Behind every one of our programs, services, and success stories is a team of compassionate people dedicated to supporting individuals living with brain injury. Our staff and Board of Directors bring expertise, empathy, and a shared commitment to creating a welcoming community where every person is treated with dignity and care.
Our Dedicated Staff
Sharlene Law
Executive Director
Sharlene Law
Executive Director
Sharlene is an accomplished Executive Director with over 22 years of experience in mental health and substance use fields, and 18 years working within the nonprofit sector.
Sharlene was excited to join the great team at Victoria Brain Injury Society in 2025 and bring her knowledge, compassion and drive to VBIS. Sharlene sits on a number of boards and committees, including the Victoria Esquimalt Police Board, and is always advocating to improve the lives of those in our community.
In her spare time, Sharlene loves music, baking, and travelling but her favorite thing is being a mom to Samantha and Brianna and a gramma to Charlotte.
Myles Beaman-Dodd
Operations Manager
Myles Beaman-Dodd
Operations Manager
Myles has been with VBIS since 2022, bringing an extensive background in community development and non-profit administration. He’s constantly inspired by the resilience and compassion that clients demonstrate at VBIS and is proud to contribute to a supportive community for those living with an ABI. When he’s not at work, Myles is daydreaming about outer space.
Ian Bermeo
Case Manager
Ian Bermeo
Case Manager
Ian has been a Case Manager with VBIS for five years. He is a psych major and has been working as a support for people living with disabilities since 2010. Ian enjoys the humour, life experience, and resilience that clients show him every day.
When he’s not working, Ian is a dad and husband. He likes music, a good book or article, and a solid joke. Ian finds writing bios to be awkward; however, he is grateful you took the time to read his.
Samantha Coleborn
Volunteer Coordinator
Samantha Coleborn
Volunteer Coordinator
When a position opened at VBIS, Samantha jumped at the opportunity. With her background in psychology and brain health and her own personal history of concussion recovery, she was ecstatic to help contribute to VBIS’s mission to support brain injury survivors within her community. In her role, Samantha enjoys training and getting to know the volunteers as well as connecting with clients and learning their stories.
In her free time, she likes to play piano or get active, whether it’s at the gym or out on a hike.
Leidi Fortner
Online Group Facilitator
Leidi Fortner
Online Group Facilitator
Leidi has been part of the Victoria Brain Injury Society team since 2008 and brings nearly two decades of experience supporting people living with acquired brain injuries. Her favourite part of her work is connecting with clients, celebrating their progress, and seeing them grow and thrive. Over the years, she has learned that patience, compassion, and a good sense of humour go a long way. Outside of work, Leidi loves to travel and spend time with her family.
John Kendall
Bookkeeper
John Kendall
Bookkeeper
John was born in Toronto, moving to South Africa at a young age. After obtaining his Chartered accountant designation, he worked for one of the big four South African banks for 27 years before moving back to Canada in 2020 with his wife and three daughters.
After arriving in Canada, John worked at a local asset management firm for three years before starting an independent accounting practice, which provided him with the freedom of entrepreneurship and the satisfaction of delivering a quality service to his clients.
In his spare time, John enjoys relaxing with family and friends as well as surfing up the west coast or wingfoiling at Ross Bay.
Ian Petula
Case Manager
Ian Petula
Case Manager
Ian is a Case Manager at the Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS). His journey with VBIS began while he was in University and joined the organization as a volunteer. This experience sparked his passion for supporting individuals living with brain injury, and helping them access the resources and community they need to thrive.
Ian believes that increasing awareness and understanding of brain injury is key to reducing stigma and building a more inclusive community. He values the meaningful connections he has built with members and is inspired every day by their resilience, strength, and lived experiences.
Gabriela Pozner
Administrative Assistant
Gabriela Pozner
Administrative Assistant
After working in a variety of different sectors, Gabriela found her place in the non-profit world, something that allowed her to tap into her lifelong desire to help people. At VBIS, Gabriela helps create a welcoming, supportive community for clients and their families, one interaction at a time.
In her personal time, she enjoys spending a rainy day at home with a book and a hot cup of tea or going on a beach picnic with her husband, Joel, and their senior dog, Luna—any activity that allows her to disconnect and recharge is a favourite of hers.
Pam Prewett
Grant Writer
Pam Prewett
Grant Writer
With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising across the social services, arts, and health care sectors, Pam has helped organizations secure the resources needed to create meaningful and lasting community impact. She previously served as Executive Director of the Victoria Brain Injury Society and now focuses on strategic grant development, helping secure funding to strengthen programs and expand services for people living with acquired brain injuries.
Outside of work, Pam enjoys travelling with her husband, discovering new places and cultures, and spending time on the water aboard their boat.
Adam Scott
Community Engagement Manager
Adam Scott
Community Engagement Manager
Adam is in his final years of his undergraduate degree in political science and economics at UVic, and his role at VBIS is to connect with individuals and organizations in both event and community settings.
After playing competitive contact sports for 20 years and sustaining several concussions, Adam instantly connected to the work VBIS does everyday: connecting people with services and resources, providing a sense of community, and helping survivors on their recovery journey. Seeing firsthand the impact that brain injuries can have on individuals continues to inspire him, and he’s grateful for the opportunity to learn from, work with, and support brain injury survivors.
Avery Sikkes
Event & Fundraising Coordinator
Avery Sikkes
Event & Fundraising Coordinator
Avery is the Event & Fundraising Coordinator at the Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS). In this role, she delivers SHINE (Student Head Injury Neuro Education) presentations and participates in other community events to increase awareness and understanding of brain injury throughout the community.
