• Proprietor of New Life Retreat
• Certified Hippocrates Health Educator
• Optimum Health Institute Graduate (San Diego, CA; Austin, TX)

Over the last 18 years, Chas has experienced and witnessed through education and time spent at other such health centres, the vast benefits of a natural diet. A diet being predominately organic vegetarian / Living Foods aids in regaining and maintaining optimal health, for the prevention of degenerative disease. He has included diet with other important health practices including yoga, conscious breathing, meditation, and awareness of thought and how they effect our lives. The combination of diet and health practices, has allowed him to develop a deeper relationship with self, others and spiritual connections as well as our environment. Chas has a strong belief that most of our modern day diseases can be prevented and reversed through the above practices. He gains great pleasure in offering his experience to others, whether the experience is on dietary exploration, talking in the comforts of New Life Retreat facility or on the land connecting with nature where individual or groups can regain clarity on their path.

Over the years he has grown to have a strong appreciation for the environment taking steps towards making less of an impact on the environment. He has become personally involved at the retreat and throughout his daily life in helping restore harmony with promoting less pesticides and synthetic chemical use on earth. Chas has a strong desire to initiate or get involved in better managed recycling facilities and ride share progams.

Seeking greater peace, joy, and health is part of his own mission and being in service to others seeking the same adds great pleasure to his life.

New Life Retreat’s Assistant Manager, Lara Purvis is a teacher, writer, photographer and dedicated organic gardener. She brings her passion for green homes, sustainable living and spiritual connections to New Life Retreat. Born in South Africa, Lara moved to Canada in her teenage years and remains in love with the spirit and resilience of Africa while drawn to the privilege of living on Canadian soil. Lara now resides on her organic farm in Perth.

Manon Vermette is a Registered Massage Therapist and Cranial Sacral practitioner in private practice. As a passionate vegetarian and living food advocate, Manon attributes her glowing health to her diet, exercise, and spiritual practices. Manon offers massage and craniosacral therapy at New Life Retreat by appointment. She also teaches massage, injury prevention and management and integral body workshops. When Manon is not in the garden or giving treatments you will find her in the kitchen preparing or assisting the Chef in creating the next delicious meal. Manon's professional and personal work is devoted to a holistic, mindful, healthy lifestyle. Her goal is to assist any one that is searching for health in any aspects of their life.