Board of Directors

Chair

Elmie Saaltink

I spent 25 years as a social worker, mainly in the health care field. Every day I saw the links between poverty and health and well-being, and the importance of strong community supports. Working with the Access Society lets me continue to work on building a stronger, more supportive community. I was formerly the Chair of the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society, and serve on the Board of the Seniors Wellness Society. Just for fun, I play the cello, and spend time in my garden.

Secretary

Karen St. Martin

I have been on the Board of Access since June 2013. I am a Board member because I want to give back to the community that has been so good to me. What gives me the passion to work hard for this group are the personal stories. Stories that tell that poverty can happen to anybody at anytime. I also see employees who care about their clients and want to help make their situations better-whatever it takes! The Access movement…being accessible for people living in poverty to help them improve their life. I have worked in the administration field for the federal government for 33 years and in my spare time I like to golf, hike, and travel!

Member

Amy MacDonald

Biography to come….

Vice-Chair

Marjorie King

I grew up in Summerland, graduated from Summerland High School and attended UBC graduating with a BSc. in Agriculture with a Major in Food Science. Along the way I also completed a BA in Psychology and an MEd. in Counseling Education. For most of my working life I was employed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre located in Summerland. I was on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Centre in the 1980s and 1990s. After a break I returned and have been part of the transition to Penticton and Area Access Society. I am very proud of our staff and the work that they do. I know they are filling an important need in Penticton.

Member

Michelle Turner

When I flew out to Penticton almost 8 yrs ago, my brother handed me a job ad for the Executive Director of the Access Centre, the plane had barely landed.  I had just retired from what I considered my last job in Saskatchewan where I worked as a Social Worker/Community Development/Community Economic Development and in Administration, all but three years in the non-profit sector. I was fortunate enough to do Community Development in Paraguay, in India and Nepal and then a longer stint in Zambia.

I took the job ad as a sign and applied, had an interview a week later and to my surprise was hired.  How fortunate to find employment that matches one’s personal and professional principles. It was a privilege to work with the Board and Staff for three years, and three years later was asked to sit on the Board.