in the Okanagan, where she helps run her family’s vineyard and farm. She has degrees in Biology and Health Information Science, along with a love of the natural world that has taken her to many remote corners of BC. She is happy to have found FTFO, and is committed to turning her concern about climate change into action for positive change.