Avery is passionate about education, accessibility, and inclusion. She believes that educating people about invisible disabilities is an important step toward reducing stigma and creating more supportive, inclusive communities. She enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and values building meaningful relationships through conversation, education, and advocacy. Avery believes that even small acts of kindness and understanding can make a meaningful difference, and if she has the opportunity to help someone feel seen, supported, or understood, she will always take it.
Jennifer Taylor
Marketing & Communication Coordinator
Jennifer Taylor
Marketing & Communication Coordinator
Jennifer is the Marketing & Communication Coordinator at the Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS). Through her work, she supports community engagement via strategic communications, digital marketing, and creative storytelling. With a background in graphic design, branding, and marketing, Jennifer brings a passion for creating meaningful connections through accessible and impactful visual communication.
Jennifer’s deep commitment to the VBIS mission allows her to help share the organization’s programs, services, and stories while strengthening awareness and support for individuals and families affected by brain injury.
Our Board of Directors
Shannon Kowalko
Chair
Shannon Kowalko
Chair
Shannon is a lifelong Victorian who believes deeply in the power of community. She is the Director of Community Engagement for Mike Geric Construction and has been a volunteer with the Victoria Brain Injury Society for six years, currently serving as Board Chair.
Shannon was drawn to VBIS because of its grassroots commitment to supporting people living with acquired brain injury. She is passionate about the meaningful work of the Society’s staff and volunteers and the difference they make every day for the people they serve. Shannon is proud to contribute to an organization that leads with compassion, connection, and a strong commitment to community.
Outside of work and VBIS, Shannon loves spending time with her family, especially her young grandson, and with her lifelong circle of close friends.
Steven Gordon
Co-Chair
Steven Gordon
Co-Chair
Steven is a physician in Victoria who has seen the impact of brain injuries on individuals, their loved ones, and the local community. Steven loves being part of the VBIS team and has long admired the great work the staff and volunteers do to support survivors each day.
When not at work, Steven loves to be on the water; whether it is snowboarding, skiing, or tubing, he loves it all.
Steve Wellburn
Treasurer
Steve Wellburn
Treasurer
Steve is a CPA, CA and has served on the VBIS Board since 2022. He is a partner at MNP in Victoria and has worked in public practice for over thirty years.
After a car accident in 2018, Steve experienced long-lasting symptoms from a concussion and wants to extend the reach of VBIS to help brain injury survivors and their families manage the impact of brain injury.
Steve was born and raised in Victoria, and he and his wife Tanya have three children. Outside of VBIS, Steve enjoys reading, cycling, and spending time on the water when possible.
Ed Adams
Director at Large
Ed Adams
Director at Large
Ed is a commercial realtor in Victoria with Colliers International as a Senior VP of investment sales. After many years of high level contact sports, Ed was drawn to supporting a cause like VBIS and giving back after seeing the first-hand effects of concussions and how athletes had to navigate life while recovering from these hidden injuries. There is nothing like attending the annual fundraising gala and hearing the stories of individuals and how VBIS has helped them get back on their feet and the massive difference that the society has made on their lives. Outside of work and VBIS, Ed spends the majority of his time with his wife, one-year-old daughter, and two dogs.
Natalie Foley
Director at Large
Natalie Foley
Director at Large
Natalie is a retired personal injury lawyer who worked in the field of traumatic brain and neurological injury. Currently pursuing her passion for music as a singer and guitar player in the band The Haven, she lives in Sidney, BC, and is a lover of animals and delicious vegetarian food.
Brad Norris-Jones
Director at Large
Brad Norris-Jones
Director at Large
Brad is a lifelong Victorian who has spent more than three decades building a career in sports and entertainment in Victoria, BC. His passion for sports began early, and since 1989 he has been involved in the local sports community, working across baseball, soccer, hockey, and professional golf.
Over the years, Brad has held a number of leadership roles, including General Manager of the Victoria HarbourCats, Executive Vice President of Operations with Pacific FC, and Director of Business Development with the Victoria Royals. He has also been involved with the Victoria Seals and, more recently, has taken on a leadership role with the Victoria Open, serving as the PGA Tournament Director.
For Brad, sports have always been about more than the game itself. He believes in creating memorable experiences for fans, supporting local communities, and helping bring people together through sport and entertainment.
Away from the sporting world, Brad is an avid traveler who loves discovering new places, meeting people, and experiencing different cultures. His love of travel complements his passion for sports, giving him a broad perspective and an appreciation for the communities and people that make each place unique.
Leigh Anne Swayne
Director at Large
Leigh Anne Swayne
Director at Large
Leigh Anne is a Director and Professor in the UVIC School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health, and she also teaches in the UBC Island Medical Program.
Having played sports all her life, including rugby at a relatively high level for many years, Leigh Anne also has personal experience with concussions. A strong interest in brain health drew Leigh Anne to join the board at VBIS.
Tracey Thompson
Director at Large
Tracey Thompson
Director at Large
Tracey works in Addiction Medicine Substance Use with Island Health and is grateful to live, work, and play on the territory of the WSÁNEĆ people.
She values the opportunity to work alongside dedicated board members, staff, and volunteers to create a welcoming space where people can access support while helping build greater community understanding and compassion.
To Tracey, what stands out most about VBIS is its commitment to inclusive, peer-informed programs and its dedication to ensuring people with lived experience of brain injury help shape the organization’s future.