ABOUT OUR TEAM
Our Story
Parris Consulting was established at the back of socially pressing issues experienced by individuals and organizations in and around Canada, primarily affected by perpetual marginalization, complexities brought about by diversity of nationalities, cultures and beliefs, and the struggles to establish harmonious co-existence in social and professional settings.
Our Vision
To create humane environments that are geared towards accommodating different backgrounds and perspectives to achieve common goals. This is driven through systemic, mindset and behavioural changes, with the aim to facilitate solutions that can unlock social, economic and political emancipation and subsequent growth.
Our Promise
Organizations are continuously tackling the challenges of realizing their strategic intent and clearly crafted roadmaps, while having to navigate the everchanging complex landscapes brought about by social and economic dynamics. It is for this reason that we confidently stand by our promise to provide measurable impact through our thought leadership engagements founded on principles of human-centred solutions by incorporating diverse, equitable, and inclusive approaches, as we pursue outcomes that have a common goal for everyone concerned.
Meet the Team
Equity, Diversity, Accessibility & Inclusion Consultant
Learning & Development Strategist
Efficiency Coach & Mentor
Our Founder & CEO
Tamisha Parris
Tamisha Parris is the founder of Parris Consulting and Parris Cares Foundation. She founded each with the vision of bringing meaningful diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion strategies to the world to create positive social change. Through her work, she hopes to encourage others to reach for their highest levels of personal and professional excellence.
Tamisha has over 25 years of experience in the areas of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion strategizing, consulting, coaching, and training. She holds a degree in Equity Studies (Diversity) from the University of Toronto and has multiple certifications including those in the areas of Adult Education, Neurodiversity, and Project Management. She’s been awarded many prestigious honours, such as the 2022 BCBusiness Woman of the Year (runner up), the YWCA Woman of Distinction award, and the Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Award, for her formidable accomplishments.
Tamisha’s passion lies in spearheading cross-functional teams to create more accessible and just work environments. She brings her unique ability in uncovering organizational pain-points to craft strategic solutions that lead to measurable results in order to achieve organizational goals.
When she is not working (which is rare) Tamisha is an extrovert who enjoys socializing both in person and virtually with friends and family. She also, like most of the Parris team, is an avid reader who enjoys books that are informational and entertaining. Three of her favourite books include “Kindred” by Octavia Butler, “Race Matters” by Dr. Cornel West, and “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom.
Renée Charles
Renée Charles is a learning professional, performance coach, and program developer who is passionate about helping people to be, do, and give their best. Through her work, she hopes to create a world where authenticity is encouraged, and diversity is embraced.
She pairs her BSC Honours Degree in Neuroscience and certificates in Adult Education and Positive Psychology with her years of working as a facilitator and catalyst for meaningful conversation to engage audiences and organizations across the globe.
At Parris Consulting, Renée works to first assess client learning needs and then design, develop, and deliver in person and virtual diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion related workshops. She understands that we live in a world where diversity surrounds us, but inclusion escapes us. She hopes to equip people with tools and strategies to navigate diversity with confidence and competence so that together, we can bring about more inclusivity.
Outside of Parris Consulting, Renée is a mom to 2 absolutely amazing teenagers and loves reading and learning, watching movies and documentaries and exploring new places.
International Facilitator
Performance Coach
Program Developer
3 of Renée’s Favourite Books
International Business Strategist
Curriculum Designer
Certified Coach
3 of Clive’s Favourite Books
Clive Thinane
Clive is a strategy enthusiast with almost 2 decades of professional experience, which is geared towards creating a global brand recognized for its meaningful and impactful work in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
He also brings years of portfolio and program management, business process enhancement and executive strategic support experience that has consistently being demonstrated in many interventions spanning across many countries globally. He is currently in the process of completing a master’s degree specializing in International Business and has completed post graduate diplomas in Management Practice and project management to his work.
