Collective
Michelle Croissant, Co-chair
Michelle Croissant is a survivor of both domestic violence and eating disorders; using her past experiences and subsequent healing journey to fuel a burning desire to help others—especially women and girls—transform their lives in a positive and empowering way. Embracing the concept of life-long learning in her own life, she remains active in the ongoing process of self-discovery, with the greater goal of understanding herself in order to help others. She is also passionate about mentoring, building intergenerational community, advocating for human rights and equality, the therapeutic value of music and the arts, the healing power of nature and animals, natural health and sustainable living practices, experiential learning, and living outside the box. Ms. Croissant obtained her Child & Youth Care Diploma from the Lethbridge Community College in 1989 in addition to completing a number of related university courses and professional development workshops. She has spent the past three decades working with a myriad of populations and issues in social and community services, education and health care. Her career experience includes six years with the Calgary Mustard Seed Street Ministry in Alberta, which provided her a strong background in mental health, addictions and homelessness. During her time with this organization, she was instrumental in developing two online and offline adult education classrooms, managing both a rotating caseload of over 30 students and a team of 25+ volunteers. After leaving the Mustard Seed, Ms. Croissant took a small business program that provided her the tools needed to found her own nonprofit, with a vision to provide second-stage housing to women and children within an intergenerational community framework. This project was put on hold due to personal circumstances and competing priorities. After moving to Vancouver Island in 2009 for further studies, Ms. Croissant joined the staffing team at the Cowichan Intercultural Society in multiple capacities—as an employment counsellor for immigrants and refugees, regional coordinator for the provincial Safe Harbour program, and co-coordinator for the BC Welcoming Communities program. Here she gained a greater understanding of the significant challenges faced by not only newcomers to Canada, but also for other marginalized populations living in rural areas.
Ms. Croissant is currently employed as a support worker for adults with developmental disabilities by in Grand Forks, BC. She and her partner live on a small farm where they provide f/t homeshare support and p/t respite for adults with disabilities. They have been very active in the Grand Forks community since moving here in 2013, especially in the local music scene. Their current band, The Tokanees has played a number of local events and is gearing up for Cannafest 2018. They have a home-based recording and technology business, PMT Studio. Ms. Croissant has been facilitating a weekly community drum circle for over 4 years and also runs a monthly drum circle at a local residential care facility for seniors.
Ms. Croissant joined the BWC board in 2014 and was appointed to co-chair in 2016. This is the first board she has served on and she is excited to have the opportunity to learn and grow with an organization that shares her values and vision.
“I could give you more examples of quantitative-type successes; the kind of success that you can see and measure and evaluate and grade yourself accordingly for. However, with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes a departure from measuring one's success in terms of tangible performance within an egocentric framework. Do you really want to know what my greatest success has been in life? Finally being able to peel back the layers of onion to expose and deal with those core issues that lay hidden for years... you know, the ones that we all have to some degree or another, in one form or another... the root issues that have developed from a combination of genetics and environment—nature and nurture—and manifest themselves in our lives in a way that holds us back from envisioning and reaching our fullest, God-given potential. I have made great strides in terms of personal development and my spiritual journey has been a challenging, yet totally amazing adventure. The coolest thing is that my path continues to cross with those who are going through similar things, and I am so often able to support, encourage and inspire them out of my own experience. I am excited about old visions being resurrected and how all the experiences in my life intersect in a way that is finally making sense.”
