Our team
Based upon your organization's risk management needs, ESI will form a team of professionals to execute the project.
Mark Gillan
ESI CEO & Founder, NFPA Level III Instructor, ICS Canada Instructor
Mark leads the ESI team in conducting risk assessments, training, program, and plan review, exercise scenario development, exercise facilitation, and evaluation as well as compiling final After Action Review documentation and recommendations. Under Mark’s leadership, there have been six (6) Federal research and development projects conceived and executed by the ESI team. Service has been provided for various critical infrastructures, such as Port Saint John, Point Lepreau Generating Station, Canaport Liquefied Natural Gas, Saint John Energy, as well as corporations like Atlantic Potash, Mead Johnson Nutrition, and the Mosaic Company.
Mark has led teams of ESI personnel to assist corporations like Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and 7 Mi’kmaq communities in their resiliency strategy. Mark has conducted over 150 corporate validation exercises and evaluations in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, and India. As lead evaluator, Mark has authored reports on behalf of clients for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Transport Canada. In 2014, Mark wrote the International Hazardous Materials Operations Plan under the International Emergency Management Assistance Compact (IEMAC) on behalf of Defense Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and International Emergency Management Group (IEMG) members.
Prior to founding Emergency Solutions International, Mark served the City of Saint John Fire Department as an active firefighter, Hazardous Materials/CBRN-E technician. Mark finished his 26-year career with the Fire Service in the position of Deputy Chief and Director of the Saint John Emergency Management Organization. During his tenure in the Fire Service, Mark worked for over 8 years on the Rescue Squad. The focus of this team at fires was the search and rescue of trapped civilians. He was accommodated 5 times for civilian rescues.
As a Hazardous Materials Technician, he was chosen as one of the first firefighters in Canada to attend the country’s counter-terrorism program. As Divisional Chief in charge of Training, Mark was instrumental in designing and implementing the Saint John Fire Department’s “Save Our Own” program and Incident Command System. Mark has served as Incident Commander, Safety Officer, and Emergency Site Manager at a number of serious incidents. On several activations of the Saint John Emergency Management Organization, Mark has fulfilled the roles of Fire Services Representative and manager of the Emergency Operations Centre. From September 13-16, 2001, Mark assisted at Ground Zero in New York City. In the final year of service with the City of Saint John, he was the Director of Saint John Emergency Management Organization.
In relation to our nation’s preparedness: Mark has completed advanced training at CFB Suffield and has served through the Centre for Security Science as a Senior Special Advisor in the area of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive response. In this role Mark has successfully completed projects related to implementing Capability Based Planning within the public sector; specifically, in the areas of conducting Consolidated Risk Assessments through the identification of Full Spectrum Threat Scenarios. Further to the Consolidated Risk Assessments, Mark has facilitated and produced Capability Analysis/Gap Analysis within the provinces of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
Mark obtained his Bachelor of Business degree in 1998 from the University of New Brunswick and has completed the Dalhousie University, Certificate in Incident Command, the Canadian Association of Fire Chief’s “Chief Fire Officer” designation (CFO), and the British: Institute of Fire Engineer’s “Member’s Level” designation (MIFireE) award. Mark has completed tactical programs at Texas A&M University, has studied Incident Command at the U.S. National Fire Academy, and also completed the Leadership in Crisis program at Harvard University.
Mariann Patstone
Chief Administrative Officer
Canadian Security Clearance:
(Level II)Prior to joining Emergency Solutions International, Mariann spent 12 years as a project manager for a large oil refining company. In her role as the project manager, Mariann was responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of business process improvements, development of human resource practices, and the implementation of IT and telecommunications solutions for multi-million dollar projects. Mariann is currently the Business Manager for ESI and lends her project management expertise to special projects.
William (Bill) Todd
MBA PMP
Canadian Security Clearance:
(Level II)Beginning in the early 1980’s, Bill has held a number of diverse and senior positions with the City of Saint John encompassing real estate management, housing planning, development and management, facility and space planning, information technology and systems management, public safety communications, emergency management and police administration.
