Board of Directors

UNITI’s three partner organisations, Semiahmoo House Society, The Semiahmoo Foundation, and Peninsula Estate House Society, share the same Board of Directors.

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To Our Community

We consult with our community to help UNITI move forward.

Our Board of Directors consists of people who believe that inclusive communities are stronger and healthier. Their connections to other organisations and experiences in our wider, local community provide valuable insights into how UNITI can continue to empower people with developmental disabilities to be leaders in their own lives.

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Nicole Russel

Board Chair of Semiahmoo House Society

  • Nicole Russell feels privileged to be a part of such a wonderful organisation. She has witnessed first-hand the amazing impact that UNITI has on the lives of individuals and the community as a whole. Nicole’s sister, Jennifer, has been a participant in various UNITI programs for over 20 years. Nicole attributes her sister’s growing confidence, life skills and community involvement to the tireless advocacy and support of our organisation. Nicole Russell is a partner at the firm of Graves & Russell, Barristers and Solicitors. Nicole’s growing legal practice is based in South Surrey, focusing on Wills & Estates. Nicole has also been a facilitator at Anti-Harassment and Discrimination workshops for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Nicole and her family have lived in the South Surrey area for the past 25 years.

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Ian Jarvis

Chair of Peninsula Estate House Society

  • For over 25 years, Ian provided leadership in organisations that make Metro Vancouver a better place to live. He held various senior positions, including Chief Financial Officer at Metro Vancouver and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at TransLink. He was President and CEO of TransLink from 2009 to 2015 and retired from that organisation in December 2015. He is currently employed with the BC Utilities Commission. Ian became aware of Semiahmoo House Society by witnessing its positive impact on his friends’ daily lives. He hopes that by serving on the Board, he can leverage what he learned and practised in his public sector career to support the continuing success of the Society. Ian and his family have lived in South Surrey/White Rock since 1987, and he is a graduate of UBC and holds CPA, CA and ICD.D designations.

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Matilda Williams-Obiajunwa

Board Member

  • Matilda Williams-Obiajunwa is the Founder and Executive Director of Sisters In Canada Wellness Society. This not-for-profit organisation supports immigrant women by creating a safe space for them to connect and thrive through mentorship, group support and collaborations.

    She also works for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice as the Development Coordinator for cause marketing and partnerships. She is also a director at the Daivyan Children’s Cancer Foundation, a not-for-profit that caters to and advocates for the needs of children battling Cancer and their families in Nigeria, where Matilda is originally from. Matilda possesses a strong background in childhood cancer advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and community development. Her passion for supporting minority and racialised groups is an incredible asset, as she is constantly pushing for equality and inclusion at all levels.

    Matilda holds a BA in Creative Arts and a Post-graduate diploma in Educational Administration and Planning, with several other certifications.

    With her years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Matilda brings her unique strengths, knowledge, and lived experience as a person of a visible minority to the UNITI board. She is delighted to serve this great community.

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Katie Conneely

Board Member

  • Katie is a Senior Manager at DMCL LLP with over 15 years of experience in assurance, accounting, taxation, and business advisory services for private companies, nonprofits, and individuals. A UVic graduate and CPA, CA, she grew up and continues to work in the South Surrey/White Rock community. Katie is passionate about supporting people with developmental disabilities and believes strongly in providing person-centred resources that promote autonomy, inclusion, and informed choice. She values SHS’s commitment to helping people decide how they live their lives and sees strengthening housing options, community supports, and family resources as essential to this mission.

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Carl Isaak

Board Member

  • A city planner for over 15 years, Carl is driven by the goal of improving quality of life for all, using urban design and engaging community partners to make great public spaces, preserve natural places, and ensure everyone has access to attainable housing and meaningful work. As an early teen in Abbotsford, he tagged along with an older sister who ran social activities for people with developmental disabilities, learning firsthand the value of inclusion, and became aware of UNITI through living nearby the South Campus and as the Self Advocates visited City Council in White Rock, where he used to work. He enjoys spending time with his family at the beach and cheering on his kids at their sports and performing arts

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Jeevan Basra

Board Member

  • Jeevan works to make communities more welcoming and fairer, especially for people with developmental disabilities. During the pandemic, she took part in a leadership program at Simon Fraser University, where she grew her skills as a leader. For her final project, she started Socks For A Cause—a campaign that collects new socks every year for people in need. The project has been running successfully for five years with help from local organizations.

    Jeevan’s main goal is to make sure people with developmental disabilities can make their own choices about where they live, who they live with, and the kind of work they do. She wants them to have access to good jobs and to be included in all parts of community life. Her work focuses on breaking down barriers, giving people a stronger voice, and creating equal opportunities.

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Marie Sabine

Chair of The Semiahmoo Foundation

  • Marie’s interest in UNITI began when her daughter enrolled in our programs. She is passionate about the rights of people with developmental disabilities. She has advocated for inclusive and affordable housing, independent living, and rent supplements to provide opportunities for individuals to grow and thrive in their own homes.

