Board of Directors
Our Board powers our mission and vision in some pretty amazing ways. We couldn’t accomplish much without their energy, dedication and talent. Learn more about the people leading our organization.
Adam Heffey (he/him)
PresidentAdam grew up in the CTS program. From a camp participant, to Peer Leader, to summer staff- he knows the program through and through. He has served on the CTS Board for numerous years and is passionate about providing a space where the CTS ‘for youth, by youth’ motto continues to thrive.
Charlotte Avery (she/her)
Vice President and TreasurerCharlotte is an experienced government and public sector consultant focused on human services. Hailing from the UK, Charlotte is passionate about mentorship and appreciates the way CTS allows youth guided leadership opportunities. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities including rowing and camping.
Noor Bhandal (she/they)
SecretaryNoor Bhandal is a Senior Consultant at Harbour West Consulting, an Executive Search and HR Consulting firm based in North Vancouver, BC. At Harbour West, Noor leads HR and compensation consulting projects, while supporting the organization’s marketing and engagement strategy. Previously, she worked in research, risk management, and the non-profit space. Noor completed her Master of Global Affairs from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. She has also attained her Associate Certificate in Change Management from the UBC Sauder School of Business.
Micheal Jerowsky (he/him)
Funder DirectorMike Jerowsky is a PhD Candidate and researcher in the UBC Geography Department. He works with local communities and land managers to create open-source environmental education materials using virtual and augmented reality. His MA was also in Geography and focussed on barriers to co-management in the Metro Vancouver Park Partnership Program. His other professional interests are in geographic information systems (GIS), cartography, and political ecology.In his free time, Mike loves to spend as much time as he can in our regional parks.
Miku Yamada (she/her)
DirectorMiku is in her final year at UBC in the BSc Environmental Sciences program. She is passionate about sustainability, ecology, and community building. She was a CTS Participant, Peer Leader, Camp Counsellor, and is grateful to be able to now serve on the CTS Board. In her free time she helps restore the bog at Pacific Spirit Regional Park and enjoys dancing.
Kevin Zia (he/him)
DirectorKevin Zia works as a Manager of Financial Planning with RBC. During his free time, you will often find Kevin coaching youth sports to help develop youth to be the best that they can be on and off the field. CTS Society is able to positively impact youth with unique experiences under the broader context of being in nature to both celebrate and protect it for future generations to come.
Nancy Sinclair (she/her)
DirectorNancy Sinclair has lived in the Lower Mainland her entire life. Many days have been spent in Metro Vancouver Parks enjoying nature and appreciating the beauty that is within the parks. Nancy has been an avid outdoor educator for over 30 years. Her three children have all enjoyed the wonders of CTS Youth Society as participants and Peer Leaders.
Sean Chung (he/him)
DirectorSean is a third year student majoring in Honours Marine Biology at The University of British Columbia. Sean is a seasoned CTS alum who started his CTS journey in 2016 as a camper, then later joined as a peer leader, youth council executive, and camp counsellor. Sean hopes to continue contributing to CTS on its Board of Directors by bringing his experience as a Camosun Bog Restoration Group Leader, a Co-design Group Youth Artist and Facilitator, and a dedicated member of the CTS community.
Smiely Khurana (she/her)
DirectorSmiely Khurana, named one of Canada’s most influential voices in sustainable production by the Motion Picture Association, is recognized for her sustainability and creative work. Presently, Smiely is the Founder of The Sustainable Act Collective, working to bring sustainable resources, initiatives and workshops to the community through meaningful partnerships. As the inaugural Reel GreenTM Sustainability Lead at Creative BC from 2021-2024, she spearheaded initiatives to transform production practices towards sustainability. Beyond her career, Smiely actively engages in environmental advocacy through speeches, podcasts, and academia.
Julia Du (she/her)
DirectorJulia is passionate about creating positive change through the intersection of nonprofits, business, and philanthropy. She was a Peer Leader with CTS when she was a teenager and is thrilled to be involved again as a Board Director. She currently works as a Fundraising Manager.
Metro Vancouver Representative
- David Leavers
Core Staff
Mark Mahl (he/him)
Executive DirectorMark is a former teacher, high-performance volleyball coach, and University Athletic Director. Fifteen years ago, he transitioned into the charitable non-profit sector, working with organizations like the MS Society, the Rick Hansen Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity. Mark has founded two charities for vulnerable youth and has served as a Director for Prostate Cancer Canada and the Terry Fox Cancer Research Institute. Currently, as the Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation, Mark is dedicated to enhancing our iconic parks system.
Sofia Slater (she/her)
Program ManagerRachelle McBride (she/her)
Marketing & Media Communications ManagerBorn and raised in British Columbia, Rachelle developed an early appreciation for the area’s diverse landscapes. Fond childhood memories are intertwined with the natural wonders of Campbell Valley Regional Park, where she first explored the outdoors with her Oma. It was amidst the tall trees, meandering trails, and the sweet birdsong of chickadee’s that Rachelle developed an enduring love for nature. These cherished memories have become the foundation of her commitment to protecting nature, nurturing wildlife and connecting people with the great outdoors.
Michael Wiebe (he/him)
Director of Development & PhilanthropyMichael Wiebe, a dedicated leader rooted in community development and environmental advocacy, draws from his upbringing on the ancestral lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations to drive meaningful change. As Principal of WELL Strategies and former Vancouver City Councillor, Wiebe champions wellbeing and community cohesion, evident in his groundbreaking initiatives and visionary leadership as a Director on the Board of Metro Vancouver. His extensive involvement across diverse organizations, from the Vancouver Parks Board to the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group, underscores his commitment to diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Recognized for his strategic foresight and entrepreneurial drive, Wiebe’s transformative projects prioritize economic resilience and environmental sustainability. Now as Director of Development and Philanthropy for the Foundation, he aims to elevate the organization’s mission through strategic leadership and community engagement, ensuring the preservation of Metro Vancouver’s natural beauty for generations to come.
2024 Seasonal Staff
Our seasonal summer staff consists of 8 Camp Counsellors and 1 Program Supervisor, paired off into teams that help run programs in four of our camp locations:
Camp Tynehead Regional Park (Surrey)
Just a short walk to the Serpentine River, participants can camp in tents at Raven’s Nest group campsite. Camp Tynehead offer many activities to enjoy, including sports games in the field, hands-on environmental work at the salmon hatchery, bbq’d camp food and nightly campfires with new friends (and s’mores) at the fire pit.
Camp Burnaby Lake Regional Park
Surrounding beautiful Burnaby Lake, participants will have the opportunity to attend day camps an urban oasis. Activities here include community gardening, park projects, activities on the boardwalk, nature walks, berry picking, arts & crafts, and eco-learning.
Camp Pacific Spirit Regional Park (Vancouver)
Nestled between towering forests and thriving beaches, Camp Pacific Spirit offers tent camping alongside some of the best views Vancouver has to offer. Activities include environmental work in the bog, beach games, hiking the trails in the park, group cooking, and plenty of recreation in the nearby athletic field.
Camp Capilano River Regional Park (North Vancouver)
For a more “glamping” experience, Camp Capilano offers campers a cozy stay in the bunkbed cabins. Here they can enjoy the ancient forests, play a game of capture the flag, practice yoga on the banks of Capilano River, and enjoy group meals in the full kitchen mess hall.