Staff Directory
In addition to all the volunteers who support our organization's mission, Saanich Volunteer Services Society runs on a small team of dedicated staff and the occasional practicum student. See below for our staff and students who are working onsite at present.
Linda Dawson Reid, Client Services Coordinator
(250) 595-8008 Ext. 126
csc@saanichvolunteers.org
Linda is a social worker with more than 25 years social work experience working in community based non-profit organizations in Canada and Great Britain. She has a strong belief in the importance of community service and in the work done by non-profit organizations.
Linda is committed to providing quality service to SVSS clients and facilitates the monthly Macular Degeneration Support Group meetings.
MJ Cousins, Coordinator of Volunteers
(250) 595-8008
cov@saanichvolunteers.org
MJ knows a lot about the business of volunteering. She volunteered and worked at the YM-YWCA in Kamloops for 15 years. She left her position of assistant executive director at the Y to go back to school for a degree in marketing and HR.
MJ has lived in Victoria for the past five years and has volunteered for organizations such as Jazz Fest and Kidsport. She brings a lot of experience to the Office Coordinator’s position and we welcome her to our team.
Beth Penny, Coordinator Assistant
Beth joined SVSS in the Spring of 2020. She started by helping SVSS get online during the pandemic lockdown through her marketing content consultancy, Baetli.
She is now assisting with various technology-based projects around the office. Check out our YouTube channel to see some of her videography!
Janet Mathews, Bookkeeper
(Contract)
Carol Turnbull, Executive Director
(250) 595-8008 Ext. 121
carol[at]saanichvolunteers.org
Carol Turnbull is our Executive Director at Saanich Volunteer Services Society. She has a decade of experience with another Victoria non-profit organization, and she is dedicated to making a positive impact in the non-profit sector.
Carol holds a degree in social work from the University of Victoria and is currently adding to her skill set with a certification in gerontology from Toronto Metropolitan University. But beyond her qualifications, what truly stands out is her genuine passion for community service. She doesn't just want to lead. She wants to collaborate closely with our amazing volunteers, dedicated board members, and hardworking staff to create and provide programming and services to support and uplift residents in our Saanich community. With new programs inspired by her leadership, like Tea and Talk going into their second year, Carol is a positive advocate for all aspects of Saanich Volunteer Service Society's community presence.
Caroline Herbert, Coordinator of Volunteers
(250) 595-8008 Ext. 127
caroline[at]saanichvolunteers.org
Caroline has spent many years as a professional manager of volunteers and is a member of Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada. A long-time volunteer and volunteer advocate, she has been on numerous non-profit boards, and she has spent many years leading volunteers and implementing successful events that contribute to the local community. She happily returns to Saanich Volunteer Services Society with 5 more years of experience, as well as energy and insight to share. Caroline is married with 2 grown boys who are making their way in the world but she is not quite yet an empty nester.
Melanie Funk, Client Services Coordinator
(250) 595-8008 Ext. 126
melanie[at]saanichvolunteers.org
Melanie funk has a psychology and music therapy background and has used this in her past work with seniors and adults with mental health challenges. Recently she has been working with Indigenous learners at the Songhees Wellness Centre, who are upgrading their English skills so they can attend post-secondary. Melanie has always enjoyed working with older adults and volunteers. She believes in collaborative work styles that help benefit and motivate both clients and volunteers to live their best lives no matter where they are at. She looks forward to meeting everyone, stop by and say hello if you're in the neighbourhood. When she is not at work she lets her creative side flow playing flute in a local orchestra.
Lauren Olsen, Office Coordinator
250-595-8008 Ext. 125
lauren[at]saanichvolunteers.org
Lauren has spent several years as a Nursing Assistant for The James Bay Care Centre where she had the opportunity to help seniors with their day-to-day activities and learn the ins and outs of the Healthcare system. Additionally, Lauren worked in customer service in the hospitality industry for seven years, was the Housekeeping Manager for Trillium Communities and worked for the BC Public Service as a Branch Coordinator. She is looking forward to bringing her wide variety of skills and experience to her new role as the Office Coordinator for the Saanich Volunteer Services Society. In her free time, Lauren loves reading, scrapbooking, walking her dog Vito on Dallas Beach, going to the gym, cooking Italian food, and spending time with her family and son, Nico
Pyper, off-site Mascot (and her human, Greg)
Pyper is a sometimes visitor to our office. Her person, Greg, spoils her with Cedar Hill Golf Course wanders regularly. We see her especially on cold fall and winter mornings. Pyper pays for her treats at SVSS with the joy she inspires during her visits. Greg, her partner in action, volunteers consistently for us by mowing our lawn.
NOTE: SVSS is a dog friendly environment and all our onsite and offsite mascots, if here, are friendly and supervised appropriately. Please let us know if you plan to visit and have a fear of dogs. We will ensure you are comfortable while you are here.
Erin Lumley, Better at Home Coordinator
(250) 595-8008 Ext. 122
erinbah[at]saanichvolunteers.org
Erin's role at Saanich Volunteer Services Society is to help smooth the road for all. She may edit the website, talk to various outside professionals for help with onsite materials or services, or speak with folks as a receptionist. She has had a varied career having taught children and practiced law. When she is not playing video games with her son or walking her dogs, she can be found reading books, petting her dog or cat (before he attacks) and writing the occasional poem.
Debra Scarfone, Cameo Bookkeeping
(Contractor)
Debra joined our team in August, 2025. She's been a bookkeeper for over 30 years and still enjoys the unique challenges that come with each new contract. She is especially grateful to be working with the team at SVSS as it provides a vital and necessary service to our friends and neighbours. Most of her time is taken up with work but she also makes time to feed the cat and enjoys singing in the Gettin' Higher Choir.
Practicum Students
(250) 595-8008 Ext. 125
volunteer[at]saanichvolunteers.org
SVSS works with practicum students several times a year.
If you're interested in becoming one of our students, contact carol[at]saanichvolunteers.org to find out more about this ongoing opportunity. We want to support your learning and you can help the community thrive!