Leadership Team
Myung Lee, Executive Director
Myung joined Smither Community Services Association as the new Executive Director in May 2023. She has a rich background in strategic planning, program management, fund development, community/stakeholder engagement, and marketing/communications in corporate and non-profit sectors. She has lived and worked in the lower mainland and Victoria before.
Myung is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people, such as homeless people, refugees, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ by ensuring equal access to rights, resources, and opportunities. She holds a BA in History and a BFA from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. She loves to use her creativity to bring innovative ideas to nonprofit management. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, learning new digital technology, and visiting galleries, museums, and heritage places.
Greig Houlden, Acting Human Resources Director
Born and raised in Terrace, BC, Greig graduated from the last senior class at Skeena Secondary in 1969. In 1970, he and his wife, Jacque, moved to Vancouver, where Greig completed his BA at UBC. In 1975, they moved to Toronto where he completed his MA in History. Following the birth of their son, the family moved back to Terrace. After the birth of their daughter and completion of his teaching Diploma at SFU in 1980, Greig returned to Skeena as a Junior Secondary teacher of Social Studies and English. In 1990, the family moved to the Kispiox Valley and Greig worked as an elementary school teacher in New Hazelton. In 2006, he was administrator at South Hazelton Elementary. In 2007, he was appointed Director of Human Resources for Coast Mountain School District, working out of the Board Office in Terrace. Following his retirement in 2011, Greig again returned to the classroom, working in part-time positions and on-call, mainly at Hazelton Secondary. He retired again in 2015 until he was coaxed out of retirement to fill his current position with SCSA.
Olga Perchaluk, Bookkeeper
Olga joined SCSA as a bookkeeper in August 2024 and is thankful for the opportunity to be part of the team and contribute to the organization's success. Olga is an accountant with more than 15 years of experience. In 2006, she graduated with honors from University College of The North, earning a Diploma in Business Administration with a major in accounting. Olga has also pursued studies in the CGA MB program and the CPA Western School of Business - CPA PREP/ACAF program as she works towards her goal of becoming a professional accountant. Additionally, she holds an Electrical Engineering Technician Diploma from Sverdlovsk Civil Engineering College of Transport Construction, specializing in Automatics and Telemechanic on Railways. Throughout her career, Olga has gained diverse experience in various roles, including Accounts Receivable at Beaver Air Services L.P., Legal Assistant at Pool Law Office, Woodland Accountant at Tolko Industries LTD, and Bookkeeper/Payroll/Accounts Payable for Perchaluk Apiaries LTD in The Pas, MB. In 2019, Olga first visited Smithers and was captivated by its natural beauty. This led her to accept a Finance Business Partner position at Pinnacle Renewable Energy INC., prompting her move to the town. In 2021, she joined Drax Group Canada as an Operations Accountant. By 2022, Olga took on a remote accounting role with SBBC Corp. Outside of her professional endeavors, Olga has a wide range of hobbies and interests, including travel, hiking, biking, badminton, as well as fishing, boating, exercising, yoga, and dancing. She enjoys cooking, baking, interior design, knitting, and loves reading and watching TV shows and movies. She is also an animal lover and values spending quality time with her family and friends. Olga moved with her son to Canada from Ukraine in 2002, she has family members in Ukraine and Canada. She was raised and lived in a few countries (Ukraine, Georgia, Germany, Russia) due to her parents’ job relocation.
Danielle Ray, Site Manager, Goodacre Place
Danielle was raised in Golden and moved to Kelowna in 2001 with her daughter. While in Kelowna Danielle studied psychology at the University of British Columbia. During this time Danielle was active in karate, reiki, drumming circles, and rock hunting. In 2012 Danielle moved to Kelowna with her husband and son. One of Danielle’s greatest joys since moving to Smithers has been training in karate with her son at the Dojo. Danielle studied criminology at Coast Mountain College and completed the Adult Probation Officer training at the JIBC while working in Ecommerce. After many years of feeling drawn towards working with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, Danielle started her career with Smithers Community Services Association in 2018 as a support worker at Broadway Place shelter, and transitioned over to the Goodacre Place supported housing when it opened in 2019. New to her role as assistant manager in 2022, Danielle is committed to working with the front-line staff and supporting them with their work with clients.
