Our Leaders

Markku and his wife Leah are spearheading the vision and work of the Canadian A Rocha projects. Markku is a Professional Biologist and outdoor enthusiast and has worked as an environmental consultant in the private sector. He is passionate about helping people from all walks of life and experience the wonder of creation and the love of the creator. Markku enjoys cross country skiing and sailing, especially if they can be done with this wife and daughters Maya and Bryn.

David comes to A Rocha with work experience in outdoor recreation, biology, church ministry and teaching. The opportunity to serve as director of Brooksdale is an ever changing adventure, a living experiment of a community learning to live sustainably and faithfully. He enjoys hosting the diverse folk who come to visit, and is excited to see the biblical vision of stewardship, joyful simplicity and generous service take root and grow. His great loves include working alongside his wife Shauna, learning about life from his kids Aidan, Noah and Thea, good coffee, great books and getting lost outdoors.

Rick combines academic backgrounds in science and theology with a love for the outdoors. His desire is for people to integrate their spiritual life with their experience of the created world. With A Rocha, he works alongside schools, churches, and community groups to coordinate adult education in a variety of forms including lectures, classes, conferences, and outdoor excursions. Rick, his wife Crista, son Jared, and daughter Zoë live and play at the A Rocha Field Study Centre in Surrey, BC.

Luke values sustainability and community living, and has a desire to live a life of worship; A Rocha was a natural fit. He brings his experiences in marketing from World Vision and The Sierra Club. Luke recently finished a Masters of Business in Nonprofit Management and is very excited about the Canadian vision for A Rocha's work.

Steven brings significant leadership and business management experience along with a love for creation and people. He worked for many years in tree planting, concluding this career as a partner in one of Canada’s largest silviculture companies. Most recently, Steven's role at the BC Forest Safety Council included direction of provincial training and certification programs for forestry workers. Non-profit management experience includes stints as General Manager for Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre and Production Manager for the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Steven, along with his wife Deborah and children Hannah and Caleb, is thrilled to be putting down roots with A Rocha.