There is no question that this is challenging work, and at Cool Aid, we have some of the Victoria’s very best people in the sector doing it. Our compassionate, devoted team brings their hearts and souls to this work every day and we could not be more proud or grateful.
Our Leadership Team
Elin Bjarnason
Chief Executive Officer
Elin Bjarnason
Chief Executive Officer
Elin brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to Cool Aid. She has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers so people can receive the care and support they need. She holds a degree in medical rehabilitation, an Executive Master of Business Administration, and a diploma in Chinese medicine. Elin spent more than 20 years in senior leadership roles with Island Health including in clinical operations, quality, safety, experience, and admitting and patient flow. She sees partnerships with other organizations and governments as essential to providing the most accessible and supportive social services systems.
Mary Chudley
Director, Health and Support Services
Mary Chudley
Director, Health and Support Services
Mary started with Cool Aid in January 2020 and supports the health and dental clinics as well as support services. She has a Master in Health Studies and has worked extensively with Community Health Centres in Ontario. Since returning to BC in 2012, Mary has worked in policy development and patient engagement for healthcare organizations, and in engagement and communications with the City of Victoria.
Alyson Dahl
Director, Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Alyson Dahl
Director, Philanthropy and Community Engagement
With over a decade of fundraising experience, Alyson has successfully created impactful programs and secured significant funding to strengthen the community. She holds a CFRE certification and has received industry awards for her contributions. With 20 years of leadership experience, Alyson is passionate about supporting those who are often overlooked, inspired by a close family member who found help through Cool Aid. She is dedicated to making a difference by fostering partnerships and enhancing social services.
Melanie Fleming
Director, Human and Strategic Resources
Melanie Fleming
Director, Human and Strategic Resources
Melanie joined Cool Aid in 2000 and is responsible for human resources and strategic planning. Under her leadership, Cool Aid’s staff pool has grown from a small team to a diverse group of hundreds, staffing a wide variety of professions, service models, and buildings. She has a Strategic Management Certificate Program from the Certified Management Accountants of BC.
Wendy Fung Graham
Director of Finance
Wendy Fung Graham
Director of Finance
Wendy is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 25 years of finance experience including 15 years in the not-for-profit sector working with a federal political party and a national charity. Wendy is a graduate of McGill University with a B.Com in Accounting. She feels very privileged to be a part of the Cool Aid team, striving to end homelessness.
Steven Hurst
Director, Real Estate Development
Steven Hurst
Director, Real Estate Development
Steven is a Civil Engineer with extensive experience in residential development, housing market analytics, land economics, and infrastructure. He has experience working on development approvals for multi-family projects in the capital region and across Vancouver Island. He has managed housing research teams and created housing market analytics to assist developers, lenders, brokers, and governments solve real estate related issues and illustrate changing housing trends.
Clinton Kuzio
Director, Indigenous Relations and Program Dev.
Clinton Kuzio
Director, Indigenous Relations and Program Dev.
Clint Kuzio is Cree from Manitoba, the son of Cliff Kuzio and Vangie Johnston. He is a teacher, lawyer, and former public servant with the BC Ministry of Health. Prior to joining Cool Aid, Clint worked at the University of Victoria with the team at the First Peoples House, supporting Indigenous students on their educational journey. He is also a sessional instructor in the Indigenous Studies Dept. and focuses his lectures on helping students unlearn the false Indigenous narratives taught in the Canadian school system.
Michelle Leitner
Director, Capital Assets and Property Services
Michelle Leitner
Director, Capital Assets and Property Services
Michelle began her career in 2008 in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, managing shelters, supportive housing, and a mental health drop-in center while working alongside diverse communities. She is licensed in strata and rental property management through the UBC Sauder School of Business and is a Certified Property Manager through the Real Estate Institute of Canada. At BC Housing, she supported equitable housing initiatives as a Supportive Housing Advisor. Since 2020, Michelle has been with Cool Aid, continuing her commitment to inclusive and dignified housing for marginalized populations.
Don McTavish
Director, Housing and Shelters
Don McTavish
Director, Housing and Shelters
Don started in Cool Aid’s shelter program in 1996. He has a Master’s in Leadership from Royal Roads University and oversees Cool Aid’s shelter and housing operations across the region. Don is dedicated to housing and shelter for the most marginalized members of our community and he was part of the team that planned Rock Bay Landing, the region’s only purpose-built emergency shelter. Under his leadership, Cool Aid’s housing and shelter program has grown to three permanent shelters and more than 600 supportive and affordable apartments.
