Vitals Board of Directors
How can you join the Vitals Board of Directors?
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals from all backgrounds and histories. We’d love to hear from you.
Why should I join the Vitals board?
Joining the Vitals Board of Directors is a great way to contribute to your local community. The time you spend volunteering will benefit those who are most vulnerable, who are often unable to advocate for themselves. Being a board member is also great experience for any other aspect of your life, including future employment and leadership training.
How can I join the Vitals Board of Directors?
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals from all backgrounds and histories. If you decide that joining our board is the right fit for you, there are a few steps required in regard to the application process.
- First you have to become a member of our society, then you would fill out a board application (you can find the link to that under the “application” tab).
- Next, you would come in and meet with members of our current board for an interview.
- Finally, you would be sent an official offer to join the Board of Directors for Vitals.
What is the time commitment for a board member?
Board members are required to attend a monthly meeting, and can expect to give about four hours of time monthly to this commitment as well as others.
What does the average board meeting look like?
The meetings typically last around two hours, and cover topics such as Program, Financial, and Human Resources reports, updates on the status of houses, strategic plans for the future direction of the organization, votes and approvals in regard to plans of action, as well as any items that may have been added late to the agenda.
What happens during board orientation?
New directors will be given a board handbook and conduct and orientation with the Executive Director and a fellow board member. They will thoroughly familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures that govern the operations of the society & its staff; the collective agreement between the society and the union, and the contracts for operating service between the funding agencies and the society. New Directors will also become familiar with the Societies Act of BC, Schedule B, and the bylaws.
Meet the Board
If you would like more information about becoming a Vitals board member, please feel free to send an email to board@vitals.ca to show your interest.
Andrew Brown
Chair, Board of Directors
Read Andrew's Bio
Andrew is originally from the Fraser Valley before moving to Vancouver Island in 2003, and to the Cowichan Valley in 2012. He has been involved with VITALS for about eight years and has decades of experience in the field in numerous different capacities.
He also brings experience in event planning and production, publishing and graphic design, and also owns a music production company Barely North Entertainment.
Valarie Brooks
Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Read Valeri's Bio
Hello, my name is Valerie Brooks and here is a little about myself and the reason for my interest in VITALS.
I am a wife, mother of three beautiful daughters, and a grandmother of seven and a great grandmother of eight. Each one being as special as can be.
One of my grandchildren has Autism, when they diagnosis we had no idea the journey that was ahead. As time passed my grandson and his family were struggling for desperately needed support as the care that was needed to keep everyone in the family safe was now 24/7 and Mom couldn’t find the support. The MCF were unable to provide the care and support that was needed in our area., and we had run out of options.
Fortunately, the family was directed to VITALS. Now my grandson is supported through VITALS, he has an amazing safe environment with the support needed to give him the quality of life he deserves.
This opened the door for my interest in VITALS, I attended a Board meeting and can proudly say I am a member of the Board and the Society that services many special person needing the support and care that VITALS provides not only to our community but other areas on the island.
Sarb Hayer
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Read Sarb's Bio
I understand personally and professionally the impact that an organization like Vitals can have on people’s lives.
I have spent the last 25 years in a leadership role in a Fortune 500 Company influencing change.
My greatest strength is the ability to Inspire and instill Confidence in people to do more than they thought they were capable of doing.
I Excel in areas such as People Development, Operational Optimization, P&L Analysis and Strategically shifting Market Share resulting YOY growth.
I was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley and take pride in supporting my community and the team at VITALS Society.
Erika Brown
Director
Read Erika's Bio
Erika Brown has been a Board member since 2018, and brings with her a wealth of experience in the medical field as both a longtime Nurse and Orthotech at Cowichan District Hospital. Erika is also a homeshare provider.
Korri Kelloway
Director
Read Kori's Bio
Originally from Ontario, Kori has resided on the traditional land of the Quw’utsun and Coast Salish peoples for nearly twenty years. She is a partner, mother, sister, auntie, artist, and social worker who was drawn to VITALS by the strong foundation of diversity, inclusion, and community within the organization.
Kori’s experience includes management, program development, group work, advocacy in the non-profit social service sector. More recently she has been practicing social work in acute care and now in community health care. With nearly two decades of working with and advocating alongside people with diversabilities, mental health and substance use, and brain injuries Kori is pleased to be able to share her experiences and give back to the community by sitting on the VITALS board of directors.
Corry Brooks
Director
Read Corry's Bio
I am a single mother of young adult twins, and have been an active member of VITAL Society for
several years. My son has severe autism, non-verbal, and requires around the clock support
and care. It was through word-of-mouth and fate, we were able to place him with VITALS, in a
safe environment for him and his needs.
My experience made me interested and curious in VITALS, wanting to know more I joined a
Board Meeting. After one meeting I decided to join the Board, where it allows me to help other
families and persons who are in need, a way to support and give back to the community.
Barry Ethier
Director
Read Barry's Bio
I was born and raised in Squamish BC and moved to the Island in Sept. Of 2020 in the midst of Covid.
I run a Speedy Glass location in North Nanaimo and I have been working for Speedy Glass in different areas for 23 years now.
I am also a musician. I have been playing drums for 35 years and currently play with 2 bands in Duncan performing all original songs with both bands.
I have a wonderful family. My wife Bobbie, son Brandon ( 17 ), and daughter Emma ( 14 ) and a sweet little Shih tzu Banjo ( 2 )
Chris Davies
Director