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.

Danalee Baker

Secretary

As the Assistant Manager of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Business and Economic Development Department, Danalee Baker is putting her BA and Executive MBA to its full potential in her career.

Danalee joined the Day One Society Board because of her deep sense of justice to accommodate her passion about complex social issues.

With the energy, creativity and networking connections Danalee provides to the Board, she notes the impact of the Society to provide a life-saving service with dignity and professionalism, in turn, reduces the stigma of addiction.

Ben Van Der Gracht

Board Member

Ben has been a practicing lawyer since 2010, primarily in the areas of real estate, estate planning and administration, and corporate / commercial. He is a partner at the Kamloops law firm Morelli Chertkow, which has operated in the community for more than 100 years and is a significant employer.

Prior to completing law school, Ben lived for several years in South Korea, and before that, completed a bachelor’s degree in anthropology.

Ben takes pride in being on the Day One Society Board as it helps people get sober and offers direction for staying sober through recovery. He notes life in recovery can be peaceful, happy and useful. This is a better life for people who live with addiction and makes our communities better places to live. We all benefit when more of us live well.

Bryan 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.

Shbaach Joe

Board Member

Shbaach Joe owns Shba.ach Consulting, is a Communications Planner with Nicola Institute of Technology, and a Councillor for Lytton First Nation. Shbaach brings her experience of overcoming alcoholism to help heal and support others. As a member of Nlaka'pamux, Shbaach is proud to share her Indigenous values and excels in communication and promotions.

Shbaach joined the Day One Society Board with the hope of promoting healthy living— something she says she needed while growing up. Not having an opportunity for such services when younger, she wants to ensure everyone has the opportunity for a healthy second chance at life. Day One Society is the perfect place to impact communities with help, hope, and healing.

DeDe De Rose

Board Member

DeDe is a retired elementary school Principal from the Kamloops/Thompson School District. DeDe is on the UBC President’s Advisory Board for Indigenous People, is the Secretary and Communications Chair of the Verna J. Kirkness Foundation, is a Secwépemc Elder and Community Representative of Thompson Rivers University and can be found doing contractual work with the Ministry of Education.

Proudly, her Secwépemc name is Tse7ekw te Spi7uw (Sunrise Golden Eagle) which means 'Divine Spirit giving warmth, light and life.'

DeDe joined the Day One Society Board because she believes that all Boards that serve vulnerable members of the community must have Indigenous representation on them in order to guide their programs in a positive, meaningful way. DeDe has lost several close family members to addiction and notes, “The impact of Day One Society in our community to help, hope, and heal is positive and valuable. It gives hope.”

Carol Tennessy

Board Member

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.

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.