Our story

The Proulx Global Education and Community Foundation, a non-profit registered in British Columbia, was founded in Victoria, BC by two dedicated art therapists committed to establishing art therapy as a respected field in mental health. With a belief in the healing power of art, they created the Proulx Foundation to elevate art therapy as a transformative practice. Driven by a desire to train culturally sensitive, clinically competent therapists, we support high-quality art therapy education that prepares graduates to serve their communities responsibly. Through accessible art therapy programs and services, our mission extends beyond local borders, bringing low-barrier mental health support to communities in Canada and worldwide.

Our mission

The Proulx Global Education and Community Foundation is dedicated to providing high-quality art therapy education for adults, fostering the growth of compassionate, skilled therapists. Through innovative art therapy clinical services, we support individual and community development, using visual and expressive arts as powerful tools for healing and connection. Guided by our mission and a commitment to accessible mental health care, we strive to uplift communities locally and globally with transformative, culturally sensitive services.

Land acknowledgment

We respectfully acknowledge that we are living and working on the unceded traditional lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, known today as the Songhees, Esquimalt, and WSÁNEĆ Nations. We recognize their ongoing connection to these lands and waters, and their rich cultural and spiritual heritage, which continues to guide their stewardship.

As we acknowledge the legacy of colonialism that persists in shaping the lives and experiences of Indigenous peoples, we commit ourselves to active listening, learning, and meaningful allyship. In alignment with our mission to offer art therapy clinical services globally, we recognize the importance of decolonizing our practices. We pledge to engage with Indigenous knowledge, honor their stories, and work collaboratively to foster healing, equity, and a better future for all.

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Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is dedicated to guiding the Proulx Global Education and Community Foundation in fulfilling its mission of providing high-quality art therapy education and accessible mental health support. Each board member brings a unique background and commitment to our vision, helping to ensure that we make a meaningful impact locally and globally. Board members serve up to six years (two terms of three years), providing stability, insight, and leadership as we grow and evolve to meet the needs of our communities.

Laurie Ness Gordon

President

Laurie Ness Gordon lives on a waterfront property north of Kingston, Canada. She has worked as an educator, consultant, workshop presenter and writer. Her articles and short stories have appeared in newspapers and magazines in Canada and England. In 2014, Borealis Press published her debut novel, The Medal and subsequently released her second novel, Finding Home, in 2023. Laurie spent several years as a volunteer Project Manager for a touring art exhibition and is currently supporting Syrian Refugee families. She enjoys making music, travelling, swimming, shoveling snow and being ‘productive’. Her favourite holiday memory is a 5-week motorcycle trip across Canada.

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Debby Yaffe

Vice President

Debby (Deborah) Yaffe is a feminist, activist, and retired senior instructor in Women’s Studies at the University of Victoria.
After living in Europe and joining the women’s movement in London in the 1970s, she returned to the United States before settling in Victoria, British Columbia. There, she volunteered at Everywomen’s Books and worked for the Victoria Status of Women Action Group, focusing on issues like abortion rights. In 1990, Yaffe was invited to teach Introduction to Women’s Studies at UVic, where she worked until her retirement in 2004. She holds a master’s degree in Women’s Studies and received the UVic Alumni Association’s Award for Teaching Excellence in 2001. Yaffe co-founded the Victoria Women’s Movement Archives at UVic with archivist Jane Turner. Her publications include:

“Feminism in Principle and Practice: Everywomans Books,” Atlantis, Vol. 21, No. 1 (Fall, 1996), 154-157.
“Introducing Jewish Feminist Thought in a Women’s Studies Classroom,” Canadian Woman Studies, Vol. 16, No. 4 (Fall, 1996), 56-59.

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Stephen Connolly

Treasurer

Stephen Connolly retired from a 25-year career with the Government of British Columbia, specializing in Indigenous relations and reconciliation. As a negotiator, Stephen brings a decade of expertise in Treaty negotiations and reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities.
As a career bureaucrat with a commitment to fiscal responsibility, Stephen excels in the ability to put logic to dollars. Now serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Proulx Global Education and Community Foundation, Stephen continues his dedication to public service, contributing financial acumen and leadership to advance the organization’s mission.

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Michelle Winkel

Secretary

Michelle Winkel is an art therapist, trained facilitator, and supervisor with twenty years of experience working directly with groups, families, and individuals.
Since 1999, Michelle has used art therapy with businesses and organizations in group settings. Michelle has taught art therapy at [Loyola Marymount University](http://www.lmu.edu/), IPATT in Bangkok, BCSAT in British Columbia, and has served as the Executive Director of the B.C. School of Art Therapy. As a supervisor at a local school agency in California for five years, she co-designed and implemented a reflective practice program that worked with the Child Protective Agency and other agencies in the area to improve supervision, performance, and morale of front-line staff.

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