Senior's Guide
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David is a retired instructor from Thompson Rivers University where he taught in the Electronics and Electrical departments, wrote curriculum, and developed courses. He was president of the faculty association while the college was evolving from Cariboo College, to the University College of the Cariboo, and now Thompson Rivers University. David wrote a column for the Kamloops Daily News for 13 years before it closed down in 2013. David says“I’m pleased to be on the board of such a dynamic and growing organization. I hope to contribute to the future of CSI”
Kelly grew up in Edmonton and attended the University of Alberta at their Augustana Faculty, located in Camrose, Alberta. Shortly after Kelly obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in 2011 , Kelly and her husband moved to Vancouver, where Kelly worked with Amnesty International and the Canadian Fair Trade Network as an intern. She then worked in marketing for an international software provider before being accepted to law school at Thompson Rivers University in 2013. Kelly graduated from Thompson Rivers in 2016 and completed her articles in the Okanagan where she continued to work as an associate before returning to work and live in Kamloops. Kelly is passionate about issues affecting seniors and this has been incorporated into both her professional and personal endeavours. She is proud to sit as a Director with the Centre for Seniors Information.
Garry is a certified professional accountant and former businessman with over 40 years of experience. Some of his experience included 28 years with Shell Canada. He started with several locations in Manitoba and then moved to Kamloops in 1994. Garry has been married to Mary for over 30 years. They have four children together, two in Winnipeg and two in Kamloops. Garry is the proud Grandfather to ten grandchildren. Garry has previously been an active participant in sports such as curling, and bowling. He continues to be a sports spectator.
Pat retired from BC Tel/Telus in 2003 after 30 years as an operator, supervisor, sales representative and payroll clerk. She spent two years in Fort Nelson as a General Manager in a brand new hotel where she hired and trained staff. Since 2008 she has been a dedicated volunteer in the community, in many different capacities, in various locations. She joined the team at CSI in 2013 and says "I fully enjoy helping people, and I see what a difference we make in the community" Pat joined the Board of Directors in 2017 and is proud to serve as a director.
Larry has been a dedicated volunteer in the community for many years, even before his retirement from his long-time career with Domtar. Larry was instrumental in the planning, development, construction and the overall success of the Seniors Activity Centre located in the Brock Shopping Centre. Larry was asked to join the Board of Directors in early 2012 and has been a strong voice ever since. Larry says,"being on the Board of Directors has given me a greater understanding of the inner workings of the society and I am very grateful to be a part of something so meaningful in the community. I am looking forward to all the great things we have planned for the future of this organization."
Brad has been the Dean and Professor of Law at the Faculty of Law, TRU since 2015. He previously was Dean and Professor of Law for over 5 years at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand and Professor of Law at the University of Ottawa since joining the Faculty in 1976. He completed his 1st law degree at UBC so coming to TRU has been a long awaited return to BC. He has taught a wide variety of courses in law schools over the years. He has also served as legal advisor to many First Nations in Canada as well as national and regional Aboriginal organizations since 1974 and a consultant to various royal commissions, government departments and Indigenous peoples' organizations in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Brad says, "I am truly honoured to serve on the CSI Board of Directors with such committed staff, volunteers, and other Board members sharing the desire to make Kamloops a better city and one which seniors feel especially welcome."
Joann has lived in Kamloops with her husband since 2002; they moved from Vancouver where they met. They love this community and the people in the city as well as the outdoor lifestyle. Joann graduated from TRU with a bachelor degree in Social Work and completed an Advanced Diploma in Gerontology. She has 14 years experience working in the community (non-profit), advocating, proposing and working social work into long term care homes in Kamloops and currently working in our hospital with the focus on healthcare, older adult health and protection for vulnerable adults. She is passionate about overall care for the older adults in our community and joined CSI because she says: "I’d heard of their commitment and care of the older adult population."
Brandi has a strong background in management, support work, mental health, and advocacy. She has over 15 years experience working in the community with a diverse range of clients. She offers a seniors perspective to the City of Kamloops, Healthy Kamloops Collective Committee, and is active with the Community Based Seniors Services Provincial Working Groups. She has a passion for social justice and is proud to advocate for seniors needs. She has worked for the provincial government, and large corporations but says: "her heart is in non-profit." Brandi has been with CSI in different capacities since 2010 and was promoted into the role of Executive Director in 2019.
Camille was originally with the team at CSI in 2010, and we were thrilled when she came back in 2016. She has been instrumental in the launch and success of multiple programs. She has expanded from running a team in the kitchen, into an education in bookkeeping and other administrative tasks. Camille says: "I am excited about CSI growing and expanding into housing, and I can't wait to see where my future with CSI goes."
Brenda has dedicated most of her professional career to helping others in the fields of health care and social services. She worked for Saskatoon District Health and later as a Supervisor for Prince George and District Home Support Services. She and her family moved to Kamloops in 1991 which was the beginning of a career change into Community Social Services. She has worked with several non-profit organizations in a variety of capacities and received the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Community Booster Award. She has passion and drive to make positive changes, particularly in areas of home support and advocacy.
Kelsey has a strong background in administration and finance. She joined the team at CSI in 2020 and has already proven to be a great asset. She will be working with the tenants in our housing complex downtown "Sunrise on Sixth". Kelsey came from a corporate world into non-profit and has loved the transition. She is friendly, and eager to help when someone is in need. She is passionate about our community and dedicated to making positive changes in the lives of seniors.
Chef Kansas is passionate about great food. She joined the team at CSI in 2019 and launched the "Take & Bake" meals program. Since then, she has been feeding people high quality, delicious, homemade meals. Her background in long term care has made her a valuable member of the team and a great resource to the senior community. Kansas is incredibly talented in the kitchen and we are lucky to have her as the Food Services Coordinator.