Governance

Lisa Kew

she/her

Association President, member of the Arts & Social, Rental, Finance, and Café committees

I grew up in a close-knit, large extended family where helping others was a shared responsibility, from helping at our family’s small café to welcoming relatives to Canada in search of better opportunities. These experiences shaped my ongoing commitment to community involvement. I began volunteering with TLCCA to advocate for improvements to the pottery studio and continue to serve because I believe in the importance of inclusive, accessible, affordable recreational spaces and programs for our community.

Leslie Tenta

she/her

1st Vice President, member of the Program, Policy, and Seniors committees

Thirty years of varied experience in the education field, fifty years of motherhood and family life, with all the joys, difficulties and learning that accompany those experiences help me in my volunteer positions as a director on the TLVCCA

Board and various committees. I have been a willing volunteer throughout my life, starting as a teenager lugging water for horses in a nearby field, and then, like many of us, proceeding from there volunteering in whatever capacity was needed in our family’s life and in our community. After retirement I worked extensively with helping to implement a local Restorative Justice Program; that learning informs much of who I am today.

TLCCA welcomed me when I moved back to Vancouver in 2015 after half a century’s absence! I became part of a community of caring, fun people. And so I am happy to work with the talented volunteers and staff of the Trout Lake Community Centre Association in order that others will be similarly welcomed.1st

Valerie Spicer

she/her

2nd Vice President, chair of the Policy Committee

I have lived in the neighbourhood since I came to Vancouver in 1994. Trout Lake is such a beautiful place and I am appreciative of the activities that take place in and around the community centre.

I want to further connect with community through the TLCCA and by working with people from diverse backgrounds. I look forward to supporting new initiatives that are inclusive and welcoming. When I am not working you can find me cycling around the city, hiking, or relaxing in my garden.

Jim Morris

he/him

3rd Vice President, member of the Finance and Strategic Planning committees

While using the Fitness Centre I became interested in how the Community Centre was operated and the programs offered.

I act as a Trout Lake representative to the Association Presidents Group, which represents 19 community centres in Vancouver. I also am a member of the AGP working group which supports maintaining an elected Park Board.

I have spent over 40 years as a journalist. I have had interaction with different levels of government and written about many issues that affect people.

Bill Hawke

he/him

Treasurer, chair of the Finance Committee, member of the Seniors, Projects and Café committees

I was encouraged by a number of Seniors that were working out within the Fitness Centre to volunteer for the Board of TLCCA. Since I had some experience with governance of volunteer organizations, I decided to offer my services.

I have been a member at large with the TLCCA. I served on the Seniors Committee and also as a member of the Finance Committee. Now I have been Treasurer for 4 years and have just been elected for another 2 year term as Treasurer.

I have volunteered in various capacities with many organizations for over 50 years. In Winnipeg, I started out helping to marshal the parade for the Red River Exhibition and 28 years later I was President of the organization. I was on the Board as Treasurer and President of the West St Paul Curling Club. I was Treasurer and scheduler of River West Baseball for 20 years. I was on the Board and Treasurer of EGALE, a NGO advocating for the rights of the LGBT2Q community in Ottawa. EGALE was a significant factor in establishing Equal Marriage for the LGBT2Q community in Canada.

Kari-Jane Adams

she/her

Secretary, liaison for the Grandview Skating Club and member of the Policy and Café Committee

Anchita Kaushik

she/her

Member at Large, member of the Finance Committee

I recently joined the TLCCA as I was looking to get involved in the community. I grew up volunteering within the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood prior to moving to the Trout Lake area and wanted an opportunity to contribute to the community here.

I currently hold a CPA and wanted to use my financial background to serve the community. I participate in the Finance Committee and as a Member at Large of the Board where I hope to use my professional experience to support the work of the community centre and the TLCCA.

Igor Pavlov

he/him

Member at Large

My daughter went to Laura Secord elementary school and attended a few programs at TLCC. It will always be a special place for both of us. It is surrounded by a vibrant and truly Vancouver community which makes it such a unique spot to volunteer.

In my professional career, I work as a software engineer. In my spare time, I serve on the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH) Board as a Governance Committee chair. I find this volunteer activity both important and rewarding.

I enjoy learning new things and pursuing new opportunities, so when I saw that TLCCA was looking for directors to join the Board, I didn’t hesitate to apply. Helping the development of community organizations is something I believe to be an excellent way to spend my spare time.

Sam Simonton

she/her

Member at Large, member of the Communications Committee

Originally from Calgary, I have lived in Vancouver for the past 15 years and proudly call East Vancouver home. My husband and I are raising our 10 year old daughter in this community.

You will often find me walking through East Vancouver supporting local small businesses and staying actively involved in our daughter’s school. Volunteering has been a constant throughout my life, including in my professional work within the furniture industry. I bring a business and governance lens to community involvement, with a focus on sustainable decision making, operational clarity, and long term impact. I am passionate about giving back and contributing to the vibrancy, inclusivity, and wellbeing of the community we are fortunate to call home, and I am committed to helping shape a strong, resilient future for the association.

Jordan Huang

he/him

Member at Large, member of the Finance Committee

I grew up in Vancouver and have always valued how community centres like Trout Lake create a sense of belonging for everyone. It’s a place where neighbours of all ages and backgrounds can connect and participate, and I joined the board to help protect and nurture this vital community hub for the future.

My professional background includes over 10 years in finance and investment banking, where I’ve guided large organizations through complex financial milestones like mergers, acquisitions, and public offerings. I am eager to apply this experience to my work on the Finance Committee, ensuring the centre operates from a position of financial strength and resilience.

For me, good governance and long-term stewardship are the keys to making sure Trout Lake can continue offering the accessible programs and services our community relies on. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and connecting with others in the neighbourhood.