At Parris Consulting, Clive works on advocating for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity by formulating global and corporate strategies that can be translated into operational projects towards achieving strategic goals and imperatives. Clive’s ultimate goal is to create a world that is more fair and environments that are conducive for all those who work in them regardless of racial or ethnic background.
Outside of Parris Consulting, Clive is a lecturer at a leading global business school and enjoys contributing to social causes such as youth development. Clive is a research fanatic – he spends his time reading broadly across academic journals, history and biographies to broaden his knowledge, as well as to improve his practical skills.
Laura Shmishkiss
Laura Shmishkiss is an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) consultant and coach committed to advancing social and racial justice. She brings 25 years of experience as an organizational leader, trainer and educator, and recently served as Executive Director at an educational center for racial justice. As a white, Jewish woman, Laura has a vested interest in dismantling racism and all other interconnected forms of oppression that live within ourselves and the world.
At Parris Consulting, Laura specializes in equity, diversity and inclusion training and facilitation; leadership coaching; anti-racist practice; program and curriculum design; EDI strategy; and organizational development. She supports individuals, groups and institutions in the disruption and healing from oppression at all levels, and approaches her work from an intersectional, anti-racist, healing-centered framework. She is guided by the words of Emma Lazarus, “until we are all free, we are none of us free,” and her practice is rooted in the belief that each person’s liberation is bound in the liberation of all.
Laura earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Colby College, and a teaching certification from San Francisco State University. She also holds a coaching certification through the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Outside of Parris Consulting, Laura enjoys spending time with her community and family, and nurtures her own vitality through time in nature, dancing, running, travel, cooking and gardening. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant
Coach & Mentor
3 of Laura’s Favourite Books
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Facilitator
3 of Nereah’s Favourite Books
Nereah Felix
Nereah is a Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying) with over 3 years of professional experience in the field of psychology. She owns a mental health private practice catered to treating members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) community with mental health concerns. She has completed her master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and is now in the process of obtaining her PhD in Clinical Psychology.
At Parris Consulting, Nereah works on advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusivity by considering mental health components and how this can be translated into promoting the mental wellbeing of racialized individuals. Nereah’s ultimate goal is to do her best in terms of advocating for the mental health of racial and ethnic minorities within predominantly White societies.
Outside of Parris Consulting, Nereah enjoys watching crime documentaries. She also enjoys spending time at home with her partner and their two cats, Pumpkin and Duncan.
Leah-Marie Parris
Leah-Marie Parris is an educator, writer, and facilitator here to help people uplift, embrace, accept, and celebrate each other’s differences and see each other as the special individuals they are.
She brings years of teaching and writing experience in diversity and inclusion, primarily at Seneca College where she co – wrote the diversity and inclusion course, paired with her honours degree in Sociology and Psychology to the Parris Consulting team.
At Parris Consulting, Leah-Marie is a diversity, equity, and inclusion program and course facilitator and leader. She is passionate about realizing a world where people are judged based on their character and supports creating a more compassionate world through her facilitation.
Outside of Parris Consulting, Leah-Marie enjoys spending time with her 2-year-old daughter, and watching her discover, grow and develop. She also enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures and looks forward to getting back to exploring when COVID allows.
Educator
Coach & Mentor
3 of Leah-Marie’s Favourite Books
Facilitator
Curriculum Developer
Learning & Development Consultant
3 of Mikael’s Favourite Books
Mikael Dam
Mikael is a seasoned facilitator and course designer with over 25 years of experience in learning and development. His passion and focus is sharing information and insights that make people’s working and civilian lives easier and that give us all a broader and deeper appreciation for the shared journey we are on as fellow human beings.
In addition to decades of experience, Mikael has certificates in both coaching and psychology and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
At Parris Consulting, Mikael helps clients recognize the vital intersection of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion with both leadership and life skills. Mikael meets clients where they are at on their DEAI journey and treasures close consultation as a way to discern what strengths can leveraged and which challenges can be met directly, yet empathetically, in the desire to enact tangible and lasting change.
