The ‘Ksan Society Leadership Team hosts decades of experience in housing and support services, with each individual bringing their own education, perspective and experiences to their positions. ‘Ksan Society is proud of the collaborative work that the capable and compassionate members of our Leadership Team do to empower, assist, and support people experiencing gender violence, violence, poverty, homelessness, and other forms of oppression/marginalization.
AMANDA OWENS - Executive Director
Starting with ‘Ksan Society in 2007 and serving as Executive Director since 2014, Amanda oversees all activities, programs, and operations, steering the Society toward its goal of ensuring access to trauma-informed supports and services including food, clothing, counselling, advocacy, and safe shelter for all. In her time with ‘Ksan, Amanda has witnessed the dramatic increase in demand for support services and housing, and recognizes the need for broader and more integrated programming to meet the community’s needs.
Amanda envisions ‘Ksan as being “recognized as a regional hub in housing, homelessness, and anti-violence programming ensuring all community members are free from violence and have access to safe, secure, affordable housing.”
eLAINE mcGILLIVRAY - Director of Housing & Development
Elaine oversees the development of new affordable housing projects and maintenance of existing ‘Ksan Society assets. Additionally, she supports management and staff at Joe’s Place, Sonder House, and ‘Ksan’s various affordable, transitional, and market housing projects.
With 15 years of experience with the Society, Elaine has a deep understanding of the complexities associated with providing shelter and housing in the community. Elaine’s vision for ‘Ksan is to have sufficient and appropriate housing options for anyone experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, with wrap-around services that support clients to find safe, stable housing as quickly as possible.
lISA sCHMIDT - Director of Counselling & Support Programs
Lisa has been with the Society since 2013 and has a wealth of experience and education in her field, including M.Ed., CCC, CCC-S (in progress), and Foundations of Effective Management Certification from JIBC.
Using a feminist, trauma-informed lens, Lisa builds programs and supports staff to provide ethical, free, and confidential services in three general areas at ‘Ksan: counselling, support, and clinical services; Food Security and Sustainability programs, and Emergency shelter for adults including support recovery programming and non-resident supports.
“‘Ksan recognizes the need to meet gender, ethnic, racial, and cultural needs of clients and staff while working to eliminate gender-based violence and respond to relationship, family, and sexual violence; homelessness; and poverty. We respond to community need and work to reduce stereotypes and oppressive practices while collaborating with service organizations and the public.”
KYLIE NELSON - Administrative Supervisor
Since 2019, Kylie has supported ‘Ksan programming and staff through her supervisory role at our Administration office, taking on various projects like training coordination, hiring support, and event planning. Her extensive experience as a legal assistant has provided her with the skills to manage the complex administrative landscape of a social service agency.
Kylie sees ‘Ksan as “an advocate and a voice for the overlooked in our community,” helping those struggling with trauma and homelessness. “We step up when others step away.”
When looking to the future, Kylie hopes to see the community gain a deeper understanding of the people supported by ‘Ksan and the work the Society does.
LEA NESTER - Human Resources Manager
Lea joined ‘Ksan in 2017 and has been growing the Human Resource Department in step with the Society ever since. Lea leads the core HR functions and is an advisor to the Leadership Team across the Society in all aspects of standards of employment and unionized work environments. Lea started her career working in finance and payroll at ‘Ksan and quickly realized that the Society required a dedicated HR specialist when the workforce inched towards 100 staff. Lea is an advocate for fair and transparent employment practices and sees further growth in the Society’s team over the next year.
“‘Ksan’s role in our community is vital. My job is to ensure the staff have a work /life balance and the tools they need to succeed professionally.”
ELLIE WRIGHT - Joe’s Place Manager
Joining ‘Ksan in February 2022, Ellie sees ‘Ksan’s role as providing essential supports, empowerment, and advocacy for clients, ultimately strengthening the community as a whole.
“My biggest hope for our future is that each community member who accesses our services feels respected, empowered and cared for. That ‘Ksan continues to provide vital services, collaborate with community partners and find new ways to promote community inclusion and equity for all community members.”
JANET DEMELO - Housing Manager
After receiving her certificate in Social Work, Janet completed a practicum at ‘Ksan Residence and Shelter. Since 2019, She has managed several Ksan’s housing projects: Stone Ridge Estates, Terra Nova, Mountainview, Transitional units, Turning Points Market units, and Sonder House. Additionally, she manages the Maintenance team, and is responsible for all program and building maintenance throughout the Society.
Janet sees ‘Ksan’s role as providing support to whoever needs it: from someone who finds themselves in a sudden crisis, to someone who has struggled with ongoing obstacles.
“My vision for the future of ‘Ksan is to continue to grow. To continue to be a huge staple in Terrace Housing. To be able to increase our wrap around services. Offer more programming, have more ability to work with clients to move them through the ‘Ksan channels with the least amount of barriers.” Understanding that support workers sometimes work within a window of opportunity to support clients in an impactful way, Janet sees ‘Ksan as becoming a trusted agency who’s referrals to detox and treatment are prioritized to ensure efficacy and impact.
LORI MILLIGAN - ‘Ksan Residence and Shelter Manager
With a diploma in Community Services and Addictions, Lori brings over 10 years of experience to her position, 7 of which have been with ‘Ksan. She sees ‘Ksan as the biggest resource in Terrace for helping people experiencing homelessness, fleeing abuse, or living with trauma.
Looking to the future, she looks forward to seeing more supports, housing and resources offered by the Society, and that it continues to “empower and to strengthen everyone no matter their race, religion and orientation.”
VICTORIA ATLEE - Sonder House Manager
Victoria joined ‘Ksan in 2019 as a Support Worker at Sonder House. She quickly moved up through the positions of Life Skills and Supervisor, finally landing in her role as Manager.
Sonder House is a 52-unit building operated by 18 full-time staff and 4 auxiliary staff. Victoria provides staff with wide range of support and training while maintaining effective relationships with partner agencies – all to ensure that the complex needs of Sonder residents are met. The Sonder House motto - “the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own” – represents the culture of trauma -informed practice and the need to meet people where they are at that Victoria fosters in her work.
Victoria recognizes that housing is the foundational prerequisite for life improvement. Places like Sonder House provide tenants with access to permanent housing and additional wrap around supports that go beyond a typical rental. Victoria sees this “housing first” model as the backbone of ‘Ksan Society, providing people with a sense of security and hope while reducing harm.
KAITLIN TODD - ‘Ksan Place Coordinator
With a background deeply rooted in outdoor education and recreation, Kaitlin has spent years fostering a love for nature and sustainability among youth and adults alike. Their extensive history of volunteering in the community demonstrates their commitment to making a tangible difference in people's lives. Currently serving as the ‘Ksan Place Program Coordinator, Kaitlin oversees vital initiatives focused on food security, including food resource programs, community gardens and greenhouse. Through these programs, they strive to continue sustainable food systems addressing food security needs within the community by empowering individuals through education and opportunity.