Canuck Place team

Denise Praill

CEO

Denise Praill was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice in April 2022, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience across the philanthropic, non-profit, and private sectors in British Columbia.

Since becoming CEO, Denise has led Canuck Place through a period of significant achievement, organizational excellence, and national recognition. Under her leadership, Canuck Place became the first children’s hospice in the world to earn ChildKind Certification, a global standard for pediatric pain and comfort care. The organization was also awarded Accreditation Canada’s Exemplary Standing—the highest level of accreditation—and achieved Imagine Canada accreditation, demonstrating strong governance, transparency, and operational best practices.

Denise is an active member of the Children’s Healthcare Canada Executive Network, and in 2023, Canuck Place received the Children’s Healthcare Canada Organizational Leadership Award for its commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging across the organization. Canuck Place has also earned national recognition as one of Canada’s Most AdmiredTM Corporate Cultures in the Non-Profit category.

Denise first joined Canuck Place in 2013 as Chief Development Officer, where she transformed fundraising, built a high-performing, relationship-driven team, and introduced strategies that doubled annual revenues. As a key member of the senior leadership team, she played a central role in advancing the organization’s strategic vision and long-term sustainability.

Prior to Canuck Place, Denise held front-line fundraising and senior management roles at United Way of the Lower Mainland (now United Way of BC) and worked in management, communications, and public relations in the private sector. Denise has helped secure more than $100 million in philanthropic support for community initiatives throughout her career.

Denise holds her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation and is a long-standing member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is also deeply committed to community service, currently serving on a non-profit board dedicated to animal welfare and as an elected trustee of Horse Racing BC.

At her core, Denise is a mom first, immensely proud of her two daughters. She’s also a wife, a daughter and a passionate, community-minded leader. Denise loves politics, philanthropy, horse racing, and British Columbia—though not necessarily in that order!

Dr. Jared Rubenstein

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Medical Director

Dr. Rubenstein joins us from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, where he has been a transformative leader in pediatric palliative care. As Program Director for the Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship—a program he co-founded in 2017—he trained and mentored 12 fellows in addition to numerous residents, medical students, and junior faculty. He also served as Associate Director for the Pediatric Residency Palliative Care elective and founded the Pediatric Palliative Care medical student elective.

Dr. Rubenstein earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from NYU School of Medicine. He completed his pediatric residency at Brown's Hasbro Children's Hospital and fellowships at Baylor College of Medicine and Akron Children's Hospital.

Beyond clinical care, Dr. Rubenstein is passionate about improving communication around challenging topics. He creates educational videos and leverages social media to reach healthcare workers and the public on subjects including palliative care, mental health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. His videos have been viewed over 200,000 times and are used internationally for education and advocacy (this is music to our comms teammates ears!) He also co-founded Discrimination 911, a workshop that trains hospital staff to respond effectively when they witness discrimination in healthcare settings—a program he has taught locally, nationally, and internationally.

Dr. Rubenstein is a recognized leader in pediatric palliative care education, clinical innovation, and equity focused communication practices. His global expertise, compassion, and commitment to advancing the field will strengthen our work across BC and the Yukon as we continue to grow pediatric palliative care services, research, and education.

Kristina Boyer, RN MScA

Executive Director, Clinical Operations & Quality

Kristina Boyer joined Canuck Place in 2005 as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and being an integral part of the Canuck Place team for over 15 years has provided Kristina with a deep understanding of the complex needs of vulnerable children and families and the value of working with them to reduce suffering and improve their quality of life.

She transitioned to her current role as Clinical Director in July 2020, overseeing the entire clinical program at Canuck Place. Her passion and dedication to the role enables her to set strategic priorities to further the development of pediatric palliative care in the province

Working closely alongside the medical director, Kristina is committed to supporting excellence in pediatric palliative care, including ongoing learning, innovation and continuous improvement of Canuck Place’s model of care.

Before joining Canuck Place, Kristina was a Clinical Nurse Specialist at SickKids, the largest pediatric hospital in Canada. This is where she first began working with children with life-limiting illnesses and their families – advancing her career in complex pediatric palliative care.

Kristina is a Registered Nurse; she attended McGill University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree, and a Master of Science (Applied) degree.

Helen Worth

Chief Financial Officer

Helen Worth joined Canuck Place in 2024 as Chief Financial Officer and oversees the finance, payroll, donor services, and technology departments.

Originally from Scotland, Helen worked for 11 years in public practice initially as an auditor and then in a Finance Manager role, before moving to Vancouver in 2000. She has an extensive background in finance, operations, and leadership. Specifically, she has vast experience in nonprofit and BC societies, through her previous roles with Deloitte LLP from 2001 to 2014 in the Audit team and as Audit Senior Manager in addition to her role at The Vancouver Club as Chief Financial Officer.

Helen brings a strategic vision with a strong governance and risk management perspective to her finance role.

Helen is a very active and involved professional, who has volunteered on multiple Boards of Directors over the years including the BC Chamber of Commerce, Association of Women in Finance, the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Commonwealth of Learning, etc. and currently sits on the Board of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Awards Program and Variety, the Children’s Charity of BC.

Professionally, she is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC.

Jennifer Polci

Chief Development Officer

Jennifer Polci joined Canuck Place in 2014 as Director, Corporate & Community Partnerships, and was named Managing Director, Development in 2021. Jennifer brings more than 15 years experience as a senior leader in Development.

Prior to joining Canuck Place in 2014, she held the role of Director, Corporate & Major Gifts with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for nine years with previous roles at Thames Valley Children’s Centre, the Grand Theatre and Fanshawe Pioneer Village in London, ON. From special events and major gifts to planned giving, Jennifer’s career has spanned the range of fundraising activities.

In her eight years at Canuck Place, Jennifer has helped establish a diverse, multi-talented team that excels in a relationship-based fundraising model and strong community partnerships. She brings a strategic vision alongside a measured approach to key strategic conversations, and builds strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Jennifer completed a post-graduate degree in PR and Journalism from Sheridan College after completing her BA in Sociology and Journalism from the University of Western Ontario.

Catherine Gordon, CPHR SHRM-SCP

Chief People & Culture Officer

Catherine Gordon joined Canuck Place in 2018 as Director, People and Culture and supports all aspects of HR for staff across BC.

Originally, from Northern Ireland, Catherine worked in London, UK for eight years before immigrating to Vancouver, BC, Canada in 2005. She has experience in the recruitment, legal, technology, regulatory, environmental, healthcare and non-profit sectors, the latter being her passion. Previously Catherine was the Director, HR for the David Suzuki Foundation for over six years and managed the HR function at the BC College of Teachers, and has been a volunteer mentor with MOSAIC since 2011.

A life-long learner Catherine holds the following qualifications:
-Disability Management Practitioner through the Pacific University for Workplace Health Sciences.
-Maslow Research Centre – Certificate in Foundations of Coaching, Certified Leadership Coach (CLC), Culture Levers Course and is one of the first hundred people to be certified as an Executive Culture Coach.
-Cornell University’s Strategic HR Practices Certificate, Ph. Creative - Employer Brand Strategist, Douglas College - Employment Supports Specialty Advanced Certificate. As a Program Ambassador of HackingHR she was also part of the first ever GROW cohort.

Her commitment to mental health, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are reflected in her completion of the Centennial College Leadership and Inclusion Certificate, CCDI Antiracism Certificate and San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. Queens University, Canada “Leading a Mentally Healthy Workplace”, CPHR Certificate in Workplace Mental Health, Mental Health First Aid Certificate. As a founding Chapter Lead of Mindful Employer, who holds the “Psychologically Safe Leader Method” certification, she is a proud in-house Champion of the program.
Currently enrolled in the following: Effective Workplace Responses to Mental Health Certificate Program offered by the Pacific University for Workplace Health Sciences and Professional Practice in Psychological Health and Safety program through FlourishDx, her learning journey continues.

Catherine completed her Bachelors degree in Ancient History and Byzantine Studies from Queens University, Belfast.

Jessica Tremblay

Chief Facilities & Support Services Officer

Jessica Tremblay joined Canuck Place in 2018 as Director, Volunteer & Support Services. Jessica oversees housekeeping and food service departments across two hospice sites, as well as the volunteer program consisting of 400 incredibly dedicated people.

Jessica has an extensive background in leadership, hospitality and operations. She has over 15 years in senior leadership roles with Red Robin Restaurants both franchise and corporate operations. This included overseeing new restaurant openings and training programs for management and staff across BC and Alberta, comprised of 18 locations and 1500+ employees. As Regional Operations Director (multi-unit), Jessica was responsible for overseeing up to $11 million in revenue.

In her four years at Canuck Place, Jessica has mentored and leveraged the talent of her staff and managers. Her focus has been on attracting and retaining top support staff and volunteer talent, ensuring her team’s work is guided by the program service needs that support Canuck Place children and families. In 2019 she led her team in the growth and recruitment to reach over 400 volunteers dedicating an incredible 25,000 hours of service.

Being able to offer hot meals, housekeeping services, and quality time with volunteers, keeps Jessica and her team connected to the purpose of Canuck Place; to ease the burden for families staying in hospice, and provide exceptional pediatric palliative care for children with short lives and the families who love them.

Kathryn Wozny

Director, Family Support Services

Kathryn Wozny joined Canuck Place in 2023 as a Registered Social Worker.

She transitioned to her current role as Director Family Support Services in May 2024, overseeing the family support programs at Canuck Place. Her passion for family centered care, engagement, quality and safety, enables her to ensuring children and families are cared for wholistically.

Before joining Canuck Place, Kathryn has practiced social work in Ontario and British Columbia since 2008. She has experience in supporting families in caring for their children with medical complexities, with a passion for person and family centered planning. She has received training in mediation and facilitation. Since moving to British Columbia in 2013, she has focused on service and program development, community collaboration and strategic engagement. These experiences all contribute to passion and values of inclusive care and empowering individuals and families to live their best lives.

Kathryn is a Registered Social Worker in the Province of BC; she attended Western University where she received both her Bachelor and Masters of Social Work. She is a lifelong learner and is always looking for opportunities to continue to learn and grow.

Debbie Butt

Chief Communications Officer

Debbie leads the communications, marketing and proprietary fundraising events team for Canuck Place. Working in partnership with families, volunteers, clinical and fundraising staff the communications and events team engages the community, donors and builds awareness of the positive impact of Canuck Place programs on children with life-threatening illnesses and BC families.

Previously, Debbie was the Director of Communications & Brand for the Rick Hansen Leadership group supporting initiatives of the 25th Anniversary Man in Motion World Tour, Rick Hansen Heroes CTV Special and the key lead on the Difference Maker Series for the London 2012 Games. As Executive Director of the independent not-for-profit Canucks for Kids Fund and Director of Community Partnerships, she led largest NHL-team charity from 2005 to 2010 generating grants of over $14.3 million to BC charities serving children.

Debbie was the Director of Communications for four years for the BC Lions Football Club and held the same title with the Vancouver Grizzlies of the NBA for a six year tenure and led the Spinoza Bear program for the Grizzlies Foundation. Debbie completed her degree in journalism from Ryerson Polytechnical University after graduating from the University of British Columbia in Human Kinetics.

Dr. Hal Siden, MD MHSc FRCPC

Canuck Place Research Initiative Scientific Director

Dr. Harold (Hal) Siden, MD, MHSc, FRCPC, is the former Medical Director of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, and Scientific Director of the Canuck Place Research Initiative in Vancouver Canada. He oversees the physician team, research, education programs, and care of over 920 children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Specializing in pediatric palliative care, Dr. Hal Siden has been the Canuck Place Medical Director since 2001 and has played a vital role in caring for children and families for the over 20 years. Leading innovative research, developing new clinical practices, educating medical students and residents while advocating for the care of terminally ill children are all part of his committed career.

Hal’s work has made BC the nation’s leader in pediatric palliative care, which in turn, provides a unique model followed throughout the world. His efforts have undeniably improved the lives of many children and their families. A devoted educator in the specialty he pioneered, Hal continues his work as a compassionate and involved clinician.

He is also is an Attending Physician in Pediatrics and Division Head of Palliative Medicine at BC Children’s Hospital and an Investigator in the BCCH Research Institute. He is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a joint appointment in the Inter-Departmental Division of Palliative Medicine. His clinical interests are pediatric palliative care, pediatric pain management and general & complex care pediatrics. He is Principal Investigator on several projects funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

In 2017, Dr. Hal was presented with the Dr. Parminder Singh Award of Distinction by the BC Pediatric Society for his leading work in the field of pediatrics. In 2016, Dr. Hal was presented with the BC Community Achievement Award recognizing individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community either as volunteers or in the course of their work.

Early in his career, he realized he wanted to help the children he was caring for in a different way.

“I was a physician caring for a lot of kids that I couldn’t cure, but I realized I could still make a difference in their lives. That was really important to me as a doctor.”

Barry Macdonald, FCPA FCA, ICD.D

Co-Chair

Barry is a corporate director and strategic advisor. He focuses on governance, business growth and innovation, international expansion, and accounting/finance in a variety of industries. He has chaired (and created) large boards for businesses, public institutions, member organizations, non-profits, foundations, and was elected chair of an international organization (Hong Kong Business Associations) with 32,000 worldwide members.

Barry was 2018/19 Chair of the Board of the Chartered Professional Accountants of B.C. He led their board of 17 directors governing 35,000 members. Barry was on their leadership team that unified three accounting bodies in 2015, creating a new board and governance structure.

Barry retired in 2016 as a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, after a 34 year career with them. From 1990 to 1997, Barry was a partner in PwC's Hong Kong firm, their only partner from North America.

Barry is a board director of these companies; Truvera Mortgage Group (chairman and past CEO), Founders Metals (a TSX-V listed gold exploration company), and Frontfundr (chairman, a financial services technology business). He is past chair of EasyPark, a City of Vancouver company. Barry further serves on the Institute of Corporate Directors’ BC Chapter Executive Committee and earned their director’s designation.

Barry is passionate about community service. He chairs or serves on many non-profits, including a number of boards at Simon Fraser University (Executive Chair of the UniverCity Real Estate Trust, past chair of the Beedie Dean’s Advisory Board, past member of the Board of Governors, and past director of the SFU Foundation). He is on the board of the Vancouver International Film Festival. He also served on the Arts Umbrella Foundation board (as past Chair).

Barry has enthusiastically raised funds, through participating in the Campaign Cabinets, for Simon Fraser University, Arts Umbrella, Vancouver International Film Festival and the new YMCA Coquitlam BC Building.

Barry was elected Fellowship by the CPA CA profession in 2005 and received their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. In 2018, he received the SFU Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award.

Barbra Mohan

Co-Chair

Barbra Mohan became part of the Canuck Place family when her fifteen-year-old son Jasper received end-of-life care at Glen Brae Manor in 2013. Following his passing, Barbra served a six-year term on the Canuck Place Family Advisory Committee (FAC) and then a five-year term as the Canuck Place Family Advisory Liaison on the Board, before assuming her current role as Co-Chair. Barbra also served as the Quality Committee Chair from 2024-26.

Barbra had a twenty-five year career in local government in Human Resources and Corporate Services. Her second career is as a film composer, music teacher and string player. She enjoys speaking to health care and patient groups about the experience of rare childhood cancer, research, pediatric palliative care and child loss.

Her educational background includes a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria, an MBA from the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business, and degree in Composition for Film, Television and Video Gaming from the Berklee College of Music. She loves gardening and the outdoors, cycling, and sailing with her husband Stephen from their home on Vancouver Island.

Jill Donaldson

Vice Chair

Jill Donaldson is an accomplished corporate director with deep expertise in M&A and capital markets, governance, enterprise risk, and executive talent oversight. As a corporate director following more than twenty-five years as a senior corporate/securities lawyer, Jill brings analytical rigor, strong financial acumen and proven ability to steward complex transactions, strengthen governance systems and support leadership transitions in capital intensive and highly regulated sectors. Her board work spans M&A special committees and business transformation, governance, HR/compensation and audit. Across her board roles, Jill takes a collaborative, direct, and grounded approach. Jill currently serves on the boards of Fireweed Metals, NorthIsle Copper and Gold, and Coast Capital Savings.
In addition to serving as Vice-Chair of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Jill volunteers in the community as a Board of Governor on York House School and as a mentor for Women Get on Boards and the Institute of Corporate Directors. She holds a J.D. and BCom (Honours) from UBC and the ICD.D and GCB.D designations.

Elaine Sanders

Treasurer

Elaine is Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of Trilogy Metals Inc. and has more than 25 years of experience in audit, finance, and accounting with public and private companies. Elaine is a mining executive responsible for all aspects of financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. She is a mentor for women in mining and enjoys travelling to and working with remote Indigenous communities to further her knowledge.

Elaine holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Public Accountant.

Elaine, her husband, and their daughters proudly volunteer in our community. Elaine is currently a director and finance and audit committee member on the board of viaSport British Columbia and a finance and audit committee member of York House Independent School.

