The story of a shared calling
Meet Our
Founders
Dr. Geraldine Schwartz and Dr. Desmond Berghofer united two remarkable careers—and a profound partnership—in service of humanity’s best possible future.
Psychologist · Applied scientist · Educator · Poet
Dr. Geraldine “Gerri” Schwartz
Born in Montreal, Gerri completed a BA in Psychology and English Literature, professional teacher certification, an MA in Educational Psychology, and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Psychology and Education at McGill University.
Her career began as a classroom teacher and guidance counsellor. She became Head of Psychology at John Abbott College, then Head of Psychology at Vancouver Children’s Hospital with a joint appointment as Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia.
In 1980, Gerri founded the Vancouver Learning Centre to put the emerging science of neuroplasticity into practice for children and young adults with learning differences. Over four decades, the Centre became a lighthouse of success for hundreds of young people and their families.
Gerri founded the International Foundation of Learning in 1983 and, with Desmond, Creative Learning International in 1988 and the Institute for Ethical Leadership in 1997. Her passion for human excellence, sound science and right action has driven a lifetime of transformative projects—and now the growing Visioneers Web of Good Work.
Writer · Futurist · Teacher
Dr. Desmond Berghofer
Born in Queensland, Australia, Desmond began his working life as a teacher after earning a BA in English Literature from the University of Queensland. He immigrated to Canada in 1966, served as a teacher and principal in Alberta, and completed a Ph.D. in Educational Administration at the University of Alberta.
As Assistant Deputy Minister in Alberta’s Department of Advanced Education from 1977 to 1988, he represented Canada through the Council of Ministers of Education at international conferences held by UNESCO and other organizations.
In Vancouver, Desmond became a teacher, author, conference presenter and workshop leader in Canada and abroad. His founding novel, The Visioneers: A Courage Story about Belief in the Future, imagines how a small group of passionate people can help move the world toward peace, cooperation and sustainability. It became the inspiration for the Visioneers International Network Web of Good Work.
Across his books, leadership work and public service, Desmond raised his voice for global unity and the best possible outcomes for present and future generations.
Visit Desmond’s tribute page ↗
“At last we have come to it. Whether to fashion a value shift among all cultures, replacing sense of separation with understanding of the all…”
— Dr. Desmond Berghofer
Their legacy lives through action