Staff


Canada Staff

Shannen O’Brian
Executive Director

Shannen, the founder of Create Change, has been living and working in Ghana since 2005. Shannen started the Ghana Girls Education Project in 2007, through which she came up with the video concept.

Although Shannen holds the title as Executive Director, she has thus far acted as: administrator, accountant, field manager, field staff, web designer, graphic designer, camera person, film editor, musician, and fundraiser. With all the time Shannen has spent in the field, she has developed strong relationships with the people and communities that Create Change works with.

Shannen has a BA in International Development and a Masters Degree in Human Rights, and has traveled extensively from Cuba, to Tanzania, to Mongolia. Shannen grew up snowboarding in the mountains, and boating on the Pacific Ocean, and not surprisingly, is from Vancouver.

Tadhg Healy
Operations Manager

Tadhg Healy, a native of Cork, Ireland, decided to change his life by joining Create Change in September 2008. His first position within the organization was to act as Field Manager for the Ghana Girls project ‘08/’09. From purchasing supplies, to waiting around for hours to pay school fees, to organizing the sewing of 150 school uniforms, Tadhg was heavily involved in every aspect of the girls’ project, and got to know many of them personally.

Following this Tadhg worked as the primary videographer and gathered the footage for the ‘08/’09 period. Tadhg’s current duties involve film editing and website content development. Prior to joining Create Change Tadhg obtained a PhD in Physics from University College Cork and worked for a Dublin based telecommunications firm. He is an avid photographer and ultimate Frisbee player.

Sandra O'Brian
Administrator (Volunteer)

Sandra O’Brian has supported Create Change since its inception. Although she initially became involved to support her daughter, Shannen, Sandra has spent a lifetime involved with social and environmental causes. She has been to Ghana twice, where she was able to spend time in rural communities and witness firsthand the urgent need for change.

Sandra is responsible for all of Create Change’s legalities, banking, and overall accounting. No matter where Create Change staff might be, Sandra acts as the Foundation’s home base in Canada. Having spent her career of over 35 years in business, she has extensive experience in start–ups, administration and fundraising. She lives on the Sunshine Coast, B.C., where she supports the healing arts. Sandra is an avid gardener, and enjoys studying metaphysics.


Ghana Staff

Peter Tisakia
Water and Sanitation Officer

Having grown up in a village in Northern Ghana, whose family relied on subsistence farming, Peter Tisakia knows firsthand about what it’s like to live without access to basic needs. When Peter was a kid, he struggled to earn money to pay for his school fees by selling local foods on the street.

Once he had put himself through secondary school, Peter worked as a laborer on construction sites in order to save money to send himself to Tamale Polytechnic, where he earned a degree in Construction Technology. Upon graduating at the top of his class, Peter was selected by a prominent non-governmental organization to work as a water and sanitation officer.

He has worked in the water and sanitation sector for over 7 years, and has also acted as a contractor for several schools, clinics, private homes, and various water facilities including boreholes, hand-dug wells, and rainwater harvesting tanks. Peter is well versed in community animation, and is dedicated to improving the lives of those living in poverty, as he once did himself. Peter is happily married with a six-year old son, Junior, and twin babies, Lawrence and Lawrencia.

Eunice Akpeere
Field Staff

Having grown up in Tamale, Northen Ghana, Eunice is very familiar with the poverty that the majority of Northern Ghanaians face. Eunice, who is acting as field staff, has a passion for development work. With a diploma in Journalism, and having worked with various development initiatives like AIDS education, Eunice has a lot of experience with finding out information in the field. With her gentle demeanor, authentic spirit and knowledge of local nuances, Eunice has so far been an extremely effective staff member in getting the inside story from rural communities and disadvantaged children.

Eunice is married with a two year old daughter, and is so far loving her new position with Create Change. As someone who has seen members of her own family facing poverty, Eunice is committed to making a difference in her community and her country. Eunice has been doing a great job and the Create Change Team is proud to have her on board!

Eunice's staff video coming soon!