He retired as Chief Administrative Officer for the Saint John Police Force in 2012. In 2013, he founded BGT Consultants Inc, a consulting firm specializing in project management, municipal government and public safety. BGT has undertaken and managed several projects: for the City of Fredericton (site evaluation, planning, design and construction of a new communications centre; planning and preparation for the integration with the New Brunswick Trunk Mobile Radio Network), for the Province of New Brunswick (review and evaluation of the delivery of 911; project management related to the implementation of the NBTMR); and several for the Saint John Police Force. BGT has also worked with Emergency Solutions International (ESI) on a variety ofprojects and initiatives.
Bill holds a Masters of Business Administration –Information Technology Management from Athabasca University and a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.
Jonathan Gillan
BBA, Analyst, Programs, Plans, and Tactical Operations
Jonathan joined ESI in 2020 after completing a degree in Business Administration at the University of New Brunswick Saint John campus with a dual focus in Marketing and Human Resource Management.
Jonathan is certified in Incident Command System (ICS) Canada to the Advanced I-400 level and is currently enrolled in the process of becoming a qualified ICS instructor. In 2021, Jonathan achieved his certification as a Marine Facility Security Officer (MFSO) and Medical First Responder (MFR). Further, he completed training in drone operation and search and rescue from Volatus Aerospace, fulfilling Transport Canada requirements as a certified Advanced Operation Drone Pilot. Jonathan holds a Canadian Security Clearance: Level II Secret.
In his role with ESI, Jonathan is responsible for the management of client training, administration of ESI’s ICS accreditation, exercise design, organizational logistics, as well as the marketing of ESI’s services and brand management.
ESI is pleased to support Jonathan in his commitment to serving those in need as he periodically deploys with Canada’s Team Rubicon on domestic and international disaster operations. His most recent deployment was to Halifax, NS following
Vira Nechyporenko
Administrative Officer
Vira completed a degree in Aeronautical Information Engineering from the National Aviation University of Ukraine and subsequently decided to shift her focus toward Business Administration to pursue her professional goals.
With several years of experience working in Dubai, she has a proven track record of streamlining office procedures, implementing new organizational systems, and leveraging technology to boost productivity and efficiency.
Vira is an Administrative Officer at Emergency Solutions International (ESI). She provides logistical support, carries out day-to-day operational and administrative tasks, migrates data, manages databases, and supports the company in meeting or exceeding client expectations.
Hailey McIntosh
Marketing and Special Projects
Hailey began a career as an Early Childhood Educator in 2017. She decided to pursue a formal education in 2021 when she enrolled in post-secondary education at New Brunswick’s Community college in Saint John. She will earn her diploma in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing in the fall of 2023.
Hailey joined the ESI team in 2022 working as a Special Project Administrator. She has since been promoted to the position of Marketing Coordinator where her responsibilities include Social Media Engagement, Brand Development, and website management. In addition, Hailey lends her strong administrative skills to special projects supporting ESI to respond to current business needs.
Hailey, as a young professional, has taken the necessary initiatives to further develop her skills in the Business Administration and Marketing field to contribute and add value to the ESI team and their clients.
Marc Carey
NFPA Level II Instructor
Marc has served more than 29 years with the Saint John Fire Department serving as a Qualified Lieutenant and Acting District Chief. He is assigned to Quint 5 in the City’s North End and has worked on the Heavy Rescue team for 7 years.
Marc is a certified level one fire department instructor, Hazmat Technician, and Scott Field Service, Technician. He participated in the extensive selection process of Saint John Fire Department’s bunker gear and air pack programs. Marc is currently a student at Dalhousie University in the Fire Service Leadership Program.
In his role with ESI, Marc has delivered both theory and practical instruction in Master Stream, Save Our Own (Fire Fighter Self Rescue), and Incident Command System (ICS)courses. Marc has also served as a technical evaluator on several emergency management exercises.
Peter Collings
NFPA Level II Instructor, Hazardous Materials Response Evaluator, Field Exercise Controller
Peter began his career in the fire service in 1987 with the City of Saint John Fire Department. He was first promoted to the positions of Lieutenant of Operations and Captain of Training, where he helped lead the Division for five years. Peter retired in 2019 while holding the rank of Lieutenant of Quint 5 serving the north end of Saint John, NB. Over the duration of his career Peter obtained his Certificate in Fire Service Leadership from Dalhousie University and received certification in the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Scott Air SCBA Technician, Medical First Responder, and Water Rescue. He specialized as an NFPA 472 HazMat Technician, Flammable Liquids Bulk Storage and NFPA 1081 Industrial Exterior Fire Brigade. Peter is also a Fire Instructor Level 2 accredited through the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA). Peter has provided support to the New Brunswick Office of the Fire Marshal as an evaluator on the IFSAC Pro Board qualification of provincial hazardous materials technicians.
In his role with ESI, Peter delivers both theory and practical instruction in Fire Service Leadership and Incident Command System (ICS)courses. Peter also provides expertise as a Controller and Evaluator on emergency management exercises.
Jim Fleming
MSc , BEd
After graduating from the University of New Brunswick (F) with a Bachelor of Education in 1984, Jim attended the Atlantic Police Academy and was awarded the New Brunswick Chiefs of Police Award as the Top Cadet in 1986. In the fall of that year, Jim became a member of the Saint John Police Force and was immediately involved in the Force’s move to Community Policing specializing in Crime Reduction strategies, being recognized by the Uptown Saint John President’s Award for Public Service (2004), the NB Minister of Public Safety for Crime Prevention (2003, 2010, 2011), the NB Solicitor General Award for Innovation in Police Practices (2007), and the Francis Memorial Award for Excellence in Crime Prevention (2005).
Since 2010, Jim has served as the Staff Sergeant in charge of the SJPF Public Order Unit, having been accredited through the Toronto Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police; Public Order is responsible to oversee public safety and evacuation planning for any large crowd events, including demonstrations, parades, and outdoor festivals.
Prior to 2019, Jim functioned as the SJPF Emergency Tactical Commander (SWAT), and was responsible to coordinate a response to violence-related incidents, infrastructure protection, and working with the NB Emergency Response Interoperability Project. Most recently, Jim has been responsible for the re-start and supervision of the SJPF K-9 Unit, Emergency Measures (EMO) response, and Ground Search and Rescue coordination for the police.
In 2014, Jim was a Merit graduate from the University of Portsmouth (UK) with an MSc in Police Policy and Leadership, during which he undertook a study involving several Atlantic Canadian police services analyzing the effects of supervision and training upon how officers responded to violent incidents.
Troy McQuinn
Since Troy began his career as a paramedic over 25 years ago, he has worked in many facets of emergency services. His career has extended from work as a front-line Paramedic to his current role as Manager, Emergency Preparedness & Business Continuity for the provincial ambulance system in New Brunswick.
Troy has managed the emergency preparedness program for Medavie Health Services New Brunswick (MHSNB) from the commencement of the provincial ambulance service in 2007. Troy has developed Extra-Mural/Ambulance New Brunswick’s emergency plans to enable strong linkages within the public safety and healthcare communities for emergency responses to both planned and unplanned events.
Some major events Troy has coordinated while with MHSNB include:
- Multiple major music concert and mass gathering events,
- Multiple Saint John River system flood events,
- Ebola preparedness activities,
- Tropical Storm Arthur 2014 response,
- Ice Storm January 2017 response,
- Provincial Nuclear Exercise Series - Intrepid 2012/2015 and Synergy Challenge 2018 and,
- COVID-19 Pandemic.
Troy has received the following awards and professional designations:
- 2012 Motorola Award of Excellence in Emergency Preparedness.
- 2013 Governor General’s EMS Exemplary Service Award.
- 2013 Certified Emergency Manager with the International Association of Emergency Managers (certified to 2024).
- 2015 Associate Business Continuity Practitioner with DRI Canada.
- 2016 ICS Lead Instructor status through NB-EMO.
Troy has many other skills, qualifications and experiences that he brings to his classroom sessions. Highlights include collaboration with government departments, operational management experience, and providing advice and recommendations to anyone seeking expertise on matters of emergency management, business continuity, risk management, and special events planning.
