Our Team

Meet our Leadership Team

Sian Lewis

Executive Director, MSW, RSW

Siân is experienced in the world of philanthropy with many years of working in the roles of strategic planning and governance of Day One Society in partnership with Board of Directors along with a focus on solid financial performance and viability. She adds operational oversight of Day One Society’s programs and services to align with the Society’s mission, values, and strategic direction.

On May 8, 2024, Siân received the prestigious Community Award by the BC Achievement Foundation. Since assuming this role in 2011, her leadership has transformed the organization by redefining its mission, rebranding, and expanding service offerings to better serve the community.

Nancy Eld

Finance Manager, CPA, CA, MBA

Nancy has spent most of her career in the non-profit sector providing both strategic and operational oversight (both financial and administrative). She joined Day One Society as the Finance Manager where she manages all financial duties and requirements as well as human resources, payroll, and information technology. Nancy works closely with Siân on dealing with facilities and property management duties for Day One Society.

Meet our Board of Directors

Marilyn McLean

President

Marilyn is a retired Assistant Superintendent from School District #73 (Kamloops/Thompson) with a career spanning 35 years in various roles. She joined the Day One Society Board because she has long admired the work done by the staff and mentions, “They are contributing to a healthy community, and I wanted to be part of this important work. I believe Resilience = Vision + Commitment + Action, and the staff and Board ensure the vision, commitment, and action are possible.”

Marilyn is proud to bring leadership, communication, and optimism to her role as Board President and notes that Day One Society impacts the community by building resilience in each and every person who avails themselves of the supports provided. The Society provides the opportunity for people to find the help to hope for a better future as they continue their journey of healing.

Dr. Stan Fike

Vice President

As a retired family physician, Dr. Stan Fike spent 32 years as an addiction physician at Day One Society.

Stan joined the Board after retiring from his position at Day One Society to continue his contributions to the ongoing work they do. He brings a solid understanding of governance, a team-based approach to problem solving, and an understanding of issues faced by the clients served by Day One Society.

Providing an evolving, client-centered, and up-to-date detoxification service to countless individuals seeking the first step in sobriety and recovery, Day One Society also provides counselling and support for youth and families dealing with drug and alcohol issues. The Society has assisted with policy development in the community and partners with many agencies to improve outcomes and increase supports for those in need of such services.

Carol Tennessy

Secretary

Carol moved to Kamloops ten years ago after retiring from a long career with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). She gained significant experience in finance, public affairs and human resources during her career including corporate experience while working in BDC’s Head Office in Montreal and retired as Director of Human Resources for Western Canada. Since moving to Kamloops, Carol has been active in Rotary serving on the board of the Rotary Club of Kamloops West, including the role of club President. Carol believes strongly in giving back to one’s community by volunteering and as such, supports the Food Bank drive, the Boys and Girls Club school breakfast program, Salvation Army and the 100 Women Who Care organisation.

Brian Pilbeam

Treasurer

Bryan Pilbeam is the Chief Operating Officer of Invictus Properties Inc., owner and operators of Delta by Marriott Hotel Kamloops, The Hive Kamloops Commercial Development, Stills Co., Centrepoint Kamloops, and other commercial real estate.

Bryan brings a wealth of Board Leadership, Corporate Leadership, financial acumen, and creativity to the Board of Directors

Bryan joined the Day One Society Board of Directors so he can share his experience, strength, and hope to as many people as possible. He is inspired by the impact of Day One Society, its people and programs that so graciously provide support, direction, and compassionate care to those who require it most in their most vulnerable time of need.

Vicky Manuel

Board Member

Vicki W. Manuel, from Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is a mother of 3 adult daughters, grandmother to Aveah and living with her partner Peter in beautiful Tk̓emlúps. Currently elected to Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Council, Vicki’s primary portfolio is community services/membership and secondary portfolio is education and four pillars.

Previously Vicki managed Le Estcwicwéy̓ (the Missing – 215+) and was a project developer and planner for the First Nation Health Authority (FNHA). As a Project Developer Vicki has project-managed mental health and wellness initiatives, wildfire, and flood recovery, aging in place strategy, Indigenous research, opioids, urban and away from home, traditional wellness, and cultural safety. As a past Planner with FNHA Vicki has supported the 7 Nations within the Interior Region of B.C. to develop and / or update their nation health and wellness plans by facilitating community engagement sessions.

From 2003 to 2009, Vicki served two terms on Tk̓emlúps Chief and Council, managing portfolios in Housing, Planning and Engineering, Lands, Leasing and Taxation, and Economic Development.

Vicki also has her own consulting business and has supported Indigenous organizations in community engagement, preparing business plans, feasibility studies, analyzing resource agreements, developing policies, procedures, and operational management plans. She has facilitated strategic planning sessions for various First Nations in the Interior Region.

Vicki earned a Master’s degree in Community Development from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of General Studies in First Nation Administration and Leadership, with a minor in First Nations Studies, from Simon Fraser University. She has specialized training in Comprehensive Community Planning, Strategic Planning, Project Management, and Negotiations.

Passionate about culture, education, health, and family, Vicki also enjoys creative pursuits such as photography, woodwork, painting, and sewing. She actively seeks opportunities to influence organizational systems to become more culturally aware.

Jeremy Gauthier

Board Member

Jeremy Gauthier is a married father of two—Ella (13) and Jack (11)—and husband to Kimberly. He brings over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry and has recently transitioned into a new chapter as a self-employed speaker and workshop facilitator. Jeremy’s interest in Day One Society comes through a survivor’s lens; as a person in recovery for over a decade, he is passionate about helping communities grow in empathy, education, and understanding around addiction and its far-reaching impact. A lifelong sports enthusiast—especially when it comes to hockey and golf—Jeremy is also a proud and passionate supporter of the Kamloops Blazers.

Carol Tennessy

Secretary

Arjun Singh

Board Member

Arjun was born and raised in Kamloops. His parents taught him the importance of giving back to the community at a very young age. Arjun served 14 years on Kamloops City Council and also served as the President of the Union of BC Municipalities in 2018/19. Arjun is an active local Rotarian and Runclubber. He works as a property manager in his family's apartment business and has his own consulting company - Better Citizen Consulting. Arjun feels very grateful to be asked to join the Day One Society board and is deeply committed to supporting detox and drug and alcohol services in Kamloops.

Board Member Job Description

Day One Society Board Members guide the Society through principle-centered governance. The Board continuously strives to improve organization resilience and response to the changing needs of the communities we serve. Board Member responsibilities include:

Participating as a voting member at Board meetings
Keeping informed on all Board related matters
Preparing for Board meetings by reviewing minutes and reports in advance
Participating actively in committees
Making the best use of one’s unique talents, skills, and experience
Building working relationships with other Board members that contribute to consensus
Actively participating in Strategic Planning for the Society

If you have an interest in shaping the future of our regional addictions support resource, please contact Day One Society’s Board President, Marilyn McLean for more information.