Megan has a Bachelor and Master’s degree in social work from UBC and over 23 years working with people experiencing addictions, trauma, homelessness and mental health issues in a variety of health care, community, and social service settings. She is currently the founder and lead psychotherapist at The Life Balance Counselling Services and a proud member of the Trauma Counselling Team at Dr. Gordon Davidson Operational Stress & Recovery Program. Prior to this, she was the Clinical Supervisor and Instructor with UBC Okanagan School of Social Work at the Interdisciplinary Mental Health Clinic and the Interior Health Clinical Operations Manager for Mental Health and Substance Use Services in the North Okanagan.
Megan joined the board of directors in 2015 when the organization was John Howard Society of the North Okanagan. She lives works and plays with her partner, two children, two cats, one dog and four chickens in Vernon, located in the unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people.
Kevin joined the board in 2017 and is the current President. He is a lawyer with Virgin Hickman. As a family law lawyer, he sees the stressors placed on people due to addictions and how close many are to homelessness. He resides in Vernon with his partner and two children.
Brad was born and raised in Enderby, and still calls it home. Brad has served on many boards and organizations over the years along with being a 5-term city councilor. He is involved and passionate about the community. Brad sees the stress on community members who suffer from addictions and the lack of the basic needs of life. “Being able to help support an organization like Turning Points is as important to our community as it is to the entire region.”
Amanda is a Chartered Professional Accountant who thrives on challenges and the opportunity to make a difference with 8+ years of professional experience working at KPMG in Vernon. During this time, she has worked with a wide range of clients and industries, including not-for-profits. Her specialties include financial reporting, compliance and tax planning. She currently serves on the Turning Points Board as the Treasurer.
Amanda was born and raised in Vernon, and is in the process of building her dream home with her husband where she will live with her little family, consisting of two Boston Terriers and a cat. In her spare time, she teaches fitness classes, loves to cook for friends and family, or can be found enjoying all that the Okanagan lifestyle has to offer.
In her early career, Linda worked as a youth worker, probation officer and family court counsellor. She was a senior counsellor at Howard House, a transition residence and halfway house for men on conditional release. Subsequently, Linda has been an adjudicator for many years, making decisions for the B.C. Residential Tenancy Office, Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal, and more recently the Parole Board of Canada. Currently, she is appointed as a board member under the B.C. Mental Health Act. She has taught community college courses in sociology, criminology, and business administration. She previously served as a volunteer for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Bioethics Committee, as well as Vernon Ringette, and the Okanagan Youth Symphony Society. Linda joined the Turning Points Collaborative Society Board in June 2020.
Juliette has been a business owner in Downtown Vernon since 1990. She also has served her community as a school trustee for 9 years and retired as a 3 term City Councillor in 2018. She currently is serving as an appointed Board member of the Okanagan College Board of Governors serving as Chair, Director on the Vantage One Credit Union Board and Chair of the ESG committee, Director on the Turning Points Collaborative Board. She currently is also a volunteer with ESS – Vernon having recently helped victims of the 2021 White Rock Fire and Merritt floods. Her past experience includes Vice-Chair Regional District of the North Okanagan, Chair of Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, Vice-Chair of Okanagan Basin Water Board. Her passion for social justice, homelessness and affordable housing has seen her involved with many non-profits including the Women’s Centre, Partners in Action, Immigration Partnership, Seniors Action Network, and Turning Points Collaborative. What keeps her motivated is her belief that everyone should have a roof over their head and a safe place they can call home.
Clint Kanester retired from the City of Vernon in 2017 after 40 years of service. In his role as the Manager of Protective Services (Bylaw Compliance/Community Policing) he collaborated and partnered with social service providers to provide for a safer community and to better serve clientele in need. Family, hiking, camping, gardening and cooking are Clint’s passions.
Carleigh was born and raised in Vernon, where the Okanagan landscape shaped her deep connection to nature and community. After spending 20 years in Langley as a teacher, she recently returned home with her family to be closer to loved ones and embark on a new career in Forestry.
A passionate advocate for Indigenous Reconciliation in Canada, Carleigh has served in various advisory roles, striving to foster understanding, respect, and meaningful action. She is deeply committed to promoting sustainable ecosystems and building authentic communities that value connection, diversity, and mutual appreciation. Carleigh’s work reflects her belief in creating a better future through collaboration, education, and respect for both people and the environment.
