Staff & Board Members
Shay Bernard (she/her)
Communications Director
Lives in on the traditional land of the Blackfoot Peoples, also known as Lethbridge, AB. Shay finds it extremely rewarding to be using her skills in communications towards solutions and doing the good work. Shay completed an Undergraduate Degree at York University and a Post Graduate Diploma at Seneca College in Government Relations. Currently, she is working towards completing her Master's Degree in Writing & New Media at Athabasca University. She has worked and volunteered in various non-profit organizations and within the energy sector.
- 250-921-5497
- shay@neighboursunited.org
Montana Burgess (she/her, they/them)
Executive Director
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as the South Slocan Valley, BC. Montana identifies as a queer settler woman, who was born on Blackfoot traditional territory and grew up on the lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and has over 15 years of experience in the climate, energy, and environmental non-profit sector in BC, Ottawa, and internationally – including coordinating civil society at over 25 UN climate conferences and a G20 summit. Montana is passionate about community organizing and believes that communities coming together can find real solutions to tackle the climate crisis. She received a 2022 Emerging Leader Award from Canada’s Clean 50.
- 250-921-5497
- montana@neighboursunited.org
Avery Deboer-Smith (she/her)
President/Chair, Board of Directors
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Nelson, BC. Avery was born in Vernon, BC, the Syilx Okanagan People's traditional territory. She believes that being on the Board with Neighbours United has helped her have a much deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity of the community. She is grateful to be a part of the incredibly important work that the outstanding Neighbours United team is dedicated to. She currently works as an environmental project management consultant, focusing on creating climate resilient solutions by supporting collaboration between groups and individuals who don't always agree. Her Master's Education is in Environmental Management with a focus on Social Psychology.
- 250-921-5497
- board@neighboursunited.org
Josh Drozda (he/him)
Deputy Executive Director
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Trail, BC. Josh identifies as queer, and is of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. He was born on the traditional territory of the Sioux, Anishinaabe and Métis Nation. Josh is passionate about representing diverse and often forgotten voices to create a more inclusive and equitable environmental movement. He’s an experienced political organizer, with years of organizing in his own communities and for political parties at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
- 250-921-5497
- josh@neighboursunited.org
Audry Durham (she/her)
Member, Board of Directors
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Trail, BC. Audry was born and grew up on Stolo Tribal Lands, known today as Mission, BC. She identifies as first generation British and second generation Austrian, a parent, grandparent, and a great-grandparent. Audry had a 25 year career as a chef proactive in the sustainable food industry movement and a 20 year career driven by a passion in Indigenous Cultural Tourism. She retired from the Trail and District Chamber of Commerce as their Executive Director in 2019 and continues to work as an Indigenous advocate and volunteer on community passion projects.
- 250-921-5497
- board@neighboursunited.org
Natasha Edmunds (she/her)
Organizing Director
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Nelson, BC. Natasha grew up on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Attawandaron, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, also known as Guelph, ON. Natasha believes that we need different perspectives and voices to be included so that we can tackle the climate crisis together. Natasha holds a double Major B.A. Honours in Environmental Governance and Geography from the University of Guelph and completed Indigenous Canada Certificate from the University of Alberta. Natasha is currently working on completing a Certificate in Conflict Management and Mediation from the University of Waterloo.
- 250-921-5497
- natasha@neighboursunited.org
Anna Dulisse (she/her)
Reporter, Living Here
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Nelson, BC. Anna spent most of her life growing up in Prince Rupert and on Ts’msyen La̱xyuup (Tsimshian) traditional territory. She identifies as a parent and a person living with Bipolar Disorder. As a writer for the Living Here publication, she feels honoured to be trusted to tell personal stories that readers can relate to. It is both challenging and rewarding work. Her educational background is in Geography, English and Biology and her professional experience includes working as a Fish and Wildlife Technician, as a Constituency Assistant for provincial and federal politicians, founding and managing a cycling advocacy non-profit, and working for environmental non-profit organizations on community-led projects.
