LANCE WHITE
Board Chair
Lance and his wife Diane have a son who was incarcerated from the age of 17 to 27. This couple gained firsthand experience about the toll of incarceration on the person behind bars and their family. Lance saw EPP Founder Susan Olesek speak about EPP for the first time at the International Enneagram Association Conference in 2012. Sitting in the front row, he was immediately struck by the importance of EPP’s mission. Usually publicly stoic, Lance sat and cried throughout the presentation.
Educated at Kenyon College, Miami University (BS Finance), and Harvard University (MBA), Lance is a businessman and an entrepreneur, who spent the majority of his career acquiring, growing and selling a sanitation services company in the US. He has also been involved in a significant number of startups and small business acquisitions as an investor, board member and/or advisor. A life-long advocate of education, Lance has also served on the board of five education-oriented organizations, including Miami University’s highly-rated Entrepreneurship Program.
An Enneagram Type 3, Lance first encountered the Enneagram when he brought it into his company in 2009. He immediately embraced “the work” in his personal life as well, becoming a Certified Enneagram Teacher/Trainer in the Narrative Tradition. The sale of his business in 2013 coincided with EPP’s vision to become a worldwide organization. Since then, Lance and Diane have provided significant financial support to EPP, and they have been loyal champions of EPP’s mission at home and abroad. Lance agreed to serve as Interim Board Chair of EPP Canada starting in Dec 2022
Board Chair
Lance and his wife Diane have a son who was incarcerated from the age of 17 to 27. This couple gained firsthand experience about the toll of incarceration on the person behind bars and their family. Lance saw EPP Founder Susan Olesek speak about EPP for the first time at the International Enneagram Association Conference in 2012. Sitting in the front row, he was immediately struck by the importance of EPP’s mission. Usually publicly stoic, Lance sat and cried throughout the presentation.
Educated at Kenyon College, Miami University (BS Finance), and Harvard University (MBA), Lance is a businessman and an entrepreneur, who spent the majority of his career acquiring, growing and selling a sanitation services company in the US. He has also been involved in a significant number of startups and small business acquisitions as an investor, board member and/or advisor. A life-long advocate of education, Lance has also served on the board of five education-oriented organizations, including Miami University’s highly-rated Entrepreneurship Program.
An Enneagram Type 3, Lance first encountered the Enneagram when he brought it into his company in 2009. He immediately embraced “the work” in his personal life as well, becoming a Certified Enneagram Teacher/Trainer in the Narrative Tradition. The sale of his business in 2013 coincided with EPP’s vision to become a worldwide organization. Since then, Lance and Diane have provided significant financial support to EPP, and they have been loyal champions of EPP’s mission at home and abroad. Lance agreed to serve as Interim Board Chair of EPP Canada starting in Dec 2022
HEATHER NEELY
Board Chair
Born and raised in Southern California, Heather moved to Madrid after college to teach English, become fluent in Spanish and broaden her horizons. As a heart-centred Enneagram Type 2, Heather has been on a voyage of discovery since she was a young girl, passionately sharing what she learns with others. After completing her Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology, Heather’s passion for learning was nourished at New Ventures West where she became a coach and learned of the Enneagram. In 2008, she completed studies at the Enneagram Institute, then weaved Enneagram wisdom into her personal and professional life.
Since the mid-1990s, Heather has developed a successful coaching practice which incorporates Enneagram teachings, Generative Leadership and the Personal Excellence Program (PEP), a mindfulness based organizational transformation process. PEP has won several industry awards including: Harvard Business Review/McKinsey Management Challenge and PCMA Prism Award 2010 for most innovative coaching program. She’s helped c-suite executives, senior leaders, managers and teams achieve lasting, sustainable improvements to their leadership and teamwork skills by understanding their core personality patterns and how to free themselves from such patterns.
In 2018, Heather was introduced to the Enneagram Prison Project and became one of EPP’s first guides, initially delivering EPP’s training to inmates in California. One of her gifts, particularly with people who are hurting, is her ability to see people exactly for who they are and to help them remember their own lovability. Heather lives in both the US and Canada with her husband, two grown up stepsons and two teenagers.
Board Chair
Born and raised in Southern California, Heather moved to Madrid after college to teach English, become fluent in Spanish and broaden her horizons. As a heart-centred Enneagram Type 2, Heather has been on a voyage of discovery since she was a young girl, passionately sharing what she learns with others. After completing her Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology, Heather’s passion for learning was nourished at New Ventures West where she became a coach and learned of the Enneagram. In 2008, she completed studies at the Enneagram Institute, then weaved Enneagram wisdom into her personal and professional life.
