With a background in banking and a deep passion for supporting her community, Allyssa is dedicated to helping families access the resources they need to thrive. She is a volunteer with Mamas for Mamas and has personally experienced the invaluable support of KFP since becoming a parent. Recognizing the profound impact KFP has on local families, she joined the Board of Directors in 2022 to give back to an organization that has given so much to her. Through her own journey of advocating for her children, she understands the challenges families face and the critical role of early intervention and family resource services. She is honoured to work alongside KFP’s dedicated staff and volunteers and is excited to contribute her skills and experience to furthering KFP’s mission.

Since joining the KFP Board of Directors in 2023, Melanie has brought her passion and dedication to supporting our community. She has extensive knowledge of not-for-profit operations having served as Executive Director for the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) and comes from a strong scientific background in biochemistry, with a Master of Science degree from the University of Alberta. She recently opened a fully licensed child care facility, Wild Rose Child Care, where she serves as the Owner/Director with a team of staff. Melanie is committed to finding innovative and creative solutions to enhance the lives of our community members and foster a supportive and collaborative environment.

Christine holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University, and has worked with children and families in British Columbia for more than 20 years. As a board member at KFP, she brings expertise in advocacy for people put at risk by inadequate policies and her passion for connecting youth and families to services to meet their unique needs. Since becoming a Board Member in 2022, she continues to be impressed and inspired by the role KFP plays within the West Kootenay area, and the meaningful impact the agency has on the lives of so many families.

Danni previously served as the Director of the Park West Gallery at Sea, working aboard cruise ships, traveling to over 30 countries, and successfully auctioning artworks, including Picasso’s etchings. In China, she owned a pastry shop where she taught cake design and decorating, creating cakes for film premieres and renowned actors, and earned several international awards for my creations. In April 2024, Danni moved to Castlegar with her one-year-old son and quickly felt the warmth of the community through KFP. Inspired by this experience, she joined KFP as the newest Board Member. Currently, she manages online marketing for Castlegar’s The Biggest Little Fruit Stand and works part-time in the security department at Teck.

Mahendra Tomar came to the West Kootenays as a student at Selkirk College, where he completed a diploma in Social Work and Business Management. With over six years of experience in advocacy and community engagement, he has been a strong voice for students’ rights, serving as Treasurer and Director at his college’s student union before advancing to the BC Federation of Students as a Director at Large. Through lobbying, student engagement, and media outreach, he has worked to make post-secondary education more accessible.
Currently, Mahendra is a Career Counsellor and Youth Support Worker, dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering community growth. With a background in Computer Science Engineering, he also brings valuable technical expertise to his work. Passionate about making a difference, he joined Kootenay Family Place to contribute to the well-being of children, youth, and families.