Dan Coates
Daniel currently serves as a Lieutenant of Training with the Saint John Fire Department (SJFD). His career in the Fire Service began in 1998 when he was hired as a Holiday Relief Firefighter. After 2 years in the holiday program, Daniel was hired as a permanent employee & has since attained qualifications as an Operational Lieutenant, IFSAC- Pro Board Fire Instructor, Hazardous Materials Technician, Red Cross Medical First Responder Instructor, Rope Rescue Technician, Ice Rescue Technician, Boat Rescue for First Responders Technician as well as a Certificate in Fire Service Leadership through Dalhousie University.
When he’s not on the clock, Daniel enjoys spending time with his family, SCUBA diving, white water/ sea kayaking, ice climbing/ mountaineering & backcountry skiing.
Presently, Daniel is responsible for curriculum build and delivery of the following training for the SJFD: Rapid Intervention, Aerial Operations, Technical Rope Rescue, Ice Rescue, Boat Rescue and Medical First Responder.
Melissa Martin
Fire Service Leader, Structural and Wildland Firefighter
In 2002 Melissa qualified as a Forest Technician from the Maritime College of Forest Technology in Fredericton. She then graduated from the Conservation Enforcement program at Holland College in PEI before being hired as an NB Conservation Enforcement Officer. In 2004 she was promoted to Assistant Enforcement Manager of New Brunswick. She then worked as a Type 1 Helitack crew member dropping into remote areas fighting forest fires in Alberta. She then enrolled in the Firefighter program at Seneca College in Toronto before returning to become a Firefighter in Saint John in 2008.
Melissa is now assigned to “The Fighting Fives” as a driver/operator of Ladder 5 in the City’s Old North End. In addition to L5, a 100-foot aerial truck, she is also a driver/operator of Ladder Tower 1, a 120-foot platform that runs out of S.J.F.D headquarters on Carmarthen Street. Arguably the most specialized and complex piece of equipment, Melissa is a skilled and competent operator, safely navigating the challenges of Saint John’s narrow and often congested streets. Recently Martin was one of 8 members accepted into the new SJFD professional development program, designed for career paths for those who may aspire to a role as Command Staff. If successful, Melissa has the potential to be the first female Chief Officer in Saint John Fire Department history.
During her free time, Martin enjoys running and has succeeded as an equestrian. She even represented New Brunswick in a national competition, excelling in dressage, stadium jumping, and cross-country events. In 2018, she undertook a challenging run up Mount Washington in New Hampshire to honour the mental health of First Responders.
Justin R McGuigan
ECFO, ICS Canada Instructor
Justin is currently the Divisional Chief of Training with the Fredericton Fire Department. Justin's 27-year involvement in the New Brunswick Fire Service is anchored in his local leadership as the 19-year Fire Chief of his local fire department. He is also the Second Vice President of the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs.
Justin holds certifications as a Hazardous Materials Response Technician, Fire Investigator, Fire Service Instructor, Fire Officer, and a Fire Life Safety Educator. Justin is also a certified at the I-400 level and is registered as a Lead Instructor with ICS Canada. He recently has been awarded his designation as Executive Chief Fire Officer from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
Justin takes an aggressive approach to ongoing education through courses and classes offered from various organizations including Dalhousie University, the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development, Emergency Solutions International and the New Brunswick Community College. Justin participates in various Provincial working groups for emergency services such as Next-Gen NB 911 and Regional Fire Dispatch and enjoys assignments with Emergency Solutions International as an Instructor, Evaluator, and Exercise Controller.
Gary MacDonald
Gary has 30-years’ experience in broadcast journalism including coverage of significant weather events, fires and explosions, chemical leaks, power blackouts, and municipal water system failures. He has worked with Saint John Emergency Management officials providing feedback on media needs and expectations.
In 2007, Gary was recognized by the Saint John Emergency Management Organization for "his commitment to SJEMO -its agencies -and the citizens of Saint John." He has also served on the former Kennebecasis Valley Fire Commission, the Rothesay Regional Police Commission, and as Chairman of the former Kennebecasis Valley Ambulance Commission.
