About Thomas Cole Inc

Healthy, Sustainable Learning Environments

Established in 2000, Thomas Cole Inc. (TCI) has been developing strategies to improve learning and teaching environments, college and university and healthcare facilities while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. TCI combines a passion for the environment, extensive experience with K-12 and postsecondary education, and a mandate to foster a culture of sustainability and global citizenry.

With Canada’s Paris Accord on Climate Change, the TCI strategy further evolved to become what is now Climate Change LeadersTM (CCL). The purpose of CCL is to transform school buildings to a carbon-neutral model.

Read more about our experience in the education sector here.

Our Partners

Meet the Team

Tim Cresswell

CEO, TCI and Co-founder, CCL

Role: Climate Change Leader project strategist and client relationships
Experience: 35 years, energy performance contracting, $500 million in EPC projects, building rehabilitation

Tim’s background with school districts goes back to 1988 when Tim developed energy performance contracts (EPC) for school districts. Since that time Tim has developed over $500 million in EPC projects totaling 2,500 schools across Ontario, BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. In addition to EPC development Tim develop four school district solar projects through the Ontario feed in tariff program. The very first solar school project in Ontario was Grand Erie DSB. In total Tim developed over $40 million in solar projects. Tim also was instrumental in developing the first carbon neutral school in Canada in partnership with London Catholic DSB Natural Resources Canada. Tim recently introduced the first pilot an active in duct air purification technology that is lab tested and proven to combat COVID 19 in partnership with Grand Erie DSB, Mohawk Climate Change Leaders and Nerva Energy.
In the mid to late 90’s Tim shifted strategy to create what was called the “Better Schools Partnership” BSP, enhanced strategies to improve the quality of teaching and learning environment, creating capital for school building renewal.
In 2018 Tim co-founded and developed Climate Change Leaders (CCL), a learning hub with Mohawk College and ten area school districts, 290,000 students and 690 with a common goal of transforming school buildings to carbon neutral and linking the technology transformation with student learning engagement.
The Mohawk CCL launched in February 2020 another first in Ontario providing new curriculum, dual credits, SHSM, student co-ops and career path advancement leading to jobs in clean technology, to support a circular economy.
Lives and works in: Burlington, Ontario
Education: BA Laurentian University, Commerce 1979
Founded Co-founded Climate Change Leaders in 2017
Passion: nature, boating and people
Little known fact: Tim has Tony Robbins certification for coaching and enjoys helping others.
Favourite Quote:
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?”– Martin Luther King

Marie Cresswell

President TCI, Co-founder, CCL

Role: Customer Satisfaction, Marketing and Communications

Experience: 30 years, including 20 years with school boards

As a lifelong lover of nature, influenced by leaders like Dr. David Suzuki and Randy Hayes, past President of the Rain Forest Action Network Marie has learned from the best. “For me protecting nature is a natural instinct and a has been a priority of mine for years as well as creating opportunities for youth to thrive and contribute as global citizens and that is why Climate Change Leaders™ is such an important partnership to me”, says Marie.
Marie has been instrumental in developing the branding, communications and community engagement for sustainability programs like EarthCARE, An Environmental Youth Leadership Program, for students K-12 designed to help meet Kyoto protocol in Ontario in late 90s to late 2000. Working with David Suzuki (Suzuki Foundation and Blue Dot Tour), Randy Hayes (Rainforest Action Network) and other leaders in sustainability, Marie began to create a grass roots movement with partners and school district clients to educate and inspire youth as leaders.
While working with a variety of energy and educational partners, Marie helped create meaningful media messages, events and PR to promote the positive work being done to promote carbon reduction, quality learning environments and experiential learning in schools and campuses.
Building on the grass roots movement and Climate Change Action in Ontario, Marie co-founded Climate Change Leaders™, a learning hub with Mohawk College and ten area school districts, with a common goal of transforming school buildings to carbon neutral creating curriculum, cooperatives and jobs in clean technology, to support a circular economy.
Lives and works in: Burlington, Ontario
Education: Advertising Diploma Sheridan College, Commercial Photography Diploma, Digital Marketing, Accounting, Business, McMaster University
Founded: Thomas Cole Inc. in 2000, Co-founded Climate Change Leaders in 2017
Passion: nature, photography, kayaking and people
Little known fact: Marie protects rattle snakes and turtles, safely moving them out of harm’s way in Honey Harbour.
Favourite Quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi

Cole Cresswell

Account Manager TCI, CCL

Role: Customer Satisfaction, Sales

Experience: 5 years

As a strong environmentally conscious individual, I grew up with deep care and passion for nature and the ongoing concerns of how to preserve what we have on our planet and what I can do to help be a part of the change to slow down the process of the never-ending war on climate change. At an early age, I was constantly trying to engage fellow students and teachers in the schools I attended in environmental programs, whether it be to start a school “Green Club” and also getting the school to do their part at bettering their waste and recycling program, as well as being a part of school trash pickup days and putting together environmental awareness assemblies which had local activist guest speakers to engage the student body. I’ve had the utmost privilege to inspire and be inspired by many like-minded individuals over the years through attending conferences, rallies, concerts and even engaging people through music as a musician/vocalist.
Passion: Nature, Music, Food, Art
Little known fact: I’ve been featured on the show Wildlife Crossroads on Animal Planet for a song I wrote and recorded.
Favourite Quote: Luck is a very thin wire between survival and disaster, and not many people can keep their balance on it. - Hunter S. Thompson

Tony Cupido

Co-founder, CCL

Role: Mohawk College: Research Chair Sustainability, Internal Consultant to school boards

Experience: Focused on technology research, and education lead for K-12 learning partnership

Throughout his successful career, Tony has been a strong advocate and early adopter of green building practices, policy development and related education.
Tony played a key role in coordinating the Climate Change Leaders partnership between Mohawk College and ten local school districts. As a passionate leader in the field of sustainability and low carbon, he is providing leadership for building capacity and capability in clean technology and a low carbon community.
In his leadership capacity at Mohawk College, he was responsible for the planning, design, construction and operation of Canada’s largest institutional, zero carbon building – The Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation. This award-winning facility became the first to achieve dual certification under the CaGBC’s Zero Carbon Building program. He has participated, nationally and internationally, in numerous speaking engagements and formal lectures and has been a strong proponent for high performance buildings. He has always had a focus on green buildings and policy and enjoys working with students to advance their knowledge on sustainability and carbon reduction. As a current member of the Board of Directors of the Canada Green Building Council he is providing a strong advocacy role for better teaching and learning environments.
Lives and works in: Hamilton, Ontario
Education: Ph.D. (Civil Engineering), McMaster University, Master of Engineering (Civil), McMaster University, Bachelor of Engineering Science (Civil), Western University
Passion: gardening, golf, great wine and people
Little known fact: Tony uses Dollar Store cotton mop head strands to tie his tomato plants. It protects the plants and Finches peck at them to create little cotton balls for their nests!
Favourite Quote: “When the going gets tough… the tough get going!”
Frances William Leahy – Notre Dame Football coach

Marcel Lavoie

Co-founder, CCL

Role: National Research Council, lead for high-performance buildings

Experience: Focused on building technology research, new technology to drive high-performance buildings

Marcel is proud to be one of the actors in Canada’s Low Carbon Economy, working for the National Research Council’s (NRC), Construction Research Centre’s, High Performance Buildings Program.
Marcel played an important role in contributing to the Climate Change Leaders construct. Marcel is relatively new to the Sustainability game, he has been at the NRC for three years in his current role. The previous 25 plus years were spent as a successful Senior Business Director and Business Manager in High Technology sales and business development in both Public and Commercial Sectors.
Marcel has been a very quick study of the Sustainability and Low Carbon Economy sector supporting: business innovation, government policy (reducing GHGs in the Federal, Provincial and Municipal building portfolio) and primary research. He is focused on innovative solutions including: building physics which result in lower emissions; building IT systems and analytics which result in lower O&M costs; smart energy grid which results in lower energy cost and finally the human factors associated with green buildings which results in collateral benefits of greater organizational productivity.
Marcel’s role includes being a national “connector” for the Public Sector, Academia and Industry focused on impacts and outcomes of social and economic benefits. As a current member of the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council he is providing a strong advocacy role for the local community, which includes the Canadian Federal Government.
Lives and works in: Ottawa, Ontario with Nadia and our two children Juliana and Jacob
Education: Bachelor of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa
Passions: Cycling, golf, hockey, cardio/ weight training and reading
Little known fact: Coached Youth Soccer for over 15 years
Favourite Quote: “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” – Sir Winston Churchill

