Our course leaders come with a wide variety of experience from different backgrounds. Have a look at some!
Chrystal Arnet is the Community Engagement & Events Manager for Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North. She has lived in Campbell River for 27 years where she has owned and managed a small family business. Chrystal is passionate about her community and has volunteered with a number of organizations and non-profits. Her focus now is to help families live in decent, safe and affordable housing.
Mary Ashley is a former Mayor of Campbell River and declared the first "City Mother". As a guiding force during Campbell River's transition out of a resource economy, Mary was instrumental in establishing the city's current commercial networks and attractions. Mary's influence can be seen in many local government projects.
Rita Balboni started working on her family history in 1978 and hasn't stopped. She does most of her research in Europe. Currently, she is Vice President of the Campbell River Genealogy Society.
Ken Beattie is an award-winning photographer who continues developing his photo expertise exploring the techniques of digital artistry. Creations range from high quality photos, painting with light, to blends of reality and fantasy.
Kristin Butcher was a schoolteacher for 21 years. After that, she embarked on a second career as a writer, publishing 30 books in 25 years. She is an experienced and knowledgeable presenter who enjoys helping others discover their talents and hone their skills.
Steve graduated from UVic in 1969 (Chemistry, Education), completed Paramedic training in 1981 (EMA II), retired in 2002, and moved back to Campbell River in 2009. He loves to travel and also enjoys working with rocks. A long-time member of the Campbell River Elder College (CREC) Advisory Committee, he teaches lapidary courses (rock shaping and polishing) and presents travelogues for CREC.
Donna Cox has been a member of the Campbell River Genealogy Society since 1978. She has held a number of positions in the society and also gives beginners' courses to members. She enjoys helping people with their research and teaching them how to organize their results.
Following an education at a prestigious private boarding school in England, Quentin was professionally trained in journalism in the 1970s. As a writer, he’s written thousands of biographical stories about people in a wide variety of walks of life in both Canada and the U.K., and he continues to be active as a writer/reporter/freelancer. In addition, he’s a long-time member of CREC’s Advisory Committee, and has taught courses for CREC for several years.
Bruce Dunn was a music director and conductor of the Kamloops Symphony for 27 years and Symphony of the Kootenays for 13 years. He taught orchestral conducting at UBC for 16 years and has presented these talks in Kamloops and the UK. He is now retired and living in Campbell River.
Arija Fisher is the Adult Services librarian at the Campbell River branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library.
Tom has been mentored by GreenWays Land Trust since 2019 in designing, planning and restoring the natural habitat at a fish-bearing creek. Volunteer work involves controlling invasive growth and using effective methods to care for plants in a complex and challenging environment. He develops or simplifies methods to match his physical ability and wishes to show other interested seniors the many ways they could volunteer to accomplish small goals and make a significant difference.
Jim retired in 2000 and has spent time as a volunteer on various projects. One was building the Maritime Heritage Centre and the acquisition of the BCP 45 Seiner.
Dave is an accredited security instructor for the Justice Institute. Past experience includes: a 31-year career with the RCAF, stationed in 7 provinces, France, Germany, Italy & USA; Ops Special Project Manager CVI Group of companies all security related, and the owner/operator of Beacon Security, where he conducted investigations, security consults & audits for forestry, mining, pulp & paper, hospitality & gaming industries. He is a 5-year member of the RCMP Auxiliary; and a 29-year member & current President with Campbell River Citizens on Patrol.
Christol is the current President of the Campbell River Genealogy Society. She has been doing her own genealogy for 25 years. Since doing her first DNA test in 2015, Christol has tested with all the major companies, and has immersed herself in genetic genealogy education. She has been helping adoptees and others, uncover unknown ancestors since 2018.
Linda Jay is a retired instructor from NIC's School of Business, having spent two decades in Campbell River. Linda continues to study community economic development and cases of social innovation.
As a professional forester with a BSc in Resource Management, Steve worked in Forestry in the south and mid-coast regions of BC for 45 years. He’s currently a Board Member for the Beaver Lodge Trust Society, and an avid boater who hosts Spring and Summer Boat Tours for the Museum at Campbell River up to Desolation Sound and in Johnstone Straits. In addition, he volunteers for the Museum’s History on the Run Programs. He says, “My objective is to develop and present programs that share my experiences and stories working on the coast of BC in some of the most biologically diverse and jaw-dropping beautiful country on the planet. I also strive to share some of my local boating experiences with my family and friends.”
Sandra has been teaching biology at NIC for 20 years. Her graduate degrees are in Neuroscience, but she is now a generalist, naturalist, and life-long learner. Sandra is an environmental advocate and educator, receiving recognition with the Local Environmental Hero Award, Canada 150 Land Trust Honour Roll, and Stewardship Special Recognition award. Sandra loves to share her enthusiasm for the natural world Intertidal walks, human hearts, plant reproduction and gardening.
Jane is a Board member of the Restorative Justice Association of BC & the BC Rural Network, and a member of the UW's Community Based Seniors Services Leadership Council. With 25 years of frontline experience in adult guardianship and seniors’ services, she focuses on improving services to marginalized communities in rural settings.
Beginning as a copy writer for radio, Jocelyn has been writing professionally since 1972. She is a published author of short and long fiction and non-fiction and has been an editor and publisher of other writers' work in three anthologies. Since the 1980s she's also been involved with a variety of writers' groups.
Cheryl Stinson has worked with seniors for over 9 years in the Comox Valley and Campbell River. Her work has included facilitating a Dementia Awareness planning project and an Emergency Response for Seniors Project. Currently, she is the contracted local coordinator for the Campbell River Community Response Network (CRN) which works with community partners to help keep vulnerable adults safe from abuse, neglect and self-neglect.
Marlene is a retired educator, social worker and school counselor. She is hearing impaired and has been wearing hearing aids for 50+ years. She has also worked with hearing impaired clients at a school for the deaf, and at an agency with hearing impaired clients.
Harry has been working with (and on) computers of all descriptions since before Windows and Macintosh even existed. He has kept up with technology and has been a strong advocate of security of information. He has previously taught courses at CREC on Google products and prevention of internet fraud.
