LUTHER COURT SOCIETY

I acknowledge that the lands on which we work and live are the unceded traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt first nations who have stewarded and cared for these lands, resources and cultural teachings with wisdom and love.  I affirm that no reconciliation can occur without complete truth telling and the cessation of systemic discrimination against Indigenous Peoples.

Susan joined the Luther Court Society’s Board of Directors in 2019 shortly after retiring from her role as the Vice President, Academics and Research at Grande Prairie Regional College in Grande Prairie, Alberta. She is privileged to have served on a variety of professional and not-for-profit boards, and to be involved in a number of social action initiatives that afforded me the privilege of putting my faith into action through service to others. Susan feels fortunate that she was able to retire to Victoria and to become involved with the Luther Court Society through the Board.

Susan’s professional career was spent as a university level English literature instructor, work she loved!  Susan holds an MA in English Literature, a BA in English, a Diploma of Education in Secondary Education (English) and an Institute of Corporate Directors designation.

In her spare time Susan loves to cook and to garden – though admits she is no expert at either! Susan and her husband will celebrate their 33rd anniversary this summer and are also looking forward to the wedding of their son in August 2022. Susan is happy and privileged to live in Victoria where she can care for my elderly parents and indulge in her lifelong interest in literature and the arts.

Susan was motivated to serve on the LCS board by a deep conviction that the service provided, and the work done, by the caring and dedicated leadership and staff of LCS is of the utmost importance to the residents and families they serve, and to our community at large. She believes strongly, too, that service to the elderly is one of the greatest of human callings; it is they who built the society we enjoy today and it is they who made us the people we are – we owe them an immeasurable debt.

I acknowledge with gratitude to the Coast Salish lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples of the Songhees, WSÁNEĆ and Esquimalt First Nations on whose unceded territory I am a guest.  I am committed to the ongoing work of reconciliation.

Craig Knight returned to the Luther Court Society’s Board of Directors in June 2022. Craig was a previous member of the Luther Court Society Board of Directors, Craig returns to the Board eager to work with the Board and staff in a time of significant change for Luther Court.

He recently served for 8 years on the Board of Directors of Canadian Blood Services and as chair of the Board’s Talent Management Committee.  Craig is a former Lutheran Pastor in the ELCA and ELCIC.  He retired in 2009 from a 23-year career with the BC Ministry of Health, which included 6 years as Assistant Deputy Minister for health legislation, professional regulation, intergovernmental relations and corporate policy.  He is an active member of Lutheran Church of the Cross.

I respectfully acknowledge that I am a  settler on the traditional lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples whose rich histories and deep connections to the land predate our presence. I approach these territories with respect, humility, and a commitment to learning from the indigenous communities who have stewarded these lands for generations. Recognizing this I seek to engage in meaningful dialogue and in the truth telling that leads to genuine reconciliation.

Donna Ross joined the Luther Court Society’s Board of Directors in September 2021.

Donna is a retired nurse and nurse continence advisor. She trained as a nurse at the Royal Jubilee in 1976 and has worked locally since. She has practiced as a clinical nurse specialist for over 20 years in the field of older adult health including education, projects and quality improvement with teams across Vancouver Island. Donna has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts (Adult education) and a Nurse Continence Advisor Certificate. She also received the CRNBC Nurse Excellence Award for Clinical Practice.

Donna enjoys spending her time caring for grandchildren, hiking, cycling, gardening and is an avid bird watcher.

Being on the Board and assisting Luther Court helps her feel she is making a contribution to the welfare of others by focusing on quality practice and continuing the mission and ethics of being a nurse.

It is with gratitude that I acknowledge and respect the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory I am a guest, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Dr. Holly Tuokko joined the Luther Court Society’s board in 2018 and is presently the Secretary for the Board of Directors.

Holly joined the board after her retirement from the University of Victoria (UVic) where she was a Professor in the Department of Psychology specializing in geriatric neuropsychology. She served as the Director of the Centre on Aging (now Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health) at the UVic from 2009-2014. Prior to joining the faculty at UVic, she served as a clinical psychologist with Elderly Outreach Service in Victoria, BC and the Alzheimer Clinic at the University of British Columbia Hospital in Vancouver, BC.

Holly’s parents were residents in Assisted Living at Luther Court and she will be forever grateful for the respectful, loving care they received.