Bill Hogarth

Co-founder, CCL and Education Advisor, TCI

Former School Director York Region DSB, former Chair at Seneca College, current Board of Governors for Guelph University and CAMH, President of ERDI

Experience: 45 years

A collaborative senior leader who, in periods of both expansion and consolidation over the past 40 years in two school boards, has had a broad range of experiences: expertise in developing and implementing strategic plans, Board policy, Ministry regulations, as well as curriculum and professional development programs. A confident team player who is perceptive, proactive, visionary and results oriented. A self-motivated individual who values excellence in student achievement, positive student and staff morale, good communication, meaningful partnerships, and who agrees with the values embodied in the mission statement.
Education:
Degrees
Doctor of Laws, York University
Master of Education, University of Toronto
Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Waterloo
Bachelor of Arts, Laurier University
Certificates
Ontario Teacher’s Certificate, York University
Supervisory Officer, Ministry of Education
Program Supervision and Evaluation, Trent University
Program Development and Implementation, York University
Principal’s Qualifications K-13
Areas of Expertise:
Education Planning
Governance
Student Wellness
Professional Affiliations:
Council Ontario Directors of Education
Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association
Regional Education Council Barrie
Leadership Alliance Network for Student Achievement
Institute for Education Leadership
The Learning Partnership
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Rotman School of Business
Learning Consortium Steering Committee
Think Tank – Ontario Researchers
Ontario Directors of Education Leadership Institute
Classroom Connections Advisory Board
Miller Thompson Foundation Board of Governors Scholarship Fund
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Advisory Board
OISE Partnership Learning Consortium
International Student Exchanges (ISE) Board of Directors
Education Research Development Institute
Junior Achievement Board of Governors
National Centre for Medical Device Development (NCMDD) Steering Committee (partnership with York University for research in bio-technology, K-12 application)
York University partnership for delivery of additional qualification courses for teachers
Queen’s University International partnership on Co-operative Education
FEATURED EXPERIENCE – Professional Activities
Consulting
Climate Change Leaders – education plan and strategy for multiple boards
Trained in organizational development leading to invitations from:
Minister of Education Leadership
Minister of Education Provincial Negotiations
Parramatta Board of Education, Australia
York University Principals’ Course
Oxford County Evaluation Committee
Secondary School Teams to present leadership and strategic planning processes
Haldeman County Senior Staff
K-12 Education
Director of Education, York Region District School Board (DATES)
Georgina Trades Training Inc. (GTTI)
Community Alliance for York Region Education (CAYRE) Board of Directors
Character Community Foundation of York Region
York Region Board of Education: Director of Education from (DATES)
Post-Secondary Education
Seneca College Board of Governors Executive Committee – Vice Chair Seneca College Board of Governors
York University Alumni Award Committee
York University Knowledge Mobilization
York University Biotech
York Region Community Partnerships
York Region Human Services Planning Coalition
York Region Advisory Forum Committee on Children, Youth and Families
Seneca College Board of Governors Executive Committee – Vice Chair
Seneca College Board of Governors
York University Alumni Award Committee
York University Knowledge Mobilization
York University Biotech
ABEL Broadband Enabled Learning Committee
York Regional Police Liaison/Partnerships
Regional Joint Senior Administrative Committee with Health Services (nutrition, healthy communities)
York Region Learning Connection
United Way of York Region Campaign Cabinet
Georgina Trades Training Inc. (GTTI)
Community Alliance for York Region Education (CAYRE) Board of Directors
Character Community Foundation of York Region
Artslink Management Committee
Awards:
2002 Phi Delta Kappa – University of Toronto, Educator of the Year
2004 Ottawa – CATAlliance Canadian Innovation Award for Public Sector Leadership
2006 OPSOA Award of Distinction
2006 Humber College Honorary Diploma
2007 The Learning Partnership Tribute Award as Champion of Public Education in Canada
2009 Markham African Caribbean Association Excellence in Education
2009 Korean Community Appreciation Leadership Award
2009 Special Education VIP Award
2010 Tamil Community Education Excellence Award
2010 Sir Lanken Graduates of Canada Outstanding Educator Award
As a lifelong learner, the journey continues through the Presidency of ERDI(Educational Research Development Institute), sitting on 7 boards, consulting, speaking and writing on educational issues.

