Member (Stakeholder)

Sharon received her undergraduate degree in osteopathic medicine in London, England.  She holds master's degrees in adult education, community music, and a PhD in sociology with a special interest in the social determinants of health.  After working in clinical practice for a number of years, she entered the postsecondary education system to teach  undergraduate anatomy, physiology, pathology, lifespan development, social inclusion, and mental health.  Sharon is a classically trained musician, and a multi-instrumentalist.  As a community mus

Dr Bhuvan Awasthi is a cognitive neuroscientist, with research expertise in the science of human consciousness, emotions and decision making. Dr Bhuvan has degrees in consciousness studies, cognitive science and life sciences from Australian and Indian institutions, as well as yogic and spiritual training from the contemplative traditions of India.

Jivasu is a pediatrician who went on to study integrative mind-body medicine at Harvard Medical School and Acupuncture in Sri Lanka and Canada. Based on his transformation, his work focuses on the bio-psychological architecture of what he calls ‘Soma. The Soma framework explores the scientific basis of healing traumas, living in our somatic self, and attaining complete health and transformation. 

Distinguished Professor Emeritus and currently Director of the Centre for Dialogue & Spirituality in the World Religions at Renison University College/University of Waterloo, he was educated at Concordia College (BA Philosophy & Political Science), Harvard Divinity School (STB, Theology), and the Institute of Christian Thought, St. Michael’s University College (PhD, Special Religious Studies). He taught at Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier) 1967-69 and Renison College, University of Waterloo (1973-2007).

Sanjiv Talwar is an international senior financial executive with over 25 years of experience in multinational banking institutions in Canada, Europe and Asia. Mr. Talwar focused on the use of advanced quantitative techniques for value generation, integrated risk and capital management as well as e-commerce. In addition to Spiritual Heritage Education Network Inc. (SHEN), Sanjiv currently is on the advisory board for Banyan Investment Group. Dr. Talwar holds a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Ingrid Brand has worked as a senior administrator, in higher education, in Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait. Her seven years of international experience has afforded a view into higher education management through different cultural lenses and these have fortified her commitment to building bridges between cultures by fostering cultural and intercultural awareness, understanding, and intercultural empathy.

Dr. Sanjeev Bedi is Professor of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo for the past 28 years. At University of Waterloo he was a key player in the design and implementation of the Mechatronics Engineering program. Since its inception in 2003, Mechatronics program has evolved into a premier program of the Faculty of Engineering. In addition, Prof. Bedi has authored many research articles and supervised graduate students, many of whom are leading their own initiatives in different universities and companies all over the world. Prof.

SHEN ( Spiritual Heritage Education Network) is happy to have Barbara Bedford join the SHEN Board of Directors. Barb retired in 2013 from an exciting career in the Travel Industry as National Sales and Marketing Manager for a well-known Canadian cruise wholesaler.

In his working life, Late Dr. Peter Morris was a professional geologist. Now he is the president of Abrazos Canada , an independent charitable organization located in Waterloo Canada. The goal of Abrazos Canada is to work with small organizations and local groups in Latin America, at the beginning of their activities or perhaps in the initial stages of development.

Vicky Garach moved to the Waterloo region from Toronto with her husband in 1990 to live and work as a CDR and CPDA in his dental practice. While working, she continued her certification in the Ontario Management and Development Program at Conestoga College in Kitchener, ON.

Her priority and focus was in caring and nurturing her growing family of three children. Vickyʼs spiritual interest started in 2010 , which led her to pursue a certification as a primordial sound meditation Instructor from Chopra Center University, Carlsbad, California in 2012.