Outside of Parris Consulting, Mikael is one of the world’s most dedicated animal lovers and spends much of his time with his three dogs (a whippet and two Italian greyhounds) and two cats. He also enjoys reading nearly anything he can get his hands on and can often be found searching the many streaming services for the latest documentaries as well the occasional scary movie.
Sydney Elaine Butler
Sydney’s professional purpose is to ensure that people have the opportunity to be successful regardless of the barriers in their way. As a professional dedicated to HR, diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion, Sydney’s main focus is to help remove those barriers while creating more equitable and accessible workplaces.
An Honours Bachelor of Business Administration-Human Resources graduate, Sydney creates AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) compliant policies, procedures, and practices for organizations and works alongside them by providing support, such as training, that help create equitable and inclusive work environments for people with disabilities.
At Parris Consulting, Sydney takes an intersectional, human-centered, approach to facilitating DEAI conversations, creating disability inclusive educational materials, and conducting accessibility assessments. Sydney is passionate about neurodiversity and thrives to lead the way paving the path to enhanced accessibility one organization at a time.
Outside of Parris Consulting, Sydney enjoys spending time with their family – especially with their life partner and their dog “Oreo”. Sydney enjoys spending time as a Youth Ambassador for an Indigenous charity, beading, and doing arts and crafts.
Neurodiversity Specialist
Accessibility Strategist
Facilitator
3 of Sydney’s Favourite Books
Mindfulness Expert
Trauma-Informed Specialist
3 of Shawn’s Favourite Books
Dr. Shawn Y. Holmes
Dr. Shawn Y. Holmes has 30 years of experience across the educational spectrum. She holds two doctorates, a master’s degree and has teacher certifications in mindfulness meditation as well as extensive training in trauma-informed practices, anti-racism, and ethical sensitivity. Shawn designs and facilitates embodied mindfulness programs and uses art-based experiential approaches for participants to uncover what they may want to learn and unlearn about themselves and others – leaning into growth and compassion.
Shawn’s degrees are a DMD, a dentist (no longer practicing), PhD in science and adult education, and a MA in multicultural education. She has started an 18-month Life Strategist coaching program, which is a unique approach to well-being, mindfulness, and navigating change to master the art of ‘Skillful Living’.
A quote from Zen priest, Rev. angel Kyodo Williams, speaks to Shawn’s intention at Parris Consulting, “Without inner change there can be no outer change, without outer change there can be no collective change.” Shawn is a practitioner-scholar who supports clients with customized science-based mindfulness meditation practices, trauma-informed principles, and ethical sensitivity to inform and help each person navigate their DEIA journey. She uses joy and compassion to encourage a sense of belonging and comfort to make mistakes.
Outside of Parris Consulting, Shawn is a dedicated Buddhist practitioner and spends several weeks a year attending silent Vipassana meditation retreats. She fills her time traveling with her partner, hanging out with their King Charles Cavalier, Rumi; visiting with her adult son, and volunteering.
Dal Sohal
Dal is an educator, learning strategist, facilitator, and coach. She brings 20 years of work experience in the university setting, including developing curriculum, teaching interpersonal communication, and advancing DEAI initiatives. Her lived expertise as a South Asian woman shapes her perspective and commitment to amplifying the voices and visions of those who are at the margins and creating inclusive spaces where everyone has a sense of belonging and can flourish.
Dal holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University. She is a certified leadership coach and a certified practitioner of Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i).
At Parris Consulting, Dal specializes in equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion training and facilitation. She is committed to creating spaces where people can be brave and accountable in their learning and claim their power in changing systems. Her guiding leadership philosophy embodies caring connection, reflective thinking and listening, and promotion of continuous learning.
Outside of Parris Consulting, Dal enjoys spending time with her two kids and partner, connecting with family and friends, listening to podcasts while baking, reading, and being active in nature.
