Our Team

Paula Gallo B.Ed., M.Sc.Pl. specializes in co-creating resilient and  participatory urban communities, with close to 20 years designing innovative engagement experiences, programs and child-friendly spaces for adults, children and youth. Through her work with Metro Vancouver, UNICEF Canada, Save the Children Sweden and Evergreen,  Paula has built healthier and more connected communities with schools, municipalities and businesses. She has co-created UNICEF Canada’s Rights Respecting School Initiative, Evergreen’s Professional Learning for Educators, and Evergreen’s Child-Friendly Placemaking and Participatory Design model. She started reflecting on what makes a great community for young people as a high school teacher in Scarborough, and also has a Masters’ in Planning from the University of Toronto. 

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Annie Vandenberg, B.Ed., designs inclusive participatory programs aimed at creating positive social and environmental change. Annie is passionate about initiatives that build capacity and foster a sense of community agency through art, nature and education. Annie applies a child-friendly lens to her work, ensuring even our youngest voices are heard. Annie has over 15 years of experience engaging diverse communities in the co-creation and development of programs that are immersive, experiential, and responsive to community wants and needs. She builds inclusive spaces as is demonstrated in her work at Evergreen managing the Public Art program, Children’s Educational programs and Ravine programs. She played a lead role in the transformation of the Evergreen Brick Works public site.   

As a Certified Teacher, her knowledge, skills, and design strategies equip people to drive lasting changes and support climate resiliency. Her favorite pastime is exploring Toronto’s parks and ravine network, and the many urban spaces that make up the City’s unique landscape. 

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