Board of Directors

Michael Robinson

President

Michael Robinson is an entrepreneur and owner of BBMR Communications Ltd. He is also the Marketing Manager of Ladysmith & District Credit Union. He strongly believes in social impact organizations and has a long history of supporting NCDC, beginning in 2000, when he joined the volunteer team responsible for implementing the very popular annual Silly Boat Regatta. In 2006 Michael joined the Board of NCDC. He is currently Board President, chairs the Executive Committee, and sits on the Governance Committee and Finance Committee, Social Enterprise Committee and the Development Committee. Michael is passionate about advancing the mission of NCDC to serve children and families and over the past 19 years, his experience in business management, social vision, creative energy and leadership has helped guide the growth and development of the organization to where it is today.

Bob Colclough

Vice President

Bob Colclough is an independent business owner specializing in land development and construction. Bob’s family moved to Nanaimo in 1965. After graduating in 1977 from the BC Institute of Technology, Bob went to work at a local engineering company, then in 1982 moved over into the public sector, first as Superintendent of Public Works in Lantzville, then on the Regional District of Nanaimo eventually working his way up to General Manager or Environmental Services. In 1998, Bob started his consulting company, WR Colclough & Associates, and AFX Construction in 2008. Bob has a long history of community services; as a found member of the Rotary Club of Lantzville, and the Mid Island Science and Technology Innovation Council. Bob is currently the Treasurer of the Lantzville Historical Society, and sits on the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island planning committee for the Nanaimo proposed “Home Away from Home” at the NRGH. Bob joined the NCDC Board in 2021 and is currently the Vice Chair and Chair of the Development Committee.

Ken Hammer

Director

Ken Hammer is an academic practitioner who has studied, taught, learned and practiced in a variety of areas related to teaching and learning, leadership and business and real estate. His main roles at present include teaching and practicing real estate with RE/MAX Nanaimo and facilitating leadership and management development through his business Ken Hammer & Associates. Ken currently sits on the Executive Committee and the Facilities Committee. He is honoured to be working with the NCDC board of directors to help maximize the potential of our youth and community.

Blake Mcguffie

Director

Blake McGuffie was born and raised in Nanaimo and has enjoyed a lovely west coast life with his wife, Lois. Blake’s many years of contributions to the community span across the political, educational, financial, and real estate sectors. As a Nanaimo City Councilor and Regional Director from 1990-1993 and 1996-1999, Blake has also served on and chaired various City committees since 1998. Blake is the founder of two tax services, Esplanade Tax and Budget Tax Service, and has been the owner of Esplanade Properties Inc. since 1980, which owns a mixed Commercial/Residential building in downtown Nanaimo. He also instructed tax courses for Vancouver Island University and is a Founding Director and Treasurer of the E-File Association of Canada. Blake’s ongoing community service includes serving as the Treasurer of the Vancouver Island Symphony Foundation (2014 to Date), as a Director for the South End Community Association (2000 to Date), and the Nanaimo Foodshare Society (1996 to Date). Blake joined the NCDC board in 1976, is currently the Treasurer and sits on the Governance Committee and the Finance Committee.

Sam Lewis

Director

Sam Lewis is a CPA who spent the majority of her life in Nanaimo moving here in 1993. After graduating from Dover Bay Secondary, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a major in Accounting from Vancouver Island University. She worked at a local accounting firm while training for her CPA, which she received in 2016. In May 2020, Sam became the Finance Director at the Nanaimo Child Development Centre (NCDC). She held this position until June 2022, when she went on maternity leave. Now, Sam is a Financial Analyst for the Regional District of Nanaimo. On the NCDC Board of Directors, she currently serves on the Finance Committee. In her free time, she enjoys weekends with her daughter, Max, her husband, Ryan, and their three miniature dachshunds.

