Kristi Koons, co-chair of the Cowichan Women Against Violence Society’s Board of Directors, joined the team in 2020. With a background in Education and Social Justice, a distinguished master educator with Cowichan Valley School District and an engaged business owner, she brings extensive experience to furthering the society’s cause. A holder of a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology and Leadership, she is dedicated to community development, social advocacy and life-long learning to lead the organization toward community-engaging strategies. As a supporter of technology for social change, she initiated CWAVS’ Social Justice Committee, a Charity Partner Program through her Business, Kroffat Brake & Wheel, and a social movement REVOLVE Cowichan that seeks to connect activists with local social justice issues. Outside of work, she enjoys paddling, hiking, reading and driving sustainable change within the community.

Erin (she/her) is a Métis mom, currently living and working in so-called British Columbia on unceded Quw’utsun territory. Her paternal family comes from the Red River Settlements and the Qu’Appelle Valley and her maternal family is British and Eastern European. Erin sits on the board of CWAV and is the communications director at the Climate Emergency Unit. With over a decade of communications experience, Erin's work has focused on anti-racism, anti-fascism, and climate justice. She holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and is a freelance writer for numerous publications such as The Breach, The Discourse, The Tyee, and is a monthly columnist for Rabble.

Jaime joined the CWAVS Board team in 2019 with a desire to meet passionate women and directly serve her community. With a background in multi-unit management and high-level change leadership, she joined at the perfect time as the Society navigated tremendous growth. Jaime’s position as District Manager with Starbucks Coffee Canada allows her to bring extensive experience and business acumen to build and sustain healthy foundations as the Society executes new strategic plans. Prior to joining CWAVS, Jaime led numerous initiatives, from actively participating in Pride networks to developing food donation initiatives in different markets, that created community partnerships and focused on empowering and uplifting the most vulnerable. Outside work, Jaime enjoys exploring various bodies of water around the island with her family and is an avid amateur potter. Her passion for empowering women in business continually drives her dedication to CWAVS as it uplifts and removes barriers for women impacted by acts of violence.

Natasha Cools was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley. She has offered her commitment and dedication as a Director to Cowichan Women Against Violence Society since 2021. Natasha spent 15+ years working in the community providing health care to people in their homes and in the last 7 years has found her passion working with youth within our School District.

Her desire to create a safer environment is what led her to CWAVS. She is passionate about community created strategies that will open up communications and opportunities for many. Natasha enjoys spending time with her husband of 14 years and her 2 beautiful teenage daughters.

Nora Livingstone, has been a Director at CWAV (Cowichan Women Against Violence Society) since 2023. Born in Canada, Nora has lived, worked and travelled to many different countries. She is the CEO of a B Corp that helps people volunteer on locally lead conservation and animal welfare programs. She is a Nature Canada, Woman for Nature and in 2023 was named Volunteer of the Year for her extensive work in the women's mentorship initiative. She was instrumental in the writing of the Fair Trade Learning certification, making sure international gap year programs meet strict animal welfare guidelines. She doesn't just serve on committees she also likes riding bikes.

Staci Nelson joined the Cowichan Women Against Society board in March of 2023. With a background in legal and accounting, Staci has worked as a senior legal assistant for the past 28 years focusing mainly in the areas of real estate, corporate and commercial. Staci has a broad range of experience and knowledge in legal and accounting principals. She is also a member of the Cowichan Valley Regional District Advisory Planning Committee for Area I. She has served on several Boards over the past 20 years and brings a range of knowledge in community engagement and fundraising. Outside of work, Staci enjoys fitness, cooking and baking. She also has an interested in local government and is continuing her education at Camosun College studying local government administration.

Kate has been a member of the Cowichan Women Against Violence Society (CWAVS) Society Board of Directors since 2022. Originally from Vancouver Island, Kate is an award-winning communications leader who has worked with top-tier educational institutions, government entities, the private sector, and non-profits in Canada, the Middle East, and beyond. She is the principal and founder of Chandler Communications, a strategic brand and communications consultancy. With a deep belief in the power of education and working in partnership towards a better future, Kate was drawn to the transformative impact of CWAVS’ programs supporting change, choice, growth, and a safer, more inclusive community for all. As Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, she is honoured to play a role in advancing CWAVS’ role and capacity to support vulnerable women and children across the Cowichan Valley. Outside of her work, Kate can often be found on the tennis court or in nature with her husband and dogs, Thabo and Sitka.

Ebony Clark is an Australian living in Cowichan Valley since 2018. She has been a member of the CWAV Board since 2021 and has taken on Secretary duties since 2022. Ebony works as a consultant across government, transportation, and heavy industries and applies her corporate knowledge and experience to CWAV. to support risk management and governance within the organization. Ebony is grateful to volunteer her time to be part of such an important non-profit organization and with her expertise and passion, Ebony is committed to making a difference in the organization and the community. Outside of work and volunteering can be found cycling around the Cowichan Valley or spending time with her wife and daughter.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Prior to her ED roBe, rooklyn was the Program and HR director at CWAVS for three years and was a member of the Board of Directors, including Board Chair, for four years before that. Prior to joining CWAVS, she built her career in the financial industry for over 20 years. The last ten years of her banking career were spent in progressive leadership roles where she had the opportunity to develop her own values-based leadership approach.

During her time at CWAVS, Brooklyn has worked diligently to create a continuously improving culture of care for staff that centers on psychological safety, well-being, and belonging. She has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of both Somenos House and Cedar Branches Women’s Shelter, building a deep and robust relationship with BC Housing that has allowed each program to expand staffing capacity and make essential upgrades to physical spaces while keeping the needs of clients at the heart of all conversations. Her deep roots in the Cowichan Valley and active role in the community have brought countless valuable partners into the agency in the form of donations, large program sponsorships, and diverse programming supports. Her financial acumen has helped bolster the agency’s ability to create a resilient and sustainable financial department. Her passion for people and care for community will continue to serve the agency as we advance our strategic vision.

COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Juliet has a deep-rooted connection to the Cowichan Valley, proudly calling it home for the better part of her life. Having dedicated over five years to working in the non-profit sector, Juliet brings a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the local community.

Juliet’s passion for making a positive impact led her to pursue a degree in Digital Media with a minor in Indigenous Studies. This unique blend of knowledge allows them to effectively utilize modern communication tools while respecting and promoting the diverse voices and cultures within the Cowichan Valley.

As an eager community builder and professional fundraiser, Juliet is excited to actively engage with the community to build strong relationships and foster collaboration to create lasting change. Her enthusiasm for community involvement drives her to seek out opportunities to connect with individuals and to promote the mission of CWAV.

PROGRAMS AND HR DIRECTOR

Jacquelyn brings over a decade of non-profit experience with a heartfelt dedication to empowering the lives of marginalized individuals. As a military veteran with a background in international humanitarian law, Jacquelyn's passion for preventing gender-based violence is both a professional and personal dedication.

Having thrived in diverse teams globally, she not only believes that 'life is a team sport' but also champions authentic collaboration with individuals and community partners. Beyond her professional endeavours, Jacquelyn draws love and inspiration from her family, fueling her commitment to genuine growth, resilience, and authentic healing within our community.