Meet Our People
BVO Staff
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Local families are able to access our emergency food cubby, clothing & household items, and fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year. A parent receives recreational funding to help enroll their child in organized hockey/dance or other activities of their choice. Children of local families receive quality childcare right in their own community. Seniors and caregivers benefit from important information and resources available to maximize their quality of life.
For over 35 years, BVO and its many volunteers have been working hard to enhance the lives of people in The Blue Mountains, from infants to seniors, with quality programs and services. While proceeds from our Treasure Shop sales and government funding go a long way to fund BVO’s good work, financial support from the community is always needed. People give for different reasons and in different ways: to support a cause that is important to them and make an impact in their community; to ensure that their memory lives on in a meaningful way; to help reduce taxes while supporting charitable causes that align with their values. Some hold 3rd party fundraisers, where they participate in an engaging event while having fun and raising money that will help locals in our community when times are tough.
There are many ways in which you can support BVO, both now and in the future. Please consider giving to BVO to help us continue “making good things happen in our community”.
Volunteer Coordinator
Janice comes to us from the Waterloo Region District School Board where she spent 4 years supporting students and administration through the Guidance Department, and main office duties in various Secondary and Elementary schools.
Prior to that, Janice ran her own interior design consulting company where she helped countless clients fall in love with their homes. In addition to her love of helping people, Janice has developed a passion for volunteerism which began with the 6 years she spent volunteering at the Hospice in Kitchener. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to help others find fulfillment through volunteering.
A recent empty nester, Janice has relocated to Thornbury and is looking forward to exploring the Georgian Bay Area and to immersing herself further into the community.
Board Clerk
Nicoleta has lived in this area for more than 9 years and has volunteered with BVO Breakfast Club, Treasure Shop, Georgian Peaks Race Crew and Blue Mountain Village Association. She is currently the Bookkeeper for Southern Georgian Bay Habitat For Humanity and we are happy to welcome her as BVO Board Clerk for the 2015-2016 year. Nicoleta loves hiking, snowshoeing and spending time with her children.
I live in Clarksburg with my husband. We have 3 children and one granddaughter. We have owned property in the area since 1990 and retired full time to the area in 2016. I have been very active volunteering for the past 40 years. I have sat on many committees of Council for the Town of Richmond Hill and Chaired/President of others such as Top of the Hill Co-op Nursery School, Richmond Hill; Kimberley Ski Club, Talisman; Heritage Richmond Hill and York Region District School Board. I am inspired by my family, friends and my community. I spend a great amount of time out doors, hiking, walking, snow shoeing and skiing. I have always felt it is important to give back when possible.
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Vice Chair
Ann and her husband have owned a home in Thornbury since 2005 making it their full time residence in 2013 when she retired after 35 years in financial services. After spending her childhood in Owen Sound moving back to the region felt like coming home. She has been an active volunteer with Marsh St. Centre, Seniors Network-Blue Mountains and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. In 2015 she became a volunteer with Answers4Seniors at BVO. In her spare time Ann enjoys yoga, working out at the YMCA, dance classes in Meaford, and the beautiful community of Thornbury.
Vice Chair
Ann and her husband have owned a home in Thornbury since 2005 making it their full time residence in 2013 when she retired after 35 years in financial services. After spending her childhood in Owen Sound moving back to the region felt like coming home. She has been an active volunteer with Marsh St. Centre, Seniors Network-Blue Mountains and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. In 2015 she became a volunteer with Answers4Seniors at BVO. In her spare time Ann enjoys yoga, working out at the YMCA, dance classes in Meaford, and the beautiful community of Thornbury.
Director
Lynn first came to the beautiful Blue Mountains area in the late 1980s and has lived here full-time since 2020. She is excited about the opportunity to serve this great community through involvement with BVO. With more than 30 years of experience in human resources and leadership, Lynn currently works as a consultant in corporate social responsibility and government relations. Lynn enjoys the four-season outdoor lifestyle that the Blue Mountains offers.
Executive Director
Carolyn has been with BVO since 2003. She is the point person for all of our emergency services and oversees BVO’s children’s programs and many of our services. Carolyn works closely with the BVO Board of Directors and staff to ensure smooth operation of our organization. Carolyn moved to the valley full time in 2000 to start her family and has 2 children who, like their mother, consider BVO to be their second family.
Board Chair
Cathy became a full time Thornbury resident in 2003 after 36 years teaching a range of students from grade 4 up to the post graduate level. She began her volunteering with BVO as a sorter in the Treasure Shop, and joined the Board in 2004. For many years she has sat on the Finance, Treasure Shop and Policy Committees, and on various ad hoc committees. In her recent term as Board Chair, she has learned a great deal about real estate and construction during the selling of 64 Bruce Street, and the purchase and renovations of 54 King Street. Cathy was awarded the Order of The Blue Mountains for Arts and Culture in 2011. She lives with her husband, Rod, also a BVO volunteer, and her two cats. In her spare time she enjoys her two grandsons, pickleball, reading, sailing, live theatre and travelling.