Roy Nolan
Roy has served the Saint John Fire Department (SJFD) for 24 years as a Fire Fighter, Fire Inspector, Fire Prevention Officer, and currently as the Captain of the Fire Prevention and Investigation Division. Further to his work within the fire service, Roy completed the Fire Service Administration Program at Dalhousie University, majoring in Strategic Planning. Additionally, Roy has been certified as a Level III NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator; an NFPA 1031 Level II Fire Inspector; an NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator; an NFPA 1031 Fire Plan Examiner. Roy continues his studies, working toward a Bachelor of Public Safety Administration degree through the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
Morgan Easton
BScKIN PCP Logistics and Evaluation
A graduate of the University of New Brunswick Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) program in 2019, Morgan has a longstanding passion for emergency response. While studying, Morgan spent two years as a Student Athletic Therapist for the UNB Women’s Soccer team, providing pre and post practice and game care along with physical therapy in a clinical setting. Morgan is an Instructor Trainer and Examiner Mentor with the Lifesaving Society of Canada, the highest level achievable, has led teams keeping swimmers safe in complex pool and open water settings and served as New Brunswick’s representative on the Society’s National First Aid Working Group to update their position on the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation.
With a passion for emergency response, emergency management and patient care; Morgan completed her Primary Care Paramedicine program at Oulton College in 2020. As a medical professional who serves New Brunswick’s citizens as a licensed paramedic in southern New Brunswick, her work has her learning alongside many health care and public safety professionals in controlled and uncontrolled environments daily. As a third-generation first responder, Morgan brings her background in collaborative team-based environments, health care and calm under pressure demeanor to the ESI Team.
Norman J. Thibodeau
Tactical Response Evaluator
Paul Bruens
CD, President Southeastern Firefighter’s Association
In 1985 Mr. Bruensfound his calling with the Kingston Township Fire Department under Chief Walter Bush as a volunteer firefighter. He was enrolled at St. Lawrence College and volunteered with Kingston Township Fire Department. After completing courses on weekends with the Ontario Fire College and in-house training, he knew it was his goal to become a full-time firefighter. While waiting for a response on his application, Paul, a reservist with the Princess of Wales' Own Regiment(PWOR) from the age of 17-19, applied to the Canadian Forces as a firefighter. Mr. Bruenscareer with the Canadian Forces began in June of 1986.
This career opportunity spanned over twenty-two years and brought him to places such as Israel, Syria, Croatia, Mediterranean, Iceland, Norway, Europe, Persian Gulf, South America, Caribbean, USA, and Afghanistan, always in the role of a firefighter. During his career, he was posted to Chatham, Greenwood, Halifax, and Moncton. While serving with the Canadian Forces Mr. Bruensalways accepted opportunities.
Paul completed his Emergency Medical Technician(EMT) certification and worked with Chatham Area Ambulance and Emergency Health Services Nova Scotia. In addition, Paul had the opportunity to become a member of the Berwick and District Fire Department and served the Department as a Deputy Chief. In January 2008, Mr. Bruens retired from the Canadian Forces as a Master Warrant Officer while posted to Sea Training Atlantic.
He transitioned his career into the role of Training Officer with the Moncton Fire Department. In February of 2012, Paul was promoted to the rank of Platoon Chief and moved back into operations on shift. Moncton Fire is a forward-thinking Fire Department that serves the community and local service district by answering approximately 6000 plus calls a year in a response area of 650 square kilometers, providing a medical response, water rescue, Hazardous Materials response, in addition to suppression and daily response to the community and citizens.
Gerald Green
CRSP
Gerald served 40 years with the City of Saint John fire department. He retired in 2016 after a career that spanned from being an active firefighter to being part of the senior management team.
Since retirement, Gerry has worked for Safety Services New Brunswick as an instructor/facilitator in several disciplines, including safety audits, transportation of dangerous goods, and Globally Harmonized Systems (known as WHMIS2016 in Canada).
Gerry finished his career with the fire service in the position of Division Chief, Safety, Standards and Emergency Management Preparedness. Previous to that role he served as Division Chief of Fire Prevention, Investigation and Education and also as Division Chief of Safety and Professional Standards.