Fiona Shedden

Director

Fiona Shedden moved to Vancouver Island in 2011 and quickly knew that she wanted to make it her permanent home. Originally from Toronto, she graduated from the Toronto Film School in 2008. Fiona has a background in film production, television, video journalism, and social media. She first connected with the NCDC as a Video Journalist at Shaw TV, where she worked on the NCDC annual Telethon and created client profile videos. Fiona is passionate about 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, reconciliation, and disability advocacy. She enjoys learning new languages and exploring the island with her senior chihuahua, Nicks. Fiona and her wife, Kara, opened Burnt Honey Dessert Company in 2019. Their children use NCDC services. Fiona is on the Development and Building Committees and helps with social media. Fiona enjoys being actively involved with the centre both as a board member and a parent.

Diane McGonigle

Director

Diane McGonigle fell in love with Vancouver Island while studying for her Bachelor of Education at the University of Victoria. She has worked in Nanaimo since 1990 on the traditional, unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Diane has been a primary school teacher and principal for Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools. She is now the District Principal of Early Learning and Care. A lifelong learner, she has a Master of Education in Leadership and Curriculum, and recently completed the Transformative Educational Leadership Program through UBC. Her passion for supporting children and families led her to the Nanaimo Child Development Centre Board of Directors. In her free time, she enjoys being out in nature hiking with her dogs and cold-water ocean dipping and swimming.

Antoinette Le Roux

Director

Antoinette le Roux is a dedicated physician and community volunteer with extensive experience in family medicine and life insurance. Originally from South Africa, she immigrated to Canada in 2001 and became a citizen in 2008. Antoinette has a profound commitment to integrating medical knowledge and technology in her work, particularly in life insurance, where she serves as Medical Director at Canada Life. An accomplished educator and communicator, Antoinette was the President of the Canadian Life Insurance Medical Officers Association in 2022/2023 and has previously served in various leadership roles, including mentoring medical students. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Saskatchewan Family Physician of the Year Award. Antoinette is fluent in English and Afrikaans, with basic skills in German, Dutch, and Flemish, and is currently learning French. She is passionate about cultural experiences and has volunteered for refugee support and medical missions. Residing in Nanaimo, BC, she enjoys new challenges and is committed to fostering inclusive communities.

Zach White

Director

Zach White is a lawyer at Ramsay Lampman Rhodes in Nanaimo, BC. He grew up in Nanaimo and attended VIU for his undergraduate studies. Before becoming a lawyer, Zach worked at a local grocery store and a non-profit focused on housing youth in Nanaimo. There, he started “Zach’s Snacks,” a program where he cooked with youth using available ingredients. Zach is known for his marshmallow and cereal bars. He loves cooking and trying new recipes. In his free time, Zach enjoys outdoor activities with his partner and dog.

Josh Macdonald

Director

Josh Macdonald was born and raised in Nanaimo and has always had a strong connection to the local community. He graduated from Vancouver Island University in 2020 with a major in accounting and went on to earn his CPA designation in August 2023 while working at Church Pickard. During his time as an auditor, Josh developed a keen interest in the nonprofit sector, which led him to join the Board of the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.

Currently serving as the Accounting Manager for Budget BC, Josh brings financial expertise and a passion for community service to his role on the board. Outside of work, he’s an avid reader of fantasy, horror, and psychological thrillers—you’ll often find him with his Kindle at a local café or restaurant.

Kathryn Atkinson

Director

Originally from Vancouver, Kathryn Atkinson moved to Nanaimo in 2015 shortly after the birth of her son, Charlie. Since arriving in the community, her family has been deeply connected to the Nanaimo Child Development Centre, with Charlie receiving support through NCDC services until he aged out of programming. Kathryn describes these services as life-changing for her son and family, which inspired her to join the Board in 2024. She is passionate about ensuring that other families continue to have access to the same vital supports.

Kathryn’s professional background is in clinical counselling. She has worked with children and youth through the Ministry of Children and Family Development as both a clinician and Team Leader, before transitioning to private practice in 2021. In 2022, she founded Island Clinical Counselling, with a mission to provide accessible, evidence-based care to children, youth, adults, and families.

When she’s not working, Kathryn enjoys eating out, spending time with loved ones, and relaxing at home with her cat, Bella.