Abigail Fulton B.A. LL.B
Executive Director
Abigail Fulton is the Executive Director of the Construction Foundation, a Canadian charity focused on building the next generation of skilled workers. A lawyer by profession, Ms. Fulton has extensive experience working with industry and government on regulatory and policy issues impacting the construction industry. Throughout her career, Ms. Fulton has been very active in promoting industry training, apprenticeship and supporting workforce development, with an emphasis on labour market attachment for women, indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada and youth at risk. Prior to moving to BC in 1998, Ms. Fulton practiced law in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Therese Hagen
Indigenous Relations Lead
Therese brings her experience from the private sector, provincial government and First Nations to the table. She holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Victoria where she graduated with honours. She has worked in policy analysis, government communications, hospitality and tourism, health administration and First Nations Band Administration. She is trained in public speaking, drug and alcohol counselling and crisis communications. In her spare time, Therese dedicates her life to family and to personal healing. She is blessed with a partner of over 30 years, two adult sons and family in Norway, BC and the Yukon.
Deeply connected to the land, she gets out to the mountains and ocean whenever she can - to reconnect and to listen to the still voice that lies within.
Colleen McConnell
Director of Public Relations
Colleen McConnell is the Director of Public Relations for the Construction Foundation of BC. As a strategic leader and team member, she is organized and focused on reaching organizational objectives, while remaining responsive to external influences and change. In her previous experience as an event producer, she had the opportunity to travel and work across Canada and the US. Her first in-depth exposure to the industry came when she traveled to Japan with the World Skills Canada delegation to plan and activate on the event site. In early 2010, she joined the BC Construction Association as Director of Communications where she contributed to the launch of BidCentral, as well as many other initiatives. Before joining the Construction Foundation, Colleen worked for a hospitality group in Calgary Alberta, where she led a high performing event production and sales team.
Allison Ainsley
Community Engagement & Logistics Manager
Allison has worked in the non-profit sector as a project manager, community engagement professional, and business owner for over 20 years with a concentration on community engagement, strategic event planning and social equity. With a degree in Anthropology, numerous projects with organizations such as the National Music Centre, YMCA and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, and several years of international travel under her belt, Allison brings a unique perspective to her work. Passionate about people and the environment, she thrives on working in teams that collaborate to ensure meaningful outcomes. Her role of Community Engagement & Logistics Manager, working mainly with Indigenous communities and Newcomers to Canada, marry her skills and her passions perfectly. When not at work, you can find Allison out in the community and exploring life.
Shane Roy
Career Catalyst
Shane Roy is a member of the Big Stone Cree Nation located, in Alberta’s Treaty 8 territory. His Cree mother and Tsimshian father raised him in Fort St. John, BC, where he started his Apprenticeship in the Automotive Industry. Shane joined the Foundation as a Career Catalyst and believes in the work of supporting career road map development. Shane previously learned how to Grass Dance which is integral to his sense of honor in being an Indigenous man.
Tara Whitney
Consultant
Tara Whitney brings vast experience and knowledge of Indigenous culture as a member of the Tsuu T’ina Nation and as an industry representative working with Indigenous communities across the prairies. Ms. Whitney has much experience working with industry in community engagement and believes that industry and Indigenous communities can work together in an environmentally sound and mutually beneficial way.
As former president of her company, TEN Consulting Services, she has worked on several projects on behalf of industry and Indigenous communities to support capacity development and bridge gaps between industry, government and training institutes. Ms. Whitney has also worked on behalf of Indigenous Communities to assist in community development projects. Through a number of project , Ms. Whitney developed an even greater understanding of the importance of working with communities at the grassroots level to foster community sustainability. Ms. Whitney has been instrumental in fostering and maintaining partnerships with industry and is not afraid to make new friends on behalf of the Foundation. This is an important part of the success of the Foundation as employers are key to the success of individuals training and career connections.
Outside of work, Ms. Whitney keeps herself busy with finding new trails to hike, traveling to new places and spending time with her children and grandchild.
