I grew up in rural communities where sport was strongly gendered and recreation options were limited to hockey, figure skating, summer camps and school teams. I learned early that access shapes opportunity. I chased as many school sports as possible—volleyball, soccer, basketball, curling, shot put, and discus—yet was lucky to have parents who volunteered as Junior Forest Wardens Leaders. Their work opened doors to camps, leadership and outdoor skills training and a deep love of nature. My summers on Lasqueti Island were a blur of unstructured play, exploration and guiding younger cousins, which forged a lifelong curiosity about outdoor recreation.

Teen summers found me in Alberta with the Junior Forest Ranger program with trail building, stream restoration, forest fire fighting, campsite upkeep; and the school year in Lake Cowichan honing athletic skills. A camp counselor stint at the Junior Forest Warden Camp in Athabasca taught me program planning, risk management, how to lead and supervise others and the importance of access to recreation during the entire year.

As a college student, I began my studies in elementary education but spent summers working day camps with Cowichan Lake Community Services, Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture and the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena. A pivotal moment came when my Nanaimo boss, Joanne Schroeder, urged me to study recreation instead of education. I switched majors in 1995, earning a diploma in Recreation Administration from Malaspina University-College (VIU) and a Bachelor of Recreation Management at Acadia University where I discovered leisure education and the vital role leisure plays in community health and well-being. My path continued through a Master’s at the University of Waterloo and a PhD at the University of Alberta, where I deepened my commitment to the scholarship of leisure and the political advocacy needed for strong public recreation at all levels of government.

After this, I spent 20 years being a professor and scholar in recreation and tourism management before becoming a college administrator. Being a member of the BCRPA Board provides me an opportunity to use my skills as a leisure scholar with my passion for improving access to community recreation and parks. It also allows me to share my experience, knowledge, and skills with an organization that closely aligns with my values while working with incredible leaders from across the province.

I have and will bring more than two decades of recreation, tourism, and post-secondary leadership to the BCRPA board. As an Associate Dean in the School of Business at Okanagan College, I co-manage a 9-million-dollar budget, lead employees in two unions and am spearheading the development of new credentials linking food, wine, tourism and leisure to ecological and economic sustainability and overall community health and well-being. My experience in managing financial accountability, post-secondary experience and strategic vision align with BCRPA’s priorities around fiscal stewardship, workforce sustainability and sector innovation.

I have served on four governance boards including the BCRPA Board from 2023-25, contributing to governance renewal, the strategic-plan refresh and Director on-boarding processes. Other board experiences include chairing the Tourism Nanaimo Society Board and being a member-at-large on the Nanaimo Port Theatre Board and Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Association board.

During my 20 years at Vancouver Island University (VIU), I chaired the Recreation and Tourism department, a graduate program and the World Leisure Centre of Excellence, weaving community partners into experiential learning and applied research. I also secured more than $300k in external grants for community-based research, led international field schools, and mentored students whose projects informed municipal recreation plans and trail strategies. I am still connected to the department and VIU as an adjunct professor.

As an attendee of the 2025 CPRA Forward Together Summit and Day of Action on the Hill, I took part in advocating for the essential role of municipal recreation and parks in equitable access to leisure for all. Grounded in academic rigor and passion for community impact and seasoned in governance, I will bring to the BCRPA board evidence-based strategic insight, financial literacy and on-the-ground recreation expertise that will help the Association champion the role of recreation and parks in active, connected and resilient British Columbian communities.

Physical activity has been a central part of my life since childhood. Participating in sports both recreationally and through school kept me connected to my community while supporting my physical and mental well-being. At 16, I became a lifeguard in a small town and that role helped finance my education. After graduating from Simon Fraser University with a degree and a plan to become a teacher, I discovered there were no available openings in education. I chose to accept a temporary position as a Program Coordinator in Aquatics with the District of West Vancouver which ultimately launched a lifelong career in recreation.

As I progressed through various roles within the organization, I demonstrated strong leadership and a sustained commitment to the work. I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors who helped shape me into the professional leader I am today. Recreation is now integral to my life. I believe it is a transformative force that strengthens individuals and communities. The opportunity to lead and inspire in this field has been deeply rewarding, and I am proud of the positive impact my role has on my colleagues, staff, and the community I serve.

Being considered for the role of Director on the BCRPA Board would be an honour. I would bring over 30 years of recreation experience, along with a strong commitment to collaborating with a board that sets strategic direction and supports the sector as-a-whole.

I would be a great addition to the BCRPA Board because recreation isn’t just my job, it’s what I believe in. I’ve built my career in this sector because I’ve seen first-hand how recreation, fitness, sport and wellness programs help people feel healthier, more connected and more supported and how that ripple effect strengthens an entire community. I’ve had the chance to work in several lower mainland communities, and every role has sharpened my understanding of what residents need and what it takes to deliver services that work in real life, not just on paper.