I respectfully acknowledge that members of my family have been settlers on the traditional lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking people from approximately 1860 with my great grandparents marrying in Victoria in 1868. The Lək̓ʷəŋən n speaking people have rich histories and deep connections to the land, the sea and the air which predate my presence.

I was born near Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Fort Macleod on the Treaty Seven Territory of the Kaini and Piikani Nations. I attended the University of Lethbridge above the coulees where the Last Great Indian Battle was fought between the Cree and Blackfoot. I approach the Lək̓ʷəŋən territories as I have the Treaty Seven and Eight Territories with respect, humility and a commitment to learn from the indigenous communities who have stewarded these lands for generations. Recognizing this stewardship, through my involvement with the Luther Court Society, I seek to engage in meaningful dialogue and in the truth telling that leads to genuine reconciliation.

Patrick Coristine joined the Luther Court Society’s Board of Directors in June 2022.

Patrick (Pat) Coristine was born in the Southern Alberta town of Fort Macleod and lived in and around Lethbridge for many years. He attended the Universities of Lethbridge and Calgary, obtaining a Bachelor of Education from the latter. After a brief high school teaching career, he returned to the University of Lethbridge taking courses necessary to article for the Chartered Accountant designation, which he achieved in 1981.
Pat worked in public practice with firms in Lethbridge and Grande Prairie. For twenty years Pat was an accounting instructor at the Grande Prairie Regional College (now Northwestern Polytechnic University) teaching a wide variety of accounting, auditing and income tax courses.
Pat was involved as a volunteer with the Grande Prairie Downtown Business Association, Grande Prairie Piranhas Swim Club, Grande Prairie Minor Hockey Association and Royal Canadian Air Cadets. A highlight of his volunteer career was serving as Finance Director with Hockey Alberta for seven years.
Pat had been an Assistant Coach with his granddaughters’ hockey teams and had been a Level III Hockey Referee.
At the GPRC Pat served as Treasurer for the Academic Staff Association (ASA) and served two years as the ASA representative on the Board of Governors.

I acknowledge with respect that I am a settler on the traditional lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, recognizing their profound histories and deep connections to this land. I embrace this truth, and aim to foster meaningful dialogue and contribute to the path of genuine reconciliation through the essential process of truth-telling.

Peter Kruselnicki joined the Luther Court Society’s Board of Directors in June 2022.

Peter retired in May 2014 from TransCanada. As Vice President, Stakeholder Relations, Peter led the company’s government relations, communications/media and corporate social responsibility areas from 2007 till his retirement. He had been involved extensively in TransCanada’s strategy planning and advocacy for many of the company’s major projects, government relations strategy and advocacy and development/coordination of the company’s external communications and media, including paid, earned, and social media.

Prior to joining TransCanada, Peter worked for the Alberta Government for 26 years in several senior official capacities including Chief of Staff to Premier Klein, Deputy Minister of Finance and Secretary to Treasury Board and Deputy Minister of Labor. Prior to his becoming Deputy Minister of Labor, Peter spent 16 years in Alberta Public Works Supply and Services holding Assistant Deputy Minister roles, including Property Management and Capital Development as well as Acting Deputy Minister. Peter was also seconded to the New Zealand government and University of Victoria (Wellington) for a period of 9 months prior to joining the Premier’s office.’
Peter graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He is currently a member of APEGA. He also attended the Banff School of Advanced Management while he worked for the Alberta Government.

Peter has extensive experience and involvement with strategic policy, regulatory and legislation development, and implementation in the Province of Alberta. He also has extensive experience in working with all levels of government, industry and professional associations, and organized labor organizations. Peter has extensive experience on Crown Corporation and not-for-profit boards including the Alberta Capital Finance Corporation, Alberta Pension Administration Corporation, Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation, Careers – The Next Generation, Chair of The Bethany Care Foundation, Director of The Nature Conservancy of Canada (Alberta) Board, Director on the Alberta Enterprise Group Board and Member of the Board of The Brenda Strafford Foundation.

I respectfully acknowledge that we are settlers on the traditional lands of the SENCOTEN, Malchosen, Lək̓ʷəŋən, Simiahmoo, T’Sou-ke peoples whose rich histories and deep connections to the land predate our presence.  I approach these territories with respect, humility and a commitment to learning from their indigenous communities who have stewarded these lands for generations.  In recognition of this we seek to engage in meaningful dialogue and in the truth telling that leads to genuine reconciliation.

