OUR AMAZING STAFF

Pauline - PoPo - Chevanne: Centre Manager

Originally from southern France, Pauline has been a Windermere Valley resident since 2013. With lots of experience working with children of all ages, she has taken on the role of centre manager in July 2023.

Nickname: PoPo

Favourite movie? Asterix Mission Cleopatre

Superpower of choice? Teleportation, I’d love to go visit my mom and dad more easily

Hidden talent(s)? I can make pretty good crepes, I used to bellydance

Hobbies/interests? I love to knit, crochet, paint and garden. Yup, I was an old lady before I got old

What do you love about working with youth? I love being silly, being an adult can be so boring sometimes. I love the look on a youths face when they master something new

Sierra - Bubbles - Franklin: Program Coordinator

Sierra joined our organization in 2016 as a youth worker.  Over the years she has brought her love for cooking and yoga into our youth programs. Her infectious smile is always ready to greet the youth as they walk in the door.  Sierra has completed her certificate in Mental Health First Aid for Adults working with youth.  She grew up in the Columbia Valley and has been on the Columbia Basin Trust youth advisory committee during her time in secondary school.

Nickname: Bubbles

Favourite movie? The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Superpower of choice? Teleportation to travel the world

Hidden talent(s)? Writing poetry

Hobbies/interests? Anything artistic, photography, geocaching, hypnotist, and singing badly

What do you love about working with youth? Seeing and helping them learn and grow as people, and they are always making me laugh!

Emmett - Bix - Bickley: Youth Outreach Worker

Emmett comes to us from Calgary although he has spent a large part of his life here in the valley. We are very excited to have Emmett as a permanent resident of the Columbia valley now! Emmett has a bachelor of art from UBC and holds too many certifications to list here. His experience working with youth and vulnerable people will be an invaluable addition to our community.

Nickname: Bix

Favourite movie? The Princess Bride

Superpower of choice? Flying to save money on travel

Hidden talent(s)? Jewelry making

Hobbies/interests? Social justice, geocaching and reading/writing

What do you love about working with youth? It’s always a new surprise everyday

Heather - Red - Smedstad: Youth Worker

Heather is from the valley, after working up north driving big trucks, she has decided to come back to us. We are thrilled to have her on our team!

Nickname: Red

Favourite movie? Pirates of the Caribbean

Superpower of choice? Teleportation

Hidden talent(s)? I make art using stainglass as my main media.

Hobbies/interests? Crafting and puzzles

What do you love about working with youth? Learning and having a good time

Board Members

Amanda Garand Chair/President
Hannah Desoto Vice Chair
Nadine Hale Secretary
Nikki Kuzoff Treasurer
Patrick Tolchard Member at large
Kristen Curry Member at Large