OUR TEAM

2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jennefer Byrne - interim Chair

Jennefer is honoured to be part of the Shelbourne Community Kitchen and Society. She enjoys working with all the amazing people who are part of this community. As a retired educator, having spent the better part of 30+ years as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, district lead teacher, and Principal, supporting the Kitchen in positive and practical ways is very important to her. Jennefer lives close by with her husband and their dog, Maggie. She loves to do just about anything around her home, including gardening, cooking, painting, and sewing. She also enjoys hiking and spending time on forest and mountain trailsJ.

Starting 1st Year of 2nd Term – Term ends 2028

rachel Franklin - A/vice chair

Rachel has dedicated 18 years to the provincial public sector, holding various roles in policy, legislative development, and leadership. She is currently the Director of Governance and Labour Relations at the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and has previously advised the government on financial and corporate sector policy matters. She holds a B.A., M.A., and J.D. from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Outside of work, Rachel enjoys reading, singing, and enjoying the outdoors with her family.

Starting 1st Year of 2nd Term – Term ends 2028

amber thomas - secretary

Amber was born and raised on Vancouver Island and is very passionate about helping people. She has volunteered many hours over the years for various organizations helping at Our Place, Quadra Community Centre and Victoria Humane Society to name a few. Amber has worked as an Executive Assistant to CEOs for 20 years and is currently the Executive Coordinator at the Office of the Auditor General of BC. She is also the Chair of the Wellness Committee at her office. Amber is the proud mother to three sons and enjoys spending time with her family and friends playing pickleball, going for walks and paddle boarding.

Starting 1st Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2028

Susanne Standeven - A/treasurer

Susanne was born in BC and grew up mainly in Victoria. After working for ten years, Susanne attended the University of Victoria graduating in 1992 with a Bachelor of Education degree. She taught mainly in the independent school system and also has experience working in various administrative and financial support positions.

Throughout her adult life Susanne has been committed to volunteering for local and global non-profit organizations.

Susanne and her husband Bill have been married for over 30 years. Susanne has admired for many years the food programs offered by the Shelbourne Kitchen and looks forward to being more involved in their community activities.

Starting 1st Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2028.

darlene McCOY - director

Darlene has been a volunteer at The Kitchen for a year and enjoys working with the amazing staff, volunteers, and members who make it such a welcoming place. She works full time as a real estate appraiser and appreciates having a flexible schedule that allows her to volunteer during the day. At The Kitchen, she’s involved in the Pantry program, on the Grant Team, and has served on the Board since last fall. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, baking, kayaking, and spending time with her family and dog near her home. Darlene is pleased to continue to support The Kitchen and work as part of a great team of people to continue the work that so many hands and hearts have come together to help build in our community

Starting 2nd Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2027

Megan bahremandjooy - DIrector

Megan is a leader with over 20 years of experience supporting diverse communities through inclusive programs that build skills, confidence, and connection. She is also an instructor at UVic, supporting learners in their academic and professional journeys. Originally from Shiraz—a city known for its beautiful gardens and strong sense of work-life balance—Megan developed an early appreciation for connection, community, and living life to the fullest. She began her international journey at 18, pursuing her studies in the USA and Australia. Having lived in multiple countries and traveled to 27, Megan brings a thoughtful global perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking for her family, and watching historical dramas.

Starting 1st Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2028

Brendan Baines - DIrector

The first act of Brendan’s career began like a game of nonprofit mad libs, filling in the blanks for various roles and causes here in Canada and abroad. This breadth of experience led him to act two, where he has spent the last ten years with a tech firm that empowers companies and their employees to give more time and money to the social sector. A recent transplant from Calgary, Brendan is a lover of the outdoors and looks forward to backpacking, cycling, and boating around Vancouver Island. He is confused and delighted by Victoria’s steady growing temperatures, and has big plans involving little fig trees in his future.

Starting 1st Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2028

Ray Lett- director

Ray is a registered BC Professional Geoscientist (P. Geo) and retiree from the BC Government. He is a member of St. Luke Anglican Church, one of The Kitchen’s founding partners. Since 2013, Ray has been involved with The Kitchen and served on the board from 2017-2019. In addition, beginning in 2017 and continuing today, Ray has been a valued member of The Kitchen’s Health & Safety Committee.

Starting 1st Year of 2nd Term – Term ends 2027

Ellis Parsons (he/they) - director

Ellis Parsons is a dedicated professional with experience in both research and service-based roles. With a background in psychology and neuroscience, they have been sharing their knowledge by connecting with disabled communities in the non-profit sector since 2023. Having grown up in Lekwungen Territory, Ellis has always been passionate about land stewardship and our local food systems, and can often be found in their garden or kitchen when not busy working. You can also find Ellis exploring the city with their guide dog, Jazz (a beautiful Black Labrador).

Starting 1st Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2027

MarilYn Pattison - director

Marilyn was born and raised in the Tsawwassen area. After graduating from UBC she worked as a high school counsellor before joining Douglas College in New Westminster. She spent ten years there as faculty member and administrator. After moving to Toronto she completed a PhD.at the University of Toronto. While in Ontario Marilyn worked in policy development, and volunteered with Moorelands, a charity serving inner city children and youth. Marilyn and her husband retired to Victoria in 1999 and since then she has been active on a number of not for profit volunteer boards, including the YM/YWCA, Camosun College, the St. George’s Housing Society and the Association of Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C.

Marilyn very much looks forward to learning more about the important work of the Shelbourne Community Kitchen.