The SOUL certification committee is composed of experienced educators and practitioners of professional organic horticulture. The committee developed and administers the certification process and the certification examination. As more landscapers become certified the committee will be expanded. The certification process and examination will continue to evolve as we receive more input from certified practitioners.

Christina Nikolic

I came to the West Coast from Germany via Calgary and have finally put down roots here... where SOUL provides such a nurturing environment!

I run Stewardship Natural Landscape Design in Victoria, B.C., offering garden design and consultations as well as planting service and light garden maintenance since 2003. In Germany I received a degree in landscape architecture and extensive industry training, yet I had always felt that there was something important amiss. I found the answer to that "something" upon joining SOUL, and my approach to horticulture shifted completely towards organic principles. Finally it all makes sense...! A graduate of Gaia College, I became a SOUL Certified Organic Land Care Professional in 2005 and soon after that, an instructor with Gaia College, teaching in both the Ecological Landscape Design program and the SOUL Organic Master Gardener course.

I look forward to further broadening the mind by exchanging thoughts, knowledge, and experience with like-minded individuals. A "student of life" in times of considerable local and global challenges, I feel an strong dedication to living in harmony with each other and with the earth.

Phil Nauta

I am a SOUL certified organic land care professional and graduate of Gaia College's organic landscape management program. I am also certified in sustainable building and design and am a LEED AP. In October 2007, my sister took over my organic gardening business in Ontario and I moved to Victoria. I promptly found myself appointed the treasurer of SOUL, which is a position very well suited to me.

When I attended Gaia College in 2005, I learned a tremendous amount about horticulture and went through an incredible change in how I viewed the world. Working with SOUL is a great opportunity to educate others about the amazing things I have learned. It is also a wonderful group of people with which I feel very fortunate to be able to associate.

Laurie Hardy

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she attended UVic and earned a degree in Human and Social Development. Retired as of 2007, for the past ten years she assisted and taught in the Gardening and Customer Service Program at Camosun College. During that time she also got a Master Gardener certificate, a certificate in Organic Landscape Management from Gaia College and a certificate in Basic Landscape Design. Laurie is also on the Board of Directors for HCP home of Glendale Gardens and Woodlands.