Staff Directory

White Rock Hospice Society Staff

To reach any staff, please call 604-531-7484 or email WRHS.

	Yvon Thibeault – Executive Director Yvon received hospice training in Langley in 1991 and was a volunteer with the White Rock Hospice in 1991 and again in 1995. He served as the first Executive Director of the Surrey Hospice Society from 1999 to 2005. The opportunity to join White Rock Hospice at this exciting time in the Society’s history led him out of retirement in early 2009. Yvon’s background includes 13 years in the RCAF, and a 20-year career as a Chartered Accountant and financial executive. In 1991, a change in direction took him to the Vancouver School of Theology as a full-time student. He eventually became the School’s Director of Operations and Personnel, a position he held for six years. In 1998, Yvon completed a Masters of Pastoral Studies degree from the Vancouver School of Theology. Yvon and his family have lived on the Semiahmoo Peninsula since 1987.
	Patricia Payne – Program Coordinator/Registered Clinical Counsellor Pat is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and the Society’s Clinical Coordinator. Since her arrival in 1995, Pat has provided support to individuals and families as well as facilitating bereavement groups. She also provides education and support to Hospice volunteers, professionals, and others in the community. In addition, Pat enjoys working as a member of the White Rock/ South Surrey Hospice Palliative Care Team.
	Trudy Merritt – Registered Clinical Counsellor Trudy is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who joined Hospice in 2007, bringing with her over 25 years experience in supporting individuals with disabilities, their families, and/or caregivers. Since joining Hospice, she has been working closely with our children’s group volunteers to provide education and support to grieving children and teens in our community. Trudy also works with adult clients, volunteers, and other professionals involved in both our palliative and bereavement programs. She enjoys delivering a variety of volunteer and community training opportunities through Hospice.
	Karin Brown – Coordinator of Volunteers Previously Coordinator of Volunteers from 1990-1995, Karin returned to this position in 2007. Managing the volunteer program includes recruitment, training, assigning and providing ongoing support through team meetings, appreciation events, 1-1 contact and more specified educational opportunities and trainings. Currently Karin coordinates 160 members in our volunteer core. She is guided by a quote from Morris Schwartz: The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.
	Sue Baxter – Bookkeeper Sue emigrated from England at the age of 19 and worked in various industries before joining the Society in the Spring of 2000. She is available at the Society offices three days per week and is responsible for the efficient and effective completion of all of the Society’s general accounting. Sue is very familiar with the programs that the Society delivers, and is always ready to support staff and volunteers.
	Jan Stadnyk – Resource Centre Coordinator Jan moved to White Rock in 1977 from Saskatchewan. She joined Hospice as a volunteer in 1996, and with her multi-tasking skills, she quickly became team leader of the receptionists. Jan joined the staff team in 2000 and takes pride in supporting all of the team members, as well as ensuring that our Hospice Resource Centre runs smoothly. She works with both the clinical side of Hospice as well as in an administrative capacity. In the latter role, Jan provides significant assistance to the Society’s Executive Director and to the Board of Directors.
	Kathleen Williams – Thrift Store Manager Kathleen joined the Hospice Society in June 2009 to manage the volunteer-driven Thrift Store. With a history in sales and business development as well six years at the Alzheimer Society of BC in fund development and communications, Kathleen brings a diverse skill set as well as an abundance of energy and enthusiasm to the store operation. On a personal note, Kathleen hails from Saskatchewan but has called the Vancouver area her home since 1986.
	Elaine Marshall – Thrift Store and Office Assistant Elaine works full-time for the Hospice Society in two different roles. Her main role is as Thrift Store Assistant three days a week. She has worked at the store since September 2008, where she recruits, schedules, and encourages volunteers. With the Thrift Store Coordinator, Elaine shares in the responsibility of overseeing the overall day-to-day operations of the store. The remaining two days a week she assists Jan Stadnyk at the Hospice Society office. Elaine’s first connection with Hospice was in 2002 when her husband, who was in palliative care, passed away. She began working with Hospice in a volunteer capacity in 2008.