Members &
Staff
our Board Members
Craig Thompson
Director
Craig Thompson relocated to Peachland with his spouse (Bronwen) and 94 year old father in law from Vancouver 4 years ago. This is his first time living in a small town and since arriving has taken notice of the efforts by many citizens to make it a special place to live. Craig has retired from a career mainly concentrated in the Employee/Employer Mental Health & Wellness arena where he led national organizations delivering broad ranging counselling focused support. Although most of his work over 35 years was in the private sector he also led an innovative sports science centre in Burnaby which was a non-profit. … Read More
He has a Master’s in Counselling Psychology and a Master’s in Business Administration.
Craig is a motorcycle enthusiast and rides both touring and vintage sport bikes. He also has taken up Pickleball since his move to the area and enjoys the challenge and social aspects of the sport. While living in Peachland he also sits as a volunteer member of the Peachland Climate Action Taskforce.
He looks forward to contributing to the Peachland Wellness Centre and serving as a member of the Board of Directors. Read Less
Dr. Laura Panesar
Director
Dr. Laura Panesar is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist and accredited Psychotherapist with twenty years experience in various forensic/clinical settings to include acute, community and in-patient mental health. She has worked within both statutory and charitable sector services, providing both strategic and operational leadership. … Read More
As a Director on the Board of the Peachland Wellness Centre Society, Dr. Panesar brings extensive experience in mental health services, clinical leadership, risk assessment and management, program development, and psychologically informed evidence-based practice. Her background in leading multidisciplinary teams and developing community-focused services supports the Board’s strategic direction and oversight of health and wellness programming and services for Peachland residents. Read Less
Sarah Kendrick
President
Sarah has worked in brand strategy and business development for 20+ years. Beginning her career in the music business, Sarah was part of the team that guided the careers of many international artists including: Michael Bublé, Jann Arden, Bob Rock, and Bryan Adams. After the birth of her children, Sarah stepped back from music and co-founded a health-beverage company ultimately launching an award-winning functional kids smoothie brand, gnubees™. … Read More
In 2019 Sarah and her partner Jubi relocated back to Sarah’s hometown of Peachland and in 2022 they founded Beachside Health Ltd, with the goal of returning healthcare back to Peachland. Beachside Health now has five full-time primary care providers and specialists, and serves thousands of patients from Peachland and the neighboring communities.
Most days you can find Sarah at Beachside Health or shuttling her kids to various sports fields around the Okanagan! Read Less
Chelsea Argent
Treasurer
Chelsea graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of British Columbia in 2007. Her interest in management also led her to complete a Masters in Business Administration in May 2016. That same month, Okanagan Pharmacy in Peachland was opened, where she is Pharmacy Manager and Owner. Chelsea lives locally and enjoys spending time with her family soaking up all that the Okanagan Valley has to offer.
Barrie Hewer
Secretary
Barrie and his wife, Pam Foxall, moved from Vancouver to Peachland in 1994. During a 40-year youth and family counselling career, Barrie volunteered for several non-profit societies and charitable organizations. During his tenure as president of the PWC Board in 2006, the ‘Age in Place’ initiative led to the creation of the ‘Residence on Sixth Street.’ Barrie renewed his PWC membership in 2021 and was invited to the PWC Board of Directors in May 2022. “The Peachland Wellness initiatives will set the standard of community services delivery.”
Madeleine Nixon
Vice President
Madeleine retired to Peachland in 2014 and has been an active supporter of the Peachland Wellness Centre ever since. As a founding member of Peachland Community Connects, she brings creative fundraising experience from local events including Rotary’s Murder Mysteries and Peachland’s Got Talent. … Read More
“I feel very fortunate to have been welcomed into Canada when I emigrated from England in 1981. The Judge who interviewed me for my citizenship asked me how I would give back to the Country that has welcomed me with open arms. Having never volunteered a day in my life back in England and really having no clue what volunteering even was I started on the road of giving back through Community Service. Volunteering for me has been life-changing and rewarding so am happy to take on this new Board position with PWC so I can expand on my knowledge of the Wellness Centre and hopefully provide a meaningful contribution whilst injecting my own inimitable sense of humour”. Read Less
our Staff
Milly Marshall
Executive Director
Available: Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday
Milly recently moved to the Okanagan from Hope, BC.
Milly comes with a wealth of experience in management and progressive leadership experience in local government and recreation related service delivery.
Melissa McWilliams
Program and Services Coordinator
Available: Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday
Melissa brings several years of experience in the non-profit sector, with expertise in crisis intervention, safety planning, funding programs, event planning, and social media management. Her diverse background also includes serving as a non-profit board member, photographer, radio station music coordinator, and musician. … Read More
Melissa and her wife have called Penticton home since 2020, where they live with their dog, Starla-Jo.
Passionate about building strong communities, Melissa is dedicated to helping people feel seen, supported, and connected by creating welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive. Her approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a genuine desire to strengthen the communities she serves. Read Less
Pamela Collingwood
Volunteer Coordinator
Available: Thursday
Originally from Victoria B.C. my husband and I moved to the Okanagan 33 years ago. Upon retirement we relocated to Peachland in 2019. I have volunteered in different areas for over 25 years. My career went from Food Service Supervisory positions to Pharmacy. My husband and I are enjoying the next chapter in Peachland.
Tiana Baerg
Adult Day Service
Available: Monday / Thursday
I have lived in Peachland for 9 years. I am a certified Health Care Aide and I love working at the Adult Day Program. This program gives much needed respite to caregivers and gives our clients social and cognitive stimulation. Our clients have a feeling of community when they attend and interact with their peers.
Kim McFadden
Adult Day Service
Available: Casual
Kim was born and raised in East Vancouver in a proud 4th generation East Van family where helping friends and neighbours when needed was instilled in your soul, learning from an early age that we can only “get by with a little help from our friends”. Married to husband Dave for 45 years Kim has 2 children, 2 grandchildren and 5 grandpets. Kim enjoyed a rewarding 25 year career in the Surrey School District working in Special Education directly in the classroom with students as well as at the Board Office. … Read More
Kim has been active in volunteering in sports and recreation programs for many decades and is the proud recipient of Langley’s 2003 Women of Excellence Award for establishing a Challenger Baseball program in her community and honoured recipient of 2024 Peachland Unsung Hero Award. Blessed to call Peachland home since 2021 Kim enjoys precious time with family and friends, gardening, sampling Wine Country as well as volunteering at the PWC front desk for the past 2 years, and working in the Adult Day Service which has brought so much happiness and fulfillment. “I give Thanks and wake Grateful each day to call this paradise home. Helping wherever needed is vital to earn my keep on this beautiful planet” Read Less
