Meet Our
Board of Directors
The Fort St. John Association for Community Living is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Sarah Conkin
Board President
Sarah is a previous business owner who has lived in Fort St. John for over twenty years. Joining the FSJACL’s Board in 2018, Sarah came with previous Board experience from her work on the Spark Women’s Leadership Conference Board, which she has been part of for the past ten years. Sarah is also the parent of an adult with developmental disabilities who receives services through the Association’s Supported Employment and Inclusion programs.
Sarah is passionate about the Agency’s mission of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and complex needs to live full and meaningful lives, because she has seen the difference it has made in the life of her daughter. With her work on the FSJACL’s Board, Sarah has had the opportunity to encourage positive relationships and partnerships between the Association, parents, and caregivers, helping create the best possible lives for loved ones.
Sarah loves to fish, boat, camp, and hunt in the beautiful Peace Region with her family. She lives on a small hobby farm with her husband and daughter, “if three horses, a dog, and a cat qualify as a hobby farm,” she says. Sarah is currently writing her first novel.
Byron Stewart
Vice President
Byron is passionate about the mission of our FSJ Association for Community Living as he believes in inclusion and the betterment of our community through fostering engagement , knowledge and opportunities for all the individuals and families we offer support to.
He is a former employee of our FSJ Association for Community Living and this is his second opportunity to serve as a Board member. Byron is employed by Northern Health as the Recruitment & Retention Ambassador for the Northeast and is a City Councilor for the City of Fort St. John.
When not working, Byron enjoys sports, recreation, art, music, literature and enjoying as much time with his family and friends as possible.
Tara Waddy
Treasurer
Shannon Stange
Director
Shannon is passionate about the work FSJACL does because we believe people have intrinsic value regardless of ability. He wants to help expand the work FSJACL does to help people live meaningful lives even though they need some help and highlight those lived experiences so our community better understands what a full life can look like when faced with these challenges. As a national business consultant and non-profit leader, Shannon has experience in non-profit board leadership, policy development, and financial oversight. He leverages decades of experience as owner of a few businesses, an entrepreneur who started several ventures, and a leader who helped establish faith communities and national non-profits, to help organizations transform their culture and systems so they can better achieve their mission.
Shannon works with organizations on how to develop policy, how to get those policies implemented and enacted plus assists organizations to build systems which ensure financial health while delivering outstanding user experiences and customer satisfaction. When he’s not relaxing with a good book or writing you can find Shannon shooting trap at the gun club or out on a stream fly fishing.
Darrell Blades
Director
Several years ago, Darrell had the opportunity to provide respite supports for a young family who had a child with Down Syndrome. While providing these supports, he came to recognize how meaningful the services the FSJACL provides are to individuals with disabilities and their families. He joined the Board of Directors in 2021 and has remained passionate about recognizing the unique gifts of supported individuals at the Agency’s Awards Gala each year.
Darrell has a background in local government, first in the Emergency Services Field and now as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the city of Fort St. John. His knowledge of providing public services as well as working at the senior level of government has benefited the Strategic Planning and governance of the Association.
When not wearing his Local Government Hat or his Board of Directors Hat, Darrell spends his time with his wife, three adult children, and his amazing granddaughter. He enjoys reading, great movies, and the occasional round of golf.
Kelly Clark
Director
Kelly joined the FSJACL’s Board of Directors in 2021. As a person living with a disability, he brings a valuable perspective to the Board. His lived experience and insights help ensure the Association is aware of how proposed changes, strategic plans, and Agency goals impact individuals served. Kelly is passionate about the FSJACL’s mission and their focus of helping individuals with developmental disabilities lead fulfilling lives.
When not busy with his Board duties, Kelly lives an active life. His hobbies include writing, making music, and watching movies. He enjoys spending time visiting with family and friends.
Tania Bell
Director
Tania has always been passionate about people. Her involvement with the FSJACL over the years has varied in different ways, and it has been exciting for her to witness the individual opportunities and ongoing growth of community connection and involvement. People ARE living full and meaningful lives within their community! Tania was a long term employee (17 years) of the Fort St. John Association for Community Living when the organization was in its very early days. Her career as a Registered Nurse has led her to different areas of practice, but her passion for working with people in all stages of life began with her work within this organization. In her words, Tania has many interests and not nearly enough time! Riding horses, spending time with my dogs, playing music, and time with family and friends. Her work as a Registered Nurse is also very important to her.
Contact Us
Find Us
10251 100th Avenue
Fort St. John, BC
V1J 1Y8
LOCATION MAP
We are CARF Accredited
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities (CARF) has awarded FSJACL another three year accreditation in 2023, the highest level of accreditation available. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CARF
Land Acknowledgement
The Fort St. John Association for Community Living is committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples. We would like to gratefully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional lands of the Dane-zaa peoples of the Doig River First Nation, Blueberry River First Nation, and Halfway River First Nation, in Treaty 8 Territory, also part of the Métis Nation homeland, and we thank them for their hospitality.