Chris has been on the board of Cowichan Valley Youth Services since 2016, most recently serving as Board Chair. He has a finance degree from Simon Fraser University and is a Certified Financial Planner. Chris has been working in the investment industry for over 25 years and has previous board experience with Peach Arch Hospice Society in White Rock. Chris has resided in the Cowichan Valley since 2007 with his wife and Leanne and two daughters. 

Pam is a long-time resident of the Cowichan Valley. She lived and worked in Vancouver and northern BC for several years after graduating from UVic with a degree in Social Work but always gravitated back to the island. She has worked with youth and families throughout her career, with both private and government agencies, and family groups, including a brief stint working with adults on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Pam is currently a private contractor teaching Sexual Health and Body Science in schools across the island. 

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Prior to having a family, Pam was a board member for Community Options Society (CVYS' former name) for 3 years in the 1990s. 

Brian is a software engineer with a degree in Engineering Physics from the University of British Columbia. To the CVYS board Brian brings a thoughtful perspective, previous youth mentorship experience, and significant administrative and technical knowledge. Brian believes strongly in CVYS' mission and is dedicated to helping the organization thrive so the youth in our community have access to the best services possible. 

A retired social worker, Richard was raised on RCAF bases across Canada, attended high school in Beloeil, Quebec, and was educated at McGill and UBC. 

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Richard has been involved with progressive and preventative community initiatives throughout his career. He co-founded Campus Nursery Co-op Daycare (UBC) and was instrumental in the develpment of Total Education School, Kitsun Co-operative Housing Assocition, and Bamfield Residential Attendance Program, among others. 

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Richard has served as a Board Director for Community Options Society (CVYS' former name) since 1994, including terms as Board Chair and Treasurer. He is a gardener, a GO player, a stamp collector, and a lover of music and cats. 

"I have lived in the Cowichan Valley for 46 years and have been a board member of CVYS since 2017. I value community, connection, and access to services for all. I graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelors Degree in Education. I have predominantly taught teens in my 25-year teaching career and I enjoy the energy, fun, and resilience that comes from this dynamic time in life. Some teaching highlights include providing small group and specialized learning opportunities for youth and helping students make connections with community services beyond school." 

"As a teenager I remember the beginnings of CVYS (then COS_ through the drop in center on Canada Avenue. In grade 11 I left Duncan to attend an alternate school in the Yukon and after graduating there, I worked in the trades. In the 80's I was offered a position in a pre-employment program for youth and in the years following, my love for the outdoors led to working with youth in a program based on Outward Bound principles. Inspired by the work I saw happening in local alternate schools I returned to school getting my education degree in 1994. As a teacher in alternate programs, I worked closely with CVYS as they were a powerful resource for youth in the Valley. I joined the board in 2004 and have continued in that role since retiring in 2016."

"Having lived in the Cowichan Valley for most of my life, I am deeply connected to this community and its future. In 2008, I founded Identity Graphics Services Ltd., which I continue to operate today, allowing me to engage with and support local organizations. I have a family of my own and am passionate about creating positive change in our town in as many ways as I can.

I am committed to being an advocate for youth of all expressions, backgrounds, transitions, and journeys. Every young person deserves a safe place to seek support, and I stand with our board to ensure that walking through the doors of this incredible organization will always be a welcoming and secure experience. Youth are truly the future of this valley, and I am honored to serve on the board of Cowichan Valley Youth Services, helping to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive."