New Community Leader for L'Arche Arnprior

Pernell has energy, enthusiasm, and creativity that goes along with a deep desire to be in relationship with people.  We think he will inspire and support the community to continue dreaming and work to realize those dreams, both collectively and as individuals. 

We asked Pernell to share a bit about himself, and this is what he had to say…

"A little bit about me: The first half of my life was spent in Toronto, a city I still deeply love, before starting my career in youth work in Barrie and then Calgary.

After that, I spent nearly a decade in Hamilton where I started a faith community in one of the most under-resourced areas of the country, turning a former bank building into a coffee house, a co-working space, an art gallery, a performance space for local musicians and theatre groups, and a dozen or so community programs.

I moved to London, where for nine years I helped revitalize a shrinking faith community, and relocated the congregation into a former bowling alley which we renovated into a community and worship space.

In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, I moved to Sarnia to help three friends start a consulting and training company that partners with organizations on projects requiring a jolt of insight, clarity and creativity.

I really love great conversations, a good cup of coffee, craft beer, meat on the grill, dead authors, cycling adventures in the middle of nowhere, and the Raptors. I am passionate about justice, community development, and leadership.

My partner, Marina, and I (along with our Yellow Lab, Ellie) are super-excited to be moving to Arnprior in a month or so, as I join the L’Arche community - an organization I have admired for a very long time. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.

See you soon,
Pernell"