P. John Landry, K.C.

Secretary

John recently retired from the partnership of DLA Piper (Canada) LLP (formerly Davis LLP) where he practiced law for over 40 years. He held senior leadership roles, including Co-Chairing the Canadian Litigation Group (the largest practice group in the firm), and serving on the executive and compensation committees. John also played a key role in negotiating the successful merger of Davis LLP into DLA Piper.

His legal career focused on complex commercial litigation primarily in the areas of international trade, energy regulation, and rail law. He also advised clients on governance and strategic business issues and frequently worked with senior levels of government and regulatory bodies, earning recognition for collaborative problem-solving.

John has been active in the legal community teaching trial advocacy to young lawyers in B.C. and the Yukon. He brings extensive business experience and a strong commitment to community service to organizations like Canuck Place.

Tom Wong

Tom Wong is a retired PwC Consulting Partner with over 45 years of experience assisting clients on large and complex transformational and IT programs. He is an accomplished executive who has held various regional and national responsibilities at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (E&Y) and CapGemini including leadership roles in Public Sector markets, Healthcare markets, Utility and Energy markets, Technology Advisory services, ERP implementation services, Program Risk Advisory Services, Data and Business Intelligence services, and Computer Forensics services.

He remains active as a strategic executive and board advisor to various organizations. His corporate and non-profit board involvement includes EasyPark, Zajac Ranch Society, The Mel Jr and Marty Zajac Foundation, Community Living Society, and Vancouver Community College.

Tom was elected as a Fellow of Chartered Professional Accountants, CA in 2017.

Linda Cheung

Linda is a nurse who is currently the Director of Standards and Guidance at the BC College of Nurses and Midwives. She has worked in nursing regulation since 2018 which extended to include midwives in 2020. Linda is passionate about quality care and patient safety. This drives her pursuit for excellence in providing regulatory guidance for nursing and midwifery standards of practice as a way to protect the public.

Previously, Linda held roles as Director, Risk Management, Quality and Safety Leader, and Program Coordinator with the Provincial Health Services Authority. During this time, she completed a Lean Leader certification.

Linda has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as a Master’s in Nursing from the University of British Columbia. She has a Certified Risk Management designation from the Global Risk Management Institute through the University of Toronto. This has allowed Linda to pursue a fulfilling career in various nursing leadership roles in quality, safety, and risk management.

Dr. Randeep Gill

Dr. Randeep Gill is a dedicated Emergency Medicine physician at Surrey Memorial Hospital and a Clinical Instructor at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He is a passionate healthcare advocate committed to improving access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Gill has been at the forefront of advocating for immunization accessibility, ensuring that those in need receive vital vaccines and preventive care. His efforts to address funding inequities in the healthcare system have led to significant improvements, enabling underfunded communities to access essential medical resources.

In addition to his advocacy work, Dr. Gill spearheaded a grassroots movement focused on healthcare equity, mobilizing local communities and healthcare professionals to push for systemic change. His leadership has secured critical healthcare infrastructure, bringing essential services to underserved areas.

For the past ten years, Dr. Gill has served as a director of the Surrey Hospitals Foundation, where his fundraising efforts have further supported these initiatives and driven positive outcomes for community health. His ongoing dedication to healthcare equity reflects his deep commitment to creating a fair and accessible healthcare system for all.

Tom Shepansky

Tom is one of the founders of Rethink, Canada’s leading independent creative agency. Over the past twenty-five years, Rethink has consistently been one of the top creative agencies in the country. This past year, the agency was named the leading global independent agency. Tom has transitioned his role at Rethink and is now governing the business as the Chair of the Board or Trustees.

Outside of his work at Rethink, Tom serves on the Nicola Wealth Board and is a special advisor to Fulmer and Co. He is also an active investor in companies where he finds like-minded Founders with shared values.

For over two decades, Tom has been actively involved in the local community and is the past Board Chair of Vancouver Foundation and Vice Chair of St. Paul’s Foundation.

Beyond his board roles, Tom has recently volunteered as a strategic advisor to: Canuck Place, Fraser Health Authority, United Way BC, Chinatown Foundation, The Choose Again Society and The Disability Without Poverty Movement.

Tom was named a top 40 under 40 by BIV and was most recently honoured as a Marketing Hall of Legend by the Toronto AMA.

Tom splits his time between North Vancouver and Salt Spring Island. He can be found with his wife Roxanne hiking the trails, cycling with friends or playing his bass guitar with his band TwoPointOh.