- 250-921-5497
- annaly@livinghere.ca
Laura Johnson (she/her)
Member, Board of Directors
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Nelson, BC and is originally from England. Laura spent the last few years working with Neighbours United as our Director of Development, leading all things fundraising. Since May 2022, Laura transitioned to a new role as Major Gifts Officer for One Tree Planted, a global reforestation charity that partners with organisations around the world that plant trees. Laura currently works closely with global foundations and high-net-worth individuals who are passionate about environmental sustainability.
- 250-921-5497
- board@neighboursunited.org
Sarah Lord (she/her/they/them)
Reporter, Living Here
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as New Denver, BC. Sarah grew up in Kitchener, Ontario, and always dreamed of living in BC. When she finally came, in 2016, she knew she had found a special place. She loves adventuring with her dogs and growing a large garden. Before coming West, she received a degree from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. She worked in research doing qualitative evaluations of non-profits to improve the services they offer communities. Sarah loved hearing people’s stories in this role. She believes in the power of storytelling to change lives for the better. She identifies as queer and is published writer of fiction and creative nonfiction and writes a novel in her spare time.
- 250-921-5497
- sarahl@livinghere.ca
Cindy McCallum Miller (she/her)
Secretary, Board of Directors
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Thrums, BC. Cindy and her partner moved to the Kootenays to be more connected to and become nurturers of the land. Cindy grew up on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe and Haudensaunee. Her background is in the trade union movement, specifically as a former National Officer of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, and she is a lifetime member. Cindy enjoys contributing to the dialogue around just transition for the working class, away from jobs that are damaging our planet and our future, and into the possibilities that clean jobs can offer.
- 250-921-5497
- board@neighboursunited.org
David Reid (he/him)
Member, Board of Directors
Lives within the traditional territory of the Sinixt people, in Nelson, BC. David was the Executive Director of Neighbours United from 2010 to 2016 (known in that era as West Kootenay EcoSociety), and since that time has been an active volunteer, member, and staff member. David is a founding member and President of the Board of Sustainable Kootenays and has served as a Director for Friends of Kootenay Lake, Kootenay Career Development Society, LifeCycles Project Society, League of Conservation Voters of the East Bay, and others. David holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and a Master’s Degree in Dispute Resolution, and he has a particular interest in how public engagement practices can transform public policy conflict.
- 250-921-5497
- board@neighboursunited.org
Rebecca Richards (she/her)
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Trail, BC. Rebecca grew up in Castlegar and is very happy to have returned home to the West Kootenays after spending time away at university. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and in Economics from the University of Calgary, and a Master of Arts in Political Studies from Queen’s University. Rebecca is the Director of the Lower Columbia Initiatives Corp which provides economic development services in the Lower Columbia. She is excited to be starting a career in her field where she can make a positive impact in the local West Kootenay communities.
- 250-921-5497
- board@neighboursunited.org
Sarashmi Sarker (she/her)
Development & Administrative Coordinator
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Nelson, BC. Sarashmi is motivated by the daily response she gets from the community. Be it messages, comments or emails - all the gratitude, appreciation, and support that comes in confirms her beliefs that what we're doing together as a community is truly valuable. Sarashmi is of Indian origin and identifies as a member of the queer community. She studied Journalism and Mass Communication in her Undergraduate, and has a Public Relations Diploma. She has a wealth of experience working in communications and marketing in sports, beauty, and fashion. Sarashmi loves living in the Kootenays and is happy to leave the cold, Edmonton winters behind.
- 250-921-5497
- sarashmi@neighboursunited.org
Fable Smith (they/them)
Data and Engagement Coordinator
Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Castlegar, BC. Jacob feels empowered to feel fully welcomed as who he is at work and loves connecting with people in the community through Deep Engagement Canvassing. Being a part of the Deep Engagement Project has given him hope in a time where he felt it was needed. Jacob was born and raised in the traditional homelands of the Dakota, Anishinaabek, Oji-Cree, Cree, Dene, and Métis Peoples, and identifies as both Indigneous and settler.
- 250-921-5497
- fable@neighboursunited.org
