Leadership – The Cridge Centre for the Family

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Board of directors

Val Fuller

President

Val Fuller

President

Val is privileged to have been able to call Victoria home her whole life. Her career in business has afforded her the opportunity to work with various sizes of businesses and organizations throughout the many communities on Vancouver Island. Seeing the many social challenges within these communities ignited her interest in the work at The Cridge Centre for the Family. Val's involvement with The Cridge Society, Board Voice and the faith community, together with her professional experiences, has allowed her the opportunity to bring her broad and unique perspective to The Cridge Centre Board of Directors. Her passions are people, the outdoors and seeing the transformative power of God's love at work, in big and small ways, shaping lives.

Ann Wellman

Vice-President

Ann Wellman

Vice-President

Ann Wellman was born and raised on the East Coast and moved to Victoria in 1976 after graduating from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Psychology. She retired after 35 years at the Canada Revenue Agency as Senior Executive Manager of the Vancouver Island Tax Services Office. Ann is actively involved in her church and is a member of Saanich Baptist Church, where she aligns with the mission of living Micah 6:8 lives. She feels called to contribute her government administration expertise to the Cridge Centre’s board, adding value to its decision-making processes. Ann is married with two grown children, and they are all proud to call Central Saanich home.

Kristy Abrahams

Treasurer

Kristy Abrahams

Treasurer

Kristy Abrahams grew up in Greater Victoria and attended the University of Victoria prior to moving to Vancouver to train and work with cancer patients as a radiation therapist. There she met her husband, Darren, and they returned to live in his native Australia. After returning to Victoria in 2013 with Darren and their twins, Kristy worked at the University of Victoria before returning to cancer care. She is currently working provincially to support health authorities transition from paper-based chart to electronic health records. Kristy engaged with The Cridge Centre for the Family as an MBA student where she worked with a team to undertake an assessment of the organization and provide a presentation and report to the organization. She was captured by their purpose, clarity of vision, and impact The Cridge has made on the surrounding communities over its more than 150 year history.

Claudia Dorrington

Secretary

Claudia Dorrington

Secretary

Claudia Dorrington has been involved in the Inner Healing Ministry in Victoria for 30 years, with her husband Charles, and as a Prayer Counselor with Victoria Prayer Counselling. Claudia believes Jesus Christ is her foundation and Lord and that she is called to be on the Board by the Scripture from Isaiah 61 which describes the work of The Cridge. Through her participation on the Board of The Cridge Centre, Claudia believes she is involved in serving the greater community and the “bruised reeds” that Jesus will not break.

Mike Cridge

Director

Mike Cridge

Director

Mike Cridge retired after a 40-year career at BMO and has served on The Cridge Centre board for over 25 years, holding roles such as President and Treasurer. In addition, Mike serves on the Finance Committee and the board of the Victoria Foundation, and has contributed to other charities in the community. As the great-great-grandson of The Cridge Centre’s founders, Bishop Edward and Mary Cridge, he feels a deep connection to the organization. Mike hopes to use his knowledge of the centre and his extensive experience to support its mission of helping those in need, with the blessing of Jesus Christ.

Iheoma Farinu

Director

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Iheoma Farinu

Director

Iheoma Farinu is a pharmacist, pastor, and missionary with a passion for seeing God's transformative power in action. She moved to Victoria from Lagos, Nigeria, in 2005 to co-pastor the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Victory Chapel, with her husband, Ademola. She also serves as the Executive Director of Victory Hill Child Care Society. With her background in ministry, pharmacy, and as an immigrant, she hopes to contribute diversity and a unique perspective to The Cridge Centre. Iheoma is the mother of four adult children and enjoys gardening, DIY projects, and sharing her faith with others.

Ryan Jabs

Director

Ryan

Ryan Jabs

Director

Ryan spent more than a decade working in senior government communication departments and now runs a home development company called Lapis Homes that values building socially connected, small communities. He understands the challenges and opportunities of creating and building homes and believes strongly that we need to work together to tackle the many growing problems of an underhoused region. Ryan joined the property development committee in 2024. He was inspired to bring his experience to The Cridge Centre’s board because of the genuine care that members of the organization show for their clients and for the community. He believes that The Cridge Centre is a beacon of hope in the city and is excited to be part of the board’s work. As a father of a teenager and an almost teenager, Ryan also has his hands happy and full at home.

Beiyan Ou

Director

Beiyan Ou

Director

Beiyan Ou has lived in Victoria for over 20 years, having moved there to attend the University of Victoria. She holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Statistics, as well as a master’s degree in Statistics. Beiyan is an active member of the Victoria Chinese Alliance Church, where she has held leadership roles in various ministries. With over 15 years of experience in implementing social policy and supporting evidence-based decision-making in public service, she looks forward to contributing her skills to The Cridge Centre and helping to support its mission of serving vulnerable populations.

Louise Parton

Director

Louise Parton

Director

Louise Parton retired in 2011 after a 49-year career as a Certified Hearing Instrument Practitioner, during which she owned Greater Victoria Hearing Consultants. She has served on various professional and community boards, including 20 years on The Cridge Centre’s board, where she was President from 1998 to 2002. Louise has also been involved in numerous volunteer activities and received the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Award for Community Service. A committed Christian, Louise looks forward to bringing her previous experience and dedication back to the board to support The Cridge Centre’s mission.

Del Phillips

Director

Del-Phillips-1-705x470

Del Phillips

Director

Del is a management consultant. He believes that everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their circumstances. Being part of board enables Del to be involved in meaningful community service.  Del has been involved with The Cridge Centre for over 30 years, having served both as Treasurer and President.  With a long and varied career in both public service and the business world, Del has a skill-set well suited to the leadership of this organization.   Del has a science (pre-med) degree from Southern Oregon State University with post graduate studies in Social Psychology from the University of Manitoba and an MPA from UVic.

Janet Zanon

Director

Janet Zanon

Director

Janet Zanon has lived in Victoria since childhood and worked as a Certified Dental Assistant for 26 years, followed by four years as a Dental Receptionist. Active in her church, Janet has also managed rental properties and hosted students in her home for over 20 years. She and her husband, Tony, were married in 2006, blending their six children into a family, which has now grown to include four grandchildren. Janet understands the importance of The Cridge Centre’s services for young families and seniors and looks forward to serving the community through her role on the board.

Staff Leadership Team

Adam Richards

Chief Executive Officer

Heather Horton

Executive Assistant & Board Liaison

Anna Olson

Director of Finance & Administration

Jennifer Smith

Director of Philanthropy & Communications

Paul Bergmann

Manager of Facility Operations

Marlene Goley

Manager of The Cridge Transition House & Outreach Services

Candace Stretch

Manager of The Cridge Second Stage & Family Services

Tori Dach

Manager of The CridgeBrain Injury Services

Nick Christian

Assistant Manager, Macdonald House

Christine Wosilius

Manager of Children's Services

Tina Rogalinski

Assistant Manager, Seniors' Services

Duane Schneider

Executive Chef

1307 Hillside Avenue
Victoria, BC V8T 0A2

250-384-8058
250-384-5267

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We acknowledge with respect that this is the traditional territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən -speaking peoples, known today as the Songhees First Nation, Xwsepsəm First Nation, as well as the WSÁNEĆ Nations and Sc’ianew First Nation, original caretakers of this land. As they continue walking here gently in the way of their ancestors, we seek to do the same.

We recognize that reconciliation is not only about the past, but about how we live together today. As a Christian faith-based organization, we commit to ongoing learning, listening, and acting in ways that uphold Indigenous self-determination and dignity, and reflect the biblical teachings of peace, justice, and love.

Canada Revenue Agency Charity BN / Registration Number 108079419 RR0001

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