Kathryn Anthistle
Director
Kathryn Anthistle has extensive experience as a lawyer in both the public and private sector, financial services, capital markets, securities law and regulation in Toronto and Vancouver. She is a mother to 3 children, including twins. She has a passion for the principles of equity and inclusion, including gender equity. In addition to an LL.B., she has a Hons. BSc., including a major in gender studies. She has advocated for necessary supports and inclusion for children with disabilities since entering the daycare and education system in BC with her own children. She serves on the Accessibility and Advisory Committee through her employer at the British Columbia Securities Commission and has prior community experience through organizations such as the United Way. She is a youth soccer volunteer coach with Port Moody Soccer Club, encouraging teamwork and development for players through a positive learning environment. She is thrilled to serve on the CVS Board and contribute to the advancement of inclusion for the people CVS serves and their families, facilitating opportunities and access for all in realizing full human rights and fulfillment within the community.
Board of Directors
The Community Ventures Society (CVS) has an excellent Board of Directors made up of parents, educators, business owners and professionals who are champions and advocates for people with disabilities. Find out more about this great group of Directors who help share all that we do at CVS.
Leann Buteau
President
Leann Buteau, B.ED, M.ED is Principal with the Coquitlam School District who has worked as a student services teacher, low incidence case manager and school based resource teacher before becoming an administrator over 12 years ago. She is passionate about inclusive education and employment for the people we serve and looks forward to serving on the CVS board. She is the mother of 3 adult daughters and married to a retired social worker as well as an advocate for a women in her 40s who she has known since their teens.
Karen Headridge
director
Karen Headridge is the mother of a young lady who is currently in CVS’s Community Inclusion Program. Karen has served on numerous Boards and Committees that are dedicated to the advancement of inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and her experience adds depth and value to the CVS Board of Directors. Additionally, Karen has worked with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
Cynthia Zenti
Treasurer
Cynthia Zenti is Mom to an adult son who is a joyful participant at CVS. Cynthia’s professional career spans 40 years and includes; VP of Sales, Consultant, Keynote Speaker, Coaching & Training in Sales, Marketing and Personal Development. She works with both companies and individuals. Cynthia advocacy for diversity and inclusion started as a child, having a brother with Developmental Disabilities. She is passionate about helping people unlock their potential.
Clare Hetherington
Director
Clare Hetherington is the mother of a young lady who is currently in CVS’s Tamarack Inclusion Program. Clare is a retired District 43 elementary school teacher. Her experience as a resource room specialist supporting students with learning challenges and special needs is a valuable asset to the CVS Board of Directors.
Davi Bachra
Director
Davi Bachra has a wealth of experience as an educator in the local community. Davi is part of the Vocational Education and Skills Training faculty at Douglas College. Davi has a range of experience in the local community and is passionate about the work CVS undertakes as it supports people with disabilities and their families.
Kathryn Anthistle
Director
Kathryn Anthistle has extensive experience as a lawyer in both the public and private sector, financial services, capital markets, securities law and regulation in Toronto and Vancouver. She is a mother to 3 children, including twins. She has a passion for the principles of equity and inclusion, including gender equity. In addition to an LL.B., she has a Hons. BSc., including a major in gender studies. She has advocated for necessary supports and inclusion for children with disabilities since entering the daycare and education system in BC with her own children. She serves on the Accessibility and Advisory Committee through her employer at the British Columbia Securities Commission and has prior community experience through organizations such as the United Way. She is a youth soccer volunteer coach with Port Moody Soccer Club, encouraging teamwork and development for players through a positive learning environment. She is thrilled to serve on the CVS Board and contribute to the advancement of inclusion for the people CVS serves and their families, facilitating opportunities and access for all in realizing full human rights and fulfillment within the community.
Franceska Grantzidis
Director
Franceska brings over 15 years of dedicated leadership in the disability sector. Her career includes serving as the interim Executive Director at Plan Institute and as the Director of Programs at the Family Support Institute, where she led teams overseeing regional coordination, training, and communications. She has participated in numerous committees and advisory boards, including collaborations with federal and provincial governments, Advanced Care Planning Canada, and Race and Disability Canada. She has been instrumental in key initiatives such as the BC Summer Institute for Inclusive Learning at UBC and the development of the Transition Timeline online tool.
She is passionate about supporting families and individuals to build their capacities, get connected and feel empowered to contribute to conversations regarding their futures. This passion was ignited by her own personal experience with her son, who participates in the Pitt Meadows’ Community Inclusion Program.
Shivika Sharma
director
Shivika Sharma is a seasoned Project Manager with a robust background in leading cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams to oversee complex infrastructure and construction projects. Currently, she serves as Project Manager at BC Hydro, where she oversees the annual planning for multiple projects. Previously, Shivika has demonstrated her expertise by managing international projects for governmental and NATO-member navies, and coordinating large-scale infrastructure proposals.
Shivika holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Art, and Technology from Simon Fraser University and an Advanced Project Management certification from Langara College. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute.
In addition to her professional achievements, Shivika is passionate about advancing cybersecurity and Web3 technologies. She has recently joined the Board of Community Ventures Society, where she aims to leverage her skills to support the organization’s mission of facilitating opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Erin McElroy
Director
Erin McElroy is a wife, mom of three children – one of which attends CVS. Erin has sat on two previous Boards for two similar organizations one for 12 years and the other for about 5 years – Delta Lifeskills Society and Delta Life Skills Foundation.
Erin was a volunteer Auxiliary RCMP officer for 12 years, retiring in 2020 to spend more time with family. Erin works full-time Canada Safeway as part of their management team and has been there for 30 years. Her job has taken her to multiple communities throughout British Columbia.