Nicole Oben, Site Manager, Cottonwood Manor & Co-Site Manager, the Meadows
Nicole grew up in Houston, BC, where she still calls home. Nicole’s passion is horses; when she is not exploring the backcountry on horseback, she can also be found kayaking, cross-country skiing, or exploring some other aspect of the backcountry. She joined SCSA in 2015 and has seen the important role the organization has played in the development of affordable seniors housing and assisted living for its neighboring community. Nicole is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the orgway for short periods of time to Ontario and Kelowna but felt the need to come “home”.
Lily Lewis, Site Manager, the Meaodws
Lily was born and raised in the Philippines before relocating to Smithers. She completed her Midwifery degree in 1993 and, at the age of 25 in 1995, moved to Smithers to work as a nanny and in her aunt’s restaurant, Anabelle’s Garden. Lily obtained Canadian citizenship in May 2004, got married in August 2005, and has since raised two children. From a young age, Lily has been passionate about caring for the elderly. At the age of twelve, she moved to a different province in the Philippines, away from her family, to care for a blind elderly woman and support her family. Her professional experience includes working as a food server and housekeeper at Bulkley Lodge and BV Hospital from 2012 to 2019. In January 2019, she joined the team at SCSA as a part-time meal server and housekeeper. By June 2021, she secured a full-time position as a cook and head housekeeper. In May 2024, she was promoted to the Acting Co-Site Manager role.
Carlie Watson, Property Manager, Administration Clerk, Reception
She has 15 years of experience working in Social Services programs, supporting community members with accessing services and support. In these roles, she provided services to diverse populations, building trusting relationships and creating a committed and supportive environment. She developed Action Plans with proven success in securing funding for formal skills training. Carlie also worked in Mining & Exploration for 10 years and Reforestation for 10 years. Fun fact: she loves gardening and used to be a Spotter with Air Search and Rescue. Carlie’s current role with Smithers Community Services provides support to the Administrator, Executive Director, Program Managers and Board. She dispatches and books curb-to-curb services for Smithers & District Transit. Carlie also works as the Property Manager, liaising with tenants and contractors to ensure the properties and tenancies are well maintained.
Jonathan Namox, Transit Program Manager & Driver
Jonathan was born and raised in Smithers and has lived in the Bulkley Valley for the entirety of his life. He is also a proud member of the Witset band. Jonathan proudly embraces his indigenous heritage. He draws strength and inspiration from his cultural roots, demonstrating a deep respect for traditional values and customs. His unique perspective and insights contribute to his ability to connect with diverse communities and create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
At a young age, he took an interest in the transportation industry and always dreamed of being a part of it. Jonathan attended Ultimate West Coast Professional Driving School to earn his Class 1 driver’s license. He enjoys being able to use his learned skills daily while driving the bus. Jonathan really enjoys serving the diverse clientele that make use of the local transit service.
Petra Kost, Senior Program Manager, English Language and Multicultural Services (ELMS)
Petra brings many years of experience in Human Resource Management to her role. Originally from Germany, Petra worked for large international tech companies in Europe before deciding on a radical life change. In 2004, she took a year off and went on a journey to explore Canada. On this trip, she discovered Smithers and fell in love with the picturesque town and its kind people. She immigrated here permanently in 2007. Although the prospect of starting a new life was exciting, it was not without its challenges. Perseverance, determination, and patience were required to overcome various immigration and settlement challenges, all of which eventually paid off and led her to proudly become a Canadian Citizen in 2012. Part of her settlement journey involved finding meaningful work within the community. So, when the opportunity to join Smithers Community Services arose in 2010, Petra jumped at the chance to become a Settlement Worker with the ELMS Program. As an immigrant herself, she clearly understood the dynamics of settling in a foreign country and was happy to use that experience to help others in similar situations. As the Program Manager for over 8 years now, she continues to be passionate about assisting newcomers and enabling them to live full lives in their new home and can often be heard saying, “I have the best job in the world!””
Sarah Milner, Family Support Program Manager
Sarah has devoted more than 20 years to working in private therapeutic practice as a certified counsellor, and to working in social service organizations. She brings this experience and devotion to her work with folks in the community. Sarah appreciates and cares about people’s capacity to create possibilities in their lives as they work towards goals and find healthy supports to address barriers and challenges. She has a love of the arts and theatre, adventure and travel. She has a young family, and they spend much of their time outside playing and growing together.
Laurel Lindstrom, Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) Cordinator
Laurel grew up in Nanaimo and Houston, BC. She spent 25 years living in Prince George, working for a non-profit organization for 17 years. Laurel went back to school in her 40s and attended the College of New Caledonia for four years, graduating with a Marketing and Management diploma. As a single mother to a son, Laurel struggled financially to support both on a single wage. Through these struggles and hard times, Laurel came to realize that the non-profit sector is where her future lies.
She enjoys helping others who are going through difficult times and assisting people to get back on their feet. Laurel started her career with Smithers Community Services working at the Broadway Place Emergency Shelter in 2012. She transitioned from Broadway Place shelter to Goodacre Place when it opened its doors in 2019, then she applied and accepted the position of Housing Support Worker for the HPP program.
Françoi Depey, Better at Home Program Coordinator
François moved to Smithers from Vancouver in 1993 shortly after obtaining his Canadian citizenship. The idea was to settle in a mountain community. He grew up in the French Alps and his background is in geography and mountain community planning. Once in Smithers, he successively worked for the school district, BC Parks, the forest industry, the mining industry, and for a period spanning over twenty years for the Office of the Wet’suwet’en as coordinator for the Geographic Information System of the Natural Resources Department. François left the valley on several occasions to work along the Cassiar Highway, in Inuvik, NWT for Canada National Parks, and in Prince Rupert for the implementation of a Marine Plan. More recently, François worked with Coast Mountain College with international students. Covid put an end to that work opportunity and in March 2021, he launched the Better at Home program for seniors in Smithers and Telkwa through Smithers Community Services Association. It is a great opportunity for him to meet many people who are so knowledgeable about the community and the area. One aspect of the work that is more appealing to François is to keep people connected with their community. François had several opportunities to contribute to the community through volunteer experiences with the Bulkley Valley Music Society (Midsummer Music Festival), the Community Music Band, Driftwood Hall, the BV Nordic Ski Club, the Bulkley Backcountry Ski Society, and the Smithers Art Gallery. François has raised three children here who are now adults and no longer live in the valley.
Christine Bruce, Food Security Program Coordinator
Christin joined SCSA April 2024, as the newest member of leadership team. Born on the Manitoulin Island of Anishnaabe, French-Canadian and English blood, her life has been devoted to telling stories. As a published author and radio broadcaster, and a technical writer by trade, she guess you could describe her as a professional listener.
In 2015, Christine answered a call for volunteers at the Unist’ot’en camp. The following year, she was hired as Communications Coordinator in Witset. An avid volunteer, Christine quickly found opportunities to contribute to the success of several programs in Smithers, including the Smithers StoryWalk, the North West Animal Shelter (as a cat foster home), the Bulkley Valley Tool Library (as a board member), and CICK 93.9 FM (as a broadcaster and board member).
Always on the lookout for important advocacy stories, she’ve hosted seven radio programmes, the most meaningful being a mini-series on homelessness in Kingston, Ontario. Last year, she was hired as the Northern Research Associate on behalf of the BC Farmers’ Market Association, to survey market vendors and shoppers. Christine shared that "Having lived experience myself, I’ve used my connections and my research abilities to educate myself to understand both assumptions and realities of precarity. In this new role as Food Security Coordinator, I hope to be both an excellent listener and a passionate spokesperson for the vulnerable. My vision is to empower, not rescue."
Adventurous by nature, she’ve stood on glaciers and the equator, hiked through jungles, bicycled up volcanoes and gasped at the aurora borealis. Various creatures—feral cats, eagles and hawks, komodo dragons—have interacted affectionately with her. (Heck, I was once rescued by an Icelandic pony!) She also shared "my two children and three grandchildren regularly inspire the environmentalist in me, and I’m hourly astonished and startled at life."