Our Leadership Team

With a background in education and over 15 years experience working in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Shannon brings a wealth of experience to the Westcoast team.

An early childhood, special needs and infant toddler development specialist, Shannon was previously the Executive Director of Novaco Childcare Centre, located adjacent to the Squamish Nation Reserve in North Vancouver. For the past 5 years she has been the Dean of Student Affairs and Director of Services for the Art Institute of Vancouver. Prior to that, she spent 5 years as Regional Director of Operations for Vancouver Career College where she wrote the College’s Early Childhood Education Curriculum which was successfully approved by the Ministry of Education. Additionally, she has been the publisher of the award-winning Fabuplus Magazine for the past two years.
Board Member Since: 2015

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John Clark is a lawyer who has practiced environmental law and represented the Federal Department of Justice for over 25 years.

Prior to being called to the bar, John worked with Lookout, an emergency aid organization in Vancouver’s downtown eastside. In recent years, he has been active with the annual fundraising campaigns for both the United Way and Canadian Diabetes Foundation.
“I love being part of such a vibrant and supportive agency.”
— Shannon Svingen-Jones

Board Member Since: 1990

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A Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Simon Fraser University Alumni.

Major is the General Manager of Labour Relations and People Development for the Pattison Food Group, a Canadian company with operations spanning Western Canada, Ontario, and the US Pacific Northwest. With a company tenure spanning 30 years, Major oversees labour and employment, people development strategy and the administration of collective agreements, often acting as the chief spokesperson at bargaining. He also sits on the Board of Trustees for the WFC Union Health & Welfare and Pension plans.
“I have benefitted from a strong community built by dedicated volunteers. I believe in WFC and what we represent to our communities and am proud to play a part in serving our clients and members”
— Major Brar

Board Member Since: 2011

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Mikaela Taylor is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Partner of Assurance Services with BDO Canada LLP.

She joined BDO Canada in 2015 and is the Group Technical Leader for Public Companies. Prior to joining BDO, she spent seventeen years with KPMG LLP, providing business advisory and auditing services in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. She also spent two years as the Corporate Controller of Coastal Contacts Inc., a publicly traded multi-national optical products company based in Vancouver. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business and Accounting from McGill University and currently serves on the IFRS Discussion Group committee of the Accounting Standards Board of Canada. Previously, she served on the Boards of the Aerospace Industry Association of BC and Student Biotech Network.
“I am a Board Member at WFC because it lets me use my knowledge and skills to help make a difference in my community”
— Mikaela Taylor

Board Member Since: 2005

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A 1986 UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate, Geri practiced as a pharmacist in a variety of communities across the lower mainland.

She spent the majority of her career (22 years) with Save on Food and Drugs in Maple Ridge. As a healthcare provider, Geri’s focus has always been to promote physical and mental wellness with a special interest in preventative medicine and diabetes. As a mother of 4, Geri was actively involved in the community as it related to children’s activities and programming, she has served multiple positions on PAC committees and as team manager and tournament coordinator for multiple sports in various years. Coming from a large extended family, Geri has always recognized that keeping families together, thriving and growing, is an inherent part of a healthy society.

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Joanna has been working as a Community and Regional Planner for over 14 years.

She has worked in food security, transportation, emergency response and public space planning. She is currently the Senior Project Manager at the City of Vancouver leading a team to transform road spaces into plazas. Part of her work involves working with vulnerable communities and non profit organizations creating outdoor spaces to expand access to services and provide space for community to gather. Previous to this work, she was the Senior Planner for long range transportation planning, following a role at TransLink as a Senior Transportation Planner.

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Gyda is a long-time feminist, activist, early childhood and adult educator, and a child care and diversity advocate.

Gyda is the founding Chairperson of Westcoast and has held several other key positions on the Board. Over the years, she has been fundamental in establishing the foundation for Westcoast’s vision, guiding principles, and practice. She is the recipient of numerous community awards and the accomplished author of several leading childcare publications. A leader in many organizations including the Child Care Sector Council, Gyda continues to offer perspective, expertise, and heart to Westcoast.

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As a former client of Westcoast Family Centres services, Trish brings a well-informed point of view to the Board.

She thoroughly enjoys being part of the community and has volunteered with several organizations in the past, including the Elizabeth Fry Society and Hollyburn House in West Vancouver. Now happily retired, Trish plays an active role with Westcoast and sits on our Indigenous Learning & Sharing Circle.

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