Leadership Team

Janice Barr, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Since the early 1980s, Janice Barr has been instrumental in the evolution of community living in B.C.  In January 2020, Janice became the Chief Executive Officer for the Community Living Society. Janice brings over thirty 30 of experience and leadership in the Community Living field. She is a passionate advocate for person-centered and responsive supports for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.  Janice began her long career and involvement in the Community Living sector by providing direct support to people with an intellectual disability and their families.  This experience continues to form the basis of her decisions.

Janice has held two previous positions as a CEO or Executive Director of a Community Living organizations as well as many sector wide leadership positions, including Advisory Board member of the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship at University of British Columbia, Director and past Chair of the Community Social Services Employers Association, Director for the BCCEO Network and, founding member of the BC Employment Network.

Aaron McQueen, Chief Financial Officer

Aaron joined the CLS in 2014 but has been working in Finance and Accounting since 2004.   He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Accounting and earned his Chartered Professional Accounting designation in 2009.  His work experience includes various accounting roles in a broad range of industries such as IT, Food Services, and other not-for-profit service providers.  Aaron is responsible for preparing the financial statements, cash management and reviewing the day-to-day financial transactions as well as managing the Finance team.

Gillian Rhodes, Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Gillian Rhodes brings over 20 years in leadership, HR, change management; strategic visioning and operational management. She has worked across four continents, in the profit and non-profit sectors, and as Director of Employee Services and Operations, overseas day to day staffing and operational leadership. Prior to joining the Community Living Society, Gillian worked extensively within the Downtown Eastside community in Vancouver. This background has given her a hands-on understanding of the challenges faced and built a determined commitment to focus on person-centered and inclusive community approach.

Brenda Henderson, Director of Policy and Practice

Brenda began her career with CLS in 2007, and worked for several years as a support worker in both Day Supports and Staffed Home settings. Brenda has held a series of progressively more challenging leadership positions, and as a Director of Programs has had the opportunity to oversee a variety of program areas. Brenda’s current role as Director of Policy and Practice allows her the opportunity to contribute to the continuing evolution of CLS’s philosophy, and to ensure that all levels of the organization are aligned to the mission and values of CLS.

Jasmine Sandhu, Finance Controller

Jasmine Sandhu is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and experienced professional with over a decade of progressive financial, assurance, and leadership experience. As the Finance Controller at Community Living Society (“CLS”), she is responsible for oversight of the Finance Department to reinforce the short-term and long-term strategic objectives of the Society and its Senior Executive Team.

Before CLS, Jasmine worked as an experienced auditor. She effectively planned and lead teams throughout a variety of audit engagements for real estate, construction, development, agriculture, and not-for-profit entities. Jasmine values empowerment and development. She aims to utilize her unique talents and skillset to make a meaningful, sustainable, and positive impact for the Society, the individuals it serves, and the community.

Elke Tilgner, Director of Programs

Elke’s background is in service provision and coordination. She brings many years of expertise through all service categories within CLS. She began her career as a Vocational Coordinator, then assumed the Director of Vocational Services position where she was responsible for the ongoing review and development of all CLS’s vocational programs. A few years later she assumed the regional oversight of both staffed homes and vocational (day) supports in the South Fraser, then Simon Fraser Region. Elke’s dedication to helping individuals experience a higher quality of life was demonstrated through the inception of CLS’s employment program under her direction with over 100 individuals actualizing their employment dreams.

Elke also expanded CLS’s Home Share Program from 25 home shares to 60. Her passion in new business development was key in the development of CLS’s two art programs Studio 73 and PotteryWorks, both have reached international exposure and acclaim for their art creations and community presence. Over the past number of years, demand has increased for independent living options and housing partnerships with other non-profits such as New Chelsea Society and Co-ops. Elke is currently responsible for the ongoing review and development of CLS’s Supported and Independent Living programs, as well as Individualized Supports.

Elke works to promote community inclusion strategies that supports innovative practices, and community partnerships. She has been a certified Mandt Trainer, adept with Positive Behaviour support development, and Person-Centered Active Support.

Rachel Pearsall,  Director of Programs

Rachel is the Director of Programs – Home Share and Studios.  Rachel joined CLS in 2021 bringing a variety of experience with her from supporting in Staffed Homes, Day Program, Employment, as well as Operations and General Management.  She has over 16 years of experience as a support staff and Manager in various roles.

Rachel has worked closely with teams on program development, goal development, goal step implementation and organizational change management.  Rachel is passionate about Person Centered supports and helping all supported individuals live life to the fullest.

Max Sumner, Director of Programs

Max started with the Community Living Society in July, 2000 at the Surrey Access Centre. From 2000 to 2015 he worked in both homes and vocational services as a Community Living Counsellor, Assistant Coordinator, Coordinator, and the Vocational Revitalization Lead. As well he served on a few committees: Liaison, Joint Occupational Health and Safety, Resolving our Differences, and the Employee Representative Committee.  Having now completed the vocational revitalization project, Max has moved into Director of Programs role overseeing all day supports. Max has also helped develop and teach goals and goal setting to Coordinators and staff, he teaches Person Centred Active Support (or Active Support) development and training, and is a facilitator for Way of Thinking – days 1 and 4.

Heather Jones, Director of Programs

Heather has a varied employment background that has spanned across the provinces of Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. This includes 11 years in a management level position mainly focused on providing support to those with diverse abilities and cultural backgrounds. Her areas of experience include Alzheimer and dementia care, HR management, training of staff members in best practices, NVCI, leadership development and abuse protocol and ensuring standards of care are continually met.