    Marie has served as the chair of Community Living B.C. (CLBC) – Surrey/Delta/White Rock Community Council. Before retiring, she served as Manager of Administrative Support Services with the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service for 16 years.

    Marie attended Capilano College and received a Certificate in Local Government Administration. More recently, she completed training in advanced policy governance and Person-Centred Thinking. She lives with her husband in White Rock. She enjoys being near the ocean, the many parks and hiking trails in the area, and being close to her daughter, who lives independently with supports.

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Roxanne Pope

Board Member

  • Roxanne is a daughter, mother, and lifelong educator committed to building inclusive communities. Having spent her life in Surrey supporting her family and working with local residents, she understands the challenges people with developmental disabilities face, especially when navigating complex government and healthcare systems.

    She believes that safe, affordable, and inclusive housing is essential to individual and community well-being. Roxanne is passionate about strengthening the supports and tools families need to advocate effectively and access services that uphold each person’s rights.

    Among SHS’s Ends, she values most the commitment to ensuring that people’s rights are respected and protected. Roxanne brings compassion, experience, and a strong belief in equity to her role on the UNITI Board.

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Michael Mclellan

Board Member

  • Michael lives with a visual impairment. Michael’s first attempt at self-advocacy was advocating for his white cane. Michael gained confidence and shared the importance of having his voice heard. Or specifically, to feel the “power of the white cane”, whatever that white cane may be. He currently sits on the boards for Inclusion BC, BCPF, The Self Advocacy Foundation, The Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, and The Learning Community. He is the President of a non-profit workers’ cooperative called ESATTA. Michael collaborates with CLBC and other community services by conducting presentations to promote the importance of self-advocacy and inclusivity within the B.C. community. Michael is a co-founder of SALN.

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Brenda Harrison

Board Member

  • Brenda is a long‐time South Surrey resident with a background in accounting and a deep commitment to community service. A graduate of Simon Fraser University, she has spent many years living, working, and volunteering in the area while raising her two children.

    She enjoys outdoor activities, travel, and time with her five grandchildren. Feeling fortunate in her own life, Brenda is motivated to give back and strongly believes in UNITI’s Ends—especially that people with developmental disabilities must be valued, have choice in their lives, and have their rights upheld. Brenda is passionate about increasing public awareness of the meaningful work done by Semiahmoo House Society and promoting respect for each person’s unique abilities. She hopes to support families in knowing their loved ones will have a home and life of their choosing as they age. Through her role on the Board, she looks forward to contributing to UNITI’s continued success.

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Lenya Wilks

Board Member

  • Lenya Wilks is a transformative figure in community development with a commitment to social justice and advocacy. Her journey, marked by her roles in youth Initiatives and as Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement at DIVERSEcity in Surrey, BC, highlights her dedication to amplifying marginalised voices and promoting Indigenous reconciliation.

    Lenya joined the Board because she is passionate about its mission to promote inclusivity and support marginalised communities. She aims to leverage their expertise in community development to contribute to meaningful change.

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Ralph Kison

Board Member

  • Ralph has been a trusted strategist, coach, and consultant since 1991, bringing more than 30 years of experience in professional development and organizational growth. He has worked with over 350 organizations and supported thousands of professionals across sectors such as engineering, construction, environmental services, and insurance.

    A graduate of UBCs Marketing and Sales Management Program, Ralph also holds designations as a Certified Marketing Executive (CME) and Certified Sales Executive (CSE). His background includes teaching sales courses at BCIT and for Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI), where he also served as President of the Vancouver chapter. He is a past President of the Canadian Society for Marketing Professional Services (CSMPS) and an active member of ASHRAE.

    Ralphs connection to UNITI is both professional and personal, as his son attends programs at Semiahmoo House Society, giving him firsthand insight into the value of inclusive, community‐driven support. He is committed to helping strengthen UNITI’s mission and impact in the community.

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Bonita Thompson

Vice Chair of Semiahmoo House Society

  • As the second female partner at the Vancouver firm Singleton Reynolds, Bonita brought her passions for public policy, legislative drafting, and effective conflict management into the world of construction law and First Nations relations, transforming these areas of practice in BC in the process. While at Yale University pursuing her Master of Laws, Bonita discovered her passion for public policy and legislative drafting, both of which she applied in her distinguished career as Senior Legislative Counsel in Victoria and later as Senior Solicitor for the BC Attorney General. She served as BC Hydro’s conflict of interest advisor from 1997 to 2010. Bonita’s contributions were recognised with her appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1985, with the award of the President’s Award for Distinguished Service (CBA – B.C. Branch) in 1991 and with the Commemorative Medal presented by the Governor General of Canada in recognition of her contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada in 1993. Since 2000, she has worked with First Nations Institutions dedicated to furthering the economic independence of First Nation communities.