Empowering Self Advocates To Take Action Cooperative

James White has worked in the Community Living sector for 40 years in several roles. Now retired from his 9 to 5 he is working with his business partners on projects. He is a board member of The Learning Community for Person Centred practices. He is also a mentor/ support member of, an entrepreneurial co-operative who deliver presentations on a range of topics and use their own life experiences and skills to teach others.

Involved in Self advocacy for many years with great mentors by my side. I have been involved with ESATTA for about 7 years.

Ryan Groth is a cofounding member of ESATTA. He is the senior trainer of People Planning Together. This workshop is one of the ways that has allowed him to pursue his passion to support others to take a leadership role in their lives. He is also our main tech support person.

Shelley Nessman is a consultant and trainer. Passionate about Person Centered Planning as a way for people to lead good lives. Shelley is a founding member of ESATTA.

Kara is a mother of a son with a disability. She is passionate about advocacy work and has lived in Nanaimo, BC for over 10 years. Kara helps facilitate Welcome Workshops for CLBC and other projects.

Michael, living with a visual impairment, advocates for the "power of the white cane." He serves on multiple boards, including Inclusion BC and BCPF, and as Vice President of ESATTA. Michael spreads the message of self-advocacy and inclusivity through presentations with organizations like CLBC in the B.C. Community.

Barb Goode lives in Burnaby BC. She has been a devoted Self Advocate since the early Seventies. She is a founding member of ESATTA and has been involved for 13 years. Barb is passionate about plain language and dreams of a world where everyone uses it and understands one another.

Amber McGill is a dedicated leader and advocate committed to advancing inclusion, self-advocacy, and meaningful systems change. She serves as Individual & Family Support Program Facilitator with MSA Society for Community Living, is a Certified Trainer and supporter with ESATTA Cooperative, supports the BC Leadership Network Society, and is actively involved with Abbotsford Self-Advocates. She also consults on Representation Agreements through Nidus. Combining professional expertise with nearly two decades of lived experience, Amber has built a strong record of advocacy, leadership, and collaboration. Her work is grounded in removing barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring people with disabilities have the voice, choice, and support to lead change in their own lives and communities.