Alison
Director
Alison
Director
Alison has worked in training and facilitation and project management in non-profits and the public sector in Canada and the United Kingdom, and is currently a PhD candidate in Political Science at UBC, where she is involved in research, writing, and teaching.
Alison has seen and is grateful for the incredible work Umbrella does with people living with addictions and mental health issues, and is thrilled to be joining the board in 2017.
Cyndi
Treasurer
Cyndi
Treasurer
Cyndi comes to Umbrella with over 30 years experience as a Chartered Professional Account CPA, CGA. During her professional career she has worked with both Government and Public Practice. Now that she is semi retired she is ready to commit more time to the activities and organizations that align with her personal values.
Cyndi is the happily married mother of two adult children. When not working or volunteering she enjoys fostering rescue dogs, trail running and hiking.
Kristin
Secretary
Kristin
Secretary
Kristin has over 20 years of experience as a scientist and over ten years in commercial construction. She holds a B.Sc. from UVic and a Ph.D. from UBC in Microbiology. Kristin and her husband built their construction companies based on teamwork, mutual respect, and integrity. Kristin heads up corporate affairs, core accounting and financial management. One of the guiding principles of their companies is a commitment to give back to the community in which they work.
Kristin has a particular passion for helping to expand the range of resources available to those struggling with mental health and addiction. She has long admired Umbrella and their team for the essential contribution they provide in supporting those in need and in addressing the full continuum of care.
Kristin is married with a son in middle school and a stepdaughter in university. She is an avid photographer, hiker, artist, boater, and traveler. She loves animals domestic and wild.
Valerie
Co-Chair
Valerie
Co-Chair
Valerie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice. Her specialties are addiction and codependency as well as group facilitation. Valerie worked for Island Health as an addiction counsellor in the past and this is where she first became acquainted with the work of Umbrella. Valerie has been a proponent for mental health and addictions since she finished her master’s in counselling psychology in 2007. It is a privilege to join the board of an organization that does work that is near and dear to her heart. Valerie has an adult daughter who lives in Vancouver and an 18-year-old cat named Polly who rules her house!
Wendy
Co-Chair
Wendy
Co-Chair
Wendy has a social work background and has spent her career working in the social sector, including ten years as a substance use and mental health clinician. It was during this time that she first encountered Umbrella. She is inspired by how much Umbrella has grown over the years and the amazing range of supports offered by the dedicated staff. She is really honoured to be part of his organization.Wendy currently works as a director of child welfare policy for the provincial government and can be found on her off time gardening and sailing around the gulf islands with her wife and her son.