Staff & Board of Directors

Administrative Staff

Barbara Coates – Executive Director

Barbara accepted the position of Executive Director at Dan’s Legacy in September, 2016, after four years with the Marketing and Communications team at Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC. Barbara brings a 33-year background in broadcasting and communications to her role, as well as marketing, public relations and fundraising for clients in the health, not-for-profit and government sectors. She is an active and long-time volunteer, serving on numerous business, sports, educational, charitable and government committees and boards in her community of Delta. Barbara is passionate about children’s and mental health issues, and is a past Director with the Canadian Mental Health Association (Delta). She has mentored many young broadcast and communications professionals throughout her career, is a Director on the Board of the CBC 20 Year Association and member of the Surrey Board of Trade Social Policy Committee. Barbara holds a Diploma in Broadcast Communications and a Certificate in Marketing Management/Public Relations (Distinction) from BCIT.

Tom Littlewood – Program Director – M.A. Psych

Tom was first brought in as a consultant with Dan’s Legacy, and, after working with the foundation’s board for four months, was hired to be their Director of Programs and senior counsellor. Tom graduated from Simon Fraser University with B.A. in Psychology in 1985. Over the next six years he completed his Masters in Psychology as well as two years of specialized counselling programs in various universities in Canada and the USA. He developed one of the first diversion programs for at-risk youth while working as a police counsellor and established the original affinity card campaign while being the founding Executive Director for the Selkirk College Foundation. Tom was the founder and Executive Director of the Sanctuary Foundation that for fifteen years provided work and life skills programs, counselling and the first jobs for thousands of at-risk youth in Metro Vancouver. During his last five years with the Sanctuary Foundation he worked with the Cuban Ministry of Education setting up an apprenticeship program in bike mechanics for at-risk Cuban youth. Tom has also worked as a community counsellor for a local First Nation community and as a family support worker and counsellor for a local alternative high school. For the last fifteen years he has managed and volunteered at a local surplus food cooperative.

Juan Damasco – Human Resources Manager – B.A. Psych

Juan is an HR Professional with over 20 years of experience in progressively senior and promoted HR positions with a focus on leadership, coaching and development. Juan has a BA in Psychology from the Universidad de Belgrano in Argentina, and has a Human Resources Management Certificate from the University of Phoenix.

Juan has worked for health care organizations as well as a non-profit organization that provided counselling, settlement & integration and crisis management for people with housing stability issues as well as mental health challenges. Most of his career has been in the corporate environment, and a few years ago decided to start a career in non-profit organizations, helping people and giving back to the community.

Linda Vu – Manager, Marketing & Communications

Linda is an experienced marketer of 5+ years who loves to design, photoshoot and manage end-to-end projects with her teams. She loves thinking outside the box and draws on her creative strengths to develop innovative solutions to complex problems and situations. She has volunteered throughout her life since middle school and continues to take pride in providing the best support possible. By joining Dan’s Legacy, she wants to build on her passion for giving back to the community with a focus on children/youth and mental health. Linda has a Diploma in Marketing Management and has launched her own brand of sustainable products to help families reduce the impact of single-use products in homes as a passion project.

Amy Scowcroft – B.A. – Office Manager

Amy has a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in Sociology from the University of Victoria. She brings four years of administrative assistant and office support experience to her role as Office Manager. Amy has always had a passion for helping others and is proud to continue doing so working for Dan’s Legacy. When given the chance, Amy enjoys traveling because it allows her to experience other cultures, step out of her comfort zone and try new things. When not working or traveling, she also enjoys playing soccer, skiing and crocheting.

Amy Mildenberger – Manager, Administration & Special Events

Amy first got involved with Dan’s Legacy as a volunteer while completing her studies at BCIT in Non-profit Management and Business Management. With a background in office and administration support, fundraising and special events, her various experience has made a significant impact in her work. Amy is an active member of the event industry and has worked as an events consultant for various charitable organizations, refining her skills and gaining valuable experience in all aspects of event planning and management. She believes in giving back to the community through volunteering, and is passionate about being involved with an organization that makes a difference in the lives of others.