Allison Muniak

Allison (Allie) is an Executive Director at Health Quality BC (HQBC) and leads the Human Factors and Administrative Burdens portfolio. A Human Factors Specialist by training, her passion is to build quality health care systems and sustainable solutions with an emphasis on partnerships, collaboration, and advancing system improvements. Her experience in health care leadership is considerable and includes a rare blend of psychology, engineering, quality, safety, and human factors on strategy planning, teamwork and communication development, and successful project implementation.

Allie joined Health Quality BC in March 2023 after 14 years with Vancouver Coastal Health; from her most previous role as Executive Director for Quality & Patient Safety and Infection Prevention & Control where she led quality improvement and assurance, patient safety, patient experience, clinical risk management, quality data analytics, medical quality and physician leadership, and infection prevention and control. Allie is also a principal of Intunuity Solutions Inc., a boutique consultancy for Human Factors and process improvement. Since 2008, Allie has provided Human Factors support to almost every health authority in BC. With Allie’s strong understanding of the operational realities in health care, along with her experience in provincial, national and international partnerships and networks, she is well positioned to support governance and Board activities for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.

Allie received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Calgary and a Master of Applied Science (in Mechanical & Industrial Engineering) from the University of Toronto. She is a faculty member for HQBC’s Quality Academy, has guest lectured at various universities and organizations globally, and completed her Chief Quality Officer Training with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in 2022.

Allie enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys exploring trails throughout the Vancouver area, golfing, and cooking for friends and family.

Meagan Colenutt

Committed to strengthening compassionate, equitable, and family centered care in British Columbia, Meagan contributes family perspective, community insight, and mission aligned leadership to the Canuck Place Board.

Meagan joined the Canuck Place family in 2018 when her daughter was supported in end-of-life care. Following the death of her daughter, Meagan served for six-years on the Canuck Place Family Advisory Committee (FAC), two of which she served as Committee Chair. She currently serves the Board as the FAC’s designated representative, providing a voice for the family experience and acting as a liaison between the two groups.

A public health professional, Meagan brings a strong record of evidence informed decision making, cross sector collaboration, and strategic advisory work with clinicians, researchers, and community organizations. With extensive experience advancing child, youth, and family well-being across provincial health systems, Meagan has worked with the mental health programs at BC Children’s Hospital for more than 12 years, translating complex issues in mental health, substance use, and health promotion into accessible, actionable guidance for diverse audiences.

Meagan holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Community Development from the University of British Columbia and a Masters of Public Health from Cardiff University in Wales. She loves growing flowers and veggies in her garden, camping, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and their two living children.

Tim F. Manning, O.B.C., ICD.D

Retired Executive Officer of RBC Royal Bank with over 40 years in the financial services industry.

Tim is currently, an Independent Member of Concert Income Properties LLP; Governor of The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade; a member of the Board of Trustees of the Canadian Athletic Foundation; and a member of the BC ICD Advisory Committee. He previously served as Chair of the B.C. Provincial Health Services Authority; Chair Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission BC; Chair of the B.C. Emergency Health Services; and Chair BC Chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors. For his active role in the community Tim received the Order of B.C. in 2017; the Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal and the H.E. Miskiman National Leadership Award – Junior Achievement of Canada in 2013 and Mississauga Sports Council - Volunteer of the Year 1995.

Over the years, Tim has been actively involved in many local community organizations and boards. These organizations include, Junior Achievement of British Columbia, United Way, 24 Hour Relay for The Kids, Boat for Hope & Variety, Advisory Committee to Variety the Children’s Charity, Nomination committee for the BC Business Laureates Hall of Fame, Justice Institute of British Columbia Foundation, Vancouver Economic Development Commission, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, and Fraser River Discovery Centre.

Tim was also active in hockey having served as the National Chair of Hockey Canada’s Initiation Program, a former Board Chair and Director of the Hockey Canada Foundation until 2011, a Director of the Greater Toronto Hockey League, President of the Mississauga Erindale, Minor Hockey Association and a member of the Mississauga Hockey League Hall of Fame.

Tim and his wife, Shirley, live in Kelowna. They have three sons and seven grandchildren. Born in Montreal, Tim and family have lived in four different provinces in Canada. They enjoy many outdoor activities including hiking, downhill or cross country skiing, cycling, swimming, running, and kayaking.