Crystal Buchan - Co-Chair
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Crystal has practiced primarily family law since her call to the B.C. bar in 1992. She qualified as a family mediator in 1998, was a founding member of the Victoria Collaborative Family Law Group in 2000 and obtained her Family Law Mediator accreditation in 2014.
From her call, Crystal has practiced in a neighbourhood law firm, and is very happy to now serve the Browne Associates’ neighbourhood. Crystal’s working life has focused on the law. She graduated with Bachelor of Arts (Honours in English) from the University of Regina in 1980, and was Editor with Legislative Drafting in Saskatchewan until 1988 when she began her studies toward her Juris Doctor at the University of Victoria. |
Outside of her law practice, Crystal is proud to be a long-time volunteer for Family Services of Greater Victoria which provides a wide range of caring, timely and effective services for all family members facing change and challenges in their relationships
James(Jim) Wallace - Co-Chair
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James(Jim) is a retired Executive from the software and property development fields. Family Services of Greater Victoria is a great organization that I feel I can help with my business experience.
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Jake Holm - Director
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Jake is a born and raised Vancouver Islander. He was called to the Bar in 2020 after completing law school at the University of British Columbia. He was the recipient of numerous awards during his time at UBC, including course prizes in family law and dispute resolution, and in recognition of his contributions to the university’s Law Students Legal Advice Program. Jake also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Humanities, where he graduated with honours and distinction.
Before joining Brown Henderson Melbye, Jake completed his articles and worked as counsel at Justice Canada, gaining litigation experience in a wide range of practice areas and appearing before provincial and federal courts. Jake brings energy, creativity, and a tireless work ethic to Brown Henderson Melbye. He is passionate about providing excellent counsel and care to his clients and is a strong advocate for their interests throughout the life of a file. Beyond his law practice, Jake is a musician and outdoor enthusiast. |
Jessica Narsing - Director
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Bio Coming Soon
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Kendra Marks - Director
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Kendra Marks (they/she) is a lawyer working on Lək̓wəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territories. Kendra received their Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria in 2019 and has been practicing in the areas of family law, child protection, and fertility law since 2020. Kendra holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree and a Master of Arts degree, both from the University of Calgary in Mohkínstsis on the territories of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Îyâxe Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina Nations, territory which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Outside of law, Kendra spends as much time as possible with her fathers, partner, and community, and she can usually be found somewhere near the ocean.
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Alison Rhynas - Director
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Alison is a family lawyer practicing at Velletta Pedersen Christie and have been there for five years. She is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia and moved to Victoria in 2011. She is currently completing training to become a full member of the Collaborative Family Separation Professionals Group in Victoria. She always try to find ways to contribute to the community outside of work. Most recently she sat on the Boards of Wear 2 Start, a non-profit organization that provides clothing to women in need, and the CBABC Young Lawyers Group for Victoria. For about six months in 2014, she volunteered with FSGV, or BC Families in Transition as it then was. I completed a reception shift every Thursday afternoon. During that time, she became acquainted with the services provided by FSVG and always hoped to return to assist the organization in some capacity.
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Thank you to Ken & Bronwyn for your years of Service - you will be missed
Ken D'Sa - Treasurer (Past)
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Ken is a graduate of Mumbai University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Accounting, Auditing and Economics). During his degree program he worked with Pfizer Corporation (India) and then moved to Bahrain to work with African & Eastern (a subsidiary of Unilever UK), he then joined Lloyds Bank International PLC in various positions ending as their Customer Service Manager. After which, he joined Barclays Bank PLC who made him an offer he could not refuse. He then was offered a position of VP Operations and Administration with a local bank called the Arab Saudi Bank, later to become the International Commerce Bank. He was part of a leadership team to resurrect it, which they did over the next 3 years.
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Leaving behind the lucrative position, fame and glamour of banking, he came to Canada in 1991 after receiving approval for landed immigrant status. He worked in Toronto with a financial services company until 1997. The company became publicly traded in 2005 and he continued to work with them until 2008.
Given an interval between jobs, his goals for 2010 have been to complete the Advanced HR program at Camosun College and to earn the CHRP (Certified Human Resource Professional) designation in Canada.
Ken also coaches and mentors young people regarding careers and goals that will benefit them in their lives. He enjoys servant leadership with his sleeves rolled up and strongly believes one can influence most people to live life with higher standards.
Given an interval between jobs, his goals for 2010 have been to complete the Advanced HR program at Camosun College and to earn the CHRP (Certified Human Resource Professional) designation in Canada.
Ken also coaches and mentors young people regarding careers and goals that will benefit them in their lives. He enjoys servant leadership with his sleeves rolled up and strongly believes one can influence most people to live life with higher standards.
Bronwyn Taylor - Director (Past)
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Bronwyn is a retired teacher, so she knows how important it is for families to have support, especially in times of stress or change. During her career she worked closely with families, colleagues, and outside support agencies, favouring a consensus model to conflict resolution and decision-making. Bronwyn grew up in Victoria, taking her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Victoria, followed by a Master's degree in Educational Administration. She has served on several boards in various capacities, and is looking forward to the challenge of something new with Family Services of Greater Victoria.
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