Meet the Harrowsmith Local Team

Teresa brings more than 35 years of administration, media and client service experience working with entrepreneurs, small businesses like Harrowsmith Magazine, and Bowen College. Her attention to detail, makes her ideal for executing tasks that have several moving parts accurately and on time. Teresa also serves as project manager and coordinator for Harrowsmith’s website, the magazine and newsletter.

This includes communicating with clients regarding creative material for upcoming issues and processing insertion orders and advertising contracts. She is well versed in all Microsoft Suites and works with the Moongate sales team to effectively deliver professional PowerPoint presentations and documents. Clients find her organized, efficient and super‐friendly.

Les is an accomplished sales professional known for his consultative, client-focused approach. He prioritizes understanding each client’s unique objectives and is committed to developing tailored strategies that create value and foster growth. His strong relationship-management skills have earned him the trust of clients and colleagues alike, resulting in long-standing professional partnerships.

In addition to his professional achievements, Les is deeply engaged in the Aurora and surrounding community. He is an active member of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, where he contributes to initiatives that support and promote local businesses. He is also a dedicated supporter of grassroots charitable organizations within the community.

Outside of his professional and community involvement, Les maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys hockey, golf, and skiing.

Patrycja Hyrsz is a commercial photographer and community-focused storyteller based in York Region. With years of experience working with local businesses, creatives, and brands, she brings a strong editorial eye and a deep appreciation for place. As a Harrowsmith Local Ambassador & Distributor, Patrycja plays an active role in connecting the magazine with independent shops, cafés, markets, and main street businesses throughout Newmarket, Aurora, and Bradford — helping Harrowsmith Local live not just on the page, but in the community itself.

I’ve attached a portrait image as a temporary option and hope it will work for now. Most of my professional photos are studio-based with a clean backdrop, so I wanted to share something more natural in the meantime.

Cathy Nesbitt is a Health and Wellness Advocate dedicated to promoting joy and vitality through laughter and energy techniques. Located in Bradford, Cathy is a Laughter Yoga Teacher appointed Laughter Ambassador in 2017 by the founder of Laughter Yoga. She incorporates tapping, brain gym, and other healing modalities to help people get out of stress and into joy. As an Ambassador for Harrowsmith Local, Cathy will ensure the magazine is readily available and accessible at local outlets. Cathy is also the founder of Cathy’s Crawly Composters (est 2002) and Cathy’s Sprouters.

Shane Birley is a Vancouver-based web developer, author, blogger and technology consultant. As a partner in Left Right Minds Initiatives, Shane develops websites using content management systems where his clients can edit and update their own web content. He did extensive research for the published book BitTorrent for Dummies, co-wrote three editions of Blogging for Dummies and most recently wrote two books for kids about blogging, podcasting and vlogging. With a background in improvisational theatre and a B.A. in English, Shane is well qualified to translate difficult computing concepts into easy plain language. Shane is also a member-at-large for the board of The Karen L. Colussi Foundation – an organization which supports and encourages Montessori programs in Victoria, BC.