Since the mid-1990s, Heather has developed a successful coaching practice which incorporates Enneagram teachings, Generative Leadership and the Personal Excellence Program (PEP), a mindfulness based organizational transformation process. PEP has won several industry awards including: Harvard Business Review/McKinsey Management Challenge and PCMA Prism Award 2010 for most innovative coaching program. She’s helped c-suite executives, senior leaders, managers and teams achieve lasting, sustainable improvements to their leadership and teamwork skills by understanding their core personality patterns and how to free themselves from such patterns.
In 2018, Heather was introduced to the Enneagram Prison Project and became one of EPP’s first guides, initially delivering EPP’s training to inmates in California. One of her gifts, particularly with people who are hurting, is her ability to see people exactly for who they are and to help them remember their own lovability. Heather lives in both the US and Canada with her husband, two grown up stepsons and two teenagers.
SHEILA O'GORMAN
Board Director, Founding Member
Sheila O’Gorman brings to the EPP Canada board extensive experience over the past 25 years as a public relations strategist and advisor on media relations, public affairs and fundraising for various public and private sector groups such as Canada 125 Corporation, Nunavut Celebrations, Canadian Native Arts Foundation, Canadian Museum of History and Environment Canada. Ms. O’Gorman’s previous board experience includes Governor General Performing Arts Awards and other boards. Passionate about the causes and clients she supports, as an Enneagram Type 2, her caring engagement and results-oriented approach led to the success of a number of notable Canadian causes where she lobbied the Canadian government and performed fundraising.
Sheila has also worked in film financing, successfully attracting private investments and sponsorships for Canadian feature films such as Passchendaele, a World War I film for which she helped secure more than $8 million in private funding. Sheila was also retained for Telefilm Canada’s private fund to support Canada's next generation of filmmakers by raising in excess of $16 million through public-private partnerships. The Fund’s advisory committee comprised distinguished business leaders and philanthropists from across Canada.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Sheila believes it’s a privilege to bring the Enneagram Prison Project to Canada and be part of EPP’s global community. Consistent with her “Altruistic Giver” approach, she leverages her heart with knowledge to assist in effecting transformative change. As her fundraising efforts for many causes have demonstrated, it is in the giving that we truly receive.
Board Director, Founding Member
Sheila O’Gorman brings to the EPP Canada board extensive experience over the past 25 years as a public relations strategist and advisor on media relations, public affairs and fundraising for various public and private sector groups such as Canada 125 Corporation, Nunavut Celebrations, Canadian Native Arts Foundation, Canadian Museum of History and Environment Canada. Ms. O’Gorman’s previous board experience includes Governor General Performing Arts Awards and other boards. Passionate about the causes and clients she supports, as an Enneagram Type 2, her caring engagement and results-oriented approach led to the success of a number of notable Canadian causes where she lobbied the Canadian government and performed fundraising.
Sheila has also worked in film financing, successfully attracting private investments and sponsorships for Canadian feature films such as Passchendaele, a World War I film for which she helped secure more than $8 million in private funding. Sheila was also retained for Telefilm Canada’s private fund to support Canada's next generation of filmmakers by raising in excess of $16 million through public-private partnerships. The Fund’s advisory committee comprised distinguished business leaders and philanthropists from across Canada.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Sheila believes it’s a privilege to bring the Enneagram Prison Project to Canada and be part of EPP’s global community. Consistent with her “Altruistic Giver” approach, she leverages her heart with knowledge to assist in effecting transformative change. As her fundraising efforts for many causes have demonstrated, it is in the giving that we truly receive.
GONZALO PERALTA
Board Member
Gonzalo Peralta’s life is a blend of cultures, education and human development. After spending his childhood in China and Chile, he arrived in Canada with his family as refugees in 1974. His mother’s creation of a language school with a brilliant experiential teaching methodology were foundational to Gonzalo’s path. By the age of 17, he was teaching Spanish to adults in college. He gave back through work on boards of immigration and education non-profits. Under his leadership as Executive Director, Languages Canada, a national non-profit, has become a significant contributor to Canada’s international education ecosystem and a respected body worldwide, setting standards and helping members connect with partners globally.
