Helping People, Changing Lives, Building Community.
 Board Members
Helping People, Changing Lives, Building Community.

Biography

LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors

Roger Dowker

Board Advisor

Roger was born in Toronto and moved to Mission in 2003 where he started a relationship with Janet and being active in the community.

Independently and as a couple, Roger has given generously and enthusiastically; his time and skills to many community groups and organizations over the last 21 years such as Mission City Farmers Market, Mission Fest, Be the Change Action Circle, Mission Association for Seniors Housing, Mission Food Coalition, Feeding Futures Committee, Starfish Backpack program and Rotary.

Roger truly exemplifies that we are all in this together and share in the opportunity to make Mission a more caring and compassionate community.

On April 11th 2024, Roger and Janet were honored at the Community Services Award as the 2024 Citizens of the Year by the City of Mission.

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Dr. Lovepreet Mutti

Board Director

Lovepreet  is an international medical graduate in the process of registering as a Family Physician in BC; with a keen interest in family medicine, psychiatry and pharmacology. He also brings over 10 years of experience in commercial and residential construction as an advisor, designer, and manager at Mutti Homes. He is passionate about contributing to community welfare by sharing his expertise on medical services, mental health care as well as residential and commercial construction projects.

He has always pursued newer and more efficient ways of achieving goals and has been involved in various research projects at UBC and UofA since 2015. His love for exploring new and unknown ventures has made him an avid entrepreneur in various business ventures spanning real estate, medical esthetics, salons & spas. He loves listening to Audible, reading, and tending to his plants and kitchen garden in his free time.

 

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Clarke Olson, CPA

Vice Chair and Treasurer
Clarke is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 25 years experience at the senior leadership (Board/Management) level in the non-profit/charity sector. Throughout his career, he has helped establish and grow many human services organizations, and currently serves on the Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee for the Accounting Standards Board of Canada. In his spare time, Clarke enjoys making hay and looking after his loving family and friends.
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Jay Smith

Board Director

More information coming soon.

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Jen Green

Board Chair

Jen is a dedicated Education Assistant with over 15 years of experience working with youth of all abilities, grades K-13. With a love for learning, she set a long-term goal to obtain her teaching certificate. In 2025, Jen will hit a major milestone in her journey, graduating from the University of the Fraser Valley with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Jen plans to continue her education – getting her PDP from the Mission UFV campus, while working in and serving her community.

Jen’s greatest strength is giving back. She values the impact that giving back has on oneself as well as their community; giving a passion for volunteering.  Jen has worked with Fraser Valley Youth Pride Festival, Mission Candlelight Parade, Festival of Trees and Mission Art’s Council’s Children’s Fest; among many others. Personally, she organizes annual fundraisers, benefitting local organizations/charities including but no limited to-
• 2023 – Mission Junior Dragster Team | Dance with a live band and silent auction
• 2022 – MYHouse | Coldest Night of the Year
• 2021 – Mission All Together for Healthcare | Virtual Music Bingo

In September of 2024, Jen was elected Board Chair of Mission Community Services. She is honored to hold this position, and is committed to Helping People, Changing Lives and Building Community.

If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to chat – she would love to hear from you at [email protected].

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Smita Akale

Board Director
Smita Akale is a visionary psychiatrist from India and mental health advocate whose career spans over 20 years of transformative impact. Her journey, marked by a relentless commitment to mental health, has been enriched by a global perspective and diverse experiences. Smita has devoted 12 years to volunteering as a rehabilitation specialist for mentally challenged unhoused populations, offering her expertise to some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.

Her multicultural proficiency and global experiences afford her a unique perspective on healthcare, which she utilizes in her current role as a Project Coordinator with the Mission Division of Family Practice. In this capacity, Smita supports International Medical Graduates in their journey to resume medical practice in Canada. Her work aligns seamlessly with her passion for healthcare, demonstrating her ability to blend strategic leadership with compassionate care.

