OUR TEAM
Founded by thoughtful and
forward-thinking citizens
Larry Ashmore,
Larry Kapustka,
Susan Kristoferson,
Rob McWilliam
and Dusty Williams,
Diamond Valley Sustainable Living Centre
strives to match the skills, interests and knowledge of citizens with initiatives
that foster
community resiliency
and skill-building
for a more
sustainable future.
Board of Directors
Chair
Larry Kapustka
Founding Member
Lawrence (Larry) A. Kapustka, Ph.D. has worked as a professor, government research scientist, and consultant in the areas of ecological risk assessment, ecosystem services, and sustainability. With 40 years of experience in basic and applied ecology, his work has extended across a wide range of topics involving natural sciences and environmental policy. His work earned international status as a Certified Emeritus Senior Ecologist and a SETAC Fellow.
He and Susan Kristoferson moved to Canada in 2005, and came to Turner Valley in 2014, and have been active in the community serving on the Board of the Turner Valley Oilfield Society from 2015 through 2019; was a founding member and served on the Board of the Foothills Energy Co-op; and is a founding member the private, non-profit organization, Diamond Valley Sustainable Living Centre. Beyond the technical fields in which he has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and books, he authored Gifts for Santa: Collected Dreams and Confessions and co-produced Vistas of the West, a book of poetry and art.
kapustka@xplornet.com
M: 403.354.2468
Secretary
Bridget Lacey
Bridget came on board in spring of 2025 and we’re excited to work with her! Bio coming soon.
Vice Chair
Katie Bakken
Vice Chair
After moving to Diamond Valley in 2010, Katie learned how skill-
sharing can be a powerful tool for community building. Katie joined Diamond Valley Sustainable in 2022 with the goal of establishing
programs to engage children and youth. In 2023, she co-founded Connections Nature Play, and in her role with DVSLC, she works
to build connections to bring learning opportunities to life for
community members of all ages.
Treasurer
Pat Lothrop
Treasurer
Bio coming soon!
The Legacy of Past Members
Larry Ashmore
Founding Member
Larry Ashmore, 1947-2022, was in many ways a renaissance man. Primarily self taught, he was a
skilled handyman, gentle spirit, and passionate
about mentoring young folk. He loved tools of
all kinds, delighted in tinkering, embraced sustainability, and was a cherished friend of many.
The Diamond Valley Sustainable Living Centre commemorates Larry’s contributions to the community through the Larry Ashmore Scholarship, established to to provide support to young adults starting off on their post-secondary journey in sustainable trades.
Susan Kristoferson
founding member
Susan Kristoferson, 1952-2024, lived a life full of creativity. Susan became a Maker at a very young age, choosing art as her focus throughout her academic life and career, and developing expansive skill and knowledge in textile arts and papermaking over the decades. She shared her love of creativity through teaching, mentoring and community-building.
The Diamond Valley Sustainable Living Centre honours Susan’s legacy through the Susan Kristoferson Textiles Studio at Valley Makerspace, where Makers of all ages can gather to explore various fibre arts, from sewing and embroidery to knitting and crocheting in a friendly, communal atmosphere.