Our Board of Directors

Islanders Working Against Violence is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of women from the community who believe in the mandate and purposes of the organisation and bring a variety of skills and background to their work at the Board level.

Natalie Gold

Natalie Gold

Chair

Natalie joined the IWAV board in 2021. She has been a health and wellness practitioner and advocate for 30 years. Her private practice, employment as a dental office manager and volunteer sexual health educator for OPT has given her insight into the issues of poverty, abuse and housing insecurities that exist on Salt Spring. Natalie looks forward to being a part of an organization committed to creating workable solutions for our community.

Sue Kernaghan

Sue Kernaghan

Vice Chair

Sue joined the IWAV board in 2024. With a Commerce degree from UBC, she has worked as a writer, researcher and editor in both the UK and Canada. Specializing in tourism and human resources, Sue has especially enjoyed projects involving employee empowerment and community capacity building, as well as community, indigenous-led, and responsible tourism. A Salt Spring resident since 1999, she has lent her communication skills to a range of volunteer groups, including Ssplash, Stagecoach Theatre School, Saltspring United Soccer, and the Salt Spring Improv Workshop. Sue is excited to be working with such a dedicated and effective group.

Tasha Rissling

Tasha Rissling

Treasurer

Tasha came with to Salt Spring 12 years ago from Victoria. She holds a bachelor's degree inf Business Administration - Accounting and has been applying her skills as a bookkeeper, volunteer, and business owner for over 20 years. She and her husband own and operate Rock Salt Restaurant and the Salt Spring Mercantile in Fulford. Tasha has a son and a daughter and has been a Girl Guide Leader for over 10 years. 

Andria Scanlan

Andria Scanlan

Director

Andria has worked in community health research and programming for over 35 years. Committed to knowledge and education, she has worked in a number of settings, including academic, for profit, NGOs, government, and start ups, with one goal in mind — creating healthy and resilient communities! Born and raised on the West Coast and a full-time resident of Salt Spring for over 15 years, she has volunteered with numerous organizations on SSI in order to promote health, education, and justice for women and girls. Her current work with Transition Salt Spring focuses on climate action and mitigation. Andria is a passionate, drought-tolerant gardener, composter, and succulent enthusiast!

Jocelyn Ferguson

Jocelyn Ferguson

Secretary

Jocelyn has been a Salt Spring resident since 2001 and has enjoyed volunteering with the public library, Parent Advisory Council of the Little Red School House, and Fulford Elementary. She comes to the IWAV board with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma in Gerontology-based Therapeutic Recreation. She has worked for both private and not-for-profit organizations as a Therapeutic Recreation specialist, locally with Greenwoods Eldercare, a housekeeper with Meadowbrook Seniors Residence, and as a Recreation Manager with Sidney All Care Residence. Improving the quality of life for older adults in care is why she feels she has the best job in the world. She uses her creativity, imagination and enthusiasm at work and looks forward to bringing this same spirit of curiosity and care to her work with the IWAV Board. In her leisure time, she loves to read, walk her dog and share food with friends and family.

Johanna Stiver

Johanna Stiver

Governance

Johanna has been a visitor on the Territory of the Hul’q’umi’num’ and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples of what is now called Salt Spring Island for the past twenty-one years. She is a mom, stepmom, daughter, sister, auntie, partner and grandma and loves anything outdoors; hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing and gardening on these beautiful west coast lands and waters. Johanna holds a degree in Women’s Studies and Anthropology from Simon Fraser University and is a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation working in the areas of resilience and trauma-informed practice. Johanna has over twenty-five years experience in the non-profit sector. She was a previous Program Director at Island Community Services and now works nationally in the area of women’s economic development. Johanna feels privileged to be joining the Board at IWAV and supporting the work of the organization going forward.

Kacia Tolsma

Kacia Tolsma

Director

Kacia has lived on the Territory of the Hul’q’umi’num’ and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples of what is now called Salt Spring Island for the past three years. She is a community-minded individual with a passion for supporting local health, well-being, and sustainability initiatives. Kacia brings her experience volunteering with Salt Spring Island Emergency Support Services to her role on the IWAV board, which she joined in 2024. Kacia holds a Master in Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University and is the Director of Sustainability and Planning at 4VI (formerly Tourism Vancouver Island), where she leads climate and destination stewardship initiatives for Vancouver Island. Committed to sustainability and community resilience, Kacia continues to contribute to local and regional efforts to foster a healthy, thriving, and regenerative future on the Island.

Sarah Bateman

Sarah Bateman

Director

Sarah joined the board in 2024. She has a degree in psychology, anthropology and education from the University of Victoria. She has lived on Salt Spring since 1988, working as a teacher for 25 years. She is passionate about land-based education and believes that spending time on the land is a key component to developing healthy relationships with ourselves and others. Other committee and board experience includes The Salt Spring Island Conservancy and the Bateman Foundation. She currently teaches junior math and science as well as a healthy relationships course at Gulf Island Secondary School.

Jel Eugenio

Jel Eugenio

Director

Jel joined IWAV in 2024, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration - Management. After graduation, she moved to Canada to broaden her horizons and achieve personal growth while building her career. For 18 years, Jel has cultivated a diverse range of experience in client relationships and service excellence, refining skills in operational management and leadership. Jel is a licensed insurance advisor with 6 years of expertise in providing tailored insurance solutions. She assists clients in assessing risks and navigating complex insurance issues. She is a member of the organization's Diversity Council, fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. She advocates for a culture that values unique perspectives and experiences, aiming to remove barriers and empower individuals to reach their full potential. Jel also enjoys travel adventures and supporting Salt Spring's organic farms and artisanal crafts. She explores neighbouring islands and enjoy local farm-to-table restaurants and live music.

IWAV respectfully recognizes that IWAV is located in the unceded traditional territories of the Hul’qumi’num and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples.