Board of Directors

When Jay Havelaar joined our board of directors he was looking for an opportunity to be involved an organization that is dedicated to the community. “I believe strongly that there is great potential in this community, but that the potential can only be realized by ensuring that all of our community members, including the most vulnerable and those with the greatest needs, have the opportunity to contribute positively to our community.” Jay’s family has a long history of supporting The John Howard Society of North Island and he strongly agrees with our vision and mission. “I find it rewarding to see how the efforts of the Society’s employees help improve the lives of individuals, which in turn improves the community generally”. Jay is a partner at law firm Tees Kiddle Spencer, with a focus on criminal law and particular interest in youth in the criminal justice system, so “being on the board seemed like a good way to put some energy in support of youth programming.” Jay was elected president of our board in 2020.

Jay was born and raised in Campbell River and after 15 years in Vancouver moved back here with his wife, Leanne, to raise their four children. In his time off, Jay enjoys all the great things that this area has to offer, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. He is an active participant in the vibrant jazz music scene in Campbell River and the Comox Valley.

Judith was born in London, England, and married a Canadian from Williams Lake, which is how she ended up in BC.  She worked all over the province as well as in the NWT, Yukon, and Northern Manitoba.  Judith and Ted moved to Quadra Island in 2011.  Before retirement, she was a Registered Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree from the London School of Economics. “During my career I was fortunate to have a very varied range of experience including working in child protection and addictions, assisting people with developmental disabilities, and working in adult and youth forensic psychiatric services. I also taught some child welfare courses at the University of Northern BC.”

After working as John Howard’s clinical consultant for a number of programs, Judith was inspired to join our board of directors when she retired.  “As clinical consultant, I was impressed with the range and quality of the services the society provided and with the skill and commitment of the staff. I wanted to continue to support that.”  She currently holds the position of vice-president on our board. Judith also volunteers with the Quadra Island Salmon Enhancement Society, counting salmon in the fall. Judith’s inspiration comes from nature and from people doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way.

Colin is the board’s treasurer, and has been our representative on the board of the John Howard Society of BC and Board Voice. Colin has been politically active in the North Island since he moved to Campbell River almost 40 years ago. His experience advocating for North Island communities during four terms as MLA, and his exposure to issues of social justice as a former Attorney General of BC, make him well-suited to sit on the board of John Howard. He worked closely with the trade union movement throughout his career, and after his retirement from politics in 1996, he worked with First Nations groups on treaty issues.

Colin’s retirement has allowed him the time to pursue his other interests, which include skiing, kayaking, travelling, and gardening. Despite this busy schedule, Colin is happy to devote some volunteer time to sit on John Howard’s board. As Colin puts it, “I am inspired by people who can articulate, define, and act on important social issues.”

Cathy was born in Vancouver and attended UBC law school. She earned a Master of Laws from the London School of Economics in 1978 and then practised civil, labour, and criminal law in a variety of positions back in Canada. In 1991-92, Cathy directed the Law Society of BC’s “Gender Equality in the Justice System” study, and found widespread discrimination. Cathy was appointed to BC’s provincial court bench in 1998, and to the BC Supreme Court in 2006. As a board member Cathy has found that “being involved in decision making in an organization…that promotes such good change and does such good work is very rewarding.” Cathy has also represented our agency on The John Howard Society of BC board. Cathy believes the agency’s focus on youth should be fostered wherever possible. “I find this aspect of our work to be the most interesting and inspiring. Just as my teachers inspired me as a child, I think the professionals who work for our organization can do much to promote healthy lifestyles among the young people who need our services. Whether it is finding young people homes or providing them with the necessities of life and counselling, John Howard has a substantial role to play in protecting this high risk sector of our community.”

When Cathy isn’t busy with her volunteer commitments, she enjoys sports, crafts, cooking, spending time with family including lots of grandchildren, and boating in the Gulf Islands. Cathy is inspired by a lot of the people around her, including people she has worked with who have disabilities and have persisted and moved forward in their careers. “When I feel tired, I think of them and keep going.”

Kim Kozuki was drawn to serve as a board member because she has a passion for providing accessible resources and services to vulnerable youth. “I enjoy working with such a committed group to support both individuals with specific needs as well as the community in developing appropriate resources for the people we serve.” Kim moved to Campbell River in 2009. She is currently a School Psychologist with School District #72. Kim believes strongly in education and prevention
“for example, the KidStart Volunteer Mentoring Program is such a great resource that many of our school-age children rely on to provide good role modeling. The results with students who use this resource are tremendous.”

Originally from Williams Lake, Kim studied psychology, guidance counselling, and school psychology at UBC. Her past work experience included teaching English in Japan, completing an internship with School District #27 in Williams Lake, and working for the Department of Education in Hawaii. “The focus of my work in Hawaii was on students’ behavioural health and the integration of community and state funded services to provide needed support. In addition, I served on the Suicide Task Force for the State of Hawaii where we collaborated on the development and implementation of a state action plan.” While serving on this task force, Kim was involved in coordinating the annual Statewide Suicide Prevention Conference, with the purpose of bringing stakeholders together to increase their knowledge of suicide prevention best practices. She also supported the ongoing training of community-based support staff in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

During her spare time, Kim is a Volunteer Instructor with the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports. “I love that we live in a place where we can spend a lot of time in the outdoors – with the family by the ocean and on the mountain.” Kim is proud to be a member of her family. “I am inspired by my parents and other people who are able to overcome life challenges.”

Doug has a background of over 45 years experience as a social work and community justice professional, working in the non-profit sector and with the provincial government as a probation officer, consultant and manager at the regional and provincial level. He has a Master’s degree in Human and Social Development, and his contributions to public safety and community justice were acknowledged when he was awarded the Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal in 2003 and again in 2015.

Doug has worked with The John Howard Society of North Island as a community partner since the early 1980s. “Over the years my respect and admiration for the organization and its people continued to grow. JHSNI has grown to become a leading advocate for innovative social justice programming. The agency, through its staff and programs, has touched and improved countless lives, undoubtedly saving many.”

An active community member who plays competitive soccer, sings in a community choir, and enjoys alpine hiking, Doug is serving his fourth term on Courtenay City Council.

Paul first worked for the John Howard Society in 1979, as Project Manager for a federal employment training program in Campbell River. Paul became Executive Director of The John Howard Society of North Island in 1981 and led the organisation through a period of tremendous growth and diversification. When he retired after 26 years, Paul guided the building of a major agency almost from the ground up, evolving from adult-focused corrections programs to social services. “From the mid-1980s on, youth programs were our focus. We evolved that way as community needs expanded.” Highlights of Paul’s time as Executive Director include his role as founding president of The Provincial Association of Residential and Community Agencies (PARCA), being seconded in 1992 to work on a year-long project for the provincial government creating standards for child and youth programs, and building relationships with other agencies and funders from across the province. Asked what he believes are the common themes in John Howard’s success, Paul identified “relationship building, quality programming, and accountability to our funding bodies”.

After retiring in 2007, Paul has continued to do consulting work and maintain his strong connections with people across BC.

A North Island resident for almost 50 years, Bill Mathis has served on several community boards and is pleased to have such a role with his former employer.

“I’m mindful of the legacy of the visionary board members who helped build this organization, and I feel that I’m almost brushing shoulders with them as I once did as a manager.”

With a BA in journalism, Bill has worked as a writer and editor, but he considers his time as the Society’s residential programs manager as the most rewarding period of his working career.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to help develop several programs to assist youth and adults, and to work as part of a team with shared values.”

In recent years he drew on his diverse experience to edit and help write the book Building Safer and Healthier Communities: The Story of The John Howard Society of North Island.

From the perspective of a parent and grandparent, and from having personal connections to people in other locales who needed help, Bill says he appreciates the Society’s range of services and resources to address the challenges youth and families face today.

“I’m greatly impressed with the strides the Society has made over the past two decades, far beyond what I could have imagined when I retired. It’s an honour to be connected to this dynamic organization with a talented and dedicated staff.”

Bill and his wife Pat chose to live on the North Island after touring much of British Columbia and Canada, and he says the decision is still paying dividends.

“We’re fortunate to feel we live in the best place in the best province in the best country among some of the finest people. The inspiring Indigenous culture and the area’s lively arts and music scene enrich our lives, while the geographic majesty presents many recreational opportunities. We have a long family tradition of cabin and camping vacations to enjoy the bounties of this coast. We’ve explored much of it by land and water, but paradise keeps offering more.”

Bio Coming Soon.