Wayne Joudrie

Co-founder, CCL and Education Strategy Advisor, TCI

Former School Director Grand Erie DSB, former Director of Halton DSB, past Executive Director, P-CODE.

Experience: 45 years

Wayne Joudrie is the recently retired Executive Director of the Public Council of Ontario Directors of Education and an Executive Consultant specializing in the K-12 Education sector with extensive experience in leadership and operations of all aspects of a school district. He has a history of promoting high levels of student achievement while promoting safety and well-being for students and staff. Wayne held a number of senior executive positions in the K12 education and post-secondary education sectors:
President, Mohawk College Foundation, Director of Education and Secretary, Halton District School Board, Director of Education and Secretary, Grand Erie District School Board, Superintendent of Education, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Superintendent of Schools, Wentworth County Board of Education
Education: 1990-91 M.B.A. Program, McMaster University (3 courses completed), 1980 M.Ed., Brock University, 1977 B.Ed., O.T.E.C. Hamilton, 1975 B.Sc., McMaster University
Professional Certification: 2011-18 CuSource Credit Union Director Certificate, 2009 Crucial Conversations Certificate, 2009 Rotman Directors’ Institute Certificate, 1995 Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate, 1985 Supervisory Officer’s Certificate, 1983 Principal’s Qualification, Part II, 1983 Special Education, Specialist
Featured Experience:
Public Education
2011-15 Development and Supervision of the Mohawk College Foundation
2006-10 Development and Supervision of the HDSB Strategic Plan and Operating Plans
2006-10 Executive Member of CODE representing the GTA School Boards
2003-05 Development and Supervision of the GEDSB Strategic Plan and Operating Plans
Consulting Services
2011-19 PCODE Executive Director
2010-2020 Executive Advisor West Education Group
2018-20 Executive Advisor- MCW
2019-20 Executive Advisor- IQ-eSports
2019-20 Special Advisor to the Minister of Education-NNDSB
Community Service
2014-18 Chair, Hamilton Foundation for Student Success
2010-20 Director, Vice Chair and Chair, Tandia Financial Credit Union
2010-13 Director and Committee Chair, Royal Botanical Gardens
2007-11 Cabinet, Burlington-Hamilton United Way
2006-10 President, Bay Area Centre for Skills Development and Training
2005-10 President, Halton Learning Foundation

Larry Hope

Role: Education Strategy Advisor TCI

Larry’s career in public education spanned 30 years in two school boards in Ontario. During that time, he had the opportunity to develop leadership skills in a number of roles, including 15 years in senior administration, with the last 12 being Director of Education. His extensive involvement with government as well as work Trustees and the public has given him deep understanding of public policy, the value of effective governance and the importance of relationship building to achieve shared success. Larry’s close attention to detail and the process of change management has allowed him to successfully lead the development of multiple Strategic Plans and the implementation of numerous innovative and inclusive initiatives.
Larry has supported or led a number of large-scale initiatives provincially. His notable achievements include being a long time Education Partner with the Education Research Development and Innovation (ERDI) Corporation, a founding board member and Secretary of the Board with Conseil des associations en education pour les avantages sociaux/Education Council of Associations for Benefits (CAEAS/ECAB) having responsibility for the establishment of a provincial benefits trust for 7500 non-unionized school board employees, and a member of the Labour Relations Council (LRC) on behalf of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA). Larry has served on the executive of the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) and at retirement, was the Chair of Public CODE. He has been a key member of a number of high profile committees, including Ontario’s Special Education Funding Working Group for over 10 years, the Minister’s First Nation, Metis and Inuit Education Advisory Council and the Minister’s Reference Group on Pupil Accommodation Reviews.
Lives and works in: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Education: Supervisory Officer’s Certificate, Ontario Principals’ Council, 2003, Master of Education, Lakehead University, 2001, Bachelor of Arts, Lakehead University, 1990
Joined Thomas Cole Inc. in 2020
Passion: sustainable fishing, hunting, outdoor activity
Little known fact: Larry and his family have a small hobby farm where they raise goats, chickens and horses
Favourite Quote: “Panic Slowly”

