Our Story
In 2019, a strategic advisory group of key stakeholders and interested parties in Community Education and Community Schools was formed, and the members of this group continued to work together to support the expansion and enhancement of community schools across the province.
This experienced and knowledgeable group formed the BC CommUNITY Schools Alliance Society. The mission and vision for the alliance are congruent with that developed by BCCSAC, which is to ensure equity of access to needed services and support for children and families across BC.
Our Priorities
Priority Area # 1
A Community School’ approach is embedded in how governments deliver services to children, families, and the community.
Priority Area # 2
All School Districts have access to resources and supports to establish, sustain, and enhance community schools.
Priority Area # 3
To establish a diverse team that works strategically to ensure a strong provincial presence for Community Schools. We understand the importance of a united effort.
Board of Directors
Inaugural Board Members 2023
Meet our diverse team of directors and board members from across BC.
Bill Preston
Chair, Board Member
Bill is a dedicated coach and advocate that leads people and organizations towards creating empowering experiences for children and families. With over 50 years of experience across diverse roles in human services, Bill excels at fostering positive, constructive, and productive collaborations and coaching sessions.
Bill facilitates opportunities for communities to mobilize as multi-disciplinary and inter-agency teams to provide integrated services. His work leads to mobilization of social capital and leveraging the collective knowledge and experience. Bill is a passionate champion of Community Schools and holds a BEd and a MA in Counseling Psychology.
Board Associate-Chair
Wendy Lambert
New elected board member starting in 2026
Treasurer, Board Member
April Star Lewis
April is a recent recipient of the Bunny Shannon Community Service Award given by the Social Planning Council of the Comox Valley.
Indigenous Cultural Safety Liaison & Community Schools Lead, Board Member
Barb Whyte
Barb, a Traditional Knowledge Keeper and Coast Salish Healing Wand carrier and descendent of the Pentlatch and Sathloot Coast Salish peoples, brings 48 years of nursing experience and extensive advocacy for Indigenous health. She serves as a Voice for the Vulnerable on Comox Valley’s Primary Care Network, advancing mental health, cultural safety, and plant medicine integration in healthcare and education.
Board Member
Gracie MacDonald
New elected board member starting in 2026
Provincial Coordinator, Officer
Sukh Shergill
Sukh is Founder of The Canadian Centre For Community Advancement. He has over 20 years of leadership experience in education and community planning. Most recently, Sukh has led organizations to scale up their impact by utilizing a developmental approach to achieve higher levels of engagement. These organizations were characterized by purposeful activity and commitment to exceptional experiences for those that it served. He has earned a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and adopted a solution-focused clinical approach. Sukh also holds Bachelor’s degrees in both Education and Science.
Acknowledgements:
Funders & Allies
Funders
Foundational Partner
Funding Partner
Allies