Michelle Croissant is a survivor of both domestic violence and eating disorders; using her past experiences and subsequent healing journey to fuel a burning desire to help others—especially women and girls—transform their lives in a positive and empowering way. Embracing the concept of life-long learning in her own life, she remains active in the ongoing process of self-discovery, with the greater goal of understanding herself in order to help others. She is also passionate about mentoring, building intergenerational community, advocating for human rights and equality, the therapeutic value of music and the arts, the healing power of nature and animals, natural health and sustainable living practices, experiential learning, and living outside the box. Ms. Croissant obtained her Child & Youth Care Diploma from the Lethbridge Community College in 1989 in addition to completing a number of related university courses and professional development workshops. She has spent the past three decades working with a myriad of populations and issues in social and community services, education and health care. Her career experience includes six years with the Calgary Mustard Seed Street Ministry in Alberta, which provided her a strong background in mental health, addictions and homelessness. During her time with this organization, she was instrumental in developing two online and offline adult education classrooms, managing both a rotating caseload of over 30 students and a team of 25+ volunteers. After leaving the Mustard Seed, Ms. Croissant took a small business program that provided her the tools needed to found her own nonprofit, with a vision to provide second-stage housing to women and children within an intergenerational community framework. This project was put on hold due to personal circumstances and competing priorities. After moving to Vancouver Island in 2009 for further studies, Ms. Croissant joined the staffing team at the Cowichan Intercultural Society in multiple capacities—as an employment counsellor for immigrants and refugees, regional coordinator for the provincial Safe Harbour program, and co-coordinator for the BC Welcoming Communities program. Here she gained a greater understanding of the significant challenges faced by not only newcomers to Canada, but also for other marginalized populations living in rural areas.
Ms. Croissant is currently employed as a support worker for adults with developmental disabilities by in Grand Forks, BC. She and her partner live on a small farm where they provide f/t homeshare support and p/t respite for adults with disabilities. They have been very active in the Grand Forks community since moving here in 2013, especially in the local music scene. Their current band, The Tokanees has played a number of local events and is gearing up for Cannafest 2018. They have a home-based recording and technology business, PMT Studio. Ms. Croissant has been facilitating a weekly community drum circle for over 4 years and also runs a monthly drum circle at a local residential care facility for seniors.
Ms. Croissant joined the BWC board in 2014 and was appointed to co-chair in 2016. This is the first board she has served on and she is excited to have the opportunity to learn and grow with an organization that shares her values and vision.
“I could give you more examples of quantitative-type successes; the kind of success that you can see and measure and evaluate and grade yourself accordingly for. However, with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes a departure from measuring one's success in terms of tangible performance within an egocentric framework. Do you really want to know what my greatest success has been in life? Finally being able to peel back the layers of onion to expose and deal with those core issues that lay hidden for years... you know, the ones that we all have to some degree or another, in one form or another... the root issues that have developed from a combination of genetics and environment—nature and nurture—and manifest themselves in our lives in a way that holds us back from envisioning and reaching our fullest, God-given potential. I have made great strides in terms of personal development and my spiritual journey has been a challenging, yet totally amazing adventure. The coolest thing is that my path continues to cross with those who are going through similar things, and I am so often able to support, encourage and inspire them out of my own experience. I am excited about old visions being resurrected and how all the experiences in my life intersect in a way that is finally making sense.”
Lindsay Erlandson, Secretary
Lindsay moved to Grand Forks in the spring of 2015 after completing her nursing degree. Her previous employment with the Nelson CARES Society offered valuable insight into the sense of fulfillment that can come from working in the human services field.
She joined the BWC Collective in 2019 and has enjoyed learning about and participating in the functioning of not-for-profit social services.
Lindsay moved to Grand Forks in the spring of 2015 after completing her nursing degree. Her previous employment with the Nelson CARES Society offered valuable insight into the sense of fulfillment that can come from working in the human services field.
She joined the BWC Collective in 2019 and has enjoyed learning about and participating in the functioning of not-for-profit social services.
Dani Collins, Co-Chair
In 2004, Dani moved with her husband from Maple Ridge to Christina Lake where they raised their two children. Her lifelong interest in feminism and empowering women has drawn her to BWC. She looks forward to contributing to the coalition’s valuable work in the community.
In 2004, Dani moved with her husband from Maple Ridge to Christina Lake where they raised their two children. Her lifelong interest in feminism and empowering women has drawn her to BWC. She looks forward to contributing to the coalition’s valuable work in the community.
Elly Macmaster, Treasurer
Elly moved with her husband and son from Maple Ridge to Grand Forks in 2013. While raising her son, Elly works from home with West Boundary Community Forest, and is employed by Grand Forks and District Public Library as a casual Library Assistant. Elly was active on the Hutton Elementary PAC for five years, volunteering as Chair, Secretary and Vice-Chair, administering the Hot Lunch Program, and helping with the Breakfast Program and many fundraising events in support of the school.
