Meet Our Team
Terry Lake
CEO
Terry trained and practiced as a veterinarian and taught animal health technology before entering public life as an elected representative. He served as councillor and then Mayor of the City of Kamloops and then was elected Member of the Legislature for the riding of Kamloops North Thompson in 2009. He served as Minister of the Environment from 2011-2013 and Minister of Health from 2013-2017. He was awarded the Canadian Public Health Association Public Health Hero Award in 2017 for his groundbreaking work on the opioid overdose crisis. He is a recipient of the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Achievement Award and the British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association Award of Merit. Terry was VP of Corporate Social Responsibility for Hexo Corporation, one of Canada’s largest cannabis producers from 2017-2019. Terry and his spouse Lisa have three grown daughters and live in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Cathy Szmaus
Vice President, Operations and Corporate Partnerships
Cathy has an extensive background in retail management and customer service, along with experience organizing political events at both the municipal and provincial levels. Before joining the Association, Cathy worked as a freelance writer and wrote a number of popular care provider profiles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature) and a post-graduate diploma in Art History from the University of British Columbia. Not one to let her vacation days go unused, Cathy enjoys travelling across B.C. and abroad.
Snezana Ristovski
Director of Programs and Organizational Development
Snezana graduated from York University with a Specialized Honours in Public Policy & Administration as well as a Bachelor in Education. Snezana started off her career in the banking and insurance industries specializing in business analysis, project leadership, process reengineering, continuous improvements, managing operations and organizational change which lead her to a new-found passion in helping people develop, feel cared for, valued and respected as a people manager. Snezana then went on to attain her Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. In her personal time, Snezana likes to take local road trips, adventure on hiking trails, travel abroad, pick up a few new dance steps, and play board games with family.
Rebecca Frederick
Director of EngAge BC and Public Affairs
Rebecca Frederick is the Director of EngAge BC, an operating arm of BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) which supports independent living and home health operators. She is also the Director of Public Affairs. Recognized as a natural collaborator, Rebecca is passionate about working toward a B.C. that is better for seniors. Prior to coming to BCCPA, Rebecca spent five years working with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. She holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Victoria, where she focused on health and aging.Â
Lara Croll
Director of Policy Partnerships and Workforce Development
Originally from Abbotsford, Lara Croll holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Simon Fraser University, and an undergraduate degree in Economics. Prior to joining the BCCPA team, Lara interned for the BC Care Providers Association in 2014, as well as working in the customer service industry for eight years. On weekends, Lara enjoys swimming, pottery, and volunteering for Watari Counselling and Services Society.
Marjahn O’Connor
Senior Manager, Programs
Marjahn comes to EngAge BC with a background working in both customer service and non-profit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in international studies from Simon Fraser University, where she pursued a specialized concentration in international security and conflict. Prior to joining EngAge BC, Marjahn supported various workplace health and safety initiatives for B.C.’s continuing care sector as the Programs and Events Coordinator for SafeCare BC. In her spare time, you can likely find Marjahn at the gym, on the mountains, walking her dog, or attempting to travel the globe
Marife Sonico
Executive Assistant and Manager, Board Relations
Marife gained her professional experience in administration, governance support and program coordination from working in various organizations in the non-profit sector. She came to BCCPA from the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. where she provided administrative support to the Registrar/CEO’s Office and the Board of Directors. Prior to that, she worked at Vantage Point moving progressively in different roles such as Workshops and Office Coordinator, Reporting Analyst, and Office Manager. In her spare time, she goes to the gym with her husband, son and daughter, after which they reverse the benefits of the activity by eating a hearty meal. Aside from her interest in seniors care, Marife is passionate about supporting children with autism to allow them to reach their full potential.
Cristine Liu
Finance Manager
After moving from mainland China to Atlantic Canada, Cristine received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from University of New Brunswick. She travelled west to Alberta and then to B.C., while gaining expertise in different industries including both non-profit and for-profit organizations. She is an accountant, a volunteer, wife, mother, and dog lover. Cristine is proud to serve the needs of her community.