Counselling Staff

Toufic Kronfol – Clinical Counselling Manager – M.A., BCACC.

Toufic graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology from Saint Joseph’s University in Beirut, Lebanon. He spent three years working alongside children with developmental disorders as well as another seven years providing mental health care to vulnerable adults and children through his work with Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières). Toufic’s clinical approach combines fundamentals of existential, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral psychology. He believes that through the provision of a safe and non-judgmental space where psychoeducation and active communication can take place, a trustful and collaborative relationship with clients enables finding meaning in one’s suffering as well as utilizing one’s resources in order to achieve a higher sense of awareness and optimally reach the set outcomes.

Maryanne Kotylak – B.Ed., M.Ed. C.C.C (in progress) and member of the CCPA.

Maryanne has her Masters of Education specializing in Educational Psychology from the University of Regina.  She has spent the last 30 years working with youth and their families as a teacher, principal and consultant with various school divisions in Saskatchewan.  She brings knowledge and experience in emotional, behavioural, sensory, achievement and cognitive screening and assessment.  She has been providing individual and small group support for youth and their families in dealing with trauma, sensory regulation, addictions, and learning needs.  Maryanne uses Mindfulness, CBT, and sensory regulation techniques in her therapy and believes in a very individualized client-centred approach.  

Rashi Arora – MA Psychology, C.C.P.A. Professional Member

Rashi completed her MA in psychology in India and is a professional member of CCPA. She has spent the last seven years working with children, adolescents, and adults in educational institutions, medical facilities, clinics, and non-governmental organizations. Because she feels that everyone is a human at the end of the day and that no one strategy is sufficient, she loves to use a range of techniques with her clients, including using expressive arts therapy components wherever suitable. She believes that every person is special and that it’s crucial to embrace the difficult parts of oneself in addition to maintaining one’s originality. She encourages the development of listening skills throughout communities because she thinks that listening to someone with empathy and respect can be healing.

Victoria Daniel – B.S.W., R.S.W., M.S.W. (Therapist)

Victoria graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Master’s of Social Work degree. She brings over 3 years of experience working with youth and adults with intellectual disabilities including FASD, Down Syndrome, and Autism. She also has experience working with youth, children in care, and those struggling with mental health and substance use. She believes that every person has resiliency within themselves, and each person has their own gift. As a counsellor, she approaches her work from a strengths-based, person-centered, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed perspective. Her counselling style is actively listening to the person, being compassionate, approachable and believes we all have a way of healing.

Marija Bebek – M.A., R.C.C. (Therapist)

Marija graduated from the University of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2012 with a Master’s degree in psychology, worked as a counsellor in an elementary school, and has several years of experience working with youth and their families in a post-conflict society.  Marija is passionate about guiding individuals through personal challenges and is an active listener. She believes that truly being there for somebody and helping to guide that person through challenging times can be healing. She is currently working on finalizing her Gestalt psychotherapy designation, centered on increasing a person’s awareness, freedom and self-direction.

Jody Hearn – MC, R.C.C. (Therapist)

Jody is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who graduated with a Master of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle. In addition to her counselling practice, Jody has worked in the non-profit sector for the past 11 years supporting young people in mental health, addiction, and life skills. Jody is committed to community care, practicing allyship, and social justice-orientated approaches. Through values of connection, safety, and collaboration, Jody combines talk therapy with body-based (somatic) and mindfulness-based approaches. Jody’s therapeutic approach is highly relational, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. She aims to support clients to feel present and grounded by strengthening the mind-body connection. Jody honours that clients are the expert in their own experience and healing journey.

Allison Massé – MA, R.C.C. (Therapist)

Allison (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over seven years of experience in the mental health field. Allison has a compassionate, person- centered approach and uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She offers a practical, integrative, and evidence-based stance to helping individuals achieve goals and live a more balanced life. Allison specializes in working with individuals of all genders and ethnic backgrounds; her six years of experience on the front lines in social work with Indigenous populations has instilled a strong social justice understanding and ability to work with varying complexities, including trauma, anxiety, substance use, burnout, self-esteem, and goal directed work. Allison understands that while everyone undoubtedly suffers in life at one point or another, authentic connection and resilience are armour for life’s storms and fuel for change. She prioritizes trusting relationships and tangible solutions in practice and is passionate about preventative medicine and wellness.

Angela Pattria – R.C.C., M.C.P. (Therapist)

Angela completed her Master of Arts degree in Counselling and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Working in various settings, Angela specializes in substance use, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and trauma. Angela provides therapeutic support through a trauma-informed lens, utilizing Cognitive Behavioural therapy, person-centered, and humanistic modalities. Angela tailors her counselling approach to individual needs and creates space to facilitate discovery, helping clients understand change and acceptance in a way that is most comfortable. Angela values providing culturally sensitive counselling and offering an environment of support, empathy, and free of judgement.

Nicole Crouch – M.A., C.C.C. (Therapist)

Nicole Crouch is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Art Therapist (MA, Concordia University), who is passionate about helping her clients explore self-discovery through clinical counselling and self-knowledge through the creation of art. She has worked in community arts and mental health for over fifteen years in various sectors including private practice, hospitals, end-of-life and hospice care, youth in care, community-based acute mental health support, and military family support services. Nicole’s approach to trauma-informed, client-centred holistic counselling and art therapy is specifically informed by: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy; Motivational interviewing; Strengths and skills-based approaches to neurodiversity and disability; Sensorimotor art therapy practices for trauma, stress and anxiety, depression, pain disorders, traumatic injury, grief support; and Arts-based integration for psychedelic psychotherapy. She is an advocate for public art for community mental wellness has proudly served on the boards of community arts and mental health organizations. Nicole is LGBTQ2s+ identified and practices yoga and meditation.

Nikta Niazi – M.A., R.C.C. in progress (Therapist)

Nikta is a dedicated professional in the field of psychology, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Iran and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the Trinity Western University in Canada. Her educational journey began in Iran, where she developed a deep fascination with understanding the human mind. Seeking to broaden her horizons, she embarked on the path that led her to Canada, where she honed her skills in counselling psychology. Nikta’s professional philosophy revolves around inclusivity and cultural diversity. She has a genuine passion for working with clients from diverse backgrounds and is committed to providing a client-centered, non-judgmental, and compassionate approach. Her goal is to create a supportive and empathetic environment where individuals can explore their inner thoughts and emotions. In her practice, Nikta draws upon a wide range of psychotherapeutic models, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Psychodynamic, and Existential Analysis. This eclectic approach allows her to tailor her therapeutic methods to meet each client’s unique needs and challenges.

Nikta’s professional journey is a continuous one, characterized by a strong desire to expand her skills and knowledge. Currently, she is particularly interested in pursuing further training in hypnotherapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These modalities hold the promise of providing profound healing experiences for the individuals she works with.

Adele Zhao – MCP-AT, R.C.C. (Therapist)

Adele graduated from Adler University with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and Art Therapy. She approaches her work with the philosophy that every human being is the expert in their own life; she believes that we all have the innate capacity and wisdom for healing. Adele has experience supporting at-risk youth and adults with substance use and cognitive disabilities. Her approach is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and collaborative.

In a session, she facilitates a genuine and safe environment for her clients to recognize their strengths, potential, and self-growth. She is passionate about combining psychotherapy with art-making to engage with inner creativity and to make room for things words cannot always express. As someone who has experienced the value of therapy, she understands that seeking therapy is a huge step for anyone. Healing is non-linear and she strives to meet her clients where they are and moves at a pace that feels comfortable for them

Mehrnoosh (Maria) Pezeshk – MEd, R.C.C, C.C.C (Therapist)

Maria is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Concordia University, Montreal, and later completed an MEd in Counselling Psychology at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George. With a diverse background in individual counselling, couples’ therapy, and crisis intervention, Maria applies a trauma-informed approach rooted in the Triphasic model and a person-centered foundation to her practice. She also incorporates elements of family systems therapy, Indigenous counselling, and strength-based approaches. Her practice is deeply grounded in cultural awareness, allowing her to deliver comprehensive and culturally sensitive care. She is passionate about guiding individuals on their unique journeys to healing and personal growth within a safe and empathetic environment.

