LUTHER COURT SOCIETY

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.

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.

Craig enjoys helping friends with gardening and life in Victoria.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rebecca was born and raised in unceded Anishinabe territory, also known as Ottawa, Ontario. Her parents emigrated from Malaysia; her father is Hakka and her mother is Bidayuh. The Bidayuh are an Indigenous people from the island of Borneo. She currently works as a Social Policy Researcher in the federal government, within the department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. She has worked in the department for 6 years, in various capacities, including as an Assistant Negotiator, Policy Analyst and Parliamentary Affairs Officer. She has also completed her certification as a Third Party Neutral with the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution, specializing in facilitation, mediation and group conflict skills.

In 2022, she started in the Juris Doctor/Juris Indigenarum Doctor (Canadian Common Law & Indigenous Legal Orders) program at the University of Victoria. She previously completed her Masters of Science in Migration Studies from the University of Oxford in 2019. Her Master’s thesis looked at the intersection between Indigenous Studies and Migration Studies, specifically looking at what the Canadian citizenship test study guide taught newcomers about Indigenous histories. Previous to this, she completed her Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Conflict Studies and Human Rights with a minor in Indigenous Studies from the University of Ottawa.

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.

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.

We acknowledge our presence on the traditional unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, including the Songhees, Esquimalt, and WSÁNEĆ nations.

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.

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.

Ed Chell is Chaplain and Coordinator of Volunteers at Luther Court. Ed joined the team in 2018.

Ed is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, who has served congregations in Edson and Sherwood Park, Alberta. This was followed by chaplaincy in Long Term Care, and BC Corrections.

The outdoors is a place of enjoyment for Ed to hike, cycle and garden with his family.

Each day, Ed looks to connect with people and listen to their life stories. Shared smiles, tears and laughter are all sources of inspiration for Ed.

Peter Besteman started at Luther Court Society in 1993 in our Building Maintenance department. Peter stepped into the role of Building Services Manager in July 2022.

Peter enjoys working with the residents and staff.

When not working, Peter enjoys spending time at the lake with his family.

As a registered Social Worker with over 20 years experience working in various capacities within healthcare, Robin is a passionate and dedicated individual who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Throughout her career she has worked alongside client’s of all ages, abilities, identities, and cultural backgrounds from provincial and federal government roles to educational settings and non-profits.

Robin comes from a strengths-based trauma informed practice philosophy and is committed to assisting others on their healing journey’s and exploring new ways to author joyful and meaningful narratives to assist client’s in moving forward with their lives and their relationships.

Robin’s journey with Luther Court began many years ago when she first arrived as a Social Work practicum student. During that time, she had the opportunity to work closely with the community and learn valuable lessons from her predecessor, Lori McKenzie. The positive impact she made during her practicum was recognized, and now she returns as the Manager of Access & Community.