DEAI Educator & Facilitator
Learning & Development Strategist
3 of Dal’s Favourite Books
Organizational Development Psychologist
Facilitator
3 of Bernadette’s Favourite Books
Bernadette Barton
A psychologist by background, Bernadette has 25+ years’ experience providing counselling, coaching, and organizational development services.
At Parris Consulting, Bernadette brings her years of facilitation and coaching to advocate for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in organizations. She uses her experience in developing communication and leadership skills, to support environments that invite multiple perspectives, resulting in safe, progressive, and successful workplaces. Bernadette is passionate about working with diverse teams to improve their ability to achieve great things.
A true believer in the power of diversity, Bernadette supports companies in leveraging differences to achieve positive outcomes. A key focus for Bernadette is collaborating with clients to reveal limitations in teams’ and individuals’ practices in order to successfully address complex problems. An advocate for re-imagining relationships, Bernadette brings her Narrative Therapy experience and relational skills to help people navigate relational challenges be they in the workplace or home.
Bernadette incorporates the role of emotional intelligence (EI), in particular, how EI can impact communication and relationships. She also brings a continuous improvement framework to her work (certified Lean Greenbelt). Bernadette is also certified in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and earned her degrees at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
Outside of Parris Consulting, Bernadette enjoys spending time with family and friends, music, hiking, and exploring. She is originally from Canada, and has lived in Australia, the USA, and currently resides in Vancouver, Canada.
Gaylyne Archibald
When Gaylyne thinks about herself and her career, she prides herself on her ability to continuously evolve. She’s an educator pursuing her PhD in Education and currently holds a Master’s degree in Education, a BA in Psychology and English, and a BSC in Nutrition and Biology.
Gaylyne has a diverse set of skills – practicing life-long learner, educating children with disabilities, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to adults, instructing college courses, developing accessibility and belonging curriculum, and creating and delivering corporate workshops.
At Parris Consulting, Gaylyne provides new and effective insight to organizations and helps them adopt and adapt long-lasting accessibly inclusive cultural strategies and practices. Gaylyne takes her personal experience as a caregiver to adults with unique needs, her exceptional educational background, and her ability to apply it all and translate that into sustainable, innovative strategies.
Outside of Parris Consulting, Gaylyne enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and exploring global communities, and attending local cultural events. She enjoys hiking outdoors as much as being a perpetual student who will probably never stop learning.
Gaylyne believes education is progress, shared knowledge is wisdom, and applied knowledge is power.
Accessibility Educator & Facilitator
Adult Learning Specialist
3 of Gaylyne’s Favourite Books
Sustainability Specialist
Educator & Facilitator
3 of Crystal’s Favourite Books
Crystal Vistal
Crystal is a Sustainability Specialist who handled sustainability initiatives for one of the Philippines’ oldest and most diversified conglomerates – working with industry leaders in real estate, banking, telecommunications, and energy. Beyond sustainability, Crystal has decades of experience in human resources and academia. She holds an MBA from the University of Bradford in the UK.
At Parris Consulting, Crystal shares her passion for DEAI through training and workshop facilitation and provides strategic support in various aspects of our steadily growing firm. Crystal brings an Asian perspective to our projects and champions anti-racism, advocates respect and reconciliation for Indigenous peoples, and promotes meaningful and inclusive communication.
Outside of Parris Consulting, Crystal enjoys spending time with her family exploring their new home in Vancouver, Canada. Crystal’s passion for educating doesn’t stop with work – she shares her love of learning foreign languages, mythology, and history with her partner and three lovely daughters. Crystal is currently honing her French and Korean language skills while enjoying practicing oriental dance, traveling, collecting fountain pens, reading fiction books, and taking care of her many plants.
Parris Consulting is Hiring!
Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community? Do you have a passion for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion? Do you desire creating equitable systems , strategies and resources free of systemic discrimination for all? Come and join our team!
WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO CONNECT WITH YOU TO BETTER UNDERSTAND YOUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND UNCOVER WAYS WE CAN WORK TOGETHER.
Let's Connect.
We Acknowledge