Daria Lysenko
Community Catalyst
Daria Lysenko, our dynamic Community Catalyst, has been a valuable member of the CFBC team since October 2022. Bringing a decade of human rights advocacy, extensive social work, human resources experience, and a legal degree, she champions interests of newcomers to Vancouver Island and helps them to break down barriers to adaption and career growth in Canada.
In the Welcome Exchange program, this Ukrainian woman infuses her role with infectious enthusiasm and professionalism, embodying the belief that, "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun."
Outside of work, Daria volunteers in Ukrainian organizations and dedicates time to self-development, reading, traveling, music, and raising her son.
Her philosophy of life, inspired by Maya Angelou, is a reminder that even in tough times, life goes on and will be better tomorrow.
James Nielsen
Communications & Public Relations
James has been involved with the Construction Foundation of BC since 2019 and now assists the communications department with written and photography content. James also helps manage CFBC’s social media platforms and public relation outreach efforts. Sports have played a major role in James’ career, with communication and multimedia experience at the amateur and professional levels of soccer, surfing, rugby, pickleball and collegiate athletics. James grew up “helping” his father and grandfather with various bricklaying projects throughout his childhood. Following secondary school, he gained experience as an apprentice electrician before returning to school for communications. James lives with his wife, Amanda and their three (three!) cats in Victoria, BC.
Michelle Canaday B. Ed. M. Ed.
Director of First Nations Initiatives
Michelle resides in Celista, and is a member of St'uxwtéws (Bonaparte First Nation) located in the Secwepemc Nation. She has completed her Bachelor in Education at UBC and her Master’s in Educational Leadership, at Thompson Rivers University. Michelle has over 20 years of working in First Nations Education as a Teacher, Principal and a FNESC/FNSA Regional Principal. Michelle has worked with over 20 First Nations Communities in BC, supporting education and communities as they grow their circle of strong and proud First Nations Learners. Community and relationships are important to Michelle and she is excited to continue to support our First Nation Communities and members as they build pathways and opportunities that will lead to life-long careers.
Dean Heron
Indigenous Skills, Artist in Residence
Dean is Kaska/Tlingit and member of the Wolf Clan from Liard, Yukon. He has been a professional artist since 1993. He graduated from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art - First Nations Fine Arts 2 year program with honours in 2008. Encouraged to teach, he was an instructor and program coordinator for the Freda Diesing School in Terrace, B.C. for 7 years before returning to Victoria in 2017 He has gone on to demonstrate and teach at workshops in the communities and abroad. As the Indigenous Skills, Artist in Residence, he enjoys demonstrating access to skilled trades to youth through creating art.
Jordan Perrault
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Jordan brings a mix of experiences working in industry and with youth programming. He completed a research degree in International Development Studies in Lund, Sweden before returning to Canada to work as a carpenter’s helper in commercial construction. Jordan has lead youth programming for the United Way Greater Victoria's Youth in Action initiative as well as a on a volunteer basis developing youth Ultimate programming. Before joining the Foundation, he was working on BC Construction Associations workforce development initiatives. Jordan has lived in the Middle East and Europe and has a passion for building strong community locally and internationally.
Justin Young
Catalyst, All Roads
Justin Young is a remarkable individual who walks a profound path of healing, self-development, and love. As a Heart Speaker and Circle Keeper, he embodies wisdom and compassion, dedicating his life to supporting others on their journeys of growth and transformation. Justin’s innate ability to connect deeply with people allows him to create sacred spaces where individuals can be heard, seen, and embraced. He serves as a guide, listener, and facilitator, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within communities. Through his gentle and nurturing presence, he encourages individuals to explore their healing, embark on inner journeys, and discover their true potential. As a Circle Keeper, Justin understands the power of community and the significance of shared experiences. He creates safe and inclusive circles where individuals can gather, share their stories, and collectively navigate life’s challenges. In these circles, he cultivates trust, respect, and vulnerability, allowing participants to access their inner wisdom, find solace, and forge meaningful connections.
Chelsea Woodford
Finance Officer
Chelsea Woodford is a descendant of the Norway House Cree Nation and has a passion for the Construction Foundation’s Indigenous initiatives. Chelsea is the Foundation’s Finance Officer and is also one of the cheerful voices you hear when you call the office. Chelsea currently holds a certificate in Office Administration and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with aspirations to achieve her CPA designation in the future. She enjoys spending her spare time watching movies, camping, fishing, and spending time with loved ones.