Heather is passionate about her career in Human Services and utilizes a person-centered approach. She is committed to supporting and encouraging individuals and their families to reach their full potential within their communities.

On a personal level Heather enjoys hiking, sailing, travelling, and exploring and giving back to communities both near and far. Through her travels around the world, she has participated in a fundraising trip with Outward Bound Canada to Everest Base camp and  mission trips to in Mexico where she worked to help build an orphanage

Marcela Herrera, Director of Programs

Marcela Herrera has been working with the CLS since April, 1996. She began her career in North Vancouver’s vocational services, then then worked in residential services where she was the Coordinator at two locations. Marcela has been part of several committees in her time with CLS, including the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, where she served as Co-Chair for 4 years. In 2016 she became certified as a Mandt instructor and now teaches CLS employees in this technique. Marcela was appointed Director of Programs in December, 2017. Her passion for community inclusion and person-centred support is always in the forefront of her work.

Lili Marian, Director of Programs

Lili began her journey with CLS in 2011, as a relief Counsellor in residential and home-based community inclusion support settings.  Lili gained the knowledge and experience to be able to progress through multiple roles at CLS.  She has held the titles of Coordinator, Manager and currently Director.

Lili’s strengths are building teams that work together to achieve the goal of supporting individuals to live their best life to the best of their abilities.  She constantly connects with families to ensure they are actively involved, and work together with staff teams in sharing responsibilities, and to offer the best possible support for the individuals to help them achieve their goals and constantly improve their quality of life.

Lili has focused on identifying team members with leadership abilities and has mentored and supported them to develop their skills.  She is involved with training and coaching new leaders and improving the skills and abilities of established ones using her extensive knowledge of Share Vision, licensing and CLBC requirements.

Winston Sicat, Manager of Finance and Payroll

Winston joined the CLS in 2022 as the Manager of Finance and Payroll. He brings experience from various professions ranging from ERP implementations, IT sales, technology procurement and construction accounting.  He is the type of accountant that strives to build relationships by providing helpful information to teammates. Winston joins CLS to lead the Finance team in delivering financial and payroll services.

Judy Wilson, Manager of Human Resources

Judy joined the CLS in August 2019 to lead the HR team.  Prior to joining the CLS, Judy worked in several HR Manager roles in various organizations.  She also volunteered on the board of directors for the Creston District Society for Community Living.  Both her work and volunteer experience reinforced the relevance of leading a team of HR professionals who provide high quality service.  With a strong commitment to the CLS values, the HR team strives to support a welcoming, engaging and collaborative environment for each team member and supported individual. Currently, Judy’s role includes a collaborative partnership with operations in the oversight of all aspects of human resources including: employee relations, policy and procedure development, recruitment and retention, engagement initiatives, learning and development. Judy also acts as the Employer Co-Chair for the CLS Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee and plays an active role in the oversight of health and safety at the CLS.

Vicky Pascoe, Manager of Administration

Over the years, Vicky has gained depth and knowledge of company operations and administration. Vicky is responsible for all administrative processes at the Administration Centre including implementation, customization, training and management of various company-wide administration systems and communication/technology platforms, website management, liaising with the Board of Directors and all departments and vendors to ensure effective communications and relationships are maintained. Vicky is responsible for the supervision of the Administration Team.

Scott Baitz, Manager of Information Technology

Scott joined the CLS in 2021, brining his experience working in multiple technology industries. He has held multiple leadership roles and successfully guided many organizations through successful technology projects and implementations. Scott believes that technology should enhance and augment your work, not hinder it and strives to ensure that it does not get in your way. He is also enjoys rolling up his sleeves and digging into the work, no matter how large or small.

Scott is responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day technology systems and technology providers for CLS.

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Luis Mata, Manager of Property and Fleet

Luis earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2018. He worked in infrastructure and engineering departments of pharmaceutical and property management organizations from 2017 until 2019, where he developed projects and oversaw the daily operations of facilities across Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

Then, he came to Canada to become a Master of Business Administration and earned his MBA degree in 2021. In Canada, he has worked with hospitality and real estate organizations as a maintenance analyst,  helped them to create processes to run the daily operations for a variety of assets across Vancouver, Arizona, Mexico City, and Dubai mainly. He also helped them to implement computerized maintenance management systems and integrate building management systems into their assets. He became a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) in 2021, since then, he has collaborated with construction and landscape organizations as a project manager. Here at CLS, Luis is looking forward to creating processes for the project, fleet, and maintenance management.

Luis is currently working on becoming a registered Professional Engineer with the province and upgrading his CAPM certificate to a Project Management Professional (PMP).

Jade Braunwell, Manager of Quality Assurance

Jade joined CLS in 2017, though has been working in the field since 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Arts specialization in Therapeutic Recreation and truly found her passion while directly supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. This time paved the way for Jade to work toward, learn and advocate for increased community inclusion, person-centred planning, and empowerment for all individuals. Her career related experience includes various roles in recreation therapy, program development, leadership, direct supports, and internal auditing. Jade’s role in quality assurance ensures CLS meets the requirements for accreditation by CARF and that all programs are aligned to the CLS values and mission. On a personal side, Jade is an equestrian, pet lover and enjoys being outdoors exploring the Pacific Northwest.