Meet our team
The CFBC team is comprised of people from all across the province. Our diversity and life experiences help us to meet our participants where they are at. Every day we show up to make a difference and help to empower the next generation.
Abigail Fulton is the Executive Director of the Construction Foundation, a Canadian charity focused on building the next generation of skilled workers. A lawyer by profession, Ms. Fulton has extensive experience working with industry and government on regulatory and policy issues impacting the construction industry. Throughout her career, Ms. Fulton has been very active in promoting industry training, apprenticeship and supporting workforce development, with an emphasis on labour market attachment for women, indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada and youth at risk. Prior to moving to BC in 1998, Ms. Fulton practiced law in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Abigail Fulton, B.A. LL.B
Executive Director
Michelle resides in Celista and is a member of St'uxwtéws (Bonaparte First Nation) located in the Secwepemc Nation. Michelle has over 20 years of working in First Nations Education as a Teacher, Principal and a FNESC/FNSA Regional Principal. Additionally, Michelle has worked with over 20 First Nations Communities in BC, supporting education and communities as they grow their circle of strong and proud First Nations Learners. Community and relationships are important to Michelle and she is excited to continue to support our First Nation Communities and members as they build pathways and opportunities that will lead to life-long careers.
Michelle Canaday, B. Ed. M. Ed.
Director of First Nations Initiatives
Kim brings more than 20 years of industry experience to CFBC. From receptionist to bookkeeper to executive assistant she understands the importance of being well organized. Kim was instrumental in purchasing and distributing more than $3M in shop class equipment to high schools through the CFBC’s Project Shop Class initiative.
Kim is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and a member in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. Being of Cree descent and spending her teen years as a youth in care Kim has a genuine passion for the initiatives the Foundation is currently pursuing.
Kim Crevatin, RCIC
Director of Operations
Therese brings her experience from the private sector, provincial government and First Nations to CFBC. She holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Victoria where she graduated with honours and has worked in policy analysis, government communications, hospitality and tourism, health administration and First Nations Band Administration. She is trained in public speaking, drug and alcohol counselling and crisis communications. In her spare time, Therese dedicates her life to family and to personal healing. She is blessed with a partner of over 30 years, two adult sons and family in Norway, BC and the Yukon.
Therese Hagen
Indigenous Relations Lead
Dean is Kaska/Tlingit and member of the Wolf Clan from Liard, Yukon. He has been a professional artist since 1993. He graduated from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art - First Nations Fine Arts 2 year program with honours in 2008. Encouraged to teach, he was an instructor and program coordinator for the Freda Diesing School in Terrace, B.C. for seven years before returning to Victoria in 2017. He has gone on to demonstrate and teach at workshops in communities and abroad. As the Indigenous Skills, Artist in Residence, he enjoys demonstrating access to skilled trades to youth through creating art.
Dean Heron
Indigenous Skills, Artist in Residence
Dave Lovisa is a proud Red Seal carpenter and qualified instructor of the Carpenter Apprenticeship Technical Training programs with a life-long passion for the skilled trades. Lovisa apprenticed with a small-town contractor, learning all aspects of residential construction. At 23 years of age, he was a licensed journeyman and started his first construction company. His career took him across Canada, gaining valuable experience in other sectors of the trades, including commercial, industrial, and institutional construction. He continues to promote and guide others in their journey into the skilled trades and the “Road to Red Seal” program.
Dave Lovisa, RSE TD
Learning Strategist, Road to Red Seal
Colleen has been with the Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC) since May 2016, serving as the Director of Public Relations. In this role, she has significantly contributed to the growth and sustainability of CFBC’s brand and operational capacity. Colleen enjoys working across CFBC’s initiatives, connecting with donors and bursary recipients.
Prior to joining CFBC, Colleen spent two decades in sales and marketing roles, honing her skills as a brand evangelist , managing large-scale event activations and volunteering her time to support community impact efforts. She is currently pursuing her MA in Leadership at Royal Roads University.
Colleen McConnell
Director of Public Relations
Jordan brings a mix of experiences working in industry and with youth programming. He completed a research degree in International Development Studies in Lund, Sweden before returning to Canada to work as a carpenter’s helper in commercial construction. Jordan has led youth programming for the United Way Greater Victoria's Youth in Action initiative as well as a on a volunteer basis developing youth Ultimate programming. Before joining the Foundation, he was working on BC Construction Associations workforce development initiatives. Jordan has lived in the Middle East and Europe and has a passion for building strong community locally and internationally.
Jordan Perrault
Director of Strategic Initiatives
René Ragetli is a teacher by profession. Following his years as a classroom teacher, René worked in construction, managing commercial and residential projects. He then brought this education and industry background to Skills Canada where he coordinated the regional and provincial competitions and developed and managed new career exploration programs for five years. René joined the Construction Foundation in 2017 primarily focused on engaging with youth through the Skills Ready and Build Green Together programs.
Rene Ragetli, B.Ed. M.A.