Pino Leporace – M.Ed, M.C.C., R.C.C. (Therapist)

Pino is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with many years of experience as a teacher and counsellor. He has Master’s degrees in both Education and Counselling but believes that his greatest education has been learning how to navigate his inner world with more kindness and gentleness. Pino works with adults and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, difficult life transitions and the various challenges life presents. He has experience working in addictions therapy, both as a wilderness therapy guide and as a counsellor. Pino’s practice draws from many different therapy modalities, though central to his work are client-centered psychotherapy, Depth Psychology, Somatic Experiencing, and mindfulness-based approaches. Pino’s goal as a therapist is to offer a safe relationship and space for clients to begin to reclaim their confidence, intuition and wisdom and learn to navigate past hurts and trauma, moving towards trust and healing.

Ocean Johnston (she/they) – M.A.C.P. (Therapist)

Ocean obtained their Master’s of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has experience working within communities of youth navigating intersections of class, culture, substance use, gender, sexuality and more. Ocean believes in the innate wisdom of individuals and communities, and works from a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive lens in order to empower clients to connect to their intuition, emotions, values, strengths, and goals. Within a strong and safe therapeutic relationship, Ocean works to support clients through compassionate curiosity, storytelling, creative expression, and the development of skills that foster a deeper mind-body connection. You can expect Ocean to arrive to the therapeutic space with warmth, curiosity, humility, humour, and shared vulnerability.

Munir Velji – B.A., Crim, B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W., R.C.C. (Therapist on-call)

Munir is both a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Registered Social Worker. He has a passion for working with people from all walks of life, having worked with people for 29 years and in many areas of counselling including mental health, substance misuse, crisis management and relationships. Throughout the years, he has learned that everyone has resilience and inner strengths. He has an extensive history of working with adolescents, families, couples, adults and BIPOC/Indigenous people.  He is client-centered and utilizes many modalities including CBT, Family Systems, and Brief Solution Focused Therapy. He believes that it is his job as a counsellor to listen, guide, support and provide you with options and ideas to lead a happier and fulfilled life.

Outreach Staff

Claudia Whitrod – Partnerships and Wrap-Around Programs Manager

Claudia joined the Dan’s Legacy team in April of 2022. She spent the last five years working as a cooking instructor teaching young mothers and youth connected to the foster care system. During this time, she also coordinated a life skills workshop program and created a grocery hamper service during the pandemic. Having a background in the culinary arts, Claudia understands the value of hands-on learning as a means to acquire useful skills, build confidence and explore creative expression. She is continuously humbled to support individuals develop their recipes for success.

Ximena Zapata – Outreach Supervisor

Originally from Lima, Peru, Ximena immigrated to Canada with her family in the ‘90s. She completed her studies in Social Services from Douglas College, and for the past five years has dedicated her career to the social services field. While working at an opioid agonist treatment clinic she specialized in supporting at-risk youth and adults navigating challenges associated with opioid use disorders. Serving as a caseworker in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), Ximena focused on fostering job readiness and facilitating employment opportunities for marginalized individuals. Ximena is committed to creating a harm-reduction environment and actively advocates for the well-being of those she serves.

Eugene Semple – B.S.W., R.S.W. – Social Worker

Eugene received his BSW from Tennessee State University in 1993, specializing in the criminal justice system. He studied the “pipeline to prison” issue, addressing the link between marginalized youth, ADHD and the prison system. Eugene spent four years in the US Navy, where he worked as a religious program officer serving as the liaison between the families and the servicemen and women. Eugene has always been fascinated with the foster system and the bulk of experience that comes with working with youth at risk, as he enjoys engaging with, empowering, and supporting youth. Eugene received his Registration with the BC College of Social Workers in June of 2015.  In his spare time, Eugene also enjoys coaching youth in basketball and lacrosse.  He is excited to bring his wealth of experience to Dan’s Legacy and loves the culture of collaboration and connection.

