LVI Board & Coaching Team

Over the last 30 years Cindy has been fully immersed in the psychology of transformation, overcoming adversity, capitalizing on strengths, and discovering possibilities. Having worked alongside thousands of individuals Cindy has an undeniable belief in human potential.

As co-founder of Thompson Leadership Coaching and the sole proprietor of a private practise in Parksville, B.C., Cindy understand what it takes to be a leader and business owner. What she brings to a coaching relationship is an unique blend of fine tuned listening skills, strength-based questions, and a relentless belief in possibilities.

Don’t let her soft-spoken demeanor fool you! as a thinking partner and coach, Cindy is prepared to ask the hard questions so that clients get out of their comfort zone, lean into challenges, and stretch their limits.

With a specialization in Resilience, Cindy invites clients to shift from “Surviving to Thriving.” It is within these conversations where work/life balance is established, possibilities are discovered, and burnout can be prevented.

Cindy can also be found behind the microphone of “A Resilience Project” podcast. This is as space where guests share their greatest adversities and the resilience practices they have come to rely on. Several experts have also spoken about their recommended practices for developing a resilience skill set. With each conversation Cindy and her team are committed to growing Radical Resilience around the world.

After all, adversity is inevitable while resilience is a practice!

Carmel is a CTI-trained Life Coach with a passion for self-leadership based in a strong future vision and core values. When people know what they want and why they want it, both personally and organizationally, the path forward is clear.

As a parent and business-owner, Carmel has used the principles of leadership to make tough decisions and to help her clients do the same. She uses a 5-part framework to help her clients lead in all aspects of their lives, helping them to escape indecision and overwhelm while building strong habits that lead to both short-term and long-term results.

She is an avid mountain biker and personal growth junky, with a penchant for singing and organizing. Everything she does is motivated by her desire to set the best possible example for her 10-year-old son.

Arjuna has over 25 years experience in management and leadership positions for helping people grow and prosper in life and work. In 2021 he retired from the Fire Service after 24 years of exemplary service. Since retiring he has transitioned to executive coaching and consulting focusing on emerging leaders who want to learn how to master their stress and become more resilient.

Arjuna is a Certified Executive Coach (CEC) through Royal Roads University and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). He is also a volunteer for the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs as a member of the Human Factors Committee as well as an advisory board member for the Canadian Talent Provider Society.

Robert Thompson was born and raised in Ucluelet and considers Vancouver Island to be ‘home’.  His career as a civilian member of the RCMP lead him to Dawson Creek, Chilliwack and finally Nanaimo.  With over 30 years in the field of telecommunications including his role as manager on Vancouver Island, Robert considers himself to be a life-long learner.

Regardless of his location, Robert has naturally sought out community involvement. Whether in Kinsmen Club, Rotary, or serving as chair of the YMCA in Chilliwack, Robert believes in leaving the world a better place for our next generations.  Inspired by the vision and mission of Leadership Vancouver Island, Robert is honoured to join the board as treasurer and part of the recruitment team.

Married to his wife Cindy for over 30 years, Robert finds great joy in witnessing the growth and development of their two adult children. Robert is currently involved with the Arbutus Toastmasters Club, is actively involved in the Comox 19 Wing Sailing Club, and is working on his third-degree black belt in Okinawan Traditional Karate.

As a visionary, he appreciates the gifts associated with big ideas, unleashing creativity, and exploring beyond traditional boundaries.  As a Certified executive coach, he partners with leaders who are focused and energized about creating a sustainable future.

Russ Burke is a recently retired career banker. Most recently he served as Assistant Vice President and Manager of Canadian Western Bank in Nanaimo, a post he has held for fifteen years. Mr. Burke is also Past President of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, where he served as a member of the executive for six years. During that time, the Chamber was recognized as the “2003 B.C. Chamber of the Year”, was a top three finalist in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Competition for 2004 in Calgary and received honorable mention at the 2005 World Chamber of Commerce annual meeting in Durban, South Africa. Under his leadership the Chamber completed a new $600,000 chamber office building construction program & related fund raising campaign. Other activities included cultural and business exchange visits to the Maples region of Quebec. Mr. Burke was honoured as Business Leader of the Year in 2011 by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce at the annual Sterling Awards and in January 2015 was granted an honorary Lifetime Membership in the Chamber.