Christopher Whyne
Project Manager - FAST Seniors Care Initiative
Chris’ career spans multiple sectors including career development and health, and focuses on successfully delivering transformational initiatives for equity deserving groups. Chris has facilitated learning inside and outside of formal classrooms. His qualifications include training in management, adult education and career development, and certifications in project management.
Andrea Mameri
Manager Events, Administration and Member Services
Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) from the University of British Columbia and a Public Relations Certificate from Simon Fraser University. Andrea has worked in catering sales and membership administration with the Terminal City Club, in events with the BC Children's Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society, and managed marketing initiatives for local real estate company. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys petting any dog that crosses her path, ruining friendships over a game of Monopoly, eating ramen while re-watching all seasons of The Office, and reassuring her mom (who lives in Brazil) that she’s ok.
Jamie Lozano
Media and Communications Specialist
Jamie is a recent graduate with a BA in Sociology, minor in Political Science, from the University of British Columbia. She previously worked on a project with UBC Open Educational Resources where she helped develop accessible writing resources for first-year STEM students. Jamie volunteered at Mount St. Joseph hospital from which she has extensive experience in working with seniors in care, and brings a passion for seniors and making our system better for BC’s older adults. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and painting small landscapes for her friends.
Melike Bilgin
Jr. Programs Coordinator
Melike is a recent graduate with a BA, Major in Psychology and Minor in Counselling & Human Development from Simon Fraser University. Melike’s most recent experience is as an Assistant Manager at the Body Energy Club where she was able to train new recruits and provided consultation to clients on nutritional sales. Melike loves to spend time in the gym, volunteering, reading books, hiking, ice skating, and paddleboarding. A few interesting facts about Melike is that she is fluent in Turkish and that she enjoys meeting new people and exploring new places and different cuisines.
Jessica Whitecotton
Programs Accounts Coordinator
Jessica is a Certified Bookkeeper from the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada and brings her client experience as a contractor in her own business and other service sectors working with several different accounting packages and office software. She enjoys spare time activities with her family, camping and fishing. Jessica rides ATVs and has a strong passion for reading.
Hayley Morrin
Programs Administrator
Hayley was a co-op student in 2020 and returns to BCCPA as a Programs Administrator. She studied Business Administration at Simon Fraser University (SFU), undertaking a double concentration in Human Resources and Marketing which makes her a great addition to the Programs & Organizational Development team. Hayley is passionate about people, the world and how we connect with one another. Through years of work experience in several retail outlets and a year of volunteering as a peer coach at SFU, Hayley has developed an extensive inventory of business, communication and service skills that she is eager to put to work at BCCPA. Outside of the office, Hayley enjoys being physically active and creative, and can be found doing yoga, weightlifting, hiking or painting art on canvas.
Jasdeep Singh Gulati
Energy Specialist
Jasdeep is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and holds a Master of Science in Energy Management, a Bachelor of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, and a mechanical diploma, withal bringing his vast experience and knowledge to benefit our members with energy efficiency, renewables, and GHG emission reduction. He has industry-rich experience working previously with various engineering conglomerates such as Bosch GmbH, Panasonic, Sustainable Projects Group, and Kambo Energy, which will help support our members in preparing carbon emission reduction strategy, project planning, and execution. In his leisure time, Jasdeep loves to spend time with his family and friends. Another interesting fact about Jasdeep is that he enjoys cooking tasty Indian gravies, traveling, and going on adventures.
Lisa Jennings
Employer Relations Specialist
Lisa brings to the team 25 years of emergency medical services, 20 years in Customized Employment as well as an undergraduate degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and Disability Management. Lisa also has lived experience being the primary care giver for her parents. When Lisa is not advocating for those in her community, you can find her on a walk in the forest, canoeing or whitewater rafting.