Katelyn Chow – B.S.W., R.S.W. – Social Worker

Katelyn completed her BSW from the University of Hong Kong in 2014, diving into the diverse fields of social work. Over her seven-year tenure working as a social worker in Hong Kong, she served a diverse clientele and gained a deep understanding of client support, advocacy, program development, and resource acquisition. This rich experience further strengthened her commitment to social justice and capacity-building. Her approach to social work is rooted in empathy, understanding, and empowerment, focusing on the strengths of the individuals and communities she serves. She obtained her registration with the BC College of Social Workers in 2022, bringing her substantial experience and understanding to a new demographic and cultural context. Empowering at-risk youth has always been a deep-seated passion for Katelyn. She is driven to help these young individuals realize their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Through her unwavering commitment and support, she strives to create a brighter future for these vulnerable youth.

Kailey Halford – Outreach Worker (maternity leave)

Kailey brings forward years of experience working with children, youth and young adults. With a background in special education, Kailey worked for a number of years as an Education Assistant, supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. This past year, Kailey found her passion working as a Youth Worker, supporting at-risk youth in the care system. Kailey is honoured to be a part of Dan’s Legacy and continue to support youth and help them develop skills and confidence to achieve their goals.

Tanya Wehrens – Outreach Worker

Tanya has been working in the field for over a decade and brings forward years of experience working with high-risk youth and families. Tanya worked for a number of years as a support worker for Indigenous youth and families in the realm of child protection. Tanya’s passion is working with youth and providing them with the support they need in order to achieve their goals. Tanya is honoured to be a part of Dan’s Legacy and to be able to provide support to youth in a low-barrier environment.

Mazin Hammood – Outreach Worker

Mazin brings 3 years of experience as a translator for newcomers migrating to Indonesia, supporting them with obtaining a higher quality of life. Working in the social services field has always been Mazin’s passion as he aims to provide holistic support to the community by utilizing a client-centered approach. Mazin is honoured to be a part of the Dan’s Legacy team and he strives daily to make a positive impact in the lives of youth and the community.

Cristina Kagan – Outreach Worker

Cristina is a Social Service Worker from Seneca College and has many years of volunteer and work experience with a diverse population. She enjoys helping clients access family and community resources.  She is passionate about cognitive therapy and has applied cognitive approaches to facilitate healing and health by organizing programs for high-risk populations.  Cristina has also creatively used her administrative expertise to improve the processes and services to better support clients’ care.

Dan’s Diner Staff

Andrew Wong – Program Manager 

Andrew brings nearly 30 years of business experience to the Dan’s Legacy team. He has owned and operated restaurants in the Lower Mainland including the critically acclaimed Wild Rice. A first of its kind in modern dining and an award-winning eatery, this business allowed Andrew to sharpen his skills in the restaurant industry. Over the years, Andrew has trained many young people who entered his doors to work in the kitchen or in the front house of the restaurants. A number of these young people have thrived in the industry, and have become leaders or opened their own restaurants. Andrew’s approach to business is hands-on and generous. He inserts himself into every aspect of the business while providing others with the tools necessary to be successful. Being passionate about the environment, Andrew was on the ground level of the sustainable initiatives Ocean Wise Vancouver and the Green Table Network. During his career, Andrew has gathered a wealth of knowledge and continues to maintain invaluable business connections.

Luke Willingdon – Chef Instructor

Luke is a graduate of Vancouver Community College’s Culinary Arts program and completed his apprenticeship while working at Bridges Restaurant on Granville Island. He worked in various restaurants, ranging from casual to upscale fine dining. He has led teams executing à la carte restaurant service, buffets, and several styles of catering service including passed canapés, chef action stations, plated weddings and conferences, as well as multi-course tasting menus. One of Luke’s proudest accomplishments was opening a brand-new restaurant – Duke’s Seafood and Ribs in the Cayman Islands. Being a chef has provided him the opportunity to live and work abroad in the Caribbean, lead the kitchen at a remote, luxury fishing lodge in Northern BC, and work as a private chef during Canucks games at Rogers Arena.