Patsy Greyeyes, BSW
Catalyst, Indigenous Communities
Patsy, traditionally named, Spirit Woman, was born and raised in Fort St. John, British Columbia and is a member of Bigstone Cree Nation in Wabasca, Alberta.
In her role as a Career Catalyst with Construction Foundation, she works one-on-one with First Nations communities across the province. In 2005, Patsy obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Northern British Columbia. Since that time, she has worked with Indigenous people and communities in a variety of capacities.
Patsy is a mother of four and kohkum (grandmother) of 2. Her interests include Indigenous culture, law, hockey, and music. On weekends you can find her at a hockey game cheering on her nosim (grandson), Gabriel or at a pow wow.
Keri Taylor
Manager of Operations with Indigenous Programs
Keri joined CFBC from supporting educational school systems within Indigenous communities over the last 13 years. She enjoys working with students on skill development and furthering their educational pathways and working towards their future goals.
“Educational journeys can be complicated, but with SMART goals it will be a successful process”
Outside of work Keri enjoys being in nature and walks on the beaches with her dogs, trying new baking recipes, and traveling to see the world.
“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Anderson
Michelle Anderlini
Project Manager, Coast Capital Road to Red Seal
Thirty years ago Michelle was first introduced to the trades, working closely with apprentices and employers to identify skilled trades training opportunities. In her role with CFBC, Michelle is specifically responsible for establishing, implementing and overseeing the Road to Red Seal program. Prior to joining CFBC, Michelle served as Manager of Completions with ITA, her role was to identify common barriers and find solutions to reduce those barriers within apprenticeship. Michelle worked as Manager of Apprenticeship Services with BC Construction Industry Training Organization where she worked directly with apprentices, industry stakeholders, training providers, and employer sponsors to improve continuation and remove barriers for apprentices in BC. Michelle also worked for RCABC Educational Foundation assisting, training and finding employment for Apprentices.
Kim Crevatin RCIC
Director of Operations
Kim brings more than 20 years of industry experience to her role as Director of Operations. From receptionist to bookkeeper to executive assistant she understands the importance of being well organized in the workplace. Kim was instrumental in purchasing and distributing more than $3M in shop class equipment to high schools across BC through the Foundation’s Project Shop Class initiative.
Kim is also a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and a member in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. In the fall of 2013 she organized and managed a Western Canada Construction Job Fair in the UK and Ireland for more than 25 Canadian employers that drew more than 2,800 people.
Being of Cree descent and spending her teen years as a youth in care Kim has a genuine passion for the initiatives the Foundation is currently pursuing.
Dave Lovisa, RSE TD
Learning Strategist, Road to Red Seal
A proud Red Seal carpenter and qualified instructor of the Carpenter Apprenticeship Technical Training programs. A life-long passion for the skilled trades, who apprenticed with a small-town contractor, Lovisa learned all aspects of residential construction. At 23 years of age, he was a licensed journeyman and started his first construction company. His career took him across Canada, gaining valuable experience in other sectors of the trades, including commercial, industrial, and institutional construction. Self-employed most of his career, Lovisa has been a strong advocate of apprenticeship training, having mentored numerous apprentices over the years. Helping to advance the trades and quality construction, he has served on many committees and associations, including provincial carpentry advisory committees, post secondary program advisory committees, district building associations serving as president, safety committees, as well as municipal planning and economic development groups. As a dedicated member of the Foundation, Lovisa continues to promote and guide others in their journey into the skilled trades and the “Road to Red Seal” Great rewards come from being a tradesperson and seeing a job well done. Lovisa encourages young people to learn about and enter the trades – that is where his experience, passion and love for the trades can help.
Rene Ragetli B.Ed. M.A.
Director of Project Operations
René Ragetli is a teacher by profession. Following his years as a classroom teacher, René worked in construction, managing commercial and residential projects. He then brought this education and industry background to Skills Canada where he coordinated the regional and provincial competitions and developed and managed new career exploration programs for five years. René joined the Construction Foundation in 2017 primarily focused on engaging with youth through the Skills Ready and Build Green Together programs.
