Our Team

Janine started her career with the Ministry of Education in Victoria, B.C. in 2000 as an education officer in the area of accountability and system performance. Since moving to SSI, Janine has taught as a teacher-on-call with School District #64, delivered parent support sessions as a trained Virtues Project Facilitator and worked for Volunteer and Community Resources Society (VCR) in support of the island’s not-for-profit sector.

Janine is a dedicated member of the Salt Spring Island community. She sat on the Board of The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation for six years, served as chair of the SSI Foundation Grants Advisory Committee for six years, coordinated the local Terry Fox Run for eight years, served as a board member and then president of the Salt Spring Island Aquatic Society for a total of eight years, and in 2018, she founded the local chapter of 100 Women Who Care.

Kate has been working with The Circle since 2010, serving as a facilitator and contributor to program development. Her extensive experience in developing and implementing curricula has supported the organization’s ability to address youth needs effectively.

Kate’s unique approach combines her background in theatre, play building, and improv with a deep understanding of youth development. This blend of skills allows her to create engaging, interactive experiences that resonate with young people across various age groups.

Students consistently praise Kate for her compassion, attentiveness, and ability to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Nick MacKinnon has a background in cancer research and biomedical engineering and in working with medical device startup companies as a founder and director. As a former educator, Nick has a strong commitment to STEM advocacy. He has served as a director and advisor on multiple boards and advisory committees, including the biomedical engineering programs at BCIT and UBC and professional associations in both BC and internationally. Nick has also been involved with non-profit cooperatives in British Columbia, particularly in the housing and car-sharing sectors. Notably, as a director, he helped lead the development and construction of the 54-unit Arbutus Housing Co-op in Vancouver. Now retired, Nick continues his longstanding dedication to education and social justice. As a director with The Circle Education, his interest is in governance, financial management, and fundraising.

Marcia is our Communications and Event Coordinator since July 2021. She moved with her husband and two daughters – who are both attending high school in SD64 now – from the Netherlands to Salt Spring Island in 2012

As a swim team coach for the Salt Spring Stingrays, Marcia knows and understands youth realities of living on a small island.

Marcia has 25+ years of experience in writing and communication for Dutch and Canadian media outlets – most recently the Driftwood – and non-for-profits.

Eland is one of the leaders of our Pass It On program at Bullock Lake Farm. Eland grew up on Salt Spring and could usually be found on the soccer field or the basketball court. After studying Kinesiology and playing soccer at Capilano University, he eventually graduated from UBC. He then spent many years travelling all over the world, working and volunteering in communities along the way. Eland returned to Salt Spring Island to help run Duck Creek Farm with his family. Eland has a wife and a young son who help keep everyday fun. Eland is honoured and excited to work with the young men in his community.

Abbie Sherwood joined Pass it On thirteen years ago at the start of the program and was the student representative on the committee that hired our current programs coordinator, Kate Nash. After high school, Abbie traveled, was a scuba diving instructor, and completed the Environmental Technology program at Camosun College.  

She currently works as a lab manager for Dr. Tara Martin at the Conservation Decisions Lab. This summer, Abbie’s life came “full circle” on Salt Spring Island when she was hired as a facilitator for the Pass it On Program. “I had a hard time in middle school and the Pass it On program has been very important to me. This position is near to my heart and I am very grateful to be back in the community.”

Zach is the first Pass it On Boys facilitator who was in the program himself! He moved from a tiny island in Scotland, with only 70 inhabitants, to Salt Spring Island when he was eight years old. He joined PIO Boys as a buddy in Grade 8, and came back to the program in Grade 10. Zach, who also works as a marine mechanic, loved the program so much that he decided to volunteer last year. This school year he will be facilitating the course together with Eland Bronstein. “Taking on a leading role pushes me a bit out of my comfort zone, but as a former participant, I feel really strongly about this program. I am very excited, to be a part of it and to give back to our community.” 

Kk is our new facilitator at the Pass It On Girls Program. Kk began dreaming of facilitating programs like Pass It On while she was traveling throughout her early twenties. When she returned, she and her friend started a small camp for girls in Grades 6-8 called The Glitter Queens. The program ran for a year and a half and brought people together to create community, share skills and be exposed to diverse opportunities and interests. From this work, she found her passion in working with youth and has been working as a comprehensive sex and sexual health educator for two years. Kk has her own business tattooing by hand on the island called Hand Poked With Love.

Dr. Eric Ellis worked for 50 years as a child psychologist specializing in child protection. After this experience as well as co-parenting five now adults, and supporting six grandchildren, three of whom brought him to Salt Spring Island, he recognizes implicitly the value of what The Circle Education has created and is honoured to contribute by nurturing its development.

Lisa grew up in Cochrane, Alberta, and has recently come to live on Salt Spring Island, after having lived abroad for 25 years.  She studied fine arts at the Wackers Academie in Amsterdam, had a son in Denmark and a daughter in the UK. She served as Chair of the PTA of Holy Trinity Primary School in Wimbledon for 5 years, which was a registered charity entity separate from the school. She learned about the Pass it On Boys program when her son showed an interest in joining it. Being new to the community she asked fellow parents about the program to find out how it was viewed. After hearing only good things about it, she registered her son and the next logical step was of course to join the board, as she always strives to be an active member of the community by providing support based on her broad life experience.

Olivia was born and bred on Salt Spring Island and knows our organization from the inside out, as she was a Pass it On Girls mentor for four years. She graduated from GISS in 2015, started her own housekeeping business on Salt Spring Island and is currently working in an administrative role. She’s also a volunteer for BC Transplant; honouring her brother Allistair who died five years ago and donated five organs, saving and improving the lives of the recipients.   

Dan has been working in the credit union system for over 22 years, the last 8 with Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union.  His latest role is as a Branch Manager for the Salt Spring branch.

He has a long-time passion for giving back to his community, particularly where children are concerned.  He has been a scout leader for the last 19 years and has taken part in 2 Pacific Jamborees.  Once as a participant and the latest one as the treasurer.

He also volunteered for 12 years with the PACE program in Victoria.  PACE is a musical theater program through the school system for children ages 5 – 17 that puts on two shows every year.

While new to Salt Spring, having moved here in the spring of 2021, he is excited to get involved with the community and proud to be involved with The Circle Education.

New to Salt Spring, Devon is excited to engage with the local community. As a certified teacher and registered counsellor, she works with students both on Salt Spring and across BC, offering social and emotional instruction, support, and skill development. Her extensive experience in both educational and recreational settings has given her a strong appreciation for the critical role that meaningful connection with others plays in the development of children and youth. A strong advocate for social-emotional learning, Devon views it as the foundation for all other areas of growth and is particularly inspired by the programs offered by The Circle Education.

Christina Adair is a dedicated professional serving as a District Child and Youth Worker for SD64. With an extensive background spanning over 15 years, Christina has acquired substantial experience working with children and youth in diverse capacities. Her unwavering commitment lies in fostering youth leadership and advocating for their rights. Christina has demonstrated her dedication through 13 years of volunteering with Scouts Canada, where she successfully led youth groups and facilitated adult meetings. Christina takes immense pride in her role as a caregiver and mentor to countless young individuals, with her two grown children serving as a testament to her nurturing capabilities.