Megan Watkins – Food Support Outreach Worker

Megan is a dedicated care professional who has a diverse background working in group homes and day programs for adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as with youth. Born in Korea and adopted as a child, Megan brings her resilience, empathy and commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment to her work with Dan’s Legacy. Outside of her professional endeavours, Megan finds joy and inspiration in the culinary arts, finding an outlet for creativity and expression through cooking. Megan’s life experiences fostered the development of her unwavering belief in the potential of every individual to overcome challenges and create their own narratives of success. She is committed to creating a world in which everyone can enjoy a life of dignity and purpose.

Darius Fadavi – On-Call Food Support Driver

Originally from Toronto, Darius moved to B.C. in 2019 to study at BCIT, and completed a Diploma in Geographic Information Systems in 2021. Since working full-time in the software field, Darius continued to develop a passion for volunteerism, especially around food security. In addition, Darius enjoys hobbies such as running where he has developed a recent passion for the sport. Currently residing in Burnaby, Darius believes in supporting local causes, feeling strongly about giving back.

Dan’s Legacy Foundation Board of Directors

Kelso Kennedy – President

Born in Nanaimo, Kelso moved to Burnaby as a preschooler so that his mother could pursue an education at Simon Fraser University. At the age of 8 he started his entrepreneurial journey with a door-to-door car wash service and eventually cornered the local lemonade stand market. At 14 he built his first real business that was an immediate success but meant dropping out of high school to manage. Kelso went on to engineer websites for projects including Oscar-winning movies and Grammy-winning artists. At the age of 18 Kelso and his mother established a first-of-its-kind peer-to-peer non-profit organization in the Downtown Eastside. In 2012 he founded Redstamp agency which was recognized by Small Business BC as one of the top 10 places to work, and by the city of Port Moody as the 2019 Business of the Year. Kelso was also honoured as the 2020 Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year. Having left school early to focus on his first business, in 2014 he attended Harvard University to fill any knowledge gaps. He’s also continued to help build non-profit organizations, working with Brands for Better and spending the past 18 months as a Director on the board of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, which included establishing the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Kristy Hayter – Vice President

Kristy has worked in the non-profit sector for over 20 years, working both frontline as a youth worker and in philanthropy, communications and marketing. Kristy currently works as a Manager of Marketing and Public Relations for an environmental non-profit focused on using litigation and law reform to effect change. She believes in supporting and advocating for young people to have timely access to counselling, mental health care, and life skills; eliminating the stigma around mental health and substance use is crucial. Kristy is a proud volunteer of Dan’s Legacy and is grateful to make a meaningful contribution to support its advancement

Jackie Marchand – Treasurer

Jackie has over 25 years of local and international experience as a CPA, CA in a wide range of industries including the resource and professional services sectors, the public sector, and with Indigenous organizations and businesses.  Jackie’s experience includes serving as the CFO for a minority language school board in Alberta, and overseeing the economic development portfolio of an Indigenous organization in Quebec. Jackie has several years of volunteer Board Treasurer and Board member experience with not-for-profit organizations in the cultural, education and health care sectors.  She is honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the efforts of Dan’s Legacy Foundation in supporting the well-being of the youth that it serves.

 Secretary (position vacant)

Wayne Cousins – Director

Wayne’s advocacy for youth began at the age of 15 when volunteering for the Canadian Red Cross.  He went on to represent Canada at international youth congresses, exchanges and summits. Moving on to a lengthy career with BC Hydro, Wayne managed the Crown Corporation’s K-12 Education Sector, responsible for business relationships with 54 school districts and over 2,100 schools across the province. His business management experience with BC Hydro includes corporate communications, external and indigenous relations, media and public relations, strategic planning, and business process improvement. Wayne’s resume also includes CBC television and radio reporting/hosting, video production and narration. His volunteer experience includes serving at Salvation Army’s Belkin House, Harbour Light and Camp Sunrise; The Canadian Cancer Society’s Camp Goodtimes; YWCA’s Crabtree Corner; The Union Gospel Mission; The Greater Vancouver Food Bank; The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau; Canuck Place Children’s Hospice; and Dan’s Legacy’s Sunday Haven Dinner.

Chef Andrew George – Director

Chef Andrew George was born in Smithers, BC and raised in Telkwa, British Columbia. He attended Vancouver Community College in the early eighties, achieving his Red Seal in 1989, and began his career working at the Chateau Whistler Hotel and the Four Seasons in Vancouver. He opened and ran the Toody-Ni Restaurant and Catering Company in Vancouver during the early 90’s before being selected to be part of the Canadian Native Haute Cuisine team that participated in the 1992 Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt, Germany. Chef Andrew noted at the Olympics that his eyes were truly opened to the great opportunities and rewards that a career in the culinary trades had to offer, and also noticed the lack of Indigenous peoples in this wonderful career. From 1993 to 1998 Chef Andrew worked at Montreal’s International Tourism and Hospitality School of Quebec (I.T.H.Q.), promoting Indigenous culinary arts, and returned to Vancouver in 2006 when an opportunity arose to prepare Indigenous youth for the 2010 Winter Games. He mentored aspiring students in a certified 16-week pre- apprenticeship program that readied the students for cooking school or an entry level prep cook position. In September 2012 he and 24 other chefs from around the world were guests of the U.S. State Department in the International Visitor Leadership program for the inaugural program of culinary diplomacy. The intent was to look at food and culture in the United States with visits to culinary schools, high schools, restaurants, food banks, and soup kitchens. From 2014-2019 Chef Andrew was an Apprenticeship Advisor for the Industry Training Authority (ITA) and later took on the role of Executive Chef and Chef Instructor for Professional Cook Indigenous content at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt, BC. He now working with SkilledTradesBC as Director, Truth and Reconciliation.

Ryan Jamieson – Director

Ryan has built a reputation of deploying an open, honest, and participative style while supporting a wide variety of sectors over 20 years. He is passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive communities, helping people and organizations develop and expand lasting connections, and supporting future- focussed conversations around strategies and goals. Ryan believes strongly that inclusivity, collaboration, and education drive sustainability and success for all members of a community. He has worked for organizations in non-profit, for profit, and government, where he has participated in a wide variety of task forces and action-oriented teams on both provincial and national levels. His volunteer experience includes sitting on the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Symington Symbiotic Foundation Board of Directors. Ryan is thrilled to be working with Dan’s Legacy, and supporting an organization dedicated to helping youth in need reach beyond their potential.

Stephanie Smith – Director

Stephanie worked for 30 years as an Early Childhood Educator before becoming a full-time officer with the BCGEU (British Columbia General Employees’ Union). In 2011 she was elected Treasurer of the BCGEU, later becoming the first woman elected to the role of President in 2014, a position she holds to this day. She is a passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, dignity, fairness and respect and has worked with a diverse array of organizations in the areas of workers’ and social justice, reconciliation, poverty eradication, mental health and substance use disorders, women and gender rights issues, and more. Stephanie has served on numerous boards and brings a wealth of experience in governance to Dan’s Legacy, and looks forward to leveraging her many relationships to advance its mission.

Tara Sudbury – Director

Tara began her career in Operations at Expo 86 where she oversaw numerous programs, including the development and delivery of department education for volunteers and staff. Following Expo she was recruited to launch the first Children’s Miracle Network telethon fundraising event for BC Children’s Hospital, where she stayed for another 14 years. Seeing an opportunity to close training gaps in the customer service sector, she and business partner Brenda McAllister launched Sudbury-McAllister, delivering its signature thepowerserve™ program to numerous companies including Rogers Arena, Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre, Starlight Casino and the 2010 Olympic Organizing Committee. After serving as the Philanthropy Director at the Victoria Conservatory of Music for three years, Tara returned to education full-time at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) as Manager of Community & Workplace Education. Tara is passionate about eliminating the stigma around mental health and putting her lived experience to work to benefit others.

Mark Young – Director

Mark is an accomplished professional with close to 20 years of expertise in human resources leadership, spanning both public and private sector organizations. His extensive experience in fostering exceptional employee experiences and driving positive community impact allows him to bring a unique voice to Dan’s Legacy’s Board. Mark shares a deep alignment with the foundation’s mission, as he firmly believes in providing essential resources and opportunities to empower youth facing unique challenges. With a combination of strategic acumen, empathy, and dedication to social responsibility, Mark is eager to make a meaningful contribution to the advancement of Dan’s Legacy.