I lead with integrity and professionalism, but I’m also very practical and people focused. I care about making programs and spaces welcoming, easy to navigate and truly accessible for the people who use them. I keep up with what’s changing in our sector: affordability pressures, access barriers, shifting community needs, and the growing expectation that recreation plays a role in well-being and community resilience.

I’m excited about BCRPA’s 2025-2027 priorities and I would bring steady leadership, strong collaboration skills and a strategic, forward-looking mindset to help move that work forward. I’m comfortable in governance settings and know how to help groups make clear decisions, work through differing perspectives, and stay focused on outcomes. I am comfortable navigating the municipal and provincial landscape and I’m confident in advocating for the value of recreation at every level. I’ve built strong working relationships across public health, education, social services, accessibility groups, and sport partners because meaningful progress happens when we work together. Finally, I bring a solid financial acumen and an understanding of what it takes to support sustainable well-run organizations.

Thank you for considering me.

I have spent the majority of my professional life working in the irrigation industry which is closely tied with recreation and parks. Our family business, Van-Kel Irrigation, was an independent business for decades, and I worked managing system installation crews and then managing our inside staff. I was part of the transition when Van-Kel was sold to Emco and I assisted our team with the adjustments. Since 2010, I have worked in another family business, Waterkind, where my sister and I continue to share our passion for efficient irrigation and where we do all we can to raise the bar for the industry.

Over the years, these roles have given me an opportunity to meet wonderful clients and friends who manage and support green spaces, and I am driven to support them as best I can to be successful. I believe that organizations like BCRPA are also critical for the successes for those working in and around parks and recreation, and I would like the opportunity to learn and assist as a member of the Board.

I have worked in the irrigation industry for over 30 years in a variety of roles. My experience includes project management, inspections and reviews with municipal and school district clients, managing a large distribution outlet and owning and operating an irrigation consulting firm. These experiences have helped me develop strong interpersonal skills which have been invaluable in helping me to facilitate connections between departments, stakeholders and customers, and clients.

My management and business development skills were instrumental in re-invigorating and managing Van-Kel Irrigation Ltd. and building and co-managing Waterkind Consulting Services Ltd.  I also bring to the table a relevant educational background with a degree in Business Management and a Professional Golf Management diploma. 

Building working relationships and connecting with people to improve irrigation efficiency is my passion and I would value the opportunity to work with the BCRPA Board.

Growing up immersed in competitive sports, I didn't fully understand the vital role of recreation on individuals and their community until I became a gymnastics and trampoline instructor at 16. That job sparked a drive in me for a career dedicated to fostering positive experiences and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces and communities that inspire movement and connection.

After completing the Recreation Leadership Diploma program at Langara, I immediately began working in my hometown with the City of Port Coquitlam in 2001. Along the way, I have been fortunate to work with exemplary leaders and mentors who have provided me with a variety of opportunities within recreation and that have strengthened my skills (and love) in working within municipal government.

Recreation is a fun, energetic, people-focused field, and the day-to-day moments bring me purpose rooted in service, well-being and belonging. I am excited for what lies ahead and to connect with others to share our knowledge and experience that supports the continued development of healthy, resilient communities.

With over two decades of municipal experience in the recreation field, I bring a strong combination of operational knowledge, leadership, and a strategic perspective. My strong values of community well-being, integrity and inclusion drive my advocacy for equitable experiences, community resiliency, and the essential role of recreation in community health.

My work in leading legacy projects, supporting community events, business operations and collaborating with teams has strengthened my understanding of effective community engagement, partnerships, service delivery and the importance of bringing vision to action. I am committed to ongoing personal and professional development and continue to bring enthusiasm, curiosity, and a positive approach to my work.

My career has been entirely rooted in the fields of horticulture, urban forestry and parks, and open space management. I began my professional journey working directly in horticulture and landscape stewardship, which evolved into leadership roles within educational institutions and botanical gardens. In these settings, I gained extensive experience in public engagement, organizational leadership, and the stewardship of complex public landscapes.

Over time, I have brought this background and depth of expertise into local government, where I now manage parks operations and focus on delivering high-quality, sustainable, and community-focused park services. My experience across education, cultural institutions and municipal operations has shaped my understanding of how parks and recreation contribute to public health, environmental resilience, and community well-being.

Serving on the Board of Directors strongly interests me because I value leadership within the parks and recreation field and am committed to advancing the profession as-a-whole. I feel closely aligned with the vision and goals of BCRPA and see board service as an opportunity to contribute my operational experience, strategic perspective and passion for parks to support the organization’s continued impact and leadership across the province.

