Katie joined BCRPA in 2022 after a long tenure in public health focusing on quality systems and improvement at the BC Centre for Disease Control. Her passion is system-level engagement and partnership in health promotion and disease prevention. Katie grew up in recreation and parks, having been a fitness and dance instructor, lifeguard, camp leader/manager, support worker, and festival visual arts coordinator, and participant in the Olympic Academy of Canada. Her connection to recreation continues as a parent and coach, with two active school-aged children busy with soccer, hockey, swimming, dance, music, mountain biking, and many other outdoor pursuits.  Her latest challenge is navigating an e-bike commute with some regularity.

Katie holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UBC, and dual undergraduate degrees from Queen's University in Physical and Health Education (BPHE) and Film (BA).  She is grateful to make her home on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish people including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh in North Vancouver.

Noelle is the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs with BCRPA and has been a part of the team in various roles since 2012. Her previous work has included advocacy, project management and policy development in BC and the UK, with a particular focus on healthy living. Her current role allows her to focus on building authentic partnerships and creating big-picture impact in the sector. She enjoys active travel and spending time close to home growing food in the garden and exploring in the mountains and by the sea with her family and friends. 

Christina has been with the BCRPA since 2016, providing customer service and support for our fitness leaders and BCRPA members alike. Christina is also our delegates' first touchpoint at each of our five main conferences, and well as providing administrative support for our Education and Initiatives department. Engaging with and supporting the community is very important to her both professionally and personally, which is what led her to BCRPA. It was a perfect progression from her previous positions working in fund development for the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and The Arts Club Theatre Company. When not at work, you can find Christina enjoying local festivals, taking dance classes, bird-watching, and supporting the arts.

Nicole joined BCRPA as Fitness Program Coordinator in 2023. She is a BCRPA Registered Trainer of Fitness Leaders, a Mentor for Group Fitness, and a Supervisor of Fitness Leaders in Fitness Theory and Weight Training specialties.

Nicole has gathered a wealth of knowledge of the fitness industry from over 17 years teaching workshops, courses, and classes, and as a Fitness Programmer with the City of Surrey. Nicole also holds a certificate from Simon Fraser University in health and fitness studies as well as a diploma in advanced nutrition specializing in sports and fitness.

When she's not teaching fitness classes or chatting with BCRPA Registered Fitness Leaders, you can find Nicole playing soccer, paddleboarding, camping or enjoying a good cheesecake.

As the Senior Program Manager at BCRPA, Kirkland is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the Choose to Move and ActivAge™ programs throughout British Columbia. In addition, Kirkland supports program delivery and education development for provincial recreation, parks and fitness programs. Drawing on her background coordinating sports, fitness, and education programs, along with her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Masters in Management, Kirkland aspires to enhance the health and wellbeing of BC communities. Outside of work, Kirkland loves experimenting with new recipes, being outdoors, and camping.

As the Project Manager, Paula oversees BCRPA’s Fitness Program, conferences, and new project initiatives. Paula got her start with BCRPA as a student intern, and then came on board full time after completing her Kinesiology degree from UBC. In her spare time, she can be found exploring the Lower Mainland’s many hiking trails, parks, and beaches.

Chike Okwara is a dedicated advocate for sustainability and community wellbeing, with a strong focus on education, health, and environmental stewardship. As a Management Consultant at McKinsey & Company, Chike has led initiatives that align with his commitment to sustainable growth and social equity. His academic background includes a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering with a focus on sustainability from the University of British Columbia, and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos.

Beyond his professional role, Chike founded Relief Oasis, an NGO that provides sustainability services to rural communities. Through this platform, he has successfully led numerous projects that have significantly improved the quality of life in underserved areas. Chike’s approach to wellbeing integrates his expertise in sustainability with a holistic view of social and environmental factors, driving meaningful and lasting change in the communities he serves.

Leslie is the Director of Engagement and Communications with BCRPA. 

With over 30 years of experience, Leslie brings her passion for storytelling, meaningful engagement, and strategy to support BCRPA's recreation and parks members, fitness leaders and their communities across British Columbia. 

Her previous work has supported public education and progressive change on a range of issues including the climate crisis, housing, health care, and human rights issues.

When not on the job, you’ll find her teaching meditation classes, cycling the seawall, exploring the trees, plants and mosses of the pacific northwest, and learning how to live off-the-grid on Gambier Island.

Connie has been supporting BCRPA’s Communications department since December 2012. As an Administrator, Connie lends her creative talents to the creation of conference communications materials, and plays an integral role in supporting communications for all BCRPA’s departments. Her career has been focused in the non-profit sector, supporting organizations that strive to improve the lives of others. Connie brings her nurturing spirit to all she does. Outside of work she cherishes spending time with her family.

Kathryn joined BCRPA in the Spring of 2022. She arrived eager to start a new career path in the non-profit sector after working previously as a journalist reporting on cannabis policy and Vancouver-based daily news. Kathryn brings her curiosity and creativity to BCRPA’s communications department, including telling the incredible stories of the recreation and parks sector on Healthy Living Matters. When she’s not at work, or cuddling her cat at home, Kathryn can be found somewhere outside – jogging, swimming in the ocean, or basking in nearby parks.  

Samantha has been with BCRPA since 2017. She was previously with Family Services of Greater Vancouver where she discovered a penchant for excel, data management, and finance. She now keenly crunches the numbers to keep BCRPA’s budgets on track, assists funded programs, and compiles meaningful data to help visionaries make decisions. Outside of work Samantha enjoys cycle touring, camping, and spending time with her nieces. She is also passionate about human-powered travel and zero-waste initiatives.