Gerry became certified as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) / Professionnel en sécurité agréé du Canada (PSAC) in 2010. He completed the Dalhousie University Hensen College Certificate in Fire Service Administration, the United States National Fire Academy Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at Multi-Alarm Incidents and also their Information Systems Management course. He also has numerous fire service, disaster management and safety qualifications.
Gerry lists becoming a CRSP as one of the highlights of his career. That designation is a certification offered by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals for an Occupational Health and Safety professional. The CRSP/PSAC is accredited in Canada with ISO 17024 by the Standards Council of Canada.
As a CRSP, Gerry applies safety knowledge to develop systems that will manage control over hazards and exposures detrimental to people, equipment, material and the environment. A CRSP follows the principles of loss control, accident prevention and environmental protection through their daily activities.
Ethan Hickey
Ethan began his career in the private security sector in 2018 and during his time, he expanded his scope within Healthcare Safety Services as the Regional Field Operations Manager for security services provided to Horizon Health and Vitalité health centres. He is certified as a Code White Level III responder with NVCI active Blue certificate and has had multiple years of hands-on experience with the vulnerable sector in crisis situations. During his time in the private security sector he also has been trained extensively in Regional Security Operations, Site Management in Fraud Investigations, Regional Loss Prevention strategy and is currently licensed in the Province of NB as a Private Investigator.
Ethan is also an active volunteer firefighter and certified in Wildland Firefighting the NB Department of Natural Resources.
Currently Ethan is a second-year Primary Care Paramedic Student at Oulton College and will complete his on-the-job training in December of 2023.
Lew MacDonald
CFO, GiFireE
Canadian Security Clearance:
(Level II)Lew MacDonald is a former member of the Saint John Fire Department. In his role as District Chief of Special Operations with the Fire Department, Lew was responsible for all fire related Special Ops within the City, and was the leader of a Provincial Heavy Haz-Mat team responding to the south eastern portion of the Province of New Brunswick.
Lew currently serves as the Co-Project Advisor of the Atlantic region for the Centre for Security Science, DND. Lew holds the professional designation of C.F.O and is a member of the Institute of Fire Engineers (I.F.E.). Studying with Dalhousie University, he has received certificates in Fire Service Leadership, Fire Service Administration and Incident Command, and is currently enrolled in Lakeland College’s Bachelor of Applied Business Emergency Services degree program.
P.B. (Pascal) Rodier
MStJ,MA,CEM,PCP,SAS,ICS Canada Instructor
Pascal brings with him experience from over 30 years in public safety and emergency management. After retiring from leadership roles in Emergency Medical Services, he is currently with a provincial health authority’s Emergency Preparedness team and is currently the Manager of Projects and Planning.
He has extensive experiences leading teams on large-scale incidents and events; commanding responses to multiple airplane crashes, multi-casualty incidents, EMS support for fire, Hazmat, CBRNE, civil unrest incidents, and large-scale civic celebrations (including the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics). Pascal was the Director of the Emergency Measures Office in Quispamsis NB during the 2018 Freshet Floods and he has been focused on the COVID-19 healthcare response since 2019.
Pascal is a Certified Emergency Manager with IAEM, a Situation Awareness Specialist with the Arcuri Group as well as a Professional Continuity Practitioner with FEMA. He has an extensive education in public safety and emergency management which include a Master of Arts in leadership (Health), from Royal Roads University, program certifications from the Emergency Management and Emergency Exercise Design Programs at the Justice Institute of British Columbia as well as multiple certificates from FEMA. He is currently a Lead Instructor in the Incident Command System and holds a Basic Instructors Certificate with FEMA.
His many honours and awards include, being invested as a Member of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem and receiving his Provincial Council Chair’s Commendation, was awarded the Richmond Chamber of Commerce 911 Award for Ambulance Paramedic of the Year, presented with the Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal, Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal 30 Year Bar.
An SME on responder interoperability and leadership, Pascal has consulted and authored documents on a number of projects with organizations and governments at all levels. His successes have included implementation of legacy projects within public safety agencies, governments, communities and organizations across Canada. He has been a presenter and an Emcee at a number of public events, courses, workshops and national and international conferences.