Our Team

Amanda has supported hundreds of family caregivers in the Cowichan Valley as the Caregiver Support Lead since 2018. She also supports services at CFCSS as the Service Delivery manager. Amanda strives to support caregivers through active listening and supported self-discovery. 

Amanda was a primary caregiver to her beloved mother-in-law, Vivian; there she experienced the challenges and joys of family caregiving. She has a lifelong passion for creating inclusive and interdependent communities through her 30-year involvement in the non-profit sector.

Her educational background is in the social sciences, including a first-class honours degree from Simon Fraser University.  Amanda is personally and professionally committed to doing her part to advance the work of truth and reconciliation. 

Kelly Chopty has over 20 years of progressive experience working in the field of Human Resources, including long-term health care.  Her values are woven into the way she works with clients and candidates alike; with integrity, trust, respect, and enthusiasm at the core. She believes doing the right thing, honesty and follow-through are her strongest skills.

Kelly has become a passionate advocate for family caregivers and understands what they can go through, as she was the primary caregiver to her mother for many years. Her mother’s disease made her incredibly present, living in the moment, as things would change daily. Kelly knows that caregiving can be extremely difficult and she soon realized that she needed laughter to become part of her caregiving journey. She learned that during the toughest times, she also needed to remember the importance of humour. For Kelly, this was self-care. She is glad she has etched the funny memories of those caregiving years in her spirit and now holds them close to her heart.

Kelly holds a Degree in Public Administration from the University of Saskatchewan and a Business Certificate in Accounting. 

Chantey is honoured to be a part of the CFCSS team. She brings her love for beauty, art, and connection to everything she does. Chantey has spent many years in the caregiving field as a volunteer in Ethiopia, a second home close to her heart.

Her fine arts and volunteer backgrounds offer a unique perspective on caregiving, communication, and community, and when she is not at our offices, Chantey can be found in her painting studio here in Quw’utsun Territory.

As the Executive Director of the Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society, Linda is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the organization and developing outreach and advocacy for caregivers in healthcare and social services.

Having been a caregiver, Linda has deep compassion for the many struggles and challenges of a caregiver’s journey. She has had the privilege of connecting with many of the amazing caregivers in the community and is dedicated to representing and advocating for caregiver support programs throughout the Cowichan Valley and British Columbia.

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 executives 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 Center, and our Seniors Center. 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.

Robert retired from his position as Financial Controller for the Cowichan Tribes in 2007. He has enjoyed volunteering for CFCSS, particularly enjoying his time organizing the Shawnigan Lake Adventure Run fundraiser.

Joseph joined the board of CFCSS in 2022 and is an active volunteer in the community.  He has a particular interest in working with youths and in reducing poverty and homelessness in the community.

Ellen has worked with seniors in a variety of supportive caregiving roles over the last twenty years. She is currently supporting marginalized women in the Quw’utsun Valley.