Our Staff

President

Stephen retired from a career in health care and education to the Cowichan Valley in 2017, and with his wife Margaret has been working to build a life with friends, interests and community involvement. His interests include anything to do with the ocean - sailing, diving, and paddling for instance. Being married to an artist and cook, art and food are also passions, as is their very large garden.

Treasurer

Amanda moved to Vancouver Island from Vancouver and enjoys sharing food, exploring the island by bike, and reading on beaches around Cowichan. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s MA in political science program. While studying for her undergraduate degree, Amanda interned in the human rights and communications departments of the non-profits the American Civil Liberties Union and the United Nations Association, respectively. She enjoys work and volunteer experience that includes community organizing and storytelling.

Secretary

Jane has over 25 year’s experience in nonprofit management, in employment services. She knows how difficult it is for anyone to obtain and sustain employment without stable housing and enough to eat. Having retired from long-term employment in Toronto and moved back to Vancouver Island where she lived after emigrating from England, she wanted to still be able to contribute and make a difference in people's lives, but in a different way. When she was approached about the possibility of joining the CGC Board, it seemed the perfect opportunity as it melded this desire with her interest in gardening and the concept of sustainable, healthy food, and working towards zero waste.

Director

Tina has worked in the food industry for over 20 years with a focus in sales, manufacturing and distribution. She has a keen interest in all things food related,
particularly food security and community access to healthy food. Born in the US, she moved to Canada in her early teens and has lived in Sudbury, Toronto,
Vancouver and Victoria before settling in the Cowichan Valley in 2010. Tina enjoys spending time in her garden where she grows food and flowers.

Director

Vivianne feels like a relative newcomer in the Cowichan Valley having lived here just over 10 years. During her long career in the food industry, she has witnessed untold food waste. As a new member to the board of Cowichan Green Community she is grateful to belong to this community where it's possible to see the results of the energy and commitment towards food security and food management that she finds in this organization. The goals of trying to meet the needs of those who could go hungry and effective use of our bounty are dear to her heart.

Executive Director

Born in Vancouver, Judy took a long detour through life and other countries before she was enticed back to this gorgeous Valley. Blessed to be living on a float house and working in a fabulous organization that fuels her creative and environmental fire, she’s reminded how much more inspiring life is when working in a place that is aligned with her passions.

Program Manager

Born and mostly raised in Ontario, Alyssa moved out to beautiful British Columbia in 2008, and has been working at CGC since 2010! With her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care, Alyssa’s passions lie in working with children, youth, and families to create an inclusive, safe, and vibrant community celebrating the gifts and strengths of all people. On the side, she thoroughly enjoys playing music, creating art, and taking in the beauty of Vancouver Island by going on mini adventures and hikes.

Farm Coordinator, KinPark Youth Urban Farm

Naomi has always been passionate about the environment and growing food. After receiving a degree in Geography, her thoughts turned toward the future. She started to dream about living intentionally and growing most of her own food herself. With this goal in mind, Naomi got her start in agriculture at Island Hothouse in Saltair. After several years on the farm and after welcoming her first child into the world, Naomi joined the team at CGC excited to explore urban farming while working with youth. After a year away with the birth of her second child, Naomi is back at KinPark grateful to be in the garden again to continue inspiring connection to the food we eat and the world around us.

When she’s not working, Naomi can be found barefoot in her large garden at home or snuggled up crafting and enjoying delicious homemade food. She hopes to inspire young people to become as excited about gardening as she is!

Program Coordinator, Cob Oven

Emerald is our newest employee and will be working at our Cob Oven, in Centennial Park, facilitating our Youth Program and other events at the Cob Oven! She has a background in Environmental Science and is currently studying Child and Youth Work at Camosun College. They are passionate about food and housing security, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and education for neurodivergent children and youth. She also loves to grow vegetables and flowers in her garden, read fantasy novels, bake sourdough, and swim in the river. Emerald aspires to complete their Bachelors of Child and Youth Work at the University of Victoria and pursue a career in Social Work, hopefully while raising goats and pigs on their own hobby farm. Welcome to the team Emerald!