Ann Whiteaker, Chair
Ann Whiteaker is guided by her belief that every learner deserves the best opportunity to thrive, grow, and feel a sense of belonging while at school. She became interested and involved in public education through her own three children’s educational journey, serving on many Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) and the District PAC in a variety of executive roles where she developed an understanding and commitment to advocate for the success of all children in the public education system. Pursuing her passion, Ann served four years…
Pursuing her passion, Ann served four years as President of the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils followed by a three-year appointment to the BC Teacher Council before serving two terms on the SD61 Board of Education from 2014-2022.
Ann’s professional background in business administration with a focus on finance and human resource management provides valuable knowledge and skills which help support her work on the Board of Education. A lifelong resident of Vancouver Island, growing up in the Harbour City, Ann developed a love of being on the water and enjoys kayaking along the shores whenever possible. Recently she has learned stained glass and treasures time with the hobby, making gifts for friends and family.
Contact: awhiteaker@sd61.bc.ca
Tracy Humphreys, Vice Chair
Tracy Humphreys is a queer, autistic person with ADHD, living on the traditional, unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples. She is the parent of three young adults who attended schools in SD61 and brings over 25 years of experience in disability advocacy, education, and nonprofit leadership. She has served as a member on local Parent Advisory Councils, as President of the Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (VCPAC), and as Executive Director of the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC). Through her…
She has served as a member on local Parent Advisory Councils, as President of the Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (VCPAC), and as Executive Director of the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC). Through her work at the local and provincial levels, she has collaborated with families, staff, district leadership, partners, and Rightsholders to advance inclusive education, informed decision-making, and accountability in public education.
Tracy founded and led BCEdAccess Society for ten years, advocating for the rights of students with disabilities and their families. She received the 2019 Victoria Community Leadership Award in Lifelong Learning for her contributions to education and community advocacy.
She is currently Director of Operations at the Family Support Institute of BC, supporting programs, staff, and community partnerships that strengthen inclusion and family connections across the province.
Tracy believes public education is a cornerstone of an equitable and inclusive society. As a trustee, she is committed to keeping students at the centre of decision-making, building respectful relationships with Indigenous Rightsholders and district partner organizations, supporting school communities, and advocating for the resources and conditions every student needs to learn, belong, and thrive.
Contact: thumphreys@sd61.bc.ca
Chésa Abma-Slade, BCSTA Provincial Councillor
Chésa Abma-Slade is a proud member of Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt Nation). Chésa's experience includes working as an Indigenous Education Assistant in the W̱SÁNEĆ territory, serving as an ECE Assistant in Aotearoa (New Zealand), and previously serving on the Esquimalt Nation Education Committee. Chesa’s work with children and families was a significant motivating factor in her decision to pursue and complete law school, specifically UVic's joint degree program in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders. Chésa is passionate about Indigenous education and committed to fostering environments…
Contact: cabma-slade@sd61.bc.ca
Trevor Barry
Trevor Barry is a sustainability professional, amateur jazz musician and volleyball coach. He has three kids in SD61 schools. Raised in the Fraser Valley, Trevor learned the value of a dollar working at his dad’s automotive mechanic shop. Balancing arts and sports, he graduated with honours from Mission (SD75) in 2001, then earned his Bachelor of Science at University of British Columbia where he thrived as an on-campus student leader, intending to become a high school chemistry teacher. But life grabbed him by the hand.…
Raised in the Fraser Valley, Trevor learned the value of a dollar working at his dad’s automotive mechanic shop. Balancing arts and sports, he graduated with honours from Mission (SD75) in 2001, then earned his Bachelor of Science at University of British Columbia where he thrived as an on-campus student leader, intending to become a high school chemistry teacher.
But life grabbed him by the hand. Trevor spent a year as a University of Victoria (UVic) student housing manager before joining the BC Public Service for 15 years, where, as a Pacific Leaders Scholar he studied local government sustainability and management through the Simon Fraser University City Program.
Trevor wants to ensure our youth enjoy steady, reliable co-curricular activities and programs — especially music education — as a means to achieve inclusive belonging and academic success.
Vibrant communities are centred around vibrant schools, parks, recreation centres, and other public amenities. Trevor’s history working, volunteering and running for Saanich Council will help to build bridges between the various siloes, jurisdictions, and government bureaucracies across Greater Victoria. Through collaboration with others, the SD61 Board of Education can ensure safer schools and more prosperous opportunities for young adults attending UVic or other college/trades campuses thereafter.
A progressive and inclusive society tomorrow requires well-rounded educational experiences today. Let's invest in those things now, learning to build better governance systems and public policy outcomes for our future. That sounds like music to my ears.
Contact: tbarry@sd61.bc.ca
Maiya Beech
Maiya Beech (any pronouns) is a parent, early childhood educator, union steward, and community organizer. Maiya is a family support worker that has helped new parents navigate the first few years of parenthood. Alongside her own experience, this role has shown her what working-class parents need to feel that their kids are secure and thriving. Maiya is passionate about building networks of community solidarity. Maiya was instrumental in organizing her workplace to join the BC General Employees’ Union, serving as chair of the bargaining committee…
Maiya is a family support worker that has helped new parents navigate the first few years of parenthood. Alongside her own experience, this role has shown her what working-class parents need to feel that their kids are secure and thriving.
Maiya is passionate about building networks of community solidarity. Maiya was instrumental in organizing her workplace to join the BC General Employees’ Union, serving as chair of the bargaining committee that negotiated their workplace’s first collective employment agreement. They also hold office as Young Worker Member-at-Large in their Local Executive, and support their coworkers in their workplace as a shop steward.
