Katie joined BCRPA in 2022 after a long tenure in public health focusing on quality systems and improvement at the BC Centre for Disease Control. Her passion is system-level engagement and partnership in health promotion and disease prevention. Katie grew up in recreation and parks, having been a fitness and dance instructor, lifeguard, camp leader/manager, support worker, and festival visual arts coordinator, and participant in the Olympic Academy of Canada. Her connection to recreation continues as a parent and coach, with two active school-aged children busy with soccer, hockey, swimming, dance, music, mountain biking, and many other outdoor pursuits.  Her latest challenge is navigating an e-bike commute with some regularity.

Katie holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UBC, and dual undergraduate degrees from Queen's University in Physical and Health Education (BPHE) and Film (BA).  She is grateful to make her home on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish people including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh in North Vancouver.

Noelle is the Project Manager with BCRPA and has been a part of the team since 2012, working on programming and professional development for those across the age spectrum – from infants to seniors. Her previous work has included advocacy and policy development in BC and the UK, with a particular focus on healthy living. She enjoys being active in beautiful British Columbia, hiking in the mountains, paddle boarding in the sea, and exploring nature with her family.

Jewel is BCRPA’s Programs and Initiatives Coordinator. She stickhandles the administrative processes of HIGH FIVE® and enthusiastically supports our conference and events. Jewel got her start with BCRPA as a student intern, and then came aboard full time as a graduate of the Recreation Program at Langara College, and a former Program Leader for the Vancouver School Board. In her spare time Jewel can be found venturing out into nature, singing and making music, and practicing yoga.

As the Education and Program Administrator with BCRPA, Christina is our delegates' first touchpoint at each of our five main conferences. She also provides administrative support for the Education and Initiatives, and Physical Education Programs Team. Engaging with and supporting the community is very important to her both professionally and personally, which is what led her to BCRPA. It was a perfect progression from her previous positions working in fund development for the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and The Arts Club Theatre Company. When not at work, you can find Christina enjoying local festivals, dancing salsa, honing her mandolin skills, and supporting the arts.

As the Fitness and Education Lead, Paula supports BCRPA’s Fitness Program, BCFit^®, and lends a hand with all conferences, events, and with any other project where help is needed. Paula got her start with BCRPA as a student intern, and then came on board full time after completing her Kinesiology degree from UBC. In her spare time she can be found exploring the Lower Mainland’s many hiking trails, parks, and beaches.

Felicitas joined BCRPA in March 2022 as the Partnerships and Events Coordinator. Her previous work in the fields of marketing, sales, tourism, and international exchange program management helped to enrich her now nuanced understanding of how to cultivate meaningful business relationships. When she’s not collaborating with her team or networking with Sponsors and Exhibitors new and returning, you can find Felicitas exploring BC’s natural landscapes, or exploring Vancouver’s food and coffee scene.

Kristie joined BCRPA in the summer of 2022 as Program Assistant. Her background is in education and psychology, with a passion for youth empowerment, universal design for learning (UDL), supporting children’s physical literacy, and creating equitable opportunities. Outside of work, she can be found volunteering for children and youth organizations in her community, twirling around on ice rinks, exploring BC’s beaches, or reading in cozy corners of coffee shops. 

As the Director of Communications and Corporate Services, Holly-Anne’s portfolio touches on pretty much every aspect of BCRPA. A seasoned communications professional (and a big fan of alliteration), she harnesses the power of words to inform, inspire, and ignite. Her strengths are centered on people, processes, and productivity. She uses her passion for travel and exploration to expand her understanding and appreciation of not only how unique every individual is but also how connected we all are, and can be.

Leslie is the Manager of Communications with BCRPA. She brings a diversity of experience to the role, gathered from her previous work supporting initiatives focused on human rights, clean water, affordable housing, climate action, and public health care. Her current role allows her to further sharpen her storytelling skills to support meaningful engagement, and share exciting projects and innovations led by BCRPA's recreation and parks members. When not on the job, you’ll find her teaching meditation classes, cycling the seawall, ambling through the forest, and learning how to live off the grid on Gambier Island.

Connie has been supporting BCRPA’s Communications department since December 2012. As an Administrator, Connie lends her creative talents to the creation of conference communications materials, and plays an integral role in supporting communications for all BCRPA’s departments. Her career has been focused in the non-profit sector, supporting organizations that strive to improve the lives of others. Connie brings her nurturing spirit to all she does. Outside of work she cherishes spending time with her family.

Kathryn joined BCRPA in the Spring of 2022 as the Communications Assistant. She arrived eager to start a new career path in the non-profit sector after working previously as a journalist reporting on cannabis policy and Vancouver-based daily news. Kathryn brings her curiosity and creativity to BCRPA’s communications department, including telling the incredible stories of the recreation and parks sector on Healthy Living Matters. When she’s not at work, or cuddling her cat at home, Kathryn can be found somewhere outside – jogging, swimming in the ocean, or basking in nearby parks.  

Samantha has been the Accounting Assistant with BCRPA since 2017. She was previously with Family Services of Greater Vancouver where she discovered a penchant for excel, data management, and finance. She now keenly crunches the numbers to keep BCRPA’s budgets on track, assists funded programs, and compiles meaningful data to help visionaries make decisions. Outside of work Samantha enjoys cycle touring, camping, and spending time with her nieces. She is also passionate about human-powered travel and zero-waste initiatives.