Board of Directors

Holly is originally from Kamloops BC. Holly studied Fine Arts before moving to Vancouver and completing a Forensic Science degree.  She worked as a Forensic Autopsy Tech for 15 years before becoming a Coroner with the BC Coroner Service. Holly is a certified Celebrant through BC Funeral Association and a Home Funeral Guide. She is an End-of-Life Doula certified through the Conscious Dying Institute as well as Douglas College.  Holly is most passionate about supporting families who have experienced infancy and pregnancy loss and has been certified through Doula Canada as well as the Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death in the U.S Holly understands the importance of honouring the different backgrounds, cultures and religious beliefs of families and how those can shape their grief response have different cultural practices around death. Holly’s vast knowledge of death, dying, and grief has been a service to the community for many years and will continue to be of service for many more to come.

Joanne is a purpose-driven finance professional with over a decade of leadership experience in financial management across the UAE and Canada. She has held senior roles such as Finance Controller at The American School of Dubai and Head of Finance at The American Gulf School, bringing clarity, accountability, and cross-cultural insight to every role. Now serving as a Senior Finance Specialist at the University of British Columbia, Joanne combines analytical excellence with integrity and a commitment to public service. Her global experience spans the Philippines, the Middle East, and North America, reflecting her adaptability and values-based leadership. Recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award at the 2022 Global Education Conference in Dubai, Joanne is known for leading with empathy, vision, and heart. She believes finance is not just about numbers, but about building trust and supporting purpose-driven growth.

Ryan is the CEO of Kearney Funeral Services, a family-owned funeral home serving BC’s Lower Mainland since 1908. With over 16 years of experience as a licensed funeral director, Ryan brings hands-on expertise and a deep commitment to compassionate care. In 2023, he became CEO of RSR Family Holdings Ltd., Kearney’s parent company, where he focuses on expanding services, strengthening relationships, and supporting the legacy of independent Canadian funeral homes. Ryan has served as President of the BC Independent Funeral Service Association, completed two terms on the Rotary Club of Vancouver’s Board, and is a long-time member of MacKay CEO Forums. He holds a BSc in Physics from Simon Fraser University and leads with curiosity, strategic thinking, and a people-first approach. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Rowan and Áine.

Dawn is a Registered Social Worker and Veterinary Social Worker based in British Columbia, with a focus on grief and loss, trauma-informed care, and community outreach. At the Vancouver Humane Society, she supports low-income pet guardians through the McVitie Veterinary Assistance Program. She also runs a private practice specializing in pet loss, disenfranchised grief, and professional education. With over a decade of experience in social services, including work in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Dawn has supported individuals facing housing insecurity, mental health challenges, and systemic barriers. She holds credentials in social work, counselling, psychology, and animal welfare. Drawing from her own lived experience with grief, Dawn leads with compassion and a commitment to inclusive, culturally safe care. She is passionate about bridging the gap between social services and animal welfare and advocating for often overlooked forms of grief.