The People Behind Thrive
The Thrive crew is an extraordinary blend of creatives, storytellers, and academics, each with our own unique story and individualized strengths. From seasoned educators and outdoor experts to talented writers and artists, we all share one common passion: a commitment to creating and inspiring ways to thrive. Together, we share our collective wisdom and experiences to empower others to embrace their fullest potential and embark on a path of thriving fulfillment.
Terry Dubroy
Founder & CEO of Thrive
Terry is a devoted family man, outdoor enthusiast, and natural leader, with a passion for transformative experiences. With over 3,500 kilometers paddled through the wild landscapes of Canada, Terry’s adventures have shaped his innovative approach to leadership and education, blending experiential learning with real-world insights. Over thirty years, he has grown from a humble wilderness guide into an inspirational leader in experiential learning and leadership development, empowering others to challenge perceived limitations. As the founder and CEO of Thrive, Terry combines decades of expertise in leadership development, outdoor education, and transformative teaching to create programs that foster trust, authenticity, and personal growth. Known for his engaging storytelling and authentic approach, he inspires business leaders, educators, and individuals alike to step out of their comfort zones and cultivate cultures of commitment and success. Thrive is the culmination of his life’s work and experiences – Terry champions a mission to elevate personal and professional development, proving that the most profound insights often come from nature’s lessons.
Abbey Laferriere
Creative Director
Abbey thrives when she is challenged and inspired to bring ideas to life – whether through organization, problem-solving, or creative execution. As Thrive’s Creative Director, she plays a vital role in the administration and development of programs. She supports all aspects of Thrive, from coordinating events and managing logistics to overseeing creative projects that visually and strategically communicate Thrive’s core messages. With a strong background in multi-media art, including illustration, photography, film, and graphic design, Abbey is passionate about finding ways to display the core messages of Thrive through artistic forms from both a logical and creative perspective. Her goal is to create art that is insightful and beautiful, but also to have others connect with and be inspired by it. She excels in crafting work for clients, ensuring that it not only meets their needs but also leaves a lasting impact.
Jillian-Rae Picco
Resident Author & Program Creator
Jillian-Rae’s mission in life is to help individuals heal and thrive through her chosen craft of writing. She believes that people are at their best when unearthing authentic, universal truths – and gently challenging themselves to embody those truths over time. Her literary works, creative projects, workshops, and speaking engagements dive wholeheartedly into a meaningful range of themes for finding personal fulfillment at any age. She is the recipient of an Honours Degree with Distinction in English Studies, and the author of 3 books in Thrive’s Walking the High Road series: Canoeing with the Seasons, The Insightful Journey, & The Insightful Journey: Guided Journal, with more books in the work to be released soon. An advocate for spiritual wellness and self-development, Jill is an old soul and thinking introvert whose work gets people pondering their next steps, and bravely immersing themselves in their heart and soul center.
Our Collaborators
Thrive is proud to work with many talented people who contribute to our programs, workshops, and content. These incredible individuals help shape and expand our impact.
Tory Fisher
Land-Based, Indigenous, & Cultural Programs Lead
Holding a Master's of Education Degree from Nipissing University, Tory authored his thesis titled “Facilitating Indigenous Cultural Safety Workshops: A Self-Reflective Learning Journey”, and has made significant contributions to writing several Ontario curriculum documents. Tory is a Shkaabewis (traditional helper) for ceremonies, pipe carrier, knowledge carrier of ceremonies, men’s traditional dancer, drummer/singer, and caretaker of Nishnaabemwin (Ojibwe language) in Nipissing First Nation. Tory founded a specialized land-based learning program for senior high school students called the Shkaabewis Program. Tory is well known for his captivating storytelling and wisdom as a facilitator. His ability to bridge cultural divides and inspire positive change resonates deeply with audiences, leaving them inspired, enlightened, and eager to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and growth.
James Ross
STEM Wizard & Program Developer
James Ross, a certified OCT teacher and scientific enthusiast, merges industry expertise from biological research with a background in Behavioural Neuroscience. With a supportive nature, he shares relatable anecdotes from his unconventional journey to teaching. Seamlessly integrating biology, chemistry, and physics, James fosters growth mindsets by encouraging students to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes. Passionate about helping fellow educators, he offers innovative strategies to inspire lifelong curiosity in the classroom. Through his guidance, both students and teachers embark on a journey of self-discovery, embracing the wonders of science with enthusiasm and purpose.