Maiya is passionate about social justice, music and the arts. They are committed to advancing climate resilience in schools and improving access to counselling services.
They are looking forward to sending their child to school in SD61, making them the third generation in the family to go to school in the district.
Contact: mbeech@sd61.bc.ca
Alexandra Bomphray
Alexandra lives in View Royal with her husband and daughter, who attends an SD61 school. A lifelong advocate for public education, Alexandra has dedicated her professional career to supporting students, educators, and the public education system. Her experience includes working as a public school teacher, earning a PhD in Education from the University of Victoria, serving as a curriculum coordinator with the Ministry of Education, and teaching in post-secondary teacher education programs. As a parent of an SD61 student, Alexandra has also been actively involved…
A lifelong advocate for public education, Alexandra has dedicated her professional career to supporting students, educators, and the public education system. Her experience includes working as a public school teacher, earning a PhD in Education from the University of Victoria, serving as a curriculum coordinator with the Ministry of Education, and teaching in post-secondary teacher education programs. As a parent of an SD61 student, Alexandra has also been actively involved in school Parent Advisory Councils (PACs).
Throughout her career, Alexandra has focused on supporting students’ literacy development and ensuring that students with diverse learning needs receive the supports they need to succeed. She looks to continue this work by ensuring district policies and budgets appropriately support all students.
Alexandra believes that the voices of students, teachers, staff, and families must be at the centre of school board decision-making. This includes meaningful, ongoing consultation and collaboration with Rightsholders, partner groups, and community members. She looks forward to working alongside her fellow trustees to ensure that all SD61 students have access to a rich, well-rounded education in safe, inclusive, and supportive schools.
Contact: abomphray@sd61.bc.ca
Andrew Gage
Andrew Gage lives in Esquimalt with his wife and two children. Seeing his children learn in Esquimalt, Andrew believes that all children should have the same educational opportunities in the District no matter who and where they are. Andrew grew up in Victoria, graduating from Esquimalt High School in 1990 and UVic Law in 1997. Andrew has worked for 25 years as a lawyer with the BC-based non-profit West Coast Environmental Law, where he has advocated for a safe environment for youth and other British…
Andrew grew up in Victoria, graduating from Esquimalt High School in 1990 and UVic Law in 1997.
Andrew has worked for 25 years as a lawyer with the BC-based non-profit West Coast Environmental Law, where he has advocated for a safe environment for youth and other British Columbians.
When he is not caught up in Board business, or advocating for a sustainable future, Andrew worships with the Quaker community, plays fiddle, walks his dog, bicycles, and enjoys spending time with his family.
Contact: agage@sd61.bc.ca
Andrea Mears
Andrea (she/her) is a parent, volunteer and has more than 25 years of professional experience in labour relations and non-profit organizations. She is committed to strong public education and believes collaboration, thoughtful decision-making and focusing on students is essential. She has two sons; her oldest has recently graduated, while her youngest currently attends high school. Raising her children as a single parent has highlighted the important role schools play in supporting students and families. Andrea has an undergraduate degree from the University of Victoria and…
She has two sons; her oldest has recently graduated, while her youngest currently attends high school. Raising her children as a single parent has highlighted the important role schools play in supporting students and families.
Andrea has an undergraduate degree from the University of Victoria and a Master’s in Policy and Human Services. For the past ten years, she has worked as a Labour Relations Representative, navigating complex issues, resolving disputes, and finding practical solutions.
Before moving to labour relations, Andrea spent 15 years working in non-profit organizations serving children, youth, and families. Much of her work focused on quality improvement and accreditation, with a particular interest in ensuring young people successfully transition into adulthood.
Andrea is an enthusiastic gardener and her garden was on the Victoria Hospice Teeny Tiny Garden Tour. She volunteered as a Get Growing Coordinator, helping community members grow their own food.
As a trustee, she believes public education should provide students a safe space to learn, participate and succeed, regardless of their background, abilities or circumstances. Her approach to school governance is grounded in collaboration, transparency, and accountability. Andrea believes that effective school boards need to listen, engage respectfully, and make decisions based on evidence and the best interests of students.
Contact: amears@sd61.bc.ca
John Rice
John Rice is a proud Songhees Nation member and Lekwungen man with extensive experience in Indigenous governance, education, business, and community leadership. A former Songhees Nation Councillor (2000–2004 and 2013–2017), John helped develop and revise the Nation’s first Local Education Agreement with SD61 and supported educational partnerships with Camosun College. He has also served on the boards of multiple Indigenous-owned economic development corporations, contributing to Indigenous business development and governance. John currently serves as Property Manager for Matullia Holdings and as a Board Director with…
A former Songhees Nation Councillor (2000–2004 and 2013–2017), John helped develop and revise the Nation’s first Local Education Agreement with SD61 and supported educational partnerships with Camosun College. He has also served on the boards of multiple Indigenous-owned economic development corporations, contributing to Indigenous business development and governance.
John currently serves as Property Manager for Matullia Holdings and as a Board Director with the Royal & McPherson Theatres Society. He also sits on the board of the Lekwungen Charitable Society, supporting the advancement of Lekwungen language and culture. For decades, he has run a charitable soccer program in Victoria, promoting active living, community connection, and participation in sport for people of all ages.
As School Trustee, John is committed to strengthening relationships with families and Indigenous Nations, improving student achievement, advancing educational equity, and ensuring all students have access to safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments.
Contact: jrice@sd61.bc.ca