Alison
Board Chair
Alison
Board Chair
Alison has worked in training and facilitation and project management in non-profits and the public sector in Canada and the United Kingdom, and is currently a PhD candidate in Political Science at UBC, where she is involved in research, writing, and teaching.
Alison has seen and is grateful for the incredible work Umbrella does with people living with addictions and mental health issues, and is thrilled to be joining the board in 2017.
Guy
Vice Chair
Guy
Vice Chair
Guy has over 30 years of experience working in the public service in the UK, Vancouver and here in Victoria. In that time Guy has worked in a variety of sectors including economic development, fisheries, agriculture and transportation. The last ten years he spent with the BC Ministry of Health managing major outsourcing contracts. Guy retired in 2020.
Guy has a long term interest in the challenges of those facing issues related to mental health and addictions. Guy was previously a board member and seeing all the impressive work that Umbrella has accomplished, he is excited to be returning to the board.
Guy is married with two adult children, a ten year old son and a puppy. He loves hiking and being out on the water any chance he gets.
Cyndi
Treasurer
Cyndi
Treasurer
Cyndi comes to Umbrella with over 30 years experience as a Chartered Professional Account CPA, CGA. During her professional career she has worked with both Government and Public Practice. Now that she is semi retired she is ready to commit more time to the activities and organizations that align with her personal values.
Cyndi is the happily married mother of two adult children. When not working or volunteering she enjoys fostering rescue dogs, trail running and hiking.
Wendy
Secretary
Wendy
Secretary
Wendy has a social work background and has spent her career working in the social sector, including ten years as a substance use and mental health clinician. It was during this time that she first encountered Umbrella. She is inspired by how much Umbrella has grown over the years and the amazing range of supports offered by the dedicated staff. She is really honoured to be part of his organization.Wendy currently works as a director of child welfare policy for the provincial government and can be found on her off time gardening and sailing around the gulf islands with her wife and her son.
Nancy
Director
Nancy
Director
The Reverend Canon Nancy Ford is the Director of Deacons for the Anglican Diocese of British Columbia and currently works out of Victoria’s Christ Church Cathedral. Nancy’s passion for the community is exemplified in her collaborative approach to eliciting change at the street-level with supportive agencies and individuals. She was directly engaged with residents of Victoria’s Tent City during the eleven-month encampment in 2016 and continues to support campers in their transition.
Nancy was a counsellor for 25 years and taught Pastoral Care and Counselling courses. She works tirelessly on the board of the Community Social Planning Council, is Vice President of the Association of Anglican Deacons in Canada and co-chair of the Social Justice Committee of the Diocese.
Bonnie
Director
Bonnie
Director
Bengy
Director
Bengy
Director
Bengy has over 30 years experience in Real Estate appraisal and Taxation. Having retired a few years ago, he began to look for ways to give back to the community in which he has lived virtually his whole life. Umbrella Society was the natural choice to make a difference and honour the lives of his friends and family members that have been impacted by substance abuse and mental health issues.
Bengy is happily married with three adult children. He is an avid cyclist and most days he can be found riding the many beautiful areas in our city.