Board of Directors
Helga Steenhof, Chair
Helga grew up in Burlington, Ontario where she graduated from McMaster University with a BA in Psychology. Helga and her husband Chris moved to BC shortly after they were married, and they have never looked back. They raised their 5 children (Justin, Natasha, Aaron, Nathan and Lexa) here and whenever possible, find time to visit their twin granddaughters Brooke and Emma. Helga works at Bulkley Valley Christian School as an educator, working with high school students and as a resource worker in the Distributed Learning program. In her spare time she enjoys knitting, baking and outdoor activities. Helga has volunteered in many different capacities in the community including coaching soccer and serving as Referee in Chief for Smithers Minor Hockey. With all of her kids graduating from school, retiring from community sports, moving on to post-secondary endeavors, and getting married, Helga was looking for a different way to serve the Smithers community and applied to become a Board Member. She has really enjoyed learning more about the organization and all the ways it seeks to help those in the Smithers community and is looking forward to continuing to serve her term on the Board.
Kristin Guité, Vice Chair
Kristin grew up and studied in Ontario where she obtained degrees in history, politics, and public administration. She has over 13 years of non-profit administration experience and has been working and volunteering for two decades in the sector for large and small non-profit organizations. Kristin came to northern BC for a job as a contract administrator, eventually settling in the Bulkley Valley with her family in 2018. Today, Kristin divides her time between running her own business, caring for her toddler, and tending her garden. Kristin specializes in managing teams and making the most out of organizational resources. She understands that a dynamic structure must strive for universal inclusivity and anti-oppression, or it will fail. Her professional interests are motivated by a lifelong commitment to philanthropy, and a desire to model civic engagement to her daughter.
Ryan Hill, Secretary
Originally from southern Alberta, Ryan moved to Smithers in 2016. He graduated with a BA from the University of Victoria in 2011 and spent a semester abroad studying at Sciences Po in France. After taking a few years off from his studies, he went on to obtain a JD (Juris Doctor) from Dalhousie University in 2016. Throughout his studies he worked eight seasons as a wildfire fighter with the Ministry of Forests in Burns Lake and Revelstoke. Ryan enjoys the world class recreation opportunities that Smithers and the surrounding area have to offer. In his first few years in Smithers, Ryan has seen the positive impact that the SCSA has in the community and is excited to be a member of the Board.
Jay MacLeod, Treasurer
Jay grew up in Houston, BC and moved to Smithers in 2006. She has been a part of FCM Financial Services Inc since moving to Smithers. In her free time, Jay enjoys singing with local music groups, taking part in outdoor activities, and spending time with family. Over the years, she has volunteered locally with several organizations including soup kitchens, girls’ clubs, and the Bulkley Valley Folk Music Society. In that time, she has seen the important role that SCSA holds in this community and is grateful for the chance to serve on the Board.
Trever Morris, Director
Trever grew up in Houston, BC, and went to university at UNBC in Prince George. He moved to Smithers in 2012. Trever and his wife Rebecca have three children (Dylan, Penelope and Evangeline). Trever is a CFP® certified financial planner and partner of FCM Financial Services Inc. Trever volunteers locally in different capacities including at the Bulkley Valley Christian School and the Smithers Chamber of Commerce. His interest in SCSA stemmed from a desire to help those who have not been given the same opportunities in life.
Christine Birnie, Director
Christine moved to the Bulkley Valley in 1977 as a young teacher. After a few years she moved away to go back to school and returned to Smithers in 1987 to start her career in law and to raise a family. She has worked in the criminal justice system for many years as defense counsel and as a prosecutor, and then worked in all aspects of the justice system for ten years as a provincial court judge. This is Christine’s second stint as a director with Smithers Community Services - the first being in the late 80’s. Her interest in SCSA flows from a belief that a healthy supportive community is essential to the well being of every individual and every family.
If you are interested in becoming a Board Member please contact Smithers Community Services for more information.