Director of Project Operations
Allison has worked in the non-profit sector as a project manager, community engagement professional, and business owner for over 20 years with a concentration on community engagement, strategic event planning and social equity.
Passionate about people and the environment, she thrives on working in teams that collaborate to ensure meaningful outcomes. Her role of Community Engagement & Logistics Manager, working mainly with Indigenous communities and Newcomers to Canada, marry her skills and her passions perfectly.
When not at work, you can find Allison out in the community and exploring life.
Allison Ainsley
Manager, Community Engagement & Logistics
Justin Young is a remarkable individual who walks a profound path of healing, self-development, and love. As a Heart Speaker and Circle Keeper, he embodies wisdom and compassion, supporting others on their journeys of growth and transformation. Justin’s innate ability to connect deeply with people allows him to create sacred spaces where individuals can be heard, seen, and embraced.
He serves as a guide, listener, and facilitator, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within communities. As a Circle Keeper, Justin understands the power of community and the significance of shared experiences.
Justin Young
Heart Speaker, Circle Keeper
Shane Roy is a member of the Big Stone Cree Nation located, in Alberta’s Treaty 8 territory. His Cree mother and Tsimshian father raised him in Fort St. John, BC, where he started his apprenticeship in the automotive industry. Shane joined the Foundation as a Career Catalyst and believes in the work of supporting career road map development. Shane previously learned how to Grass Dance, which is integral to his sense of honour in being an Indigenous man.
Shane Roy
Career Catalyst
Chelsea Woodford is a descendant of the Norway House Cree Nation and has a passion for the CFBC’s Indigenous initiatives. Chelsea is the Foundation’s Finance Officer and is also one of the cheerful voices you hear when you call the office. Chelsea currently holds a certificate in Office Administration and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with aspirations to achieve her CPA designation in the future. She enjoys spending her spare time watching movies, camping, fishing, and spending time with loved ones.
Chelsea Woodford
Finance Officer
Jenny comes to the Construction Foundation with a wealth of experience in the non-profit community services sector. With a deeply held commitment to harm reduction in all its complexities, the bulk of her experience has been working alongside individuals living with homelessness and addiction concerns. She has had the privilege of providing case management, advocacy, and frontline crisis response to Victoria’s resilient populations for 15 years. Jenny is passionate about creating spaces of belonging and opportunities for wellness within our marginalized and underserved communities.
Jenny Nadeau
Director of Outreach and Community Programs
Tara Whitney brings vast experience and knowledge of Indigenous culture as a member of the Tsuu T’ina Nation and as an industry representative working with Indigenous communities across the prairies. Ms. Whitney has much experience working with industry in community engagement and believes that industry and Indigenous communities can work together in an environmentally sound and mutually beneficial way.
Tara Whitney
Consultant
Patsy, traditionally named, Spirit Woman, was born and raised in Fort St. John, BC and is a member of Bigstone Cree Nation in Wabasca, Alberta. Patsy works one-on-one with First Nations communities across the province. In 2005, Patsy obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Northern British Columbia. Since that time, she has worked with Indigenous people and communities in a variety of capacities.
Patsy is a mother of four and kohkum (grandmother) of two. Her interests include Indigenous culture, law, hockey, and music.
Patsy Greyeyes
Catalyst, Indigenous Communities
Wendy is the Finance Clerk at CFBC and brings with her over 24 years of experience in accounts payable for construction industry organizations. Wendy is originally from Portugal Cove, Newfoundland and moved to Victoria 28 years ago, calling it home ever since. In her spare time, you can find her hiking, biking and enjoying the great outdoors in BC. Wendy is also the friendly voice you hear when you call the Victoria office, so say hi the next time you call!
Wendy Churchill
Finance Clerk
Daria Lysenko has been a valuable member of the CFBC team since October 2022. Bringing a decade of human rights advocacy, extensive social work, human resources experience, and a legal degree, she champions interests of newcomers to Vancouver Island and helps them to break down barriers to adaption and career growth in Canada.
Outside of work, Daria volunteers in Ukrainian organizations and dedicates time to self-development, reading, traveling, music, and raising her son. Her philosophy of life, inspired by Maya Angelou, is a reminder that even in tough times, life goes on and will be better tomorrow.
Daria Lysenko
Community Catalyst
Keri joined CFBC from supporting educational school systems within Indigenous communities over the last 13 years. She enjoys working with students on skill development and furthering their educational pathways and working towards their future goals.
Outside of work Keri enjoys being in nature and walks on the beaches with her dogs, trying new baking recipes, and traveling to see the world.
Keri Taylor
Manager of Operations, Indigenous Programs
Kandi joined the Foundation from an employment services background, bringing passion and energy to create a supportive work environment for her team.
In the early years of her career, she worked within charitable organizations as a community engagement and event management professional to inspire giving and funding opportunities to support health care for all British Columbians.
Kandi has always believed it is important to provide youth with opportunities to explore different career paths and is excited to be a part of an organization that creates a supportive learning environment for all future generations and their journey to a successful career.
