Our Board of Directors is a dedicated group of individuals passionate about our mission, comprised of family members of people with disabilities, self-advocates, and committed community members. Working closely with our staff team, the Board ensures the organization’s fiscal integrity and stability, guides its direction and growth, and maintains high standards. Accountable to our stakeholders, the Board is committed to transparency, integrity, and excellence in all aspects of our work.
OUR BOARD:
Amanda Nurse – President
After her son’s diagnosis, Amanda sought a community to learn from and found it in VSCA. She has a strong enthusiasm for personal growth and expanding her knowledge as a human being. Additionally, Amanda enjoys sharing her experiences as she continues this journey.
Michael Yarr – Treasurer
I’m from Nova Scotia but have made my home in Victoria for over 30 years. I am a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). I have worked in the hotel business my entire adult life in numerous locations including the US and SE Asia. I served on the VSCA board many years ago and am looking for a community involvement project so thought I would help out again with VSCA. I have served on various committees for the City of Victoria, Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Victoria. I served three years on the Greater Victoria Library Board. Bike riding is an avid interest and where better than Victoria to do that? I also enjoy skiing, hiking and cooking.
Candi Lecour
Candi joined the board in Sept 2023. I moved out to BC from Ontario when I finished nursing school. I am a Registered Nurse in Emergency and long term care. I meet my husband in Jamaica and spent 2.5 years going back and forth before immigrating him to Canada. We now have 2 little girls. I joined VSCA to help give my daughter the best opportunities and for me to try and help other children and families.
Dr. Valerie Smitheman Brown
A member of the VSCA board since September, 2022. Dr. Smitheman Brown has 25+ years’ experience working directly in education and therapy at the Johns Hopkins University program for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and similar neurodiversity. In addition to a Doctorate and MA in Theology, she holds an MA Art Therapy and MS Special Education. Valerie is a published author and experienced public speaker. Valerie’s granddaughter is diagnosed with ASD prompting a move to Victoria in 2021 on a Super Visa and seeking permanent residence.
Elaine Yim
Elaine joined the board in May 2024. She often assists at our parent meetings with childcare for the younger kids. We appreciate her dedication to our programs.
Angel Zenteno
I am an international student from Mexico who moved to Victoria in December 2024 to pursue a degree in Political Science and a minor in Applications of Psychology and Leadership. My little brother is on the autism spectrum, and seeing how much he struggled to find accessible inclusion in Mexico, I have decided to focus my life on helping neurodivergent children in Latin America gain access to affordable inclusive education, which is why I moved to Canada to learn and get involved in a community that supports families who have had a similar path to mine. Back in Mexico, I had been volunteering with children from various economically and health-vulnerable backgrounds for about four years. Currently, I am working part-time as a caregiver for seniors.