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
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)
I am a busy mother of 2 grown children and 1 pre-teen plus 3 international home-stay students. My hobbies include cooking (luckily!), gardening and hiking (which is lucky for my dog who also loves hiking).
As a Bookkeeper/Payroll Officer, SVSS shares me with: Our Place Society, and Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association, and SoozSports (another Saanich based organization). I am proud to represent such an essential and nurturing organization as SVSS.
Also the gorgeous country setting of the office does something wonderful for my historical imagination. I love that it feeds my creative spirit which rarely gets a break in the midst of all this number crunching! Thank you SVSS! Here's to many more years of service!
Mario Siciliano, Executive Director
(250) 595-8008 Ext. 121
executivedirector@saanichvolunteers.org
Mario joined Saanich Volunteer Services Society as Executive Director in April 2023. He brings more than thirty-five years of experience to the role in leading varied non-profit organizations across Canada in social services, healthcare, seniors, education, housing, mental health, and culture. Mario holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and a Master’s Degree in Continuing Education. Mario’s passion is working in collaboration with volunteers, staff teams, community partners, and stakeholders to help support the charitable missions that he is dedicated to serving. Mario sees his role with Saanich Volunteer Services Society as a great opportunity to work within the Saanich community and be a part of a long-standing group of individuals and partners who support Saanich residents to live independently, while enhancing their quality of life through a vision of a community of neighbours helping neighbours.
Peggy Hancyk, Client Services Outreach Worker
(250) 595-8008 Ext. 128
peggy@saanichvolunteers.org
Peggy left Ontario over 28 years ago, to enjoy life on the coast. As a former teacher, educator, consultant, business owner and volunteer, she enjoyed all the benefits of living in Victoria while raising a family and taking care of her aging mother.
Retirement wasn’t in the cards for her and her lifetime passion of working with seniors led her to Home Instead Senior Care and Home Care Assistance where her roles were Community Relations Coordinator and Cognitive and Music Therapy. She also put on Dementia and Eldercare workshops and presentations. One of her favourite roles is being the Volunteer Chief Executive Elf for the non-profit “Seniors on Santa’s List” Program.
Her hobbies include hiking with her husband and dog, gardening, cooking for family and friends and reading an eclectic assortment of fiction and non-fiction books.
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.
Caroline Herbert, Coordinator of Volunteers
(250) 595-8008 Ext. 127
cov@saanichvolunteers.org
Caroline has spent many years as a professional volunteer manager and is a member of Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada. A long-time volunteer, 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.
Erin Lumley, Office Coordinator
(250) 595-8008 Ext. 125
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 a varied career having taught children and practiced law for many years. When she is not playing video games with her 17 year old son or walking her dogs, she can be found reading books and writing the occasional poem.
Janet Mathews, Bookkeeper
(Contract)
I am a busy mother of 2 grown children and 1 pre-teen plus 3 international home-stay students. My hobbies include cooking (luckily!), gardening and hiking (which is lucky for my dog who also loves hiking).
As a Bookkeeper/Payroll Officer, SVSS shares me with: Our Place Society, and Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association, and SoozSports (another Saanich based organization). I am proud to represent such an essential and nurturing organization as SVSS.
Also the gorgeous country setting of the office does something wonderful for my historical imagination. I love that it feeds my creative spirit which rarely gets a break in the midst of all this number crunching! Thank you SVSS! Here's to many more years of service!
Pandora, Mascot
Pandora is a new offsite member of our staff.
She is a good girl and may eventually work onsite
with cookie-loving team members since her curiosity and enthusiasm
add joy to most environments.
Future projects may include learning to stay in Erin's office and
observing without comments.
Continue to check in here to see the new, offsite, furry mascots of
Saanich Volunteer Services Society