I am a senior parks and recreation professional with over 30 years of experience in the sector, including more than 20 years in the public sector and over five years in management positions within local government in British Columbia. My career spans horticulture, urban forestry, nursery production, parks operations and education‑ based leadership, providing a strong foundation in both front-line service delivery and strategic oversight.

I am deeply committed to the essential role that recreation, parks, fitness, sport and wellness play in enhancing quality of life for individuals, families and communities. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated ethical leadership, professionalism and a strong focus on service excellence and customer experience, ensuring that public spaces and programs are accessible, responsive and community‑centred.

I maintain a strong awareness of current issues, practices and trends in parks and recreation, including sustainability, climate adaptation, workforce development, and evolving community expectations. I am knowledgeable in IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) practices and have applied these principles through inclusive park design, equitable service delivery, and accessible programming. I also bring an understanding of UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation and the importance of respectful engagement with Indigenous communities in recreation and parks planning.

My leadership experience includes working with governance boards, strategic planning, financial oversight, and change management. I currently serve as Treasurer for HortEducation.ca, contributing financial governance, budgeting, and organizational sustainability expertise. I am financially literate and experienced in public‑sector budgeting and resource management.

I am actively engaged with BCRPA through committee service and program delivery and am committed to supporting and strengthening its mandate. With experience across municipal and allied sectors, strong partnership‑building skills, political acumen and a collaborative leadership style, I believe I bring a balanced, informed and practical perspective to the BCRPA Board of Directors.

I was lucky enough to find positions that allowed me to serve my community throughout my later high school and university years. I worked at the pool as a lifeguard, swim instructor and aquatic fitness leader and on the fitness side, as a weight room and group fitness leader. After funding my way through school, it was too late to leave this industry as the good people, sense of community and buzzing nature of the field had been woven into the fabric that made me, me!

I count myself to be very fortunate to have always had mentors looking out for me and guiding my career path. The years (and sad to report, decades) have really flown by. I have worked and/or volunteered with private enterprises, municipal organizations, non-profit organizations, and charities. What I enjoy most is the connections, watching leaders learn and grow, and the sense of community.

You can find me and my family in the pool, at the gym, at the park, or buried in my studies.

I have over 20 years of experience working in the sector, all in the province of British Columbia. I have worked and/or volunteered with private enterprises, municipal organizations, non-profit organizations, and charities. My BCRPA experience includes currently serving my second term as Board Director-at-Large (Finance Chair), volunteering at BCFit® and presenting multiple times at Ripple Effects and serving on its planning committee.

I believe there is a strategic role that recreation and parks can and should play in a just and equitable society. As a practitioner-scholar, I have many research interests where I see a direct link to the practical applications in recreation and parks. They include Indigenous ways of knowing, decolonization, anti-racism, action-oriented engagement, social learning, communities of practice, mentorship models, mental health and wellness and political framing. I seek to apply these as a Doctor of Social Sciences researcher and recreation professional.

My management consultant key focus areas are environmental stewardship, collaborative innovation, multi-sectoral partnerships, equity-deserving voice amplification and resource allocation. I see boundless potential in the direction of BCRPA and hope to keep contributing to its big, hairy audacious goals.

Recreation and sport have always played a central role in my life, shaping my values and inspiring my commitment to community. Early experiences taught me the power of connection, teamwork and belonging, ultimately guiding me toward a career in municipal recreation.

I began my journey in recreation with opportunities in Port Moody and Surrey, where I gained invaluable experience in frontline service, program delivery and leadership. These roles strengthened my belief that recreation is essential to healthy, connected communities.

Today, as a Recreation Manager with the City of Port Coquitlam, I’m grateful to bring everything I’ve learned into a role where I can help shape inclusive, accessible and vibrant recreation opportunities.

Beyond my municipal work, I’m proud to support the Michael Cuccione Foundation, contributing to their mission to advance pediatric cancer research and the Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club, contributing to local sport development in the community.

Having worked in the recreation field across multiple communities with diverse and evolving needs, I have developed a broad range of experiences that enable me to offer meaningful insights in support of the strategic priorities of BCRPA.

Throughout my career, I have remained committed to delivering quality recreation opportunities while balancing the perspectives of key stakeholders. My work is grounded in the principles of inclusion, accessibility and service excellence, which are values that have also guided my involvement in new leadership opportunities, including my role as a Director-at-Large with the Michael Cuccione Foundation.

As the needs of our communities and the recreation sector continue to grow and transform, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to strategic initiatives that will advance our profession and strengthen our collective impact.

My interest in joining BCRPA’s Board of Directors is driven by a genuine passion for the recreation sector and a strong desire to advocate for increased funding from senior levels of government to support recreation services and aging facilities. I am also committed to championing BCRPA's IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) initiative and exploring additional ways to advance equality and inclusion, particularly with amateur sports.

Drawing on my experience in recreation, I hope to mentor and support the next generation of emerging leaders and ensure that the annual Symposium and ongoing professional development opportunities offered by BCRPA remain relevant, impactful and meaningful for all members.

I am an engaged leader with high integrity specializing in large scale team leadership and organizational development with 40 years of experience including the private, non-profit and public recreation sectors. As the Manager of Recreation for the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), I lead the largest team of staff in the organization in a wide range of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities. I am also a board member of Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society and sit on their governance and strategic planning committees. My professional training and education includes sports business management, local government administration, environmental sustainability, emergency management, strategic business development, and marketing.

As a leader, I am passionate about staff engagement, succession planning, accessibility, and fostering a culture that values work-life balance, taking calculated risks and playfulness.

“My passion lies in working with people to build meaningful relationships. I love seeing the potential in each person I connect with and finding out how to unleash it. I use my people-centered approach to guide collaborative solutions in multi-functional, efficient teams. I love to connect strategies and operations, so the result is something bigger than it is now. As a practical thinker, I will react and solve any problems that arrive.”*

*Quote adapted from Buckingham Strength Profile for R. Weetman, 2022

I grew up as an active kid playing every sport I could, swimming whenever there was water nearby, and heading off to camp each summer with a backpack full of excitement. Parks, gyms, pools and community spaces were where I felt free, connected and at home, though at the time I thought recreation was simply something you did, not something you could one day build a life around.

My path into recreation began as a youth sports volunteer coach with the YMCA. Coaching young people lit a spark that has never gone out and introduced me to the powerful role recreation plays in child and youth development. What started as volunteering quickly grew into progressive roles across recreation, including day camps, youth development, fitness, aquatics, special events, childcare and facility operations, even teaching a fitness class or two along the way! Each role reinforces how welcoming, inclusive spaces that are grounded in care can foster confidence, connection and belonging.

My career later took me around the world delivering programming for children and families, before returning to public service in Vancouver. In senior leadership roles, particularly in communities facing complex social challenges, I witnessed first-hand how parks and recreation can meet people where they are, support dignity and create moments of belonging that truly matter.

While I have worked in parks and recreation throughout my career, it wasn’t a path I initially set out to pursue. In many ways, it found me and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives and bring joy to communities every day. Outside of work, soccer, paddle boarding and a newfound love of trail running keep me personally connected to the work we do each day.

Today, as Director of Recreation, Culture, and Community Services for the City of Courtenay, my interest in serving on the BCRPA Board of Directors reflects a desire to give back to the sector that shaped me and to support a resilient, inclusive and people‑centred parks and recreation system across British Columbia.

I am the Director of Recreation, Culture, and Community Services for the City of Courtenay, located on the unceded and traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, providing strategic leadership for recreation, parks, culture, community development and civic facilities serving a diverse and growing population. With extensive senior level experience in local government, I am known for a collaborative, value-driven leadership approach and a strong commitment to building inclusive, resilient and healthy communities.

Throughout my career, I have led complex municipal portfolios balancing community well-being, financial stewardship, and equity-driven service delivery. My experience includes operational oversight of the full spectrum of recreation services, long-term parks and recreation planning and facility, and service development. I have also overseen related social services, including housing, food security, community development and childcare, placing my work at the intersection of parks, recreation, health, social development and community resilience, reflective of the evolving role of parks and recreation across British Columbia.

I bring deep sector experience through senior leadership roles with the YMCA, the City of Vancouver, and the City of Courtenay. In these roles, I have been responsible for fitness, aquatics, sport, child and youth development and access and inclusion services and have led initiatives such as universal access policies, system-wide inclusion strategies and reconciliation pathways. I have also guided policy and planning to address community needs through sustainable, outcome-based solutions, including parks, recreation, aquatic, sport, culture and community development strategies. This work demonstrates an understanding of the linkages between physical activity, mental well-being and social resilience and the critical role access to nature and inclusive recreation and leisure opportunities play in supporting overall community health.

I am a strong advocate for sustained investment in parks and recreation as essential to community infrastructure and the backbone of connected, healthy and resilient communities. I bring governance aligned leadership through advisory committee service, senior level roles and my current role as BCRPA Regional Liaison for Vancouver Island / Coast.

As an active and engaged BCRPA member, I bring a small city and regional perspective that complements my experience in large urban centres, enabling me to contribute strategic insight in support of outstanding quality of life for all communities across British Columbia.