Makenna has worked in the non-profit sector for over 30 years, and has a strong commitment to providing critical services to survivors of violence and their families, supporting prevention education and building public awareness. In addition to her great sense of humour and love for the group of people she works with, Makenna brings valuable management skills to VWTH including more than 20 years executive administrative experience in fiscal and risk management and strategic planning. She has worked successfully as a liaison with program partners, community agencies, and funders and recently oversaw a collaboration between VWTH and the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre, which resulted in an administrative consolidation of the leadership structure. As well, Makenna is a General Surveyor for CARF International, an accreditation organization where she is an administrative surveyor and consultant.

Parm has worked in the social services field for most of her career, joining VWTH in 1982, to support abused women and their children. She moved into a leadership role shortly after, and currently serves as the Deputy Director. Her 35 years of commitment, experience and leadership has been invaluable in the development of new programs such as Third Stage Supportive Housing and the Regional Domestic Violence Unit. She is an active member on many working committees, locally and provincially run, working collaboratively in the development of services. Parm’s commitment to working with ‘women for change’ compelled her to continue her dedication with this agency.

Lorelle is a Chartered Professional Accountant with experience in business, government and third sector organizations in Canada, the US and the UK. She holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Social Policy from the London School of Economics as well as undergraduate degrees in Business and Economics. In addition to over twenty years professional experience in finance and accounting, program management, strategic planning and capacity building in non-profit agencies, Lorelle continues her strong commitment to volunteering in the non-profit sector and has served on many boards as a Treasurer, Director and Chair. Lorelle joined VWTH senior leadership in 2011, and is grateful to support its mission and work.

Susan is honoured to work with the incredible team at VWTH in support of women and children leaving abusive family situations. Trained as a classical ballet dancer in the professional school at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Susan turned her passion for the arts to non-profit income development and has more than 20 years non-profit leadership experience with diverse organizations in communities across Canada in fund and community development, marketing, communications and board and executive management. A graduate of SFU with a degree in business and liberal studies, she has a particular interest in integrated fund development and communications programs. When not working, she enjoys yoga, fitness, cooking and attending performances and concerts. In addition to her work with VWTH, Susan is President of the Board of Directors for Dance Victoria, and consults on a project basis for BC non-profit organizations.

Janette feels honoured to be part of a team that thrives on making a difference to women and children survivors of domestic abuse. She comes with an extensive background in recreation programming, marketing and special event planning, and most recently worked for Recreation Oak Bay. Her expertise has allowed her to create a diverse portfolio of adult life-long learning programs as well as to coordinate specialized programs geared to an older demographic. Janette has a degree in Communications as well as an extensive background in marketing, advertising and design. She is a recipient of the Rotary Paul Harris Recognition award for volunteering with various Oak Bay Rotary events. In her spare time, Janette loves to paint, take walks with her rescue dog Baxter and to practise yoga.

Christine Joined VWTH in 2015 after nine years of experience in the non-profit sector. Christine brings a wealth of Human Resources experience and is passionate about supported return to work plans after illness/injury to staff. Originally from the UK, she moved to Canada with her husband and children in 2007. Christine has many years of experience working with adults and children with disabilities both in the UK and BC, and her family have opened their home to individuals who need a caring stable place to live when facing a challenging life. Christine loves to travel and explore new places but also has a passion for the camping life in their fifth wheeler.

Sandy completed a degree in social work at the University of Victoria and started her career in the non-profit sector as the coordinator of a rural community Women’s Centre. She worked for the James Bay Community Project, the MS Society and as a sessional instructor at the University of Victoria. For the last several years, she has worked with Island Health in leadership and educator roles that focused on supporting staff who serve abused and vulnerable adults. Sandy is involved in the community by serving on a local social service agency Board of Directors and is pleased to return to her feminist roots as part of VWTH’s dedicated and dynamic team of leadership and staff. After work hours, Sandy enjoys travelling the world and spending time with her large family.

Sharde is delighted to join the team at VWTH. She brings with her valuable work and volunteer experience in the non-profit industry and within Local Government. She is passionate about community leadership, providing HR/LR support to staff, training and development and building a positive workplace culture. Sharde is an Alumnus of UVIC with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Sciences, with a Major in Psychology and is in the process of completing her Post Degree Diploma in Human Resources Management and Leadership from Camosun College. In her spare time Sharde enjoys building connection by volunteering for Leadership Victoria and CPHR BC & Yukon; she is also an avid long distance cyclist and enjoys being in the woods with her dog, a red bone coonhound named Elly.

Robyn is grateful to be working with such a dynamic and passionate team here at VWTH. After working in film and media, Robyn gained a degree in Communications from Royal Roads University. She then went on to work for various non-profit organizations, and quickly became a sought after facilitator and public speaker. She is honoured to use her experience in community development, communications and marketing to serve women and children survivors of violence and abuse. Robyn enjoys travelling and learning from different cultures, training in the martial arts and exploring beautiful Vancouver Island.

Lesley joined the VWTH family in November 2019. She brings with her a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Calgary and a BSW from UBC, and over twenty years-experience working in government, health, post-secondary, and charitable sectors in BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. As Director of Programs for YWCA Saskatoon, she oversaw their Housing program which included a crisis shelter for women, children and youth, and a transitional housing program. She has also served as Executive Director for an organization that provided residential and non-residential programs for women survivors of child sexual abuse. A passionate educator, Lesley has been a sessional lecturer at the University of Regina, and is a Mental Health First Aid Trainer for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Lesley is thrilled to be back on the Coast after many years on the Prairies, and is proud to have survived her first Victoria Polar Bear Swim!