Board of Directors

The board of directors is a diverse and talented group of volunteers who are committed to making a difference.

They provide organizational leadership by establishing goals, evaluating performance and leading future planning, among other things. The Board ensures that we remain responsive to the needs of our community.

President: Connie Bonsteel

With almost two decades of experience working in anti-violence, Connie is particularly interested in community coordination. She has worked at transition houses and on committees in Surrey. She was also a Program Coordinator at the Ending Violence Association, the provincial organization for anti-violence programs. Connie works for the North Shore Crisis Services Society and is currently enrolled in Simon Fraser University’s graduate program of Urban Studies focusing on social housing policy.

Treasurer: Maureen Roger BScN, MBA, CMA (Hon)

A health care consultant working with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Maureen has been leading projects for more than 6 years. She has worked as a nurse, educator, analyst, and consultant in hospitals, government and private consulting firms. She was the executive director of a not-for-profit agency and has consulted with other organizations in strategic planning and communications. She has been a board member of other not-for-profits, and is currently a national committee member for Certified Management Accountants Canada.

Secretary: Louise Hara

After a career in the banking industry, Louise began developing responses for issues facing our community in 1991. She is a skilled partner who values collaboration approaches to addressing community needs, and has gained experience helping diverse groups reach consensus and take action. She has worked as a coordinator of a women’s centre in Port Coquitlam and managed an employment program in Surrey.

Members serve a one year term, and are elected at our Annual General Meeting.

If you are is interested in providing your leadership, expertise and support for victims of violence, please contact us to learn how to become involved and explore available opportunities.

 

Leadership

Our workers provide critical support and resources for women, children and men seeking safety from domestic violence. They have extensive knowledge, skills and experience working with survivors and maintain the highest standards for those seeking help. Through regular training and supervision, the team increases its ability to respond to the diverse needs of our clients.

Executive Director: Sonya Boyce

Sonya leads the Centre’s board, employees and volunteers in providing essential services for victims. Her goal is to end violence against women and children. With more than 20 years of experience in the anti-violence sector, Sonya counselled victims of domestic violence and sexual assault at Surrey Women’s Centre before becoming its Executive Director in 2004. She has worked as a counsellor, legal advocate, volunteer coordinator, outreach worker and group facilitator with both victims and violent offenders.

Crisis Services Program Manager: Corrine Arthur

Corrine responds to victims who have been, or are at-risk of being, assaulted—often by someone they love. During times of crisis, her clients need to make important decisions about their safety that can change the direction of their lives. Working together immediately after an assault can minimize the longer term impact of such trauma. Corrine also leads community projects designed to increase safety and support for victims of violence and seeks opportunities to change women’s lives. Recent projects include hospital accompaniment for rape victims during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, bad date reporting for sex workers and increased access to income assistance for victims of domestic violence. Prior to working here, Corrine created an after-care program for youth struggling with addictions, many of whom had experienced violence.

Court Services Program Manager: Maryam Majedi

Maryam helps victims and their loved ones deal with the aftermath of trauma by walking with them, step-by-step, through the criminal justice system. She is more committed than ever to ensuring that they are safe and have the supports needed to heal. She began her career in victim services as the Regional Manager of the Crown Counsel Victim/Witness Services in the provincial Ministry of Attorney General. Maryam was later appointed to the National Parole Board, Pacific Region.

Counselling Services Program Manager: Bridgid McGowan

Bridgid believes that the smallest changes can make the biggest differences in women’s lives. She encourages women to celebrate each step along the journey of healing. An artist, Bridgid empowers women to make changes by integrating art, music, and writing into her counselling practice. She began her career as a trauma counsellor working with survivors of sexualized violence, and has a Masters degree in Pastoral Psychology and Counselling. She is also a registered member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and Crime Victim Assistance Program.

Our support workers recognize the importance of their work. They are dedicated to increasing the safety for victims of violence, and reducing their risk of further harm. If you have the skills, energy and commitment to make a difference assisting others, please visit our “Careers” section to review available opportunities.