As a Type 9, Gonzalo was struck with the wholeness of the Enneagram when he discovered it in the late 1970’s through the teaching of Gurdjieff. In 2005, he studied at the Enneagram Institute with founders Russ Hudson and Don Riso and began his studies in the spiritual path, The Diamond Approach. The combination of the two accelerated his growth and development as he continued learning about the many dimensions of our human potential. When he encountered the Enneagram Prison Project, the depth and compassion of the EPP approach deeply resonated with him. He became involved as a learner and contributed to the redesign of EPP’s Guide Training Program. His role on the board of EPP Canada is a way for Gonzalo to give back, to do the work together. “None of us are free until we are all free.”
Board Member
Gonzalo Peralta’s life is a blend of cultures, education and human development. After spending his childhood in China and Chile, he arrived in Canada with his family as refugees in 1974. His mother’s creation of a language school with a brilliant experiential teaching methodology were foundational to Gonzalo’s path. By the age of 17, he was teaching Spanish to adults in college. He gave back through work on boards of immigration and education non-profits. Under his leadership as Executive Director, Languages Canada, a national non-profit, has become a significant contributor to Canada’s international education ecosystem and a respected body worldwide, setting standards and helping members connect with partners globally.
As a Type 9, Gonzalo was struck with the wholeness of the Enneagram when he discovered it in the late 1970’s through the teaching of Gurdjieff. In 2005, he studied at the Enneagram Institute with founders Russ Hudson and Don Riso and began his studies in the spiritual path, The Diamond Approach. The combination of the two accelerated his growth and development as he continued learning about the many dimensions of our human potential. When he encountered the Enneagram Prison Project, the depth and compassion of the EPP approach deeply resonated with him. He became involved as a learner and contributed to the redesign of EPP’s Guide Training Program. His role on the board of EPP Canada is a way for Gonzalo to give back, to do the work together. “None of us are free until we are all free.”
KATE ROSS LEBLANC
Board Director, Guide Apprentice
Kate Ross LeBlanc, co-founder and board director of Saje Natural Wellness, lives by a mission to create global wellness. A pioneer of Saje’s natural wellness product line and passionate about holistic happiness, Kate’s visionary approach to leadership, company culture and business led her to be featured in the Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs list by Chatelaine Magazine and honoured as the 2016 Pacific Entrepreneur of the Year for Retail and Hospitality. Identifying as an Enneagram Type 7, Kate’s fascination with happiness led her on a life-long journey to uncover its true meaning, and her discoveries continue to motivate and inspire her every day. Kate's value of growth extends into her enthusiasm to learn about the world and people around her and is the backbone of her close relationship with her family.
Kate’s journey with EPP began in 2020, when she attended an IEA conference. Several conversations later, and after completing the first two of EPP’s public programs, Kate and her husband provided the first significant financial contribution to EPP Canada; they have been loyal champions of EPP Canada ever since. Kate now serves on EPP Canada’s Board and is apprenticing as an EPP Guide. Born and raised in small-town Ontario, Kate is excited to bring EPP’s powerful work to Canada. This is where her mission of global wellness meets EPP’s vision of Freeing People all Over the World from the Prisons of Our Own Making.
Board Director, Guide Apprentice
Kate Ross LeBlanc, co-founder and board director of Saje Natural Wellness, lives by a mission to create global wellness. A pioneer of Saje’s natural wellness product line and passionate about holistic happiness, Kate’s visionary approach to leadership, company culture and business led her to be featured in the Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs list by Chatelaine Magazine and honoured as the 2016 Pacific Entrepreneur of the Year for Retail and Hospitality. Identifying as an Enneagram Type 7, Kate’s fascination with happiness led her on a life-long journey to uncover its true meaning, and her discoveries continue to motivate and inspire her every day. Kate's value of growth extends into her enthusiasm to learn about the world and people around her and is the backbone of her close relationship with her family.
Kate’s journey with EPP began in 2020, when she attended an IEA conference. Several conversations later, and after completing the first two of EPP’s public programs, Kate and her husband provided the first significant financial contribution to EPP Canada; they have been loyal champions of EPP Canada ever since. Kate now serves on EPP Canada’s Board and is apprenticing as an EPP Guide. Born and raised in small-town Ontario, Kate is excited to bring EPP’s powerful work to Canada. This is where her mission of global wellness meets EPP’s vision of Freeing People all Over the World from the Prisons of Our Own Making.
DUSTIN BALDWIN
Board Director, Ambassador
Dustin Baldwin was born and raised in a small town in California. His academic and professional life is focused on wastewater treatment.
Dustin was introduced to the Enneagram Prison Project while incarcerated and he is now an active Ambassador. From the age of 18, when he entered San Quentin State Prison for the first time, to the age of 38, Dustin spent approximately a decade in and out of California jails and prisons. Keen to reform his life, Dustin completed EPP’s in-custody course three times, and post release he continued his self-awareness work.
EPP helped Dustin find himself and reconnect with his unique divine spark as a strong Type 8. His path to transformation and healing has been quite a journey - illuminating his patterns and the way out. He now understands why he does what he does, can pause and make space when feeling reactive, and he’s learned how to consistently practice emotional responsibility. Dustin knows that the work never ends and that it is easy to fall back into patterned ways of being. He continues to do his work every day with the support of family, friends, his partner, fellow EPP Ambassadors, and EPP’s caring community.
Dustin is committed to courageously sharing his lived experience across the world and adding his voice to the development of the Enneagram Prison Project in Canada.
Board Director, Ambassador
Dustin Baldwin was born and raised in a small town in California. His academic and professional life is focused on wastewater treatment.
Dustin was introduced to the Enneagram Prison Project while incarcerated and he is now an active Ambassador. From the age of 18, when he entered San Quentin State Prison for the first time, to the age of 38, Dustin spent approximately a decade in and out of California jails and prisons. Keen to reform his life, Dustin completed EPP’s in-custody course three times, and post release he continued his self-awareness work.
EPP helped Dustin find himself and reconnect with his unique divine spark as a strong Type 8. His path to transformation and healing has been quite a journey - illuminating his patterns and the way out. He now understands why he does what he does, can pause and make space when feeling reactive, and he’s learned how to consistently practice emotional responsibility. Dustin knows that the work never ends and that it is easy to fall back into patterned ways of being. He continues to do his work every day with the support of family, friends, his partner, fellow EPP Ambassadors, and EPP’s caring community.
Dustin is committed to courageously sharing his lived experience across the world and adding his voice to the development of the Enneagram Prison Project in Canada.
SHAKEELA BEGUM, JD, PCC
Board Director
Shakeela was born in England to parents of Kasmiri descent. She became a youth advocate at the age of 15 while in foster care for the ‘Who Cares?’ Trust, advocating for the rights of children looked after by the government. Her passion was highlighting the importance of education and post transition support beyond the age of 16. She moved to Vancouver in 1997 after finishing her Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice in London, England. Attracted to the power of the law to make meaningful changes, she pursued a graduate degree in Law at the University of British Columbia and practiced law in a downtown firm before joining UBC as Director, Gift and Estate Planning.
Drawn to social causes, Shakeela’s other non-profit work includes summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya for charity, active participation on the Membership Committee for the International Women’s Forum, former President of the Society for Youth and Children and volunteering with the Minerva Foundation.
Shakeela was first introduced to the Enneagram while completing her Integral Coaching certification. An energetic Type 7, she recognized the power of using the Enneagram as a tool for transformation and as a compliment to her spiritual path. Her introduction to the Enneagram Prison Project brought her full circle back to her passion of bringing educational opportunities to marginalized populations. In 2022, she completed EPP’s Guide Training Program and is excited about delivering EPP Canada’s In Custody Program.
Board Director
Shakeela was born in England to parents of Kasmiri descent. She became a youth advocate at the age of 15 while in foster care for the ‘Who Cares?’ Trust, advocating for the rights of children looked after by the government. Her passion was highlighting the importance of education and post transition support beyond the age of 16. She moved to Vancouver in 1997 after finishing her Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice in London, England. Attracted to the power of the law to make meaningful changes, she pursued a graduate degree in Law at the University of British Columbia and practiced law in a downtown firm before joining UBC as Director, Gift and Estate Planning.
Drawn to social causes, Shakeela’s other non-profit work includes summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya for charity, active participation on the Membership Committee for the International Women’s Forum, former President of the Society for Youth and Children and volunteering with the Minerva Foundation.
Shakeela was first introduced to the Enneagram while completing her Integral Coaching certification. An energetic Type 7, she recognized the power of using the Enneagram as a tool for transformation and as a compliment to her spiritual path. Her introduction to the Enneagram Prison Project brought her full circle back to her passion of bringing educational opportunities to marginalized populations. In 2022, she completed EPP’s Guide Training Program and is excited about delivering EPP Canada’s In Custody Program.
