About Galileo

Our Board

Honorary Directors

 

Albert (Bert) A. Einsiedel, Jr. -Honorary Director

Before coming to North America in 1968, Bert taught Psychology at Mindanao State University’s College of Education in the Philippines. He has a BA from the University of the Philippines, a Masters degree in Psychology from California State University, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Indiana University.

Bert has held academic positions at the University of Hawaii’s Center for Cross Cultural Training and Research, Indiana University-Purdue University’s Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University’s Psychology Department, and Syracuse University’s Department of Social and Political Psychology.

In 1982 he and his family moved to Edmonton. Bert joined the University of Alberta, where he is now Professor of Extension and Executive Director of the Institute for Professional Development, a research unit that focuses on the advanced study of continuing professional development. He also teaches Organizational Communications and Applied Research in the Master of Arts in Communications & Technology program. His role in the Faculty of Extension included being Director of the Local Government Studies Program, Business Programs, Protected Areas Management Program, and Associate Dean. He has published several books, book chapters, and a number of articles in fields of Organizational Communication, Continuing Professional Development, and Project Management.

Bert is one of the founding members of the Galileo Board of Directors. He has also served as a member of the Board of the Van Horne Institute, the TELUS Centre for Professional Development, and the Legal Resource Centre at the University of Alberta. Bert was also a member of the IUCN Commission on Environmental Education and the Commission on Parks and Protected Areas Management.

Pat Clifford - Honorary Director

Pat was one of the co-founders of The Galileo Network.

She co-authored with Dr. Sharon Friesen and Dr. David Jardine: Back to the Basics of Teaching and Learning: Thinking the World Together. The book re-examines the traditional ‘basics’ of teaching in the light of interpretive inquiry. Most recently, her work has centred on the role of inquiry and technology in teaching and learning. She held a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Administrative Studies from the University of Calgary.

She was the recipient of numerous awards for both research and teaching practice:

  • 2005 AERA Book Award for Curriculum Studies
  • 1999 The Alberta Teachers’ Association, Educational Research Awar
  • 1999 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence
  • 1997 Aoki Award for educational research
  • 1996 ASCD Celebrating Educational Successes in Alberta award
  • 1994 National Institute Award for Technology Integration
  • 1991 Alberta Excellence in Teaching finalist

Patricia Anne Haidenger Clifford died at Calgary, Alberta on August 12, 2008. She was a survivor of ovarian cancer for over 6 years, and received over 80 chemotherapy treatments. She published a book of poetry on life with cancer, Embracing Brings You Back. She spoke to doctors and medical students on the experience of being a cancer patient.

Although a fierce patient advocate for ovarian cancer, Pat did not wish final memories of her to be that of an ovarian cancer patient. It is her past as an educator, writer, and good friend that was of most importance to her. Here is her obituary:

Pat Clifford died at Calgary, Alberta on August 12, 2008. She lived her life well, as a teacher, educator and writer. She filled her life with family, friends and colleagues, and in turn filled their hearts.

She leaves a gift to us in her teaching, scholarly writing, poetry and stories. As a teacher, Pat was steadfast in her belief that each child had the right to succeed brilliantly, and brought to them her own love of literature, writing and history. As a daughter, she supported her mother with laughter, empathy, and a kind listening ear at all times. As a sister and aunt, she was certain in her love. As a friend, she was loyal, up for great conversation, and a good time.

In her flamingo shirt and red shoes, she entered a room with presence, wit, and a good story to tell. She still fills that room with her energy, even though her body can no longer support the life she lived.