Smita’s academic credentials are a testament to her dedication to excellence and continuous learning. She holds an MD in Psychiatry, an MSc in Psychotherapy and Counselling, and a Masters in Public Health from England. Additionally, she completed a Mini-Fellowship in Successful Aging and End-of-Life Care from Stanford University, and Diploma in Business Management from CCTB College, Canada. These qualifications have equipped her with the skills necessary for effective strategic planning, policy development, and interdisciplinary communication.

Her leadership style is transformational, characterized by her sensitivity to people’s needs and her innovative approach to problem-solving. Fluent in multiple languages, she connects effortlessly with diverse communities, ensuring empathy and understanding transcend linguistic barriers. Her training in the Social and Civic Opportunities: Pathways to Equity Program (SCOPE) has sharpened her cultural competence and diversity inclusion skills, essential for community engagement, governance and equitable outcomes.

Smita’s is an avid traveler, a passionate reader, a fan of Harry Potter and is pursuing training in the classical Indian dance form Bharatnatyam. Her personal experiences as an immigrant inform her advocacy for newcomers’ rights, aspiring to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all immigrants. Volunteering with DiverseCity Community Resources Society on the “Together Project,” she has assisted newly arrived refugees in their settlement, reinforcing her commitment to equity and inclusion.

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Jash Bains

Board Director

Jash Bains is currently an elected trustee for the Mission Public School Board, where she has the distinction of being the first Sikh-Canadian woman to serve in this capacity. She is the founder and Chair of the Punjabi Mutiyaaran Women’s Society, for which she has an incredible passion to dedicate her time and efforts in empowering women. Alongside her role in the education realm, she works as a healthcare professional and is involved in her local union, as a Shop Steward.
Jash also serves on the board of the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) Council, which supports both local and international immigrants. She is deeply involved in community outreach, with a particular focus on women’s empowerment. With a diverse and rich background, Jash is dedicated to advocating for women and children, in a variety of ways. In her personal life, Jash enjoys participating in social gatherings, dressing up in ethnic wear to promote diversity, and engaging in various forms of cultural dance.

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Management Team

Shawn Boulter

Director of Programs
Shawn began his journey with MCSS in 2016, initially joining the Family Services program and eventually moving into program management in 2020. In 2023 Shawn was appointed the Director of Programs, overseeing the management of MCSS supportive service programs. With an extensive experience of volunteer and community work, in combination with his support work within MCSS, Shawn has demonstrated a committed and passionate desire to help people, change lives and build community
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Dan Elliot, CPA

Director of Finance

Dan has been working in the accounting profession for over twenty-five years, including fifteen years with the federal government where he served for seven years as a Regional Comptroller of the Correctional Service Canda. Dan has also worked as an accountant in private sector and as a taxation auditor.

In addition to being an accountant, Dan served in the Canadian Armed Forces for five years as an aircraft mechanic and served his community for a combined sixteen years as a volunteer fire-fighter and search and rescue member.

Dan is a hobby musician who sings and plays multiple instruments and is an avid motorcyclist.
Dan has been married for thirty-two years and has one daughter and a grand-daughter.

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Tammy Rutledge

Manager-Human Resources
Tammy is a seasoned HR professional with an extensive background spanning over 25 years. With a passion for human rights, equity and inclusion, she has made a significant impact to building teams within non-profit organizations. Her expertise in implementing efficient processes has played a large part in optimizing organizational structures and fostering a positive work environment.

Tammy’s dedication to community service is evident through her volunteer work, where she has lent her time and expertise to spearhead awareness and fundraising campaigns for various organizations, including the United Way, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society and others.
Outside of her professional life, Tammy is a devoted mother to three grown children. She enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her husband and their beloved rescue dog, Obby, who holds a special place in their hearts as the “best dog in the world.” Whether it’s kayaking, camping or heading out on a road trip, Tammy appreciates these moments of connection with nature and loved ones.

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Allister Murphy

Manager-FDRP & Youth Services
Allister has worked in the field of human and social services for 25 years in a variety of positions including mental health, child welfare and seniors’ care. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of the Fraser Valley and is in the process of completing his Masters of Chaplaincy from ACTS Seminary.

Allister lives with his wife and two dogs. He enjoys the arts and sitting on a riverbank fishing.

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Jason Jang

Manager-Community Outreach

Jason is a driven leader with close to 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. He has excelled in management, overseeing large teams of staff and leading operations across multiple residential facilities. His expertise includes project coordination, policy development, and training implementation.

With extensive experience supporting individuals with disabilities, addictions, and those in recovery, Jason has provided counseling, coordinated programs, and ensured client-focused outcomes in safe, supportive environments. He holds a Child and Youth Care Counselor Diploma from MTI Community College, Vancouver.

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Kim Snow

Manager-Early years, Seniors and Settlement
Kim joined Mission Community Services Society in 2020. Coming from a background in Early years, Kim devoted 25 years running her own business before joining Mission Community Services as a Program Coordinator in Childcare Resource and Referral. With a strong sense of community, Kim sees the value in building business relationships, partnerships and collaborations in all her departments to provide quality programing and services to all.
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Kevin Muters

Manager- Housing and Shelter
Kevin joined MCSS in 2021; driven by his lived experience and passion for helping those in need. With a background in managing a franchise store and over two decades as a journeyman welder, Kevin swiftly advanced into leadership positions. At 55, he decided to change careers, inspired by his volunteer work at the Abbotsford food bank. He completed a diploma program at the Academy of Learning in Abbotsford and began his journey at MCSS as a casual employee, quickly rising to leadership roles by consistently going above and beyond in his roles.

As the Manager of Housing and Shelter, Kevin oversees the operations management at MCSS Emergency Shelter including the Emergency Weather Response as well as the Supportive Housing Facility at Grand Street.

Originally from Alberta, Kevin lives in Abbotsford with his wife, who was instrumental in supporting his career progression. Kevin enjoys spending time with his blended family of 6 children and 5 grandchildren. In his spare time, likes to read and go camping.

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Michelle Viala

Manager-Hurd St Housing

Michelle Viala began her journey at MCSS in 2010 as a frontline worker and transitioned into supervisory and management roles within the Housing and Shelter programs over the years. Her journey- marked by a relentless commitment to supporting marginalized people facing homelessness, mental health challenges, addictions- exemplifies the agency’s mission of Helping People, Changing Lives, Building Community.

Currently, Michelle serves as the Manager for the new building on Hurd Street, which provides 50 units of permanent low-barrier housing to the residents of Mission. Her commitment to enhancing the quality of life of the community’s most vulnerable individuals is commendable as she continues to empower individuals and create positive change with her compassion and expertise.

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Jasmeet Matta

Assistant Manager-Community Resources
Executive and Governance Assistant
Jasmeet Matta serves dual roles at Mission Community Services Society and is committed to driving performance and fostering community connections. As the Assistant Manager of Community Resources, she oversees the organization’s print and social media presence, volunteer coordination, agency events and community partnerships. Additionally, as the Executive and Governance Assistant, Jasmeet provides senior-level administrative support to the Executive Director, facilitates Board Governance activities and ensures the smooth operation of the Society.

Jasmeet holds a Master’s Degree in Administration and a Bachelor of Pharmacy, bringing a blend of healthcare and business acumen to her roles. With a robust background in consulting, administration, operations management and customer service; Jasmeet brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. Her proactive approach and strong organizational skills have led to successful collaborations with both internal and external stakeholders, enhancing the agency’s community engagement efforts.

Jasmeet enjoys travelling and collaborating with passionate, dynamic people who seek to make a difference in the community. She has volunteered through various organizations such as Pain BC, SFU, Make A Difference, Leonard Cheshire Disability, to name a few. Her young family of four are finding their way in the world; embracing opportunities to make enduring friendships.

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