Staff
As a registered non-profit organisation, our team includes both our staff and board of directors.
Cindy
Caregiver Support Lead
Cindy brings a wealth of experience and compassion to the Caregiver Support Lead role. Cindy has provided caregiver support in many capacities; from her years working with children, to working with high-risk adults with mental health challenges, to assisting families impacted by substance use; Cindy has always made a difference in people’s lives. Her enthusiasm, expertise, and empathy make her a wonderful ally for people in need of support. Cindy also witnessed the many challenges that caregiving can bring when she became a key support person for her grandfather, as he cared for her grandmother for 10 years at home after a debilitating stroke. Now in the Cowichan Valley, Cindy holds space for family caregivers and supports their journey as they navigate the daily challenges of caregiving for loved ones.
Jacqueline
Caregiver Support Lead
With a background in facilitation, mentorship, and holistic well-being, Jacqueline brings a thoughtful and compassionate approach to supporting caregivers in the Cowichan Valley.
Her many years of experience as a bodywork therapist and yoga teacher, as well as her own personal journey as a caregiver, have given her a deep understanding of stress, burnout, and emotional resilience. She has led group discussions, created safe spaces for healing, and guided individuals through times of transition with care and sensitivity. Jacqueline is passionate about fostering meaningful connections, empowering caregivers to create their own practical self-care strategies, and providing a supportive environment where they feel heard and valued.
Linda
Executive Director
As Executive Director of the Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society, Linda brings a passionate vision of equity and sustainability to both the organisation and the sector. Since 2021, Linda has steered the strategic direction of the organisation, creating new programs, providing backbone support for the development of a provincial caregiver manual, and advocating for caregivers in healthcare and other social services.
Linda’s personal experience as a caregiver has brought her a deep compassion for the challenges, struggles, and emotional complexities of the caregiving journey. She has had the privilege of connecting with many of the caregivers in the Cowichan community and is dedicated to delivering and advocating for comprehensive caregiver support programs on a local and provincial level.
Lynne
Service Delivery Manager & Caregiver Support Lead
From her many years as a non-profit leader, her work as a certified professional coach, many years as a peer support volunteer, and her personal experience as a caregiver, Lynne has a deep understanding of the myriad ways in which we need and can support one another.
As an experienced facilitator, peer support councillor, and executive coach, Lynne has particular interest and experience with burnout and building resiliency. As an advocate and patient supporter for both people with chronic illness and persons living with Dementia, she has a firsthand understanding of navigating the medical and caregiving systems. Through her many years of experience as a caregiver, she understands the unique challenges and joys, potential emotional, physical and financial tolls, as well as how fulfilling being a caregiver can be.
The threads weaving through all of the professional and personal experiences Lynne has sought out involve connections and support. Lynne brings deep respect, empathy and appreciation for individuals living with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges, and all of those who support them.
“Frank”
Office Manager and Special Programs
Board of Directors
Cathy
President, Acting Treasurer
She has worked in a variety of leadership roles within the community living sector, serving vulnerable individuals in Victoria and the Cowichan Valley since 1988. Cathy currently works part-time supporting marginalised women and provides consulting services to several social service agencies in Victoria.
Ellen
Vice President, Privacy Officer
Ellen has worked with seniors in a variety of supportive caregiving roles over the last twenty years. She is currently supporting marginalised women in the Quw’utsun Valley.
Jan
Secretary, Board Oversight
Patricia
Member at Large
Dan
Retired – forever alumni
Dan served as the Director of our Young Carers Program from 2009 to 2014, and returned as a Board member in 2015.
An active community volunteer, Dan worked as an administrator and teacher in international schools and universities for over 40 years. He happily retired in 2021 to spend more time travelling to warmer places and hanging out with his grandchildren.
Phil
Retired, Forever Alumni
Phil’s family moved to the Cowichan Valley in 1974. He quickly became an active community member, involved with coaching soccer and volunteering in the executive positions of soccer, North Cowichan committees, the Parks Board, and the Harbours Commission. After downsizing and moving to Crofton, he has volunteered for the Sea Walk, Community Centre, and our Seniors Centre. Phil was introduced to dementia when he and his wife became caregivers for his mother. Later, Phil’s wife was also diagnosed and passed away from dementia. Phil felt that he might be able to help others with his experience in caregiving, and he accepted the nomination to join the CFCSS Board.