Director
Karen, along with her husband and two daughters, has called Thornbury home since 2000. She works with local businesses, individuals and families as a Financial Advisor, and has been involved as a volunteer in many capacities in the community, schools, and minor sports over the years. She can be seen running around the neighbourhood with her two dogs and also she enjoys hiking with friends, seasonal sports, studying, reading, and travelling. “She is honoured and proud to be part of this incredible organization that does so much for the community”.
Director
Karen and her family made Thornbury their full time residence in 1999 operating The Golden Apple Bed and Breakfast. She started volunteering at BVO that same year as a way to get to know the community. Over the years Karen has served on many committees, at events and in several capacities on the BVO Board. Volunteering is a family affair. Her daughter Katie has grown up volunteering at BVO and husband Glenn pitches in wherever he can. Karen brings with her over 30 years of Business, Advertising, Marketing, and Communication experience. She currently is the owner/publisher of Coffee News of Southern Georgian Bay. She received the Volunteer of the Year from the Town of Blue Mountains (2008), has 10 years volunteering on the BVCS parent council, and 4 years on the Beaver Valley Preschool board.
Director
Kelly and her husband, John, have owed a home near Ravenna since 2014. They have 2 daughters, Savannah and Mackenzie. As a youth, Kelly learned to ski as a member of Beaver Valley Ski Club. In 2017 she retired from a 20+ year career in the insurance industry where she held roles in various capacities. Kelly has been an active community volunteer in Oakville and served as a Board member for Aisling Child and Family Centre (Toronto). In 2018 she became involved with BVO as a volunteer for the BVO Fundraiser – A Party to Die For. Kelly leads an active life as a marathon runner, equestrian, cyclist, skier, snowshoer, and dog lover.
Director
Kris moved to her new home near Redwing in 1980 and loves living in this area. Since retirement from the health sector in 2012, she has focused on her interests-gardening, hiking, snowshoeing and volunteering for BVO and Marsh St. Centre. Kris helps out with the BVO Breakfast Club and Good Food Box Program. As a recently appointed Board Director, she is looking forward to participating in the Board’s discussions and activities and in its Strategic Planning and Policies Committees.
Director
Norine has been a part of the BVO family from the very beginning. Since 1983, she has assumed a number of different positions on the Board and participated in virtually every service, program, and event that BVO offers. Norine would like to be thought of as the garbage guru because of her concerns for the environment. BVO is lucky to be a recipient of her wisdom and energy.
Treasure Shop Manager
RECE, Preschool
I’m Ally Rivard, I am a registered ECE and I’ve been with BVO preschool since 2016. I have always had a passion for teaching and nurturing children. The last four years have been such a fulfilling adventure growing and learning with the children of our community.
Office Manager/HR Administrator
Catherine has resided in the TOBM since 1999. Catherine brings 30 plus years in the Social Services field of which 23 years specifically employed in the not-for-profit sector. Her background has been in Human Resources, Workplace Health and Safety, Administrative Services, Developmental Services and Training. Catherine is very pleased to be employed with BVO, an organization that she has a great deal of respect and admiration.
RECE, Preschool
I’m Erica Geddis and I have been a Registered Early Childhood Educator with BVO since 2019. I started to pursue my dream of being an educator a few years ago and being a preschool teacher brings me joy each day. I can’t wait to see what the children teach me!
RECE, Co-Supervisor Preschool Coordinator, Summer Camp, Kids Club
Jennifer has been with BVO since 2000. Her skills with children make her a very warm and wonderful early childhood educator! Jen continues to update her skills by attending relevant child care workshops.
OEYC Facilitator/Volunteer Coordinator Staff
Julie is a mother of 3 and a Registered ECE who has worked with children since graduating in 1982. She has owened and operated a daycare for 16 years and was a Professor with Sheridan College teaching in the ECE Department for 20 years. Julie has been working for BVO for just over a year in Children’s Services and now also in the role of Volunteer Coordinator. She and her husband Tony have been living in the area for 27 years and recently moved up permanently. They are so happy to be here and enjoying every minute of it!!
Preschool Cook
Youth Engagement Coordinator
Melri has lived in the area for many years with her husband and two children and volunteers with BVO Breakfast Club, Georgian Bay Youth Roots and Georgian Bay Community School. She is the Youth Engagement Coordinator for BVO. She is honoured to work with youth, hearing their ideas and watching them engage in our community.
Co-Supervisor of BVO Preschool & Summer Fun Daycamp Supervisor
Sherrie joined our Crayon Box Nursery School and Kids Club in 2005. And, in September 2011 she became our Co-supervisor at BVO Preschool. Sherrie brings to BVO the skills and benefits of over 20 years’ experience in early childhood education
Director
Director
Director
Pam has been on contract with BVO since late 2012 and is now the person who coordinates our seniors’ programs including New Territory for Seniors, Answers4Seniors, the Elder Abuse Awareness workshops and Valley Visitors. Her background includes community work, teaching and policy development and her first contact with BVO happened in 1985! It took her a long time to find her way back here.
