YANA Executive

Diane Morris, President

Diane was born in Powell River, BC and moved to Calgary at age 12. She worked for 37 years for corporations in Calgary and California, USA; the last 17 years as Relocation Manager in Human Resources Departments. She served on the Board of Directors, Finance Committee and volunteered with her dog, Hank, for LITA (Love Is the Answer) in San Rafael, California. That organization inspired Diane to bring the concept to Nanaimo, and YANA became a reality in 2003. In addition to being founder and President of YANA, she is Executive Director in charge of the day-to-day operations. She and Hank also visit the elderly and a disabled little boy. Outside of YANA Diane is a member of a micro-board for a disabled young woman, a member of the United Way (volunteer for Grant Applications and Starlight Film Fest), and council member at her church. In California she walked dogs for seniors through the Humane Society and through the Redwoods Seniors Village visited the elderly. Whenever time permitted over the years Diane also volunteered for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, March of Dimes, Canadian Flowers of Hope, etc. She believes we can all make a difference. Education: University of Calgary, Human Resources.

Chris Boldt, Vice President

Chris Boldt is the vice president for YANA, and and a member of the board of the Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition. As part of his active retirement, Chris spends two days a week providing technical support for Volunteer Nanaimo and their member agencies. The rest of the time he can be found on his bike around greater Nanaimo. Chris has been an active volunteer in the U.S., France and Canada.

Joanna Chobater

Joanna Chobater is a board member of YANA Seniors Society. Joanna has 20 years working experience primarily in commercial banking, retail visual
presentation and office support. Joanna currently volunteers weekly in the YANA office as well as weekly volunteering as a Peer Counsellor at The Crisis Pregnancy Centre. She has 10+ years volunteering in Edmonton and Nanaimo. Other short term volunteering in Nanaimo include assisting with a display at Morrell Nature Sanctuary, decorating at the Malaspina Festival of Trees, assisting the librarian at Nanaimo Christian School as well as volunteering at her church. Joanna is co-proprietor of Internet businesses Global Home Exchange and Vacation Rentals, and Global Pacific Vacation Homes in addition to being a caregiver for a special needs child. She enjoys nature walks with her two adorable dogs, Brighton (a bichon frise) and Aiko (a Shih Tzu cross).
 

Shirley Stright

Shirley Stright is the secretary of the society and is also, along with her Pomeranian Stormy, a YANA volunteer. After retiring from a thirty-five year career with RBC Financial Group, Shirley moved to Nanaimo in 2005. She is an active member of Altrusa International of Nanaimo and is on the Parish Council and serves as Treasurer of St. James Anglican Church.

More info coming soon...

Info Coming Soon.