About Us
The integrity and commitment behind ISES
Geoffrey and Jo Ellen Cushing
Long before establishing our first ecology-recreation-education
business in 1985, we were driven by goals to develop and promote progressive
Earth stewardship. Since childhood we pursued similar yet different paths
with personal initiatives focused on conserving the natural world. Subsequently,
for over 19 years, our core family values have reflected the belief that
the human spirit, which binds humanity, can be greatly enriched through a
deeper connection with Earth Mother. Our ongoing commitment to achieving
these goals is reflected in the following enterprises we established and
promoted over the years:
- International School For Earth Studies (2002) - Nature-based youth leadership school
- Les Volières Cushing Mews (1994) - Provincially licensed raptor rehabilitation facility
- Auberge Écologique Cushing Nature Retreat (1991) - Unique wilderness retreat committed to promoting conservation education through non-motorized outdoor recreation
- Milk River Raft Tour Company (1987) - Rafting company offering scenic and historic raft tours down the Milk River in southern Alberta
- Cushing Wildlife Productions (1985) - Educational initiative to develop and present wildlife awareness and environmental biodiversity programs for elementary schools throughout southern Alberta
Geoffrey Cushing
Director of Operations
Father
of four youths, mentor to many, has facilitated nature-discovery retreats,
programs and workshops for adults, international students, young offenders,
youth at-risk and children since 1978.
Trained with the late Malcolm MacDougal, renowned dog sled musher, Ste Agathe des Mont, Québec.
Worked 6 years as a front-line child care counselor and team coordinator in wilderness therapeutic programs for young offenders in British Columbia .
Holds a diploma in Environmental Science/Renewable Resource - Parks Management from Lethbridge Community College, Alberta.
Was a civilian canoeing instructor with the Canadian Armed Forces through the National Gold Star Cadet Program, Banff, Alberta.
Graduated from 2 wilderness leadership courses offered through the National Outdoor Leadership School, WY.
Jo Ellen (Madge) Cushing
Director of Animal Programs
Mother
of four youths, and extended mother to many, has been actively engaged in
home-schooling for over 9 years.
Has bred and worked with horses, and has been a student of equine-related disciplines, for over 35 years.
Has cared for orphaned and injured animals since childhood, and has been managing a provincially licensed, privately funded birds of prey rehabilitation facility for over 10 years.
Worked in the natural resource field in Alberta for 6 years as a Conservation Officer and Provincial Park Ranger.
Holds 2 diplomas in Environmental Science/Renewable Resource Management - Fish and Wildlife and Enforcement from Lethbridge Community College, Alberta .
Holds a Marine Biology diploma from Brigham Young University - Hawaii.