Kathi Dickie
Catalyst, Indigenous Communities
With over 30 years of leadership experience, including Councillor and Chief Councillor for Fort Nelson First Nation, Kathi Dickie aims to leverage her well-established collaboration and leadership skills for meaningful change. Her objective is to bring about real transformation by employing a solutions-based approach, particularly with Indigenous Peoples. Grounded in a background in education and training, Kathi believes in empowering Indigenous People to drive lasting change. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Development (Elementary Teacher), an Associate Arts degree, and a Certificate in Business Administration. Throughout her career, she has focused on education, employment, and economic development, collaborating with governments and industries to build strong community relationships. Managing budgets exceeding $8 million, her diverse roles, from Chief Councillor to Teacher to Language Revitalization Coach, highlight her leadership, negotiation, conflict resolution, and communication skills. Currently serving as Catalyst, Indigenous Communities for the CFBC, Kathi remains dedicated to contributing to positive change.
Jenny Nadeau
Director of Outreach and Community Programs
Jenny comes to the Construction Foundation with a wealth of experience in the non-profit community services sector. With a deeply held commitment to harm reduction in all its complexities, the bulk of her experience has been working alongside individuals living with homelessness and addiction concerns. She has had the privilege of providing case management, advocacy, and frontline crisis response to Victoria’s resilient populations for 15 years. Jenny is passionate about creating spaces of belonging and opportunities for wellness within our marginalized and underserved communities.
When not immersed in her work, she can be found dancing with her two little ones, studying plant medicine, and disappearing into the forest.
“You must understand… I am ordinary. Painfully ordinary. This is not modesty. This is fact. Maybe you’re ordinary, too. If so, I honor your ordinariness, your humanness, your spirituality. I hope you will honor mine. That ordinariness is our bond, you and I. We are ordinary. We are human. The creator made us this way. Imperfect. Inadequate. Ordinary … We are not supposed to be perfect; we’re supposed to be useful”. (Peltier, 1999)
Wendy Churchill
Finance Clerk
Wendy is the Finance Clerk at CFBC and brings with her over twenty-four years of experience in accounts payable for construction industry organizations.
Wendy is originally from Portugal Cove, Newfoundland and moved to Victoria 28 years ago and has called it home ever since. In her spare time, you can find her hiking, biking and enjoying the great outdoors in BC. Wendy is also the friendly voice you hear when you call the Victoria office, so say hi the next time you call!
Kandi Kozler
Manager of Operations
Kandi has joined the Foundation from an employment services background and brings passion and energy in creating a supportive work environment for her team.
In the early years of her career, she worked within charitable organizations as a community engagement and event management professional to inspire giving and funding opportunities to support health care for all British Columbians.
Kandi has always believed it is important to provide youth with opportunities to explore different career paths and is excited to be a part of an organization that creates a supportive learning environment for all future generations and their journey to a successful career.
Kate Markham-Zantvoort
Catalyst
A trained landscape architect, Kate Markham-Zantvoort has worked in landscape design and construction for over 35 years. She has led a number of volunteer groups and participated in comprehensive building renovation projects in the construction charity sector since 2017 and is a committed community builder. Kate is active in her efforts to connect with and mentor women entering the construction industry and is a member of several women in trades and construction networking groups. Her passions extend to uplifting women, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and other underrepresented populations seeking to create successful careers in construction trades.
“I’m in love with the process of construction,” said Kate. “Taking a design from its initial concept through to a built environment—it’s the progression that does it for me.”
Off days for Kate include kayaking, coffee, good books, and dogs (not cats).
Lisa Scott
Catalyst, Apprenticeship Promotion and Progression
Lisa is a Red Seal Journeyperson Electrician and has been in industry for 22 years. She commits her time to supporting the trades through multiple organizations and committees. Her commitments include being a Regional Representative with the BC Centre for Women in the Trades and sitting on CUPE’s BC Skilled Trades committee. She is a Director at Large with the BC Tradeswomen Society and serves as a Board Member with the CNC. Scott loves sharing her story, accomplishments and helping more people access trades opportunities because they can provide a great future and financial independence.