Meet Our Board of Directors - Team Leaders
Heather Stuckey, President
Heather was instrumental in establishing a Family Council in the private-contracted facility where her mom was Resident from 2010 to 2021. In June 2021 Heather joined a group of volunteers to lead the effort of establishing the Interior Association of Family Councils. As a long-time Chair of Family Council, a dedicated advocate for Residents in long-term care, and the operator of a successful small business in the community of Summerland, Heather brings strong leadership skills to the Association. Heather joined the Interior Health's Long Term Care Quality Standards Committee in September 2021.
Jackie Harris, Vice-President
Jackie’s mom lived in Assisted Living for 5 years before moving into Long Term Care. Her mom passed away in May 2019 after residing in LTC for only 5 months. During these last few months of her mom's life Jackie became actively involved in Family Council and continues, to this day, to serve as Secretary. Jackie has a strong clinical background in healthcare and rehabilitation, in particular. She is a strong advocate of patient centered care and open communication in health care. Through her knowledge and experience she has been able to provide meaningful insight into the public engagement process to develop new HSO National Standards for LTC, and IAFC Board.
Karen Waldie, Secretary-Treasurer
Karen is the primary caregiver to her mother who has been in a private-contracted LTC home in the Shuswap since 2014. In 2018, when a group of family members began meeting to discuss various issues they had with the facility where her mom resides, Karen began investigating the proper process for voicing concerns, which ultimately led to the group forming a Family Council. Karen continues to Chair this Family Council. Karen has found the Family Council is an effective means towards resolving some of the issues families encounter in LTC, and has enjoyed seeing communication with facility management greatly improve. In June 2021, Karen joined a group of volunteers, to assist in the effort of establishing the Interior Association of Family Councils (IAFC). Formerly a partner in a small professional service business, where in addition to performing professional services, she acted as the company's office and administrative manager, she is well suited for the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the IAFC organization.
Cathy Burrell - Second Vice-President
Cathy Burrell is an entrepreneur, consultant, adult educator and writer living in Kelowna, BC. Cathy currently serves as Chair of the Family Council at Brookhaven Care Centre in West Kelowna.
Verna Leask
Verna Leask has recently joined the Board of Directors of Interior Association of Family Council and will serve as a Director at Large representing the East Kootenay region. Verna is co-chair of the Family Council at Joseph Creek Manor in Cranbrook.