Board & Staff

Board of Directors

Tracey Lazenby

Tracey Lazenby

President

Having grown up in both Europe and Vancouver, Tracey moved to the North Shore in 1990 and then finally settled with her family in Lynn Valley in 1997. She felt very lucky to be a stay-at-home-Mum to her 3 children and volunteered for years as a PAC member and fundraiser at both Lynn Valley Elementary and Argyle Secondary schools. A few years ago, she started as a front desk volunteer at Mollie Nye House and quickly developed an appreciation for this tiny Community Centre and the community it serves. Mollie Nye House is such a very special, inclusive, welcoming, and friendly place. As first a board member and now president, she will strive to contribute to both the operation and growth of Mollie Nye House and to participate more fully in the community at large.

Elena Whitman

Elena Whitman

Vice-president

Born and raised in Moscow (Russia) Elena moved to Canada in 2014.

She is an MBA qualified Strategic Management leader with 20+ years of experience in business operations, planning and execution of Sales, Marketing and Business development strategies.

After moving to Canada her career focus shifted from the corporate world to the world of nonprofit organisations. For the last 9 years she served local communities as Vice Chairman of Squamish Arts Council and Guest Service Manager at Britannia Mine Museum.

As a new Board member she is planning to work on further development of LVSS initiatives, addressing needs of Lynn Valley neighbourhood.

Elena loves travelling and exploring new countries and cultures. Her biggest passion is painting and drawing, most of her art works were inspired by her travel adventures.

Edward Park

Edward Park

Treasurer

Edward volunteered as a board member with the LVSS in 2016 and 2017. He has rejoined the board since January 2022.

His background is in the healthcare sector, currently working as the risk management director for the Provincial Health Services Authority. Prior to specializing in risk management, Edward was a social work case manager, serving seniors in the community who have healthcare needs including long-term care case management. During this time, Edward also worked for the Canadian Forces Navy on a part-time basis.

Edward obtained his post-secondary education from the University of British Columbia, Queen’s University, and Cornell University. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW), a Master of Health Administration degree (MHA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Edward is excited to rejoin the LVSS board and looks forward to working with all members of the Lynn Valley Services Society and the community at large.

Debbie Pearmain

Debbie Pearmain

Member-at-Large

Debbie Pearmain, is a HR executive with over 25 years experience in workplace culture, performance, change management and workplace wellbeing. She has worked with multiple national and international organizations

With a background in Social Work and Human Resource Management, and also as a certified Emotional Intelligence and Resiliency assessor, Debbie brings strong people skills to assist LVSS in meeting our mandate as a community resource and charitable organization.

In her spare time Debbie enjoys paddleboarding, hiking, skiing and travelling.

Iryna Dushenka

Iryna Dushenka

Member-at-Large

Born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, Iryna brings over 5 years of experience in B2B sales, project management, and marketing. After moving to Canada in 2024, she is eager to apply her expertise in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Her career highlights include leading a team to deliver impactful marketing campaigns and developing and executing strategic plans aligned with organizational goals. With a strong background in project management, she has successfully coordinated complex initiatives, tracked milestones, and ensured seamless collaboration across departments.

Fluent in English, and Ukrainian, she holds dual Master’s degrees in Business Management and Bachelor’s in Linguistics.

Yuliia Russo

Yuliia Russo

Member at Large

Yuliia grew up in Ukraine and moved to BC in 2022. Before moving to BC Yuliia was living in the United States, where she learned the importance of involvement with local communities. Yuliia used to be a professional athlete, and she believes that sport and physical activity is an integral part of life, hence she was previously volunteering as a tennis coach for foster kids and kids from troubled homes. Besides her experience with kids, Yuliia continuously participates in various events hosted by churches and charity organizations.

Yuliia’s background is in Marketing and Graphic Design. Currently, she works as a Marketing Manager for a company that created software for streamlining fresh produce trading processes. The main focus of which is to provide access for small suppliers to buyers to prevent food waste and for buyers to make smarter and faster decisions to supply the nation with the freshest produce.

Yullia hopes that her experience will help LVSS to gain more volunteers and engage more members in the Lynn Valley community.

Journey Wong

Journey Wong

Member at Large

Journey grew up in North Vancouver and joined the LVSS in 2023.

She has worked in the public sector for a number of years and currently supports medical education in a financial role. As a new Board Member, Journey is hoping to support the LVSS initiatives and growth and is excited to work with the members of the Board.

In her spare time, Journey enjoys travelling and exploring new countries, trying different cafés, going on walks, and reading.

LVSS Staff

John Charles

John Charles

Executive Director

John has been the Executive Director since December 2021

Originally from the UK, John immigrated to Canada in 1983. He has lived on the North Shore for over 30 years. John had an extensive career in health care at a senior level, primarily in mental health and has a Masters in Leadership & Training (Health). John is passionate about serving others and hopes to use his experience to foster the development of the LVSS mandate to serve the wider community.

In his spare time, John enjoys sailing and playing the guitar. He is currently teaching himself the lute.

Judy Bjornson

Judy Bjornson

Program and Event Coordinator

Judy is a certified FallProof Balance & Mobility Specialist (California State University, 2010) and co-owner of Surefeet, where she’s trained and educated clients for over a decade. A Certified PWR!Moves Instructor and Master Trainer with WaterART Fitness International, Judy brings specialized knowledge in neurological and aquatic rehabilitation.

She led a nine-month Parkinson’s-focused research study in 2016, supported by Vancouver Coastal Health’s Innovation and Translational Research Award, applying evidence-based strategies to real-world care.

Her Urban Poling Certification complements personalized rehabilitation programs designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other disabling conditions. Judy has worked in aquatic rehab since 2007, and continues as a Hydrotherapist at the North Vancouver Karen Magnussen Recreational Centre, regularly supporting clients referred by ICBC. She is one of only two WaterART specialists in Central/Western Canada qualified to administer certification exams.

In all aspects of her life Judy strives to positively affect the lives of those she encounters.

Sophia Hesp

Sophia Hesp

Administrations Coordinator

Sophia joined LVSS 2014 and is currently our Administrations Coordinator.

Sophia’s background is in Finance and she has a passion for volunteering and helping others. She also enjoys the challenge of taking on new projects and participates with other organizations to benefit various causes.

Sophia spent her early childhood years in England and moved to the North Shore where she now resides. She graduated from SFU with a BA in English.

She is an avid reader, enjoys walking the trails across the North Shore and is a passionate cat lover.

Sophia has a strong sense of community and she uses her interpersonal and communications skills to identify the needs of others and to proactively identify solutions.