Gerry spent most of his career as an educator and a psychologist.  In addition to a B.A. in General Arts he holds a B.Ed. & and M.Ed. in Educational Psychology and a Ph.D in Counselling Psychology.  He was a School Superintendent in Manitoba, a high school principal prior to that, held a role as a Divisional Consultant for Special Education and Student Services and also practiced as a Psychologist at a Child Guidance Clinic.

Gerry’s volunteer work includes being on the board of Middle Church Home in Manitoba, as a volunteer with OCOD, training teachers/administrators in Caribbean countries, a trainer of volunteers for the Canadian International Development Agency (C.I.D.A.), a board member for the Victoria Cool Aid Society, and an ESS volunteer for Saanich.  He has been a member of Lutheran Church of the Cross for many years, has served as a member of the board there, as well as a committee member of the BC Synod Missions Committee, and a Board member of the Lutheran Theological Seminary.

My name is Rebecca Wong and I have joined the Board of Directors of Luther Court for a three year term (2023-2026). I currently work as a Social Policy Researcher with the federal government of Canada, in the department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs. I work to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within the department. I have been with the federal government for over 6 years, working in various capacities, including as an Assistant Negotiator, a Parliamentary Affairs Officer and a Policy Analyst.

I moved to the territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, and the lands of the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ Nations (Victoria, BC) from unceded and traditional Anishinabe territory (Ottawa) in 2022 to begin the University of Victoria’s joint Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders program. I am passionate about Indigenous rights and self-determination because my mother is Bidayuh, who are an Indigenous people from the island of Borneo, Malaysia. I am grateful to be living here and that my family has been given an opportunity to build a new home on land far away from our ancestors. It has been my privilege and honour to be learning from and about the Indigenous peoples of the lands to which my parents chose to move.

I completed my Masters of Science in Migration Studies from the University of Oxford in 2019 and my Master’s thesis focused on what the Canadian citizenship study guide taught newcomers about Indigenous histories. Prior to this, I completed my Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Conflict Studies and Human Rights with a minor in Indigenous Studies from the University of Ottawa in 2018. I am also certified as a Third-Party Neutral with the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution. Training for this certification included 160 hours developing facilitation, mediation and group conflict skills.

I joined the Board of Directors of Luther Court because I also have a background working with adults and children with developmental disabilities. I was involved with Best Buddies Canada for 4 years and also volunteered at a respite care agency in Ottawa for children and adults with complex special and medical needs. I am excited to join Luther Court to understand more how service agencies operate and provide care. Outside of school and work, I am the Secretary and a Board of Directors member of Indigenous Youth Roots which is a national Indigenous youth-led organization. I am a member of Lutheran Church of the Cross and regularly volunteer with live-streaming. I spend most of my free time walking and hiking Victoria’s beautiful beaches and trails with my husband and our 11 lb Yorkshire Terrier, Hank.

I respectfully acknowledge that I am a settler on the traditional lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples whose rich histories and deep connections to the land predate my presence. I approach these territories with respect, humility, and a commitment to learning from the indigenous communities who have stewarded these lands for generations. Recognizing this I seek to engage in meaningful dialogue and in the truth telling that leads to genuine reconciliation.

Alison is a retired Social Worker.  Her career began 30 years ago as an Early Childhood Educator and concluded at Island Health as the Supervisor of the Community Care Facilities Licensing Program. Her responsibilities there included administration and enforcement of the Community Care and Assisted Living Act and the associated Residential Care Regulation and Child Care Licensing Regulations.  She was a subject matter expert for the BC Justice Institute in developing Investigation Training for Licensing Officers. Alison has completed training in Administrative Law, Leadership and Executive Coaching through Island Health.

Over the 30 years of her career, Alison has worn many hats in service to vulnerable people.  She has been a student mentor and practicum supervisor for Camosun College, College of New Caledonia and    U-Vic.  She has worked for two non-profit societies: the Supported Child Care Program in Campbell River and the Elizabeth Fry Society in Prince George, and has sat on multiple advisory and inter-agency boards.

Both of Alison’s parents live at Luther Court.

I acknowledge I am a settler, on the traditional unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, including the Songhees, Esquimalt, and WSÁNEĆ nations. I embrace this truth, and aim to foster meaningful dialogue and contribute to the path of genuine reconciliation.

With an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care for seniors, Kevin brings a wealth of experience as an elder care leader. Throughout his remarkable career, Kevin has dedicated over two decades to ensuring that seniors receive the highest quality of care, enriching their lives with compassion, innovation, and dignity.

