Adventureworks! Associates, Inc. is a professional consulting company that has been contributing to excellence in the adventure programming field since 1993.
We create innovative adventure programs and challenge course facilities which enable people to develop greater understanding of themselves, build healthier relationships, exercise more effective leadership, and make a positive impact in their communities. Our leading edge adventure program services promote growth and change in individuals, groups, and organizations across Canada.
Our services are provided by a team of highly skilled and qualified professionals. We are accredited Professional Vendor Members of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) for installation, inspection, training, and certification. For over 25 years members of our staff team have been actively involved in the development of challenge course standards and guidelines for organizations in Canada and around the world.
Brian Lisson (He/Him)
President & Founder
Brian has been actively involved in facilitating adventure experiences, building ropes courses and training adventure leaders for over thirty years. He has also been Camp Director at Canterbury Hills, a sessional lecturer at McMaster University, and Director of Professional Development Programs at Outward Bound Canada.
Brian has worked with a wide variety of clientele. He has facilitated programs for human service professionals, teachers, corporate teams, students, young offenders and therapy groups.
Brian has presented internationally at the Association for Experiential Education Conference and the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). He has presented locally at many professional organizations including OCA, BCCA, PRO, and COEO. Brian has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario and the Association for Challenge Course Technology. Brian is currently a Board Emeritus Member of the ACCT. Brian is an ACCT certified Level 1 Professional Inspector.
Brian is the recipient of the 2021 Critical Link Award from the Association for Challenge Course Technology. Brian was the 2011 recipient of the Robin Dennis Award and is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario.
Kathy Haras, Ph.D. (She/Her)
VP - Challenge Course Services,
Risk Management & Quality Assurance
Principal Consultant
Kathy is Vice President and Principal Consultant for Adventureworks! Associates Inc. She has been facilitating outdoor adventure experiences for over 20 years. Kathy has worked with a variety of clientele including; corporate management teams, people with disabilities, and Olympic athletes.
Kathy holds Bachelors’ degrees in Outdoor Recreation and Natural Science, a Masters Degree in Recreation Administration and a Ph.D. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University. Kathy is the author of Fireball and Other Great Low Ropes Activities and co-author of the textbook Aerial Adventure Environments: The Theory and Practice of the Challenge Course, Zip Line, and Canopy Tour Industry. Kathy is the former editor of Pathways: The Ontario Journal of Outdoor Education.
Kathy is a TSSA licensed ADMR-Zip Line Mechanic and an ACCT certified Level 2 Professional Inspector & Supervisor. Kathy is former Chair of the ACCT Design, Performance, and Inspection Standards Committee and a current member of the ACCT Technical Information, Research, and Education Committee. She is also a member of the OPHEA Climbing Standards Writing Team. Kathy regularly consults with school boards, camping associations, and regulators on standards related issues.
Kathy has received several Community Service Awards and is the 2022 Recipient of the Critical Link Award from the ACCT. She is also a recipient of the President’s Award from COEO.
Jodie Fluit, B. Kin. (She/Her)
Senior Consultant
Jodie has worked as a facilitator and trainer at Adventureworks for over 10 years. Jodie is an experienced outdoor leader and has worked in a variety of experiential education programs. She has extensive experience facilitating and leading youth leadership development programs.
Jodie has worked with young adults for the school of "Outtatown" a travel and service learning program that travels in Canada and internationally. She was also the Dean of Women and an Outdoor Instructor at Summit College. Jodie has also worked as the Assistant Director of "Prosago", a leadership development program at Medeba Adventure Centre.
Jodie Fluit is a graduate of McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology. In her third and fourth years, she focused on the Outdoor and Adventure Education courses. Jodie is an ACCT certified Level 1 Professional Inspector.
Dan Wolfenden (He/Him)
Director of Operations - Programs
Dan Wolfenden is our Director of Operations - Programs. Dan is responsible for our operations at the Retreat and Learning Centre at Canterbury Hills as well as all of our Program and Facilitation Services. Dan has worked in camping for 30 years with the last 25 years being the Director of Programs at Camp Trillium, OuR Island.
Dan is a lifelong Hamiltonian, and loves everything that Hamilton has to offer.
Tristan Jones (He/Him)
Consultant
Tristan Jones is a full-time Challenge Course Services Consultant who provides installation, inspection, training, and facilitation services to our clients.
Tristan has worked in the outdoor industry for over 10 years in a variety of capacities including therapeutic facilitator, lead climbing instructor trainer, and ropes course Installer. He has a passion for outdoor life and the philosophy that surrounds it with a special interest in Scandinavian models.
Tristan holds a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education in Outdoor Adventure Leadership from Laurentian University. Tristan is an ACCT certified Level 1 Professional Inspector.
Matt Speer (He/Him)
Consultant
Matt Speer is a full-time Challenge Course Services Consultant who provides facilitation, training, installation, and inspection services to our clients.
Matt is an experienced challenge course professional. He has worked in camping for the past 9 years. Most recently he was the Director of Adventure Education at Camp Kintail in Goderich, Ontario. He has also worked as an occasional Program Facilitator at Adventureworks Associates.
Matt is a graduate of Sir Sandford Fleming's Outdoor Adventure Education program.
Doug Wigood (He/Him)
Administrative Coordinator
Doug Wigood provides support and logistics to our Challenge Course Services clients and consultants, while keeping our office running smoothly.
Doug has worked in the recreation field for over 15 years having worked in a wide range of settings including community youth programs, addictions & mental health, long-term care, and outdoor education. Doug also has experience in a variety of administrative positions.
Doug holds a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies from Brock University, specializing in Outdoor Recreation and a Recreation Services diploma from Mohawk College.
Brenna Dorosh (She/Her)
Program Facilitator
Brenna is a full-time Program Facilitator. She is a key part of our year round program delivery team. She facilitates programs at the Retreat and Learning Centre at Canterbury Hills, off-site programs at schools and provides summer ropes supervision and support to some of our camp clients.
Brenna did several Outdoor Education programs in high school which kickstarted her interest in experiential education. Brenna started working at summer camps in 2015 where she was on the Ropes Teams. An avid camper, Brenna is passionate about encouraging others to experience the outdoors. During her studies at Brock University, Brenna worked for the Recreation Department, helping to run the Challenge Courses for students and varsity sports teams.
Brenna holds a Bachelor of General Science, focusing on biology and earth sciences, as well as a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Majoring in Outdoor Recreation.