About Us
The Spore Group was created to bridge the gap between education, legislation, regulation, and Investing in Psychedelics.
OUR MISSION
Leading the Way into a New World
Joe Barnes, Co Founder & COO Joe started working with patients to grow small amounts of medicine in 2008,which led to twelve retail locations in North America. After being acquired by GrowLife Inc. in 2013, Joe held the title of Executive Vice President of Business Development. Barnes built and led successful teams for manufacturing,distribution,retail and ecommerce. Teaching the team how to drive sales and reach profitability is always the goal. He is a dedicated father to two boys and in a former life was an accredited snowboard instructor.
Paul Burgess, Co Founder & CEO Burgess is an executive with over 30 years experience in telecom and technology, developing innovative products and services, rejuvenating old product lines and creating new business opportunities from small companies to multimillion dollar enterprises.  He has proven track record of success in implementing and executing the process to expand market opportunities, accelerate growth and strengthen competitive positioning both organically and through M&A. Paul brings an extensive management background covering sales, marketing, finance and operations.  For the past 20 years Paul has held C-suite executive positions including CEO, COO and CFO.  Paul’s experience covers both large organizations such as IBM and AT&T through to startups.
Khara Cartagena, Co Founder and VP of Business Development With a background in Finance and Entrenprenuership, Khara has worked in the areas of Investment Banking, Family Equity, and the Cannabis Industry. Khara holds patents in the Cannabis Industry and has a proven track record in Strategic Partnerships and Product Develement.
Mia Lowry, Director of Outreach Mia has over a decade of experience in healthcare administration, helping facilitate patient and family centered care networks with both regional hospitals and independent physician groups. During her career Mia has been instrumental in implementing value-based care models with a focus on patient-based health outcomes. Her passion for building relationships that support community health initiatives and her advocacy for alternative medicine and entheogenic therapies led her to the cannabis industry in 2018. Now as Director of Outreach for the Spore Group Mia is instrumental in advancing the role of psychedelic medicine in healthcare through education, legislation, and regulation.
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