Kevin’s journey in elder care began when he discovered his true calling in Long Term Care, recognizing the importance of fostering a supportive community. His passion for creating a nurturing environment has been the driving force behind his transformative leadership.

Prior to joining Luther Court, Kevin served as the CEO at Victoria Hospice, where he made a significant impact during his five-year tenure. He also held the esteemed position of president and CEO at York Care Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick. (The largest long-term care facility in New Brunswick) His extensive experience in these roles highlights his ability to bring positive change and elevate the standards of care for seniors.

As CEO, Kevin leads a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, working tirelessly to deliver outstanding services to the Luther Court community. Collaborating closely with the leadership team, he ensures the seamless execution of operations, maintains crucial relationships with key stakeholders, secures vital resources, and actively promotes and safeguards the integrity of Luther Court.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kevin finds solace and joy in his loving family. Married to his wonderful wife, Olga, they share the blessings of two incredible children, Anton and Lora. Completing their family are two adorable fur-babies, Nova and Niko, who bring additional warmth and love to their lives.

I respectfully acknowledge that I am a guest on the traditional lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples. Recognizing this I seek to engage in meaningful dialogue and in the truth telling that leads to genuine reconciliation.

Darrell Eng joined Luther Court Society in 2019 as the Chief Financial Officer. Darrell is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant with experience in Public Practice, and the Telecommunication, Transportation, Technology, Government, Aviation and Not-For-Profit sectors.

Darrell is inspired by the sacrifice of his grandmother and parents, and their unconditional love. Darrell spends his time away from LCS with his wife and sons.

Recognizing my presence as a settler on the ancestral lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples: I hold deep respect for their ancient ties to this land, and will strive for genuine reconciliation through dialogue and understanding.

Carolyn Hoekstra joined the Luther Court team in 2018 and is the Director of Residential & Support Services.

Carolyn has a Bachelor of Music Therapy and her Masters in Health Studies.

Carolyn is inspired by all the people that make up the Luther Court community; the selflessness that is demonstrated every day by those that work at LCS, and also those who call Luther Court their home.

When not at LCS, Carolyn enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, her dog and cat.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” – St. Francis of Assisi.

Chelsea Wozniak (she/her) is of European ancestry and is a settler on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ people. She recognizes the harms caused by colonization and is committed to continued learning about her role in truth before reconciliation.

Chelsea started as the Director of Primary Health Care and Community at Luther Court in 2022. Before completing her Master of Arts in Health Leadership from the Royal Roads University, she worked as a Registered Nurse in a variety of primary care, acute care and community settings.

When away from work, you will find Chelsea enjoying time outdoors with her partner, two children and rescue dog.

I respectfully acknowledges being an uninvited settler on the ancestral lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples. For the sake of our children I continue to seek guidance from indigenous communities, and move toward genuine reconciliation, while living with my uncomfortable truths.

In 2018 I joined the team as Chaplain and Coordinator of Volunteers at Luther Court. I am an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, who has served congregations in Edson and Sherwood Park, Alberta  followed by chaplaincy in Long Term Care, and BC Corrections.

The outdoors is a place of enjoyment for me to hike, cycle, garden, and play around the water with his family.

Each day, I look to connect with people and listen to their life stories where shared smiles, tears and laughter are all sources of inspiration.

Peter acknowledges being an uninvited guest on the ancestral lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ nations. He continues to learn these painful truths, while respectfully striving to develop a deeper understanding of our past, which in turn, may lead us to a more positive and substantive reconciliation.

Peter began as the Building Services Manager at Luther Court in 2023. He was a licensed Strata and Rental Manager, and brings nearly two decades of experience of facilities and property management. Peter began his career as a Marine Engineer in the Canadian Navy and then worked several years working as a Shipwright, building and repairing yachts.

When not working, Peter and his wife Karen enjoy travelling by motorcycle throughout British Columbia with their friends.

I begin my introduction by acknowledging that myself and my family are uninvited guests on the traditional territories of  the Lək̓ʷəŋən, Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationship with the land continue to this day.

My name is Robin Love and my family and relations are territorially from Scotland, England, Ireland, Scandinavia, Russia, Germany, Eastern & Western Europe.

I have had the privilege of working in health care in various roles for over 20 years and am passionate about my role as a Social Worker working alongside seniors and those who call Luther Court their home. I am married to a brilliant person and have two amazing daughter’s, a dog and a cat. My family and I hold a lot of gratitude to live, grow, laugh, learn, and age on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples.