ABOUTΒ
PACIFIC ASSISTANCE DOGS SOCIETY (PADS)
Mission
PADS supports people with disabilities and community care providers by partnering them with certified assistance dogs.
Vision
Be YOU. With Us.
We serve communities that are greater and stronger because of their diversity. What makes YOU different is worth both celebrating and cultivating.
PADS is committed to equality across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability and experience. We invite you to bring your whole self to our team, helping us to change lives, one dog βand personβat a time.
Values
Gratitude |Β We are grateful for the support of our community and those who share our mission.
Respect |Β We hold in high esteem those who support our mission with their time, their money, or their actions. We are kind to our dogs and always consider their dignity and health.
Accountability |Β We exhibit a high level of care and conduct when considering or taking action.
Integrity |Β We are sincere and genuine when we consider or take action.
Trust |Β We appreciate those who place their confidence in us, and we act in ways to maintain that level of faith in our mission.
Transparency |Β We conduct ourselves openly and consider stakeholders and the community as our partners in the fulfillment of our mission.
PROUD TO BE CANADAβS 1ST FULLY ACCREDITED ASSISTANCE DOG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
PADS achieved full accreditation fromΒ Assistance Dogs International (ADI)Β in 2002. ADI is the international body that sets standards for assistance dog training, placement and client care. Members of ADI meet regularly to share ideas and conduct business regarding educating the public about assistance dogs, advocating for the legal rights of people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs, and the setting of standards and establishing guidelines and ethics for the training of these dogs. ADI has a comprehensive accreditation system and members have to be regularly assessed to ensure they meet the high standards expected of assistance dog programs. We strive to meet or exceed the standards and ethics developed by the ADI Standards and Ethics Committee.
Clients working in partnership with an assistance dog are also key to making the partnership work. Programs have responsibilities towards the clients and clients have responsibilities towards their dogs, which are outlined in these standards.
Vivian Smith, CFRE
Interim CEO
Vivian Smith, an experienced consultant and leader has joined our team as Interim CEO. Vivian brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by non-profits and will be working with our team to strengthen PADS. Our time with her will be an incredible opportunity for learning, renewal and fresh thinking as well as a chance to address important systems and capacity issues. Her experiencing supports empowering organizations to function from an intentional and active place, building on strengths and success!
CHRISTINE COLETTA
Chair
Committee Chair: Facility Design & Board Nominations
Chris is the co-owner of Okanagan Crush Pad, a family-run winery located in Summerland, BC, home toΒ Haywire, Narrative, Free Form and Bizou & Yukon wine brands.Β She spent nine years as the founding executive director of the BC Wine Institute and Wines of Canada. SheΒ then spent 14 years consulting in the field of marketing, branding and communications and had the privilege of working with many global and domestic brands.Β
Christine is widely acknowledged as a driver for change and betterment andΒ is a staunch believer in volunteerism and is extremely excited to be back with her PADS family again.Β
Laura Watson
Vice Chair
Committee Chair: Human ResourcesΒ
Laura has extensive experience from localΒ to national boards of directors, with a background in strategic planning and structuralΒ organization. Laura is the High-Performance Coaching Advisor with Own the Podium,Β responsible for executing the world-class Coaching Enhancement Program, supporting Canada’s coaches in the pursuit of excellence in Olympic andΒ Paralympic sport.
Laura attended the Sauder School of Business and theΒ University of British Columbia, where she earned her Master’s Degree in HighΒ Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership (MHPCTL). She brings her exceptional coaching and leadership skills to PADS, and a love for her enormousΒ Bernese Mountain Dog, Murphy.
CARA Pavlakovic
Treasurer
Committee Chair: Audit & Finance
Cara brings to the PADS Board a strong background in accounting and diverse financial expertise. This outgoing and experienced advisor loves building relationships, overcoming challenges and developing creative, strategic solutions.
Cara has a Bachelors in Business Administration (Accounting & Finance) from Simon Fraser University and is excited to be combining two of her loves by serving on the PADS board – finance and dogs!
Debbie Carver
Secretary
Debbie is an Investor Relations Advisor with Graham Construction.
She studied Business Management at the University of Calgary and is a dynamic and personable individual with a strong work ethic. Debbie is results oriented, a creative problem solver and is used to multitasking and working under tight deadlines.
Debbie has served on the Calgary Board of Directors for Cystic Fibrosis Canada for nearly 30 years. She is highly experienced in investor relations, strategic planning, and strategic communications.
ROB WALKER
PAST CHAIR
I continue to be amazed at the sincere generosity of PADS volunteers in both their time and commitment to such a good cause. I am lucky to be able to be involved as we all watch PADS grow and move forward. The future of PADS looks ever so bright and with the efforts of staff, volunteers and the Board of Directors we will be able to keep moving forward. I look forward to the coming term and helping to secure the future of PADS.
Kristy James
Director
Committee Chair: Governance
Kristy is the President & CEO at Burnaby Hospital Foundation.
She is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in Planned Giving, Nonprofit Organizations, Capital Campaigns, Event Management, and Volunteer Management. Strong business development professional graduated from British Columbia Institute of Technology / BCIT.
Lisa Hogland
Director
Committee Chair: Fundraising
Lisa is the Executive Director at Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation and a lifelong resident of the Delta community.
With close to 20 yearsβ experience working in the nonfor-profit sector, Lisaβs leadership in community engagement and development has enabled the Foundation to achieve significant milestones. Previously, Lisa worked in fundraising positions at BC Womenβs Hospital and Health Centre Foundation and Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC where she gained extensive experience in strategic planning, marketing and event management, and donor relations. Lisa also holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation.