STAFF


Operations & Administration

Jackie Lever - Executive Director

Jackie is a member of North Island Métis and Métis Nation BC. She began her role as NIMA's first ED in 2019. Between 2008-2017, she volunteered her time as a NIMA Board Director, fulfilling various roles, including Vice President and Secretary. Jackie has an M.Ed. (Curriculum & Instruction) from UVic. She worked in the field of education as a teacher and administrator for more than 10 years and continues to work as a curriculum development specialist. She also consults for publishers and non-profit organizations as a facilitator and editor. 
Jane Chidgzey - Accounting & HR Coordinator

Jane hails from Victoria and worked as a Controller in the corporate world for many years, completing her finance and CMA studies there. In 2014, she moved with her husband to Campbell River. Always a larger city girl, she has embraced this beautiful North Island community and now will not live anywhere else. Her previous employment in Campbell River includes working for a remotely situated First Nations as their Director of Finance, giving her a new perspective in Finance for non-profit organizations. She is eager to expand her knowledge of Métis ​culture.
Charlotte Lever - Genealogist

Charlotte has been a member of North Island Métis and Métis Nation BC since August 2005. She joined NIMA's Board of Directors in February 2008 as Treasurer and has held other roles, such as Secretary and Vice President. She is very happy to be back living in Campbell River and working with everyone at North Island Métis.
Olivia McDonald - Technology Coordinator
​
Olivia is a proud member of North Island Métis and Métis Nation of Alberta. Born and raised in Alberta, she and her partner moved to Vancouver Island in early 2024, first living in the Comox Valley before settling in Campbell River. With a background in marketing, design, and communications, Olivia has worked primarily in government roles across Alberta and British Columbia. She is currently completing a Master’s degree in Digital Design and Communication and values taking ongoing training and certifications to support continual learning and growth. Now based in Campbell River, she looks forward to deepening her connection with the North Island Métis community. In her free time, Olivia enjoys spending time with her golden retriever pups, Poppy and Jones, and running or biking the trails with her partner as they discover all the new adventures the island has to offer.​


Programs & Events Department

​Mara Kersey - Program Manager
​
Mara Kersey is a proud member of Métis Nation British Columbia and North Island Métis. Her Métis family names are Brabent, Beaudry, Brazeau, Chastellain, Fraser and Lucier. Prior to becoming Program Manager at NIMA, she worked with young children and parents for over ten years. When she is not working, her and her two boys enjoy playing board games and being outdoors. Mara spends her evenings connecting to culture though learning and creating.     
​
Linda Nobis - Program Coordinator
​
Linda is a member of North Island Métis. Linda grew up in a military family and was fortunate to live in Europe and various provinces in Canada. She originally hails from Ontario and moved to BC in 1997. Prior to her position as Program Coordinator with NIMA, she worked in a few different administrative and management roles over various industries. She enjoys all sorts of artistic mediums, but is a paper crafter at heart. In her spare time, she enjoys learning about Métis culture & crafts and doing genealogical research.
Kayla Storkson - Food Sustainability Coordinator
​
Kayla grew up in Alberta and moved to Vancouver Island in 2010, where she now lives with her partner and two cats on their small-scale medicinal herb farm.  As a member of NIMA and MNBC, she is excited to support the Métis community through cultural food programming. Her background is in traditional medicine and sustainable farming, holding an Associate of Science degree and Diploma of Acupuncture.  She’s passionate about food sovereignty and believes that when communities define their food systems, they grow healthy, resilient, and connected. Her work is grounded in a love for the land, traditional knowledge, and community engagement. When she’s not in the garden, you’ll find her hiking, canoeing or sharing time with neighbours.
Harlow Dillman - Program Helper
​
Bio coming soon


​Health Department

Eric de Montarnal - Health Manager
​
Eric de Montarnal is a member of NIMA and MNBC. He is excited to be supporting advocacy of patient centered care in the Métis community. He holds a BSc. of Physiotherapy which he attained abroad in The Netherlands while playing hockey. He and his wife have two young daughters and enjoy spending their time being outdoors or anywhere that has ice cream. In his spare time, Eric is actively involved in youth sports, currently working in Minor and Jr. Hockey as a medical trainer and athletic development coach. ​
Lisa-Marie Szönyi - Health & Housing Navigator
​
Lisa-Marie grew up in the Okanagan before moving to the Lower Mainland and eventually relocating to beautiful Vancouver Island and the amazing community of Campbell River in 2014. She is a life-long learner whose background and passion are Forensics and Behavioural Sciences. When not furthering her education, she can most often be found out in the community volunteering with her registered service dog Maximus (the Mighty). She looks forward to bringing her enthusiasm of learning new cultures, history and languages as well as her genuine care for the community she serves to her role.​
Juanita Lever - Health Administrative Assistant

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, I made the leap across the country to British Columbia in 1992. Life’s adventures led me through many corners of B.C., but after spending the last decade in Kamloops, we’ve come full circle—returning to Courtenay, my husband’s hometown. I’m happiest outdoors, soaking in the beauty of nature. When the weather keeps me inside, you’ll likely find me curled up under a cozy blanket, lost in a good book or pouring my thoughts onto the page.
Catherine McCauley - Art Therapy Practicum Student

Catherine is excited to be doing her art therapy practicum at North Island Métis. She is a member of NIMA and MNBC.  Catherine holds a Bachelor’s in Child and Youth Care. She currently works at Campbell River Family Services supporting foster caregivers and kinship caregivers. Her work as a child and family counsellor increased her interest in how to support healing through the arts. Catherine and her husband are empty nesters and love camping and spending time outdoors.
Maximus the Mighty - Service Dog

Maximus works with Lisa-Marie. He is a registered service dog skilled at detecting grief, assisting for emotional regulation as well as bringing comfort to community members by engaging with them directly. His career has spanned from working with folks that are differently abled, being in a high-needs medical house & working in a long-term care facility specializing in hospice & palliative care. Maximus became a part of the NIMA team in October of 2024. When not at the NIMA office, Maximus can usually be found in community volunteering his services, enjoying the amazing ocean & beachcombing for treasures that have washed ashore.
Picture
NIMA Staff July 2025: (L-R) Juanita, Kayla, Jackie, Charlotte, Eric, Linda, Jane, Lisa-Marie, Olivia and Mara.