Leadership Team
The PCRS leadership team is made up of a diverse group of social services professionals. They provide a range of skills and abilities, working closely together to ensure that PCRS provides excellent services.
Board of Directors
Laura Vajanto
Board President
Laura Vajanto
Board President
As Chief Risk Officer at the City of Vancouver, I lead a diverse team of risk professionals who integrate risk management practices into the City’s planning, policy development and daily decision-making processes. I am guided by curiosity, empathy and passion to learn. I enjoy nature through various activities such as trail running, hiking, paddle boarding and skiing. The Finnish word “sisu” meaning grit, perseverance and resilience describes me to the core.
Vicki Catterall
Vice President
Vicki Catterall
Vice President
As a British settler via the Canadian and Australian colonies, I was born and continue to reside as a guest on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish families – Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Tsawassen, Kwantlen, and the surrounding Sto:lo Nations.
While I held a Chartered Professional Accountant designation, my professional career was split between various roles in finance, global executive program leadership, and executive coaching. Supporting others to take creative actions to be more aware of who they are and make better decisions honouring their core values brings me joy.
I am passionate about creating space for each of us to be authentically and perfectly ourselves. Recently retired, my wife and I enjoy being amongst the trees, playing in and on the water, sharing stories and meals with friends, and helping our community thrive.
Bettina Sy
Vice President
Bettina Sy
Vice President
I am a contract Business Systems and Process Analyst and Project Manager, helping companies implement new systems and improving their processes. I believe my superpower is really hearing what people are trying to say and helping translate that to others. This comes to play both in and out of work – when translating a user’s needs into a technical solution or helping bring clarity in times of conflict. I am passionate about the education of youth and especially young women in technology.
Wayne Thompson
Treasurer
Wayne Thompson
Treasurer
Wayne is the former Vice President and Chief Auditor for Coast Capital Savings. Wayne joined Coast in 2014 after a 15-year career in public practice, working for PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young where he held leadership positions in their Risk and Advisory Practice. He is a Chartered Accountant by profession and has worked with many boards over his professional career and through his extensive volunteer work with the not-for-profit sector in British Columbia. Wayne, his wife, and two kids are proud residents of Port Moody. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, listening to music, and long walks with his family.
Teri-Ann Bell
Director at Large
Teri- Ann Bell
Director at Large
Teri-Ann Bell is a First Nations woman from the Carrier Nation in Fort St. James, British Columbia. Teri-Ann holds her Master of Business Administration from the University of Northern British Columbia, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She is a purpose-driven entrepreneur focusing on Truth & Reconciliation particularly in corporate environments. After working in large management consulting firms in the change management and Indigenous relations space for many years, she has developed a strong ability to bridge the gap between Indigenous views and Western views (also known as the two-eyed seeing approach) by working collaboratively where both perspectives are seen, heard and respected. She believes that this approach is an integral part of successfully working towards Truth & Reconciliation in the workplace.
Teri-Ann is honoured to be a member of the PCRS Board, and looks forward to giving back to her community.
Hardy Gill
Director at Large
Hardy Gill
Director at Large
Hardy is a third-generation real estate developer and Chief Financial Officer for Triumph Pacific Properties Inc. A progressive real estate development, construction, and property management firm that takes pride in providing premium and affordable rental apartment suites within the lower mainland.
I, am honoured to be a member on the PCRS Board and am committed to improve the communities we all call home. I along with my wife and three children are lifelong residents of Abbotsford, BC. My family and I enjoy travelling, skiing, hiking and playing basketball.
Caryna Miller
Director at Large
Caryna Miller
Director at Large
Caryna is an associate at Harper Grey working primarily with the Commercial Litigation, Environmental, and Construction Groups. Her varied practice allows her to interact with a broad range of clients, which informs the diverse perspective she brings to each file. Passionate about improving the community in which she lives and works, Caryna has a genuine desire to make a positive and sustainable impact on the lives of others and does so through her involvement with various organizations. She also proudly volunteers her time as a guest blogger and speaker for Life in Law, a resource available across Canada helping to stem the exodus of women from the legal profession by providing them with opportunities to raise issues they face in a confidential environment.
Selena Kozak
Director at Large
Selena Kozak
Director at Large
I have lived in Surrey most of my life, going to school, raising my children and working
in this amazing city. I have a unique professional background including 25 years operating a retail/service business and working in Senior Living during the pandemic. I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UBC and I am completing a Certificate in Community Mental Health. I volunteer with Surrey Foundry’s Family Engagement Leadership Table and Working Groups. I enjoy collaborating on continuous improvement initiatives and I love change!
My lived experience accessing mental health and substance use services for loved
ones brings me here today. I am a strong advocate for reducing stigma and barriers to mental health care for vulnerable youth. I am hopeful my unique perspective as both a service-user and service-provider can help make a positive impact in the lives of those facing mental health challenges in our community.
In my free time you will find me at the pickleball courts, hiking or on the beach.
Devon Peck
Director at Large
Devon Peck
Director at Large
I am a lawyer with Dives Harper Stanger & Mizrahi in Vancouver working in the areas of insurance defence for health authorities and educational institutions.
Outside of my legal work, I am a proud mother who enjoys running, reading, and staying connected to my community. I strive to live the values I bring into my work—leading with empathy, remaining curious, and maintaining balance between my personal and professional life.
Dennis Wardman
Director at Large
Dennis Wardman, MD FRCPC MCM ABAM
Director at Large
I am a member of the Key First Nation in Saskatchewan and completed my medical degree at the University of Alberta, followed by specialty training in Community Medicine with a Special Interest in Addiction Medicine at the University of Calgary. I am a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and am Board Certified in Addiction Medicine. Throughout my career, I have worked with marginalized populations in public health, First Nations community health programs, and healthcare administration, bringing extensive experience in clinical care, leadership, and program development. I am currently practicing addiction medicine in both the Fraser Health region and Regina.
Heather Bulcock
Staff Board of Director
Heather Bulcock
Staff Board of Director
I have been with PCRS for more than seven years, supporting youth through a variety of employment programs, including Baristas, This Way Onward, and Build Your Future. I am passionate about empowering young people to build independence, secure meaningful employment, and achieve their goals by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where they can thrive. As a MANDT Facilitator, I have had the privilege of connecting with staff across the organization and contributing to the strong culture of collaboration and care at PCRS. I am committed to advancing our mission of ensuring everyone thrives in strong, healthy communities and look forward to continuing to grow as a leader while supporting meaningful impact through board service.
Tyler Lee
Staff Board of Director
Tyler Lee
Staff Board of Director
I am a dedicated community services leader with more than 16 years of experience at PCRS, committed to supporting youth and strengthening communities through relationship-based services. Throughout my career, I have seen the transformative impact that stable, well-supported programs can have on young people facing complex barriers, deepening my commitment to PCRS’s mission and values. In my current role, I bring extensive expertise in contract management, community engagement, and program development, working collaboratively with staff, community partners, and funders to deliver responsive and fiscally responsible services. My operational experience provides valuable insight into how board-level decisions affect staff capacity, program quality, and outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve.
Nidha Yaqub
Staff Board of Director
Nidha Yaqub
Staff Board of Director
I have been with PCRS for over six years, gaining experience across various programs, and I am currently the Team Lead at Honour Secondary School. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong track record of driving innovation and operational excellence, while staying committed to our mission of seeing “everyone thriving in strong, healthy communities.” I am passionate about advocating for the youth I serve, empowering them, and creating safe, inclusive spaces, particularly in the classroom.
I value mentorship and have consistently sought guidance within the agency, recognizing the wealth of knowledge and experience from colleagues and our Board of Directors. I am eager to learn from their insights while sharing my own front-line perspectives. With a deep commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, I am excited to bring my energy and passion to the Board, contributing to the growth and success of PCRS as an active and engaged member.
Executive Leadership Team
Steve Atkinson, CPA
Chief Executive Officer
Steve Atkinson, CPA
Chief Executive Officer
Steve has been with PCRS since 2002 and has worked in a variety of positions at all levels of the organization. Before moving to his current position in 2023, he was the Director of Finance since 2015, and worked for 10 years in Employment Services. Steve has presented at numerous provincial and national conferences on topics such as employment programming best practices, recruitment strategies, website development and collaboration strategies. Steve is a Chartered Professional Accountant, and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Concordia University College of Alberta.
Flor Chung, CPA
Director of Finance
Flor Chung
Director of Finance
Flor comes to PCRS from the corporate sector with over 20 years of financial management and leadership experience across the private and not-for-profit sectors. Flor is a Chartered Professional Accountant and has held a Director of Finance position in another non-profit organization for several years. Flor is passionate about establishing and evolving strategies, improving systems with the latest advances in technology and advancing staff competencies to optimize service delivery in the Finance Department. She leverages a holistic approach to financial leadership by sharing expertise and collaborating with counterparts from similar organizations to assist non-profits in maximizing services to communities.
Alexis Vargas
Director of Technology and Social Impact
Alexis Vargas
Director of Technology and Social Impact
Diana Bryant
Director of People and Culture
Diana Bryant
Director of People and Culture
Diana joined PCRS in 2018 with over 15 years of leadership and management experience working in both private and not-for-profit. Diana is passionate about utilizing her experience to support leaders within an organization while creating a work environment where every team member has the tools to flourish. As the Director of People and Culture, Diana is responsible for overseeing human resources, learning and development, occupational health and safety and PCRS’ facilities.
Diana is a member of the Board of Directors with not-for-profit organization that supports women in the lower mainland.
Calum Scott
Director of Operations – Employment
Calum Scott
Director of Operations – Employment
Calum joined PCRS in 2019 with over 15 of experience working with vulnerable and at-risk youth. Calum has held a few different senior leadership positions that included community engagement, marketing, communications, and service provision. He has experience developing strong community partnerships that address barriers and improve outcomes within complex systemic issues. He is passionate about creating opportunities for youth to discover their voice, be inspired by their own potential, advocate for their needs, and achieve their goals. Calum holds a degree in Communications from the University of Calgary.
Dr. Steven Esau
Director of Operations – Fraser East
Dr. Steven Esau
Director of Operations – Fraser East
Steve joined PCRS in 2011 and has worked over 15 years in the counselling and social sector fields. His passions include program development and design, as well as collaborating and building strong relationships with several communities. With experience and training in recreation-based clinical programming, Steve has had the fortune of developing several nature-based programs as well as working in other countries providing clinical and program design services. His main focus has been researching and implementing innovative strategies in the field of substance use and trauma. Steve has a Doctorate in Behavioural Health as well as Masters in Marriage, Family, and Child Counselling.
Jennifer Lowrey
Director of Surrey Substance Use and Mental Health Services
Jennifer Lowrey
Director of Surrey Substance Use and Mental Health Services
Jen brings over 15 years of experience working in the fields of Mental Health and Substance Use, supporting youth, families, and communities across public, private, and non-profit sectors. She is actively involved in the Vancouver community, volunteering with a local non-profit and serving as a board director for a bed-based treatment centre for the past eight years. Throughout her career, Jen has consistently applied a trauma-informed lens to all aspects of her work.
Masami Tomioka
Director of Operations – Vancouver Youth Services
Masami Tomioka
Director of Operations – Vancouver Youth Services
Masami is grateful and honoured to have the opportunity to live and work in the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples. Masami joined PCRS in 2020. She has worked in social services since 2000. Most of that time was spent working with adults and youth in the Downtown Eastside. She believes that services should be accessible and free of barriers and is committed to working toward providing equitable, culturally safe, and relevant services for all youth.
Michelle Shaw, MA
Director of Operations – Fraser South
Michelle Shaw
Director of Operations – Fraser South
With over two decades of dedicated service at PCRS, Michelle has established herself as a prominent leader and advocate within the Surrey community. Her extensive experience spans government relations, community partnerships, program development, and transformative leadership, all of which have been instrumental in driving the agencies expansion and innovation of services throughout the Fraser South Region.
As a champion of values based and empowering leadership, Michelle has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of collaboration and growth among staff, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and valued. Her commitment to service excellence is evident in her role as a CARF surveyor, where she advocates for person-centered approaches and actively incorporates the voices of those served into program design and implementation.
Michelle is passionate about building resilient communities through engagement and responsive services. In her personal time, she dedicates time to animal rescue initiatives, finds inspiration in the great outdoors, and enjoys spending quality moments with her family and dogs. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History, and a Master’s in Leadership from Royal Roads University, equipping her with a well-rounded perspective in both historical context and contemporary leadership principles.
Management Team
Annie Burkes
MANAGER, STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Aydin Smith
MANAGER, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES VANCOUVER MIDTOWN
Eastman Kollie
MANAGER, VANCOUVER HOUSING
Jodi Higgs
MANAGER, CHILLIWACK HEALTH AND HOUSING CENTRE
Jacquie Robertson
MANAGER, SURREY YOUTH SERVICES – NORTH
Jutta Wykpis
MANAGER, TRAVERSE PROGRAM
Kuljeet Julka
MANAGER, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FRASERWORKS
Mary Stewart
MANAGER, VANCOUVER YOUTH SERVICES
Sandip Mann
MANAGER, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES NORTH SURREY
Scott Callister
MANAGER, FACILITIES
Silvana Guglielmetti
MANAGER, PATHWAYS TO EDUCATION
Tomoko Cerf
MANAGER, YOUTH AND COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Tyler Lee
MANAGER, SURREY YOUTH SERVICES – SOUTH
Vicki Martin
MANAGER, YOUTH HOUSING – THE 1.1.2.
Wendy Potter
MANAGER, FOUNDRY SURREY
About PCRS
Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) has been providing social services for over 39 years across BC, in education, employment, housing, substance use, mental health, and youth and family support services.
about us