Our Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall governance of the organization.  The Board has developed an extensive array of governance policy that guides their decision making.  In addition, the Board prepares an annual strategic plan for the organization as well as participates in the development of a number of critical planning efforts that guide the work of the Management Team.

Meet Our Board

Brad Forster - President

Brad joined the Board in January 2001. Brad’s son is residing in a home in Langley that is operated by the Association. Brad owns and operates his own consulting company Silver Forest Enterprises. Brad and his wife Judy are actively involved in supporting their son’s home.

Gwen Odermatt - Vice President

Gwen is a Langley resident, mother of three and now grandmother of one. Her background includes a Bachelor’s degree in science and a teaching certificate. Currently, she owns Petals and Butterflies Farm Nursery in south Langley. Part of her work includes teaching gardeners about the importance of biodiversity to support the environment. Gwen has always had a caring heart for people of all circumstances.

Don Wiens - Treasurer

Don has been an active supporter of people with disabilities over the past thirty years. Recently, Don has served on the Board for The Langley Child Development Centre for eight years and in the capacity of President for four years. Don has been a member of both the BC Paraplegic Association Fraser Valley Advisory Board and The Langley City Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility and has chaired both Boards as well. Currently, Don is a member of the Board of Directors for the Kiwanis Club of Langley 100. He is employed as the Operations Manager for a Langley firm that develops automated data collection systems for inventory and asset control.

   Kathleen O'Hanley - Secretary

Kathleen O’Hanley is a Coordinator in the Special Services Department at the Langley School District. She has been an educator for the past 23 years and has worked in both elementary and secondary school settings. Kathleen has been a strong advocate for inclusive education in the independent and public school systems since 1984. She chairs the Inclusive Education Committee for the B.C. Association for Community Living and is on the Board of Directors for the BC Association for Community Living.

Wayne Doane - Director

I enjoyed a career that spanned 35 years in support of children with special needs and adults with a developmental disability. These experiences included employment with non-profit associations and senior positions in government associated with the community living movement.

Now retired, I am married with two children and enjoy frequent visits and time with our six grandsons. My wife and I have also supported a young man with a developmental disability for many years. 
 

 Sky Hendsbee - Director

Sky lives in Langley and has worked for IHOP since February of 004. Sky is a keen Special Olympian enjoying all aspects of sports. He is currently a DJ for another not- for-profit society, The Sunshine Dance Club and on June 6, 2009 was elected to the BCACL Self Advocacy Caucus.

 Gerry London - Director

Gerry became a member of the LACL Board on June 18, 2003. Gerry is in full time employment at Abby Window Coverings” in Langley. Gerry participated in B.C. Special Olympics. In February 2006, Gerry went to Africa to climb the 7th tallest mountain in the world, Mt Kilimanjaro. Gerry is the resident DJ for the Sunshine Dance Club and is an active member of the Aktion Club.

Joan Morris - Director

After two years in retirement, Joan has discovered that it takes a concerted effort to keep a balance of family, friends and community connections. Joan has three grandsons; 2 and ½ year old one and a half and "8 months", so both of her daughters are taking care of any concerns she had about loose ends in retirement. Gardening, golfing with her husband, Ev, reading, traveling and friends and family keep Joan engaged in activities she loves. She and Ev ran 10 km in the Pacific Spirit Run this spring, raising funds for Dementia research. Hospice and You've Gotta Have Friends are Joan’s other current volunteer involvements. Joan has found it very rewarding to be on the Board for the Langley Association for Community Living and looks forward to another year supporting this wonderful organization.

 Bonnie Stewart - Director
 
Bonnie has served on the Board of Directors on several occasions in the past, beginning in 1983 when her daughter was only 12 years old. Bonnie's daughter, Michelle, has received services from LACL since 1990.

In addition to this organization, Bonnie was a member of You’ve Gotta Have Friends committee and is currently serving on the Board of the Sunshine Dance Club.

Bonnie has always brought a strong family perspective to the Board and her humour, common sense and good nature are always welcome at the Board table.
 

Joy Wilson - Director

Joy and her husband moved from Vancouver to their Langley hobby farm and enjoyed raising their two sons in this friendly community. Joy began her career in 1978 working with adults who have disabilities. Since moving to Langley, her focus has been early childhood development. This year marks her 22nd year as an employee of Langley Children’s Society. During this time, she has been privileged to work with families who have children and youth with disabilities. Joy has been Langley’s Make Children First Coordinator for Early Childhood Development since 2003. She is involved in a number of community initiatives which include The United Way of the Lower Mainland’s Communities in Action, Langley Literacy Association, and Community Living Days Celebration.