Motivated by her interest in women's studies, and a desire to support her community, Elly became a member of Boundary Women's Coalition in 2018, and joined the Collective in 2019. She volunteers as the Collective's Treasurer, and is Chair of the Finance Committee and the Fundraising Committee. She has a background in public relations and administration, working with non-profits such as Phoenix Foundation, Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Elly looks forward to sharing her experience and passion for community development and social services with BWC.
Elly moved with her husband and son from Maple Ridge to Grand Forks in 2013. While raising her son, Elly works from home with West Boundary Community Forest, and is employed by Grand Forks and District Public Library as a casual Library Assistant. Elly was active on the Hutton Elementary PAC for five years, volunteering as Chair, Secretary and Vice-Chair, administering the Hot Lunch Program, and helping with the Breakfast Program and many fundraising events in support of the school.
Motivated by her interest in women's studies, and a desire to support her community, Elly became a member of Boundary Women's Coalition in 2018, and joined the Collective in 2019. She volunteers as the Collective's Treasurer, and is Chair of the Finance Committee and the Fundraising Committee. She has a background in public relations and administration, working with non-profits such as Phoenix Foundation, Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Elly looks forward to sharing her experience and passion for community development and social services with BWC.
Staff
Norma Busch, Executive Director Administration
Norma joined Boundary Women’s Coalition as a Transition House Volunteer in 2004 and secured the Bookkeeper/Office Administrator and Support Worker position in November, 2004. She brings with her, over 30 years’ experience in bookkeeping, payroll, office administration and human resources. Norma is now the Co-Executive Director (Administration) for BWC and manages the accounting and payroll for all of BWC’s programs.
Norma joined Boundary Women’s Coalition as a Transition House Volunteer in 2004 and secured the Bookkeeper/Office Administrator and Support Worker position in November, 2004. She brings with her, over 30 years’ experience in bookkeeping, payroll, office administration and human resources. Norma is now the Co-Executive Director (Administration) for BWC and manages the accounting and payroll for all of BWC’s programs.
Allie Dickson, Executive Director Programs
Allie joined the BWC team in 2009. Since then, she has filled a variety of roles in the organization including; Casual/On Call Support Worker, Permanent Support Worker, Women’s Outreach Worker, Educator, Transition House Coordinator, and is now the Co-Executive Director (programs). Allie also participates on various community-based committees working to eradicate Domestic Violence, including our local Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), Interagency Case Assessment Team (ICAT), and the Violence in Relationships (VIR) Committee. Having lived in Grand Forks most of her life, Allie is very passionate and dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and services to the women and children of the Boundary.
Allie joined the BWC team in 2009. Since then, she has filled a variety of roles in the organization including; Casual/On Call Support Worker, Permanent Support Worker, Women’s Outreach Worker, Educator, Transition House Coordinator, and is now the Co-Executive Director (programs). Allie also participates on various community-based committees working to eradicate Domestic Violence, including our local Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), Interagency Case Assessment Team (ICAT), and the Violence in Relationships (VIR) Committee. Having lived in Grand Forks most of her life, Allie is very passionate and dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and services to the women and children of the Boundary.
Nicole McCallum, Office Administrator
Nicole joined BWC in 2016 and brings a passion for community sustainability and ecologically responsible practices. She studied Environmental science at University of Guelph. Nicole is a former Collective Member and is now the Office Administrator for BWC.
Nicole joined BWC in 2016 and brings a passion for community sustainability and ecologically responsible practices. She studied Environmental science at University of Guelph. Nicole is a former Collective Member and is now the Office Administrator for BWC.
Kimberly Gordon, Boundary Women's Centre Coordinator
Kimberly Gordon is very excited to be part of the team at Boundary Women's Coalition, she loves to encourage others while showing compassion for those in need. Kimberly has been involved with helping the homeless in our community; working with people is her passion, listening and showing empathy for those struggling is where her heart goes! She has taken many courses in the past year to learn everything she can in order to be more effective while supporting the people that cross her path. Kimberly's journey has just begun and she is filled with anticipation.
Kimberly Gordon is very excited to be part of the team at Boundary Women's Coalition, she loves to encourage others while showing compassion for those in need. Kimberly has been involved with helping the homeless in our community; working with people is her passion, listening and showing empathy for those struggling is where her heart goes! She has taken many courses in the past year to learn everything she can in order to be more effective while supporting the people that cross her path. Kimberly's journey has just begun and she is filled with anticipation.
Allison Leavens, Program Coordinator for the Transition House and Second Stage Programs
Allison is so appreciative to work in an environment that challenges our society to provide women with the support they need to live with respect and joy. She has been a Support Worker with BWC since 2016 and draws on 10 years of experience helping individuals to improve their quality of life in different communities across Canada. She enjoys meeting women where they’re at, getting creative about choices and learning from each woman that reaches out.
Allison is so appreciative to work in an environment that challenges our society to provide women with the support they need to live with respect and joy. She has been a Support Worker with BWC since 2016 and draws on 10 years of experience helping individuals to improve their quality of life in different communities across Canada. She enjoys meeting women where they’re at, getting creative about choices and learning from each woman that reaches out.
Stephanie Koorbatoff, Community Counselling
Stephanie has been with the Boundary Women’s Coalition since 2013, first as a volunteer, then as a Transition House Support Worker, and since 2014 implements the Community Counselling program. Stephanie holds a Diploma in Social Service Work with an Associate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions, and is completing her Bachelor of Social Work through the University of Victoria. She is certified in SATIR Family Systems Therapy, and in Traumatic Incident Reduction. Stephanie has lived in the Boundary area for nearly forty years, and brings years of knowledge and experience working and volunteering in various roles within the human services field, and in the anti-violence sector.
Stephanie has been with the Boundary Women’s Coalition since 2013, first as a volunteer, then as a Transition House Support Worker, and since 2014 implements the Community Counselling program. Stephanie holds a Diploma in Social Service Work with an Associate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions, and is completing her Bachelor of Social Work through the University of Victoria. She is certified in SATIR Family Systems Therapy, and in Traumatic Incident Reduction. Stephanie has lived in the Boundary area for nearly forty years, and brings years of knowledge and experience working and volunteering in various roles within the human services field, and in the anti-violence sector.
Ali Webster, Outreach
Ali's first involvement with BWC was in 2004 as a Board Member and Transition House Volunteer. She started as a Casual/On Call Support Worker in 2015 and became a Permanent Support Worker in 2016. During this time Ali was a member of the local S.A.R.T. (Sexual Assault Response Team) and her understanding for the need, and importance of BWC in our community deepened. After a brief time as a Board Member again in 2019, she is now entering a new role in Women's Outreach. Ali feels privileged to continue working for BWC and she is honoured to walk with the courageous and resilient women who's life journey brings them to the Outreach Program.
Ali's first involvement with BWC was in 2004 as a Board Member and Transition House Volunteer. She started as a Casual/On Call Support Worker in 2015 and became a Permanent Support Worker in 2016. During this time Ali was a member of the local S.A.R.T. (Sexual Assault Response Team) and her understanding for the need, and importance of BWC in our community deepened. After a brief time as a Board Member again in 2019, she is now entering a new role in Women's Outreach. Ali feels privileged to continue working for BWC and she is honoured to walk with the courageous and resilient women who's life journey brings them to the Outreach Program.
Frani Carmen, Transition House Support Worker
Since May 1998 Frani has been a support worker at the Boundary Women’s Transition House. She feels honoured to have worked with so many courageous women over the years, and never ceases to admire their strength and resilience. Frani co-facilitates groups such as, BWC Community Learning Opportunity, Healthy Relationships, and In Her Shoes.
Since May 1998 Frani has been a support worker at the Boundary Women’s Transition House. She feels honoured to have worked with so many courageous women over the years, and never ceases to admire their strength and resilience. Frani co-facilitates groups such as, BWC Community Learning Opportunity, Healthy Relationships, and In Her Shoes.
Marcia Shelestynski, Transition House Support Worker
Marcia has been with the Boundary Women's Transition House since 2007, beginning first as a part-time Support Worker, and then accepted a position as a full-time Support Worker in 2008. Throughout the years, she has completed the Transition House Support Worker training along with other specialized training that assists her to support women. Personal experience and growth regarding power and control within relationships combined with ten years of experience working at the Boundary Women"s Transition House has inspired Marcia's passion for helping women to honour their own authentic selves while moving forward in their lives.
Marcia has been with the Boundary Women's Transition House since 2007, beginning first as a part-time Support Worker, and then accepted a position as a full-time Support Worker in 2008. Throughout the years, she has completed the Transition House Support Worker training along with other specialized training that assists her to support women. Personal experience and growth regarding power and control within relationships combined with ten years of experience working at the Boundary Women"s Transition House has inspired Marcia's passion for helping women to honour their own authentic selves while moving forward in their lives.
Georgia Hilburn, Transition House Support Worker
Georgia has been working with BWC since 2007 and puts her heart and soul into the services we provide; she supports people from a place of knowing what it is like on both sides. Georgia has the utmost respect for every woman and child who walk through our doors. Program integrity contributes to our every day successes and quality of life for staff and residents alike. The diversity of the people we serve strengthens our community. Georgia is proud to call Grand Forks home.
Georgia has been working with BWC since 2007 and puts her heart and soul into the services we provide; she supports people from a place of knowing what it is like on both sides. Georgia has the utmost respect for every woman and child who walk through our doors. Program integrity contributes to our every day successes and quality of life for staff and residents alike. The diversity of the people we serve strengthens our community. Georgia is proud to call Grand Forks home.
Deanna Stent, Transition House Support Worker
Deanna joined our team in June 2017. She is very excited to continue learning and working for those in need. Deanna has prior experiences that have taught her a great deal regarding this field of work. She hopes to expand that knowledge in the coming years while working alongside heroes at BWC.
Deanna joined our team in June 2017. She is very excited to continue learning and working for those in need. Deanna has prior experiences that have taught her a great deal regarding this field of work. She hopes to expand that knowledge in the coming years while working alongside heroes at BWC.
Teresa Thomson, Transition House Support Worker
Teresa has raised her family and lived in this area since 1996. She is happy to be working at BWC. Teresa is honored to be entrusted as a support worker, to work with the women who pass through the doors of the Transition House. She is looking forward to the growth and challenge of developing new skills while furthering the old.
Teresa has raised her family and lived in this area since 1996. She is happy to be working at BWC. Teresa is honored to be entrusted as a support worker, to work with the women who pass through the doors of the Transition House. She is looking forward to the growth and challenge of developing new skills while furthering the old.
Jesse Denamy, Transition House Support Worker
Jesse joined BWC in 2019 as a Casual/On-Call Support Worker, and is now a permanent Support Worker. Having lived mostly in Grand Forks raising 5 kids, Jesse is very passionate in providing support, advocacy along with service’s to women and children in the boundary.
Jesse joined BWC in 2019 as a Casual/On-Call Support Worker, and is now a permanent Support Worker. Having lived mostly in Grand Forks raising 5 kids, Jesse is very passionate in providing support, advocacy along with service’s to women and children in the boundary.
Michele Cipressi, Transition House Support Worker
Originally from California, Michele has traded palm trees and ocean breezes for BC rivers, lakes and mountains studded with evergreens. A mother of 5, and grandmother of 5, Michele wants all families to have the support they need to raise children free from the impacts of trauma, neglect, and domestic violence. Michele is grateful for the opportunity to be part of a feminist organization where all voices are valued, and that works to support families in the boundary, providing shelter, legal support, counselling, and more.
Originally from California, Michele has traded palm trees and ocean breezes for BC rivers, lakes and mountains studded with evergreens. A mother of 5, and grandmother of 5, Michele wants all families to have the support they need to raise children free from the impacts of trauma, neglect, and domestic violence. Michele is grateful for the opportunity to be part of a feminist organization where all voices are valued, and that works to support families in the boundary, providing shelter, legal support, counselling, and more.
Hailey Bekker, Transition House Support Worker
Hailey is grateful to have had the opportunity to serve and learn from all the amazing women who come through the doors of the Boundary Women's Coalition since 2019. She finds joy in seeing other women growing and healthy, inside and out. Hailey hopes she can help empower every woman she encounters today towards this.
Hailey is grateful to have had the opportunity to serve and learn from all the amazing women who come through the doors of the Boundary Women's Coalition since 2019. She finds joy in seeing other women growing and healthy, inside and out. Hailey hopes she can help empower every woman she encounters today towards this.
Katie Laramie, Transition House Support Worker
Susan Fisher, Transition House Support Worker