BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Brett Marchant - Board Chair
Senior Policy Advisor, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Part of the Inner Hope community since 2012, contributing as a volunteer, mentor, and two-term board member—and every moment has been “cherished and fulfilling”. He is a proud member of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba, and has committed his career to advancing Indigenous rights and fostering relationship-centered reconciliation across diverse communities, institutions, and governmental bodies. He currently lives in Gibsons, BC on beautiful traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). In his spare time, you’ll often find him gripping a cherished cup of strong coffee and/or enjoying a forest walk with his young family. |
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Karen Giesbrecht - Secretary
Dietitian, St. Paul's Hospital Registered dietitian with a particular interest in mental health, strong communities, good stories, and real food. She works with several community food programs in Vancouver, and is a long time friend of the Inner Hope community. |
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Michelle Casavant (BA, BEd, JD) - Treasurer
Legal Counsel, Instructor, Mediator, Consultant Michelle Casavant is mixed heritage, Red River Métis, French, and Irish from central Saskatchewan. She grew up in Saskatchewan with traditional Métis practices, community life, fishing, berry picking, bologna sandwiches and going to the bingo hall with her gramma and aunties. She has been a visitor on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations since 1997. Michelle has a background and formal training in fine arts, education and law. She has been practicing in Aboriginal law for 15 years. Michelle is a very active volunteer providing an Indigenous lens to governance, policies and programming with numerous organizations and institutions. She also hosts Indigenous authors book clubs, cultural competency training, community engagement, and cultural workshops. |
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Rebekah Bansback - Member at Large
Senior HR Business Partner, Deloitte & Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation Newer to the work of Inner Hope, but inspired by its mission of hope, belonging and growth, Becky has spent her career in Human Resources focused on people and helping them reach their potential. Outside of work she enjoys hiking, travel and food with family and friends. She lives in Vancouver with her husband Nick and 2 boys. |
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Lydia Kinnie - Member at Large
Burnaby Village Museum, Museum Interpreter on the Indigenous Learning Team Having grown up in an Indigenous home, Lydia is thankful for her Sugpiaq/Alutiiq roots in the Chugach and Eyak regions of the Prince William Sound in Alaska. Newly introduced to the heart & mission of Inner Hope, Lydia is looking forward to seeing how the Creator plans to walk in a good way with this community family in East Vancouver. Married to her husband Brad for over 28 years, they are parents to three young adults, one being a recent son-in-love (and they are eagerly looking forward to having a daughter-in-love in the near future)! You can find Lydia in and about coffee shops in the GVA where she enjoys sipping hot drinks and having essential talks about the heart of our Creator. In fact, she would love to have a coffee with you! Feel free to reach out and set up a time to sip and chat in a good way together! |
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Joanna Miller - Member at Large
Registered Nurse, BC Children's Hospital Joanna started her journey with Inner Hope's as a Boundless mentor in 2016. Through the relationship with her mentee, Joanna's life and understanding of the world was enriched. She continues to cherish the opportunity to serve alongside Inner Hope and welcomes the opportunity to connect with others over a cup of tea. Joanna currently serves as a registered nurse at BC Children's Hospital. Naturally, her particular loves are children and youth, adventure in nature, food and friends. Top of her bucket list is a hot air balloon flight! |
Travis Olafson - Member at Large
Service Technician, Fraser Valley Office Systems
A creative communicator, a protector and caregiver, and unwavering in loyalty, Travis has long stood alongside those who are too often unseen. With a heart for uplifting others, he is passionate about creating space for voices that have been silenced or overlooked. As both a social and business entrepreneur, Travis is excited to support empowerment through the work of Inner Hope. He deeply values family and the sense of belonging that comes from strong community. Travis believes that Inner Hope’s commitment to nurturing safe and healthy spaces will ripple outward—benefiting not only the young people of today, but generations to come.
Service Technician, Fraser Valley Office Systems
A creative communicator, a protector and caregiver, and unwavering in loyalty, Travis has long stood alongside those who are too often unseen. With a heart for uplifting others, he is passionate about creating space for voices that have been silenced or overlooked. As both a social and business entrepreneur, Travis is excited to support empowerment through the work of Inner Hope. He deeply values family and the sense of belonging that comes from strong community. Travis believes that Inner Hope’s commitment to nurturing safe and healthy spaces will ripple outward—benefiting not only the young people of today, but generations to come.