Mr. Burke is Past Chair of the Nanaimo Airport Commission which recently completed a $25 million expansion and reliability improvement project. Mr. Burke was also the Chair of the Friends of Malaspina committee, which was a successful initiative to have Malaspina University Collage upgraded to full university status. It is now known as Vancouver Island University. He was a founding member of the Invest In Yes-New Nanaimo Conference Center committee, which was successful in obtaining voter approval for the $70 million project. Russ is a past president of the Nanaimo Executive Association and served as a councilor with Trinity Catholic Church. Russ recently passed the Board President baton to Craig Richardson for 2021 and is eager to share his knowledge and passion for the program with the new Board President. Russ will continue to serve as Vice Board President and Recruitment and Sponsorship Chair. Mr. Burke was a founding member of Leadership B.C Nanaimo now known as Leadership Vancouver Island. This is a community driven, 8 month leadership training course which has graduated more than 250 candidates over the past 10 years. It is recognized by Vancouver Island University as an elective course towards a degree program or as credit for the Certificate in Community Leadership diploma.

Russ is a past director of Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, who’s objectives are to promote a sustainable and diversified economy, regional leadership, strong communities and First Nations development. Mr. Burke served 9 years as an Honorary Colonel of the 39 Signal Regiment, Canadian Armed Forces and has conducted a goodwill tour of CFB Camp Julien, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Russ is married with three children, all of which are graduates of Vancouver Island University. He is an avid golfer, photographer, fisherman & enjoys mountain biking.

Leesa’s transformative insights have helped the LVI Board propel the program to new heights, creating a curriculum that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures essential skills for the leaders of tomorrow. Her dedication to fostering growth and fostering an atmosphere of open dialogue has empowered participants to embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery and leadership excellence. With the skills of an incredibly talented and focused committee the Leadership Vancouver Island Program has evolved into a dynamic crucible of ideas.

Leesa stands as a beacon of innovation and inspiration within the realm of experiential learning. Her tireless dedication, coupled with her boundless enthusiasm, has enriched the Leadership Vancouver Island Program, ensuring that it continues to shape the leaders of today and tomorrow. Her commitment to understanding the unique needs of each participant has facilitated the creation of a learning experience that is as personalized as it is impactful.

Recreation Coordinator, Event Planner, Community Builder. With over 15 years of experience at Parks, Recreation, and Culture, Meg is your go-to pro for fun and engaging activities. She’s rocked the world of youth programs, adult recreation, cultural services, and more. She co-chaired the Youth Advocates committee for a decade, which connected youth workers across the region and produced the Nanaimo Youth Resource Guide. As an event planner, Megan’s credits include the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, the Olympic Torch Relay, multiple Canada Day celebrations, the Play On! sports festival, and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Meg is a 2023 graduate of LVI and is thrilled to continue supporting the program in this new capacity. Beyond her professional life, Megan is a dedicated mother of two, an enthusiastic ice hockey player, and a budding seamstress.

Stuart started producing promotional marketing content for LVI in 2011 and joined the Board of Directors in 2022. After graduating from Vancouver Island University in 2011 with a degree in Media Studies, Stuart took his marketing skills and found a career in sales after recognizing the parallels between the two skill sets. In his free time Stuart writes and records music under the moniker Sound Recorder.

Andrea Rosato-Taylor is now retired after spending the last 35 years in marketing, sales, and Publisher of various newspapers.

She retired in June of 2021 as the Publisher of the Ladysmith Chronicle and Group Publisher of Cowichan Citizen.
She has been working in media for 35 years. In her various roles with newspapers in San Francisco, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island – she has created and implemented many multi-media products that vary from event marketing, airport signage, creating new digital products for the recruitment category, specialty features, magazines etc.
Her “Why” is” you get the community you want by participating in it.”
She is not only passionate about newspapers and multi- media but is passionate about community.
She has been the Chair of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Director on the Dragon Boat Society, Board of Trustee of the North Cedar Water Board, “Woman of Note” and Chairperson for fundraising for the Vancouver Island Symphony,  and is past  President of the Downtown Ladysmith Business Association.

She currently is a director on the board of Ladysmith Health Auxiliary, Vice President on the board of Arts Council of Ladysmith, Director on the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, Director on the board of the Downtown Ladysmith Association and is on the board of the Vancouver Island Symphony.

She launched a product 6 years ago in Central Island “ Boulevard Magazin” and she is still active in the marketing and distribution of that product.