Board of Directors

Keli formed Amber Academy Youth Fine Arts Society in honour of her sister, Amber, who died tragically in 2016. Keli’s hope is that through Amber Academy’s programs and mentors, young people will uncover the framework they need to build a positive sense of self and develop a pro-social connectedness that will foster them in becoming confident, productive, and healthy adults.

Keli's work in the non-profit sector spans more than 25 years. Specific areas of expertise include Business Development, Risk Management, Project Management, Marketing and Communications, Fund Development and Event Coordinating.

Keli's passion is using her professional skills to make a difference in the lives of children today which may help them to become effective leaders tomorrow.

  Melissa is an Education Assistant with the Sooke School District and currently works as an EA at EMCS High School in Sooke. She has been involved in many community-based performance groups throughout the years and has participated in community theatre in Alberta and BC since 2003 and brings to us her extensive theatre background, as well as her passion for acting, and a love of working with children. In addition to performing on the stage herself, Melissa has participated in numerous productions as Assistant Director, Stage Manager, Technical Director, and Assistant Producer.

Melissa had the pleasure of working with the students of Amber Academy as our Acting Instructor in 2017. Since then, Melissa has enjoyed being able to remain involved with the organization as a board member of Amber Academy. Her goal is to help students unlock their unique talents through acting and theatre by supporting and nurturing their creativity and confidence.

Stephanie has lived in the Sooke area for 20 years. Much of her career has been spent in communications and event planning in the non-profit and government arts and culture sectors. After a brief hiatus to be home with her two children, she changed gears and became a French Immersion teacher with the Sooke School District and currently works at Journey Middle School. 

Stephanie has previous board experience as the President of the Shirley Women’s Institute for seven years and the Secretary for the Shirley Community Association for five years. 

Stephanie is thrilled to have her children join Amber Academy this year and to be involved in such a worthy organization. 

Donna retired in 2005 after a long career in Management with the Provincial Government. Not being quite ready for the typical “slow-down” that often comes with retirement, Donna continued to take on seasonal part-time jobs in whatever particular avenue peaked her interest at that time. What Donna noticed most in her transition from the security of a stable career with benefits and a good salary, to working in these different capacities was that so many people had no option but to survive on far less income than she had been accustomed to. As a mother and a grandmother, she understood the significant sacrifices that many others would have had to make in order to provide for their families. Many kids would miss out on activities like music, art or dance classes because of the cost. Amber Academy is giving families an affordable opportunity for all children to explore their imagination and to see how far they wish to go on their adventure, and Donna is excited to be a part of that.