Leadership

Patricia Bacon Ph.D. – Executive Director

Patricia Bacon joined the John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay in August 2020. Patricia is focused on leadership and collaboration to deliver high-quality programs with excellence to the Okanagan’s most vulnerable.

Previously, as the Executive Director for Blood Ties Four Directions Centre in Whitehorse Yukon from 2005 to 2019, Patricia brought innovative programs in harm reduction, health, social justice and housing to vulnerable Yukoners.

Patricia’s work at the national level includes the Board of Directors for CATIE, and previously: the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition; the Canadian AIDS Society; and Chair of Action Hepatitis Canada, a national coalition of organizations committed to working towards the elimination of viral hepatitis from 2013 – 2018.

Patricia holds a Ph.D in human sexuality, has taught courses in Human Sexuality and Sociology for 10 years and had a private practice in sex and relationship therapy for 20 years. Patricia is a sociable person who enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking with her partner Chris, and is a novice wine aficionado with her recent completion of the WSET Level 2.

Michelle LaBoucane – Director of Justice Services

email: michelle.l@jhsok.ca

Michelle is the Director of Justice Services at the John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay and has been involved in Restorative Justice Practices since 1997. Michelle was trained in Peace and Talking Circles through School District #60 and in 2010, became the Executive Director of the North Peace Justice Society. Michelle moved to Kelowna in 2014 and joined JHSOK. Michelle furthered her education by becoming a Community Justice Facilitator Trainer for the RCMP, a Victim/Offender Conferencing Facilitator and is continually expanding her knowledge in community-based processes.

Michelle finds working with individuals that are involved in the justice and legal system fulfilling and helping individuals achieve their goals is the most rewarding.
In her time off, Michelle enjoys being with her dog Holly as they bike or walk around the Okanagan.

Kevin Heide– Director of Building Operations

email: kevin.h@jhsok.ca

Kevin Heide is our Director of Building Operations and has been working with JHSOK since December 2013. Growing up on a farm in rural Manitoba provided him with a solid foundation and sparked his enjoyment of the outdoors. Early in his career he obtained his BC Journeyman Refrigeration Certificate and went on to build companies in both the HVAC and Landscape Construction industries.

The last 17 years working in the Non Profit sector for a variety of organizations has given him a passion for helping people. Kevin enjoys playing with his 8 grandchildren, kayaking, biking, watching hockey and fixing things that are broken.

Matt Smith – Director of Community Living Services

email: matthew.s@jhsok.ca

Matthew Smith is our Director of Community Living Services at John Howard Okanagan Kootenay. He started at JHSOK in March 2020. Matt has a passion and dedication for Community Living and the people that the programs serve. He brings over 20 years of experience in leadership roles and studied at Mount Royal University in Calgary finishing with education in Sports Administration.

While not at work Matt can be found outside, depending on the season on the trails skiing, hiking or cycling. Matt also enjoys travels and continues to explore other countries and cultures.

Hailee Rogers– Director of Housing First

email: hailee.r@jhsok.ca

Hailee Rogers is our Director of Housing First and has been working with JHSOK since May 2016. Hailee completed her Bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology from the University of Victoria before starting with JHSOK. Hailee comes from a long line of social service workers, and she knew from a young age that this was the career field she wanted to work in.

In her time off, Hailee is currently working on obtaining a second Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Hailee also enjoys Kelowna summers bike riding, paddle boarding, and hiking. During the winter Hailee spends time watching documentaries and crime dramas.

Steve De Luca – Director of Residential Services

email: steve.d@jhsok.ca

Steve De Luca is the Director of Residential Services. Steve has been with the agency since 2015. As a Forensic Outreach Worker, Steve has a passion for working alongside those who struggle with mental illness, substance misuse and those involved in the criminal justice system. In Fall 2020 Steve moved into the Justice Services Coordinator role and was particularly proud of working with the Kelowna Integrated Court.

Prior to JHSOK, Steve was a Program manager with an organization on the lower mainland that provided residential rehabilitation services to those with acquired brain injuries, spent two years teaching English as second language in South Korea, and grew up and studied in Ontario.

When Steve is not supporting his teams and participants he is kept busy caring for his family

Amanda Barrett– Senior Director of Housing Services

email: amanda.b@jhsok.ca

Amanda Barrett is our Senior Director of Housing Services and has been working with JHSOK since May 2008. As a Registered Social Worker, Amanda’s passion is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic and complex needs of all people with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable.

Amanda enjoys travelling, reading, and spending quality time with her family and friends.