BGC Okanagan Celebrates 2026 Staff Award Recipients

Agency News

At BGC Okanagan, the strength of our organization comes from the people who show up every day with heart, dedication, and a deep commitment to children, youth, and families. Our annual Staff Awards are a chance to celebrate team members and volunteers whose leadership, compassion, creativity, and service make a lasting impact across our organization.

This year’s award recipients reflect the very best of BGC Okanagan. From leading teams through change to creating welcoming spaces, mentoring colleagues, and supporting youth in meaningful ways, each recipient has helped strengthen our programs and community in their own unique way.

Above and Beyond Award: Rachelle Bowie

Rachelle Bowie, recipient of the Above and Beyond Award, has built an impressive journey with BGC Okanagan that began in 2016 as a volunteer at the Downtown Youth Centre Drop-In, located in Kelowna. Over the years, she has held a range of roles, including casual relief positions in the Drop-In and Shelter, Program Coordinator in the Shelter, Youth Services Manager, and now Social Emotional Consultant with the R2 Resilience Program.

Rachelle is known for going well beyond the expectations of her role. In addition to her work with the R2 Resilience Program, she serves as co-chair of the Central Youth Services OSH committee, contributes to the agency’s Learning and Impact committee, supports the Youth Navigators project through a partnership with Urban Matters, and steps in as part of the On Call Supervisor team when emergency coverage is needed. She has also recently trained as a Mandt Facilitator and will be offering training to staff across the agency.

What stands out most about Rachelle is her passion for learning, collaboration, and service quality. She brings energy and creativity to her work, supports staff and community partners through consultation and training, and consistently models a positive, inclusive, and encouraging work environment.

Leader Award: Ana Longman

Ana Longman, this year’s Leader Award recipient, is recognized for her mentorship, thoughtfulness, and steady leadership in one of BGC Okanagan’s most dynamic environments. Ana currently serves as Program Coordinator at the Emergency Youth Shelter and has quickly become a trusted source of support for both staff and youth. She began with BGC Okanagan in 2024 as a Residential Worker at Penny Lane, later moved into an Inclusive Childcare Consultant role, and now leads at the shelter.

Ana’s leadership is rooted in care, action, and presence. Colleagues describe her as flexible, kind, empathetic, and deeply committed to the team. She is known for making time for staff check-ins, listening well, mentoring others, and stepping in wherever needed. Even in the busiest moments, she finds ways to keep staff feeling connected and supported.

She also led through a major transition as the shelter moved to a 24-hour model, helping staff, youth, families, and community partners navigate significant change with resilience and professionalism. Her approach encourages collaboration, shared problem-solving, and a strong sense of purpose, all while maintaining a positive and respectful culture.

Living Our Values Award: Sara Isaac

Sara Isaac, recipient of the Living Our Values Award, has been part of BGC Okanagan since 2016. She began as a Summer Program Worker in childcare, moved into a permanent Childcare Worker role, and later stepped into her dream role working with youth. Since 2018, Sara has served as Program Coordinator at Teen Junction, where she continues to make a meaningful difference for youth, families, and colleagues.

Sara is recognized for consistently demonstrating BGC Okanagan’s core values: belonging, respect, encouragement and support, working together, and speaking out. She creates welcoming, inclusive environments where youth and staff feel seen and valued, and she approaches every interaction with patience, empathy, and professionalism.

Her impact extends beyond her own program. Sara mentors staff, encourages growth, advocates for fairness and inclusion, and collaborates widely with colleagues and community partners. She also contributes her voice on multiple committees, including the Culture Committee, helping strengthen both program quality and organizational culture.

Rising Star Award: Cassandra Martel

Cassandra Martel, recipient of the Rising Star Award, has quickly emerged as a promising leader within BGC Okanagan. She joined the organization on October 5, 2023, working in early years as an ECEA in West Kelowna at Webber Day Care while also supporting various after-school programs. In November 2025, she stepped into the Program Coordinator role at the new Hudson Road Club location, where she has already made a remarkable impact.

Cassandra took on leadership during a major period of transition as the Hudson after-school program moved from an elementary school gymnasium into its own childcare centre, expanded enrolment, and welcomed new families and staff. She helped guide children, parents, and team members through that change with confidence, compassion, and a strong focus on creating a safe, fun, and inclusive environment.

She is also recognized for her persistence, trauma-informed approach, and commitment to learning. One example highlighted in her nomination described how she patiently supported a child in distress, using relationship, redirection, and calm persistence to de-escalate the situation and help turn the child’s day around. Beyond her direct program work, Cassandra has joined committees, pursued leadership development opportunities, and shown a clear commitment to growing within the organization.

Volunteer of the Year: Rishma Chooniedass

Rishma Chooniedass, recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award, has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to BGC Okanagan through her volunteer service with the Restorative Justice program. Rishma is an Associate Professor of Teaching and Associate Dean (Pro tem) of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and International Initiatives at the UBC Okanagan School of Nursing. She is also a Registered Nurse with extensive experience working with youth and families.

For the past seven years, Rishma has volunteered as a facilitator for Community Justice Forums and Peace Circles, and she also supports the program through client intake meetings. As the longest-standing volunteer in the program, she brings experience, empathy, and confidence to restorative processes, particularly in more complex cases. In 2025 alone, she contributed 26 volunteer hours and has already facilitated a case in 2026.

Rishma’s volunteer work reflects BGC Okanagan’s mission and values by helping youth, families, and victims feel heard, supported, and respected during restorative processes. Her calming presence and compassionate approach have helped create meaningful outcomes for participants, including supporting youth through emotionally difficult conversations and helping restorative circles move forward in healing and constructive ways.

Celebrating the People Behind the Impact

These award recipients represent the compassion, leadership, and dedication that power BGC Okanagan every day. We are proud to celebrate Rachelle, Ana, Sara, Cassandra, and Rishma for the difference they make in the lives of children, youth, families, and their colleagues.

Their contributions remind us that positive change is built through everyday actions: showing up, stepping up, listening well, and leading with care.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 BGC Okanagan Staff Award recipients.

Long-Service Awards

We also proudly recognize our long-service award recipients, whose years of dedication have helped shape BGC Okanagan and strengthen our impact across the region. Thank you for your commitment, care, and service to children, youth, and families.

5 Years of Service

Jaime Anderson                            Laura Gallant                  Kris Matthews

Delaney Smart                               Rachel Fischer                Tanya Doerksen

Melissa Strykowski-Indequi       Danielle Needham         Sierra Mitchner-Loelke

Brittany Doig                                  Kyla Merrick                   Devon Doherty

Kristi Patton

10 Years of Service

Dawn Janke          Jorge Pocaterra Solvason           Bailey Van Os

Sara Isaac              Janice Aarestad                             Rachelle Bowie

15 Years of Service

Amber Dearin        Michelle Innis

Jenna Martin         Aislinn Harmston

20 Years of Service

Jennifer Paquette

30 Years of Service

Ethel Newton

Tamara Wong

35 Years of Service

Kirstie Blanleil

Lianna Michaylow