Roger Holliss

Role: Healthcare Advisor

Roger Holliss, former Director of Facilities for St. Mary’s Healthcare. Bringing a wealth of healthcare facilities experience, knowledge and skill, Roger works with TCI and Nerva to optimize effective methods to mitigate air leakage in Healthcare facilities by providing ventilation and HVAC optimization, repair and sealing to support CSA compliance.
With a Masters of Engineering Science from Western University and 20-plus years of hands-on experience operating, renovating & constructing HCFs, and working with two national healthcare associations, Roger provides a well-rounded perspective to healthcare organizations.

Tony Tilly

Role: Education Strategy Advisor TCI and Partner, Compass North Consulting

Tony’s career has been founded in teaching and focused on leadership and change. He loves a combination of public service and private enterprise, describing Canada’s colleges as public enterprises and dedicating himself to developing the two components in that description.
Tony has first-hand experience in all academic roles from professor to vice-president. From 2004 to 2018 he was President of Fleming College focused on growth, a stronger college, campus and facility improvements, the education of individual students and partnership. Tony loves working with the ‘big picture’ and solving problems.
Lives and works in: Peterborough, Ontario
Education:
Undergraduate honours degree in English, Glendon College
Graduate degree in linguistics/stylistics, York University
Doctorate completed in 1980 as a part-time student while teaching full-time, York University
Joined Thomas Cole Inc. in 2020
Co-founded Compass North Consulting in 2018

Sonia Crook

Role: Education Strategy Advisor TCI and Partner, Compass North Consulting

Sonia brought career success in private enterprise to a lead role at Fleming where she was Vice president of Human Resources, Strategic Planning and Student Services. Her colleagues saw her as a transformational leader with the capability to connect strategy and organizational development initiatives to achieve sustainable change. She is the person who wanted to go farther and faster while ensuring there was deep connection and involvement in any initiative. She has facilitation, design thinking, leadership and team development capabilities.
At Fleming, Sonia generated a model approach to human resources, three successful strategic plans, an inspiring core promise to students and a method to enhance creative leadership using an applied learning model. She is focused on insights, strategies, excellence in recruitment, creative leadership and unique projects.
Lives and works in: Peterborough, Ontario
Education:
Masters of Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier
Organizational Development Certificate – Northwestern University
Joined Thomas Cole Inc. in 2020
Co-founded Compass North Consulting in 2018

Mark Wilhelm

Role: Greenhouse gas roadmap development, building energy strategist, on-site renewable energy and micro-grid development

Experience: 35 years, in 2017 was voted one of the top 50 energy managers in North America

Mark is a Managing Consultant with Tierra Resource Consultants, LLC. He has 35 years of experience in the energy industry, including 18 years in the utility sector and 20 years in sustainable building design, construction and operations. Mark develops and implements aggressive energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon reduction strategies for clients. His specialty is guiding clients toward cost-effective, carbon-neutral operations using a proprietary GHG roadmap approach. He recently served as the chief sustainability executive for Ameresco, the largest energy services firm in North America. His consulting experience spans all customer segments and includes organizational strategy, program development, and implementation. He has consulted on 70 MSF of high-performance buildings and developed 40 MW of renewable energy systems. He has consulted on 100 sustainable developments with Fortune 500 companies, utilities, government agencies, research organizations, colleges, universities, and school districts. He has directed LEED certification efforts for 80 projects and trained 6,000 professionals in sustainable design. He has managed $20 million of energy technology R&D at EPRI and founded and led two successful sustainability consultancies. Mark has lectured university students and addressed over 100 worldwide audiences. In 2017 Mark was named a Top 50 Energy Manager in North America by Energy Manager Today Magazine.
Education:
1982 Professional Master’s Degree, Environmental Planning (MEP), Arizona State University
1979 B.A., Economics (cum laude), University of Massachusetts/Amherst
Professional Certification:
2014 Certified Carbon Reduction Manager (CRM), License 268, Association of Energy Engineers
2011 Certified Energy Manager (CEM), License 19465, Association of Energy Engineers
2011 LEED AP O+M, License GBCI 19465, U.S. Green Building Council
2002 LEED AP, U.S. Green Building Council
Community Engagement:
2014-Present Arizona State University, Professional Science Masters, Solar Energy Engineering & Commercialization – Industry Advisor
Featured Experience:
Professional History:
2019-Present – Managing Consultant, Tierra Resource Consultants, LLC
2017-2019 – Energy, Sustainability & Climate Change Consultant, Quest Energy Group, LLC
2015-2017 – Corporate Director, Sustainability & Climate Neutrality Initiatives, Ameresco, Inc.
2013-2015 – Director, Carbon Neutrality Initiatives, Ameresco, Inc.
2004-2013 – Principal & Co-Founder, Green Ideas Building Science Consultants, Inc.
2000-2004 – Principal and Founder, GreenBuilt Consulting, LLC
1998-2004 – Product Line Leader, Electric Power Research Institute
1985-1998 – Management, Arizona Public Service Company
Professional Services:
2017-Present – Climate Change Leaders – co-founder
2017-Present – Mohawk College – GHG & Climate Change Advisor
2013-2018 – Arizona State University – GHG & Climate Change Advisor
2017-2018 – CECCE – Climate Change Consultant
2017 – Georgian College – GHG & Climate Change Advisor
2018-2019 – CSCNO – Climate Change Consultant
2011-2013 – Paradise Valley Unified School District – Solar Consultant
2008-2013 – Albuquerque Public Schools – Sustainability Consultant
2004-2006 – Agua Fria Union High School District – Sustainability Consultant

Domenic Maniccia

Role: Educational Advisor/Project Manager

Experience: Retired Facilities Manager with 20 years of School Board experience and 10 years Higher Education

Lyndsey Wasilik

Role: Graphic & Web Designer, Marketing & Sales Co-ordinator

Having studied Advanced Graphic Design & Illustration at Mohawk College and graduated with honours, Lyndsey Wasilik’s love for communication through design has only grown as the years went on.
Alongside a fantastic and talented team, Lyndsey helped create the current logo and website for Climate Change Leaders through a program called The Agency at Mohawk College; a program that brings students and clients together.
Throughout her years she has designed web sites, magazine spreads, illustrations, direct and email marketing campaigns, social media and print ads, virtual reality illustrations, and a multitude of logos.
Being a part of a passionate, positive team where she can utilize her creativity with a company that is trying to change the world for the better, is of great importance to her.
She is also a chef at The Hearty Hooligan.
Education: Graphic Design, Mohawk College
Passion: Dance, self-development, and animals.
Favourite quote: “If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased.” — Katharine Hepburn

Heather Rosen

Role: Writer

Heather is a seasoned communications professional with over 25 years of combined experience in advertising, direct marketing, branding and corporate communications. She brings strong strategic writing and editing skills to the table.
She has experience with a wide range of clients in many sectors, including energy/green energy, education, hospitality, food and confectionary, financial, consumer pharmaceuticals, publishing and technology.
Little Known Fact: Heather began writing songs when she was 16 years old, and holds a copyright with the Library of Congress.
Passions: Heather is an avid bird-watcher, conservationist and culture maven who loves film, art, music and travel, and is also an avowed seafood enthusiast.
Favourite Quote: My grandmother, who was a successful and creative businesswoman, always said this: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

Mission

As a learning partnership, CCL focuses on transforming schools to a carbon-neutral model and linking technology transformation to student experiential learning to support tomorrow’s skills.

Vision

TCI/CCL envisions a world where youth are inspired to a noble purpose, and are equipped with the skills and knowledge to live in a sustainable future.