Kandi Kozler
Manager of Operations
Thirty years ago Michelle was first introduced to the trades, working closely with apprentices and employers to identify skilled trades training opportunities. In her role with CFBC, Michelle is specifically responsible for establishing, implementing and overseeing the Road to Red Seal program.
Michelle has served as Manager of Completions with ITA, identifying common barriers and finding solutions to reduce those barriers within apprenticeship. Michelle worked as Manager of Apprenticeship Services with BC Construction Industry Training Organization where she worked with apprentices, industry stakeholders, training providers, and employer sponsors to improve continuation and remove barriers for apprentices in BC.
Michelle Anderlini
Director of Learning Support Initiatives
Kate Markham-Zantvoort brings over 35 years of expertise in landscape design and construction, backed by formal training as a landscape architect. Since 2017, she has combined her technical skills with a passion for community building, leading volunteer groups and spearheading transformative building renovation projects within the construction charity sector.
A fierce advocate for diversity in the trades, Kate is dedicated to mentoring women and uplifting underrepresented voices, including 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, as they forge successful careers in construction. As an active member of several women-in-trades networks, she channels her experience and leadership to foster equity, inclusion, and lasting impact across the industry.
Kate Markham-Zantvoort
Career Catalyst
Lisa is a Red Seal Journeyperson Electrician and has been in industry for 22 years. She commits her time to supporting the trades through multiple organizations and committees. Her commitments include being a Regional Representative with the BC Centre for Women in the Trades and sitting on CUPE’s BC Skilled Trades committee. She is a Director at Large with the BC Tradeswomen Society and serves as a Board Member with the CNC.
Scott loves sharing her story, accomplishments and helping more people access trades opportunities because they can provide a great future and financial independence.
Lisa Scott
Catalyst, Apprenticeship Promotion and Progression
Olaf Nielsen has over 40 years of workforce experience in construction and education. Notable successes include the development of new trades course for the Shipbuilding and Repair sector, trades programs for Youth, Women, and Indigenous students, as well as the opportunity to work with remote Indigenous communities in the delivery of in-situ apprenticeship technical training. Currently, he works with CFBC in collaboration with Richard Hall of Nuxalk Nation in preparing an Educational Pathway based on the West Coast Building Standard (WCBS). Nielsen’s work with Nuxalk includes developing teaching and learning resources that are based on WCBS’s principles and processes.
Olaf Nielsen
CFBC Project Coordinator
Colleen is an Educational Consultant dedicated to fostering inclusive and accessible apprenticeship education. As the former Manager of Program Standards at SkilledTradesBC, she played a key role in developing BC programs and Interprovincial Red Seal standards. Colleen has an extensive background in adult education for newcomers and has led numerous curriculum and resource initiatives. With an M.Ed from the University of Calgary, her work has been recognized with the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship Award and the BC TEAL 50 at 50 Award. She is thrilled to join CFBC’s multi-year research project addressing barriers and exploring solutions in trades education.
Colleen Rogan M. Ed.
Educational Consultant
At age 30, Randy Grey received his Shop Teachers Bachelors degree and would go on to teach in shop classes for the next 20 years. Grey then developed the Career Education department in School District 71 in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, with an emphasis on engaging and recruiting youth interested in the the trades industry. Following retirement in 2019, Grey has continued to teach and work with First Nations communities to set up woodworking shops and run hands-on workshops to provide participants with an opportunity to see if they would like to pursue a trade.
Randy Grey
Career Catalyst
Shanna is a Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizen (Ucluelet First Nations), living in Nanaimo on beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
In her role, as a Learning Support Catalyst with Construction Foundation, she works one-on-one with apprentices as a learning strategist and provides literacy support for CFBC initiatives; Shanna is Reading Recovery certified. She is a K-12 certified BC teacher who spent ten years teaching in First Nations schools. She understands how to speak some Hul’q’umi’num’ and is a Northwest Coast Native Artist. She has worked with Indigenous people and communities teaching and supporting Indigenous children and youth
Shanna Hatfield, B.A., B.Ed
Learning Support Catalyst, Indigenous
Amy has been a Red Seal Welder since 1998 and began her journey into instructing in 2006 teaching various levels of welding at 3 different colleges and even overseas. She then moved into programs and projects with a focus on pathways for apprentice entry and retention. She is a fierce advocate for trades as a rewarding career and loves seeing people progress and succeed. When not working she’s engaged in one of her million hobbies usually with one of her three kids or many dogs.
Amy Charette, RSE
Learning Support Catalyst
With nearly 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Trevor has built a solid reputation as a Red Seal Journey Carpenter, Superintendent, and is recognized as a dynamic leader and for his contagious enthusiasm. In 2022, Trevor was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Victoria and named an Honorary Citizen by the City of Victoria. These honors were awarded for his dedication to community leadership, positive social impact, and his advocacy in sharing his personal recovery experience related to addiction and concurrent mental health challenges to create awareness and opportunities; to create space so others might realize recovery in their own lives.
