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.
Amanda
Board member
Amanda
Board member
Amanda has a background working in substance use and mental health with non-profits, health authorities and the provincial government providing direct service, policy, research and leadership. Her work has focused on substance use and mental health, violence, trauma, and FASD prevention. Amanda is currently working for InsideOut Policy Research as a senior associate providing research and writing services.
Amanda first came across Umbrella while working as an alcohol and drug counsellor in the community and has admired its ability to grow while retaining its core values. As someone in recovery herself, Amanda appreciates the important contribution Umbrella makes with its dedicated and skilled staff providing impactful services and supports for people struggling with substance use issues. She is excited and grateful to have the opportunity to contribute as a board member.
When not working, Amanda loves hiking with her dog, being active, and spending time with her husband and adult son. She is also teaching herself how to knit (badly) and loves reading.
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.
Jeff
Board member
Jeff
Board member
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.
Lois
Board member
Lois
Board member
Lois is the Manager of Healthy Communities for Island Health, with a long career in social services. In this role, Lois supports a team of staff to contribute to a wide range of health promotion initiatives. She has previously worked in providing employment and social supports for individuals with mental health issues and developmental disabilities, and also spent several years with BC Housing, contributing to the set up of new shelters and supportive housing sites during the pandemic. It was during this time that Lois gained a deep appreciation for the work of the Umbrella Society. Outside of work, Lois enjoys gardening, hiking with friends, visiting the Gulf Islands, and spending time with her large, extended family. She is also a proud mother, wife, sister, friend, and foster mom.
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 Executive 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.