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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A born-and-raised Vancouver Islander, Jake has been on the Board since 2021. Jake is father to a young human and a chocolate lab pup, and works as a family and child protection lawyer with Legal Aid BC. Jake was called to the Bar in 2020 after completing law school at the University of British Columbia and has also worked as counsel at Justice Canada and in private practice. Jake is amazed and inspired by the impact Family Services of Greater Victoria on its staff have on so many lives; he is proud to sit on the board of this incredible organization.
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Jessica Narsing - Director
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Jessica brings a wealth of experience and passion for education and community service to the board of directors. With a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education, she has dedicated 12 years as a French immersion teacher in the Sooke School District, fostering a love for learning among students. A resident of the Fernwood community, she is an active volunteer at local events, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening community ties. As a parent of two children and a dog owner, she understands the importance of building a supportive and enriching environment for families. Jessica is eager to contribute her expertise and enthusiasm to Family Services as a director.
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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 has practiced 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. Alison works to find ways to contribute to the community outside of work. Most recently she sat on the Board for Wear 2 Start, a non-profit organization that provides clothing to women in need, and the CBABC Young Lawyers Group for Victoria. In 2014, she volunteered weekly as a receptionist with FSGV, or BC Families in Transition as it then was. During that time, she became acquainted with the services provided by FSVG and is pleased to return to the organization
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