Our Team​
We have a dedicated and highly skilled team that believe in selfless service to all. We look forward to leading from the heart and leading by example.
An expert in the fields of ecology, botany, ecosystem restoration and regenerative farming, is an engaging speaker who has presented at a wide variety of venues, including the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER). With over 27 years of experience, his depth of knowledge of native plants is inspiring and practical. He is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) with SER.
Paul spent time with his father and grandfather landscape painting in his youth, these times fostered a passion for the outdoors and natural history. Later he completed his undergraduate degree at Waterloo University in biology and then went on to complete his Masters at Acadia University in Nova Scotia. His extensive experience in restoration ecology and conservation biology makes him a leader in the design and planting of restoration areas. He spent 20 years restoring his 95-acre farm and completed numerous projects across Canada, including Eco-parks, wastewater and stormwater ponds, and naturalization for private homeowners.
​
In Canada, he was a Project Manager for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority restoring meadow ecosystems in a 200 ha hydro corridor within the City of Toronto.
​
In Yucatan Mexico, he has spent 6 years restoring a 40 ha biological reserve back to a tropical dry forest.
​
He shares his experience on the Planet Healers YouTube channel.
​
Course creator and instructor for the Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration online course in collaboration with Ecosystem Restoration Communities and the Soil Food Web School.
Sophia Ortiz - Agronomy Engineer
​
Graduated in Agricultural Sciences. Upon completion of her studies in agronomy, specializing in ornamental horticulture, she spent time in nature looking at alternatives to the growing demand in floriculture and her interest in research allowed her to specialize in the field of ​​biotechnology and plant micropropagation. She developed all the research protocols for rescue, propagation and management of wild species. After that, she decided to integrate Green Point area landscaping, vertical ecosystems and environmental technologies. This allowed her to simultaneously develop consultation and training in the biotechnology area and create artwork with vertical ecosystems.
​
With Earth Connection Center she works with students to research the practice of soil regeneration, local plant propagation and regenerative agriculture. Her passions include creating a local species botanical garden, developing new eco techniques and taking photos and videos of the processes and creatures.
​
She has completed Ecovillage Design and Permaculture Design courses and integrates them into her projects.
Juan Manuel Ortiz
Project Manager
​
Graduated as an Engineer in Naval Sciences by the Heroic Military Naval School in Mexico, with a military degree as Lieutenant of the Frigate and with various studies in Financial Consulting from the ITESM Campus MTY, expert in Mechanical Engineering, Design of Power Systems, Operation and Maintenance of Turbines and Auxiliary Systems, Participant in Fleet Training Center, US NAVY, San Diego Cal.
​
After his long experience in the management of naval technology and for his great interest in the development of new technologies, he designs and patents a High-Efficiency, Electromagnetic Integral Power Generation System independent of conventional systems. In his long professional experience, he has distinguished himself as a born leader in the area of ​​finance, team management, project design and now Project Manager at Earth Connection Center. Directing and Coordinating all projects of Clean Energies, Ecotechnologies, Sustainable Systems and training in the Development of Survival Skills in jungle.
​
His extensive knowledge in creating new technologies and his ability for diverse facilities, as well as nature observation has inspired him to develop new models for the care, protection and monitoring of flora and fauna species within the Reserve.