Our volunteer Board is leading the way to help us achieve Suncoast Youth Society’s mission and vision. Our story begins here!
Janna Wilson- Founder/Director
What started as a wish to find community for both her autistic teen and herself, turned into the creation of Suncoast Youth Society. Janna is a neurodivergent parent of 3 who has been working with and on behalf of youth, families and students in a variety of roles for over twenty-five years. She is passionate about using her skills and experiences to help grow Suncoast Youth Society into something that empowers neurodivergent youth to be confident in their authentic selves, to find friendship and to thrive. Janna is a Program Coordinator for the University of Victoria working with Indigenous partners and supporting instructors and students in both community-based and online deliveries of the Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization and other Indigenous-focused programming. She is also a (non-practicing) BC-certified elementary teacher who has most recently taught grades K-2 and has a passion for alternative schooling and unschooling models. Her past roles as the Director of Prevention Programs for Haida Child & Family Services, Education Coordinator for the Skidegate Band, curriculum developer and freelance grant-writer have allowed her develop skills that will enhance the programming and administration of Suncoast Youth Society.
Juliet Irwin- Director
Juliet has been building community by coordinating social and sporting group events over the past 20 years. She is proud to be part of the Suncoast Youth Society team creating community where neurodivergent youth are building friendships and thriving! Juliet is a senior leader with experience successfully delivering strategic, enterprise wide, programs across private and public organizations. She leverages her extensive experience in business transformation, organization change management, and project management to co-create solutions. The culmination of years of consulting and a Master of Science Degree in Organization Development allows her to bring value-added thought leadership to help organizations build the capacity for transformation and to achieve organizational goals. Juliet is past president of the BC Organization Development Network board, previously co-chair of Programs and has also been involved in developing emerging practitioners through the Building Community Organizations program. She has been supporting students in the Change Management Associate Certificate program at UBC since 2020. Juliet has a passion for developing the next generation of leaders and a quest to make a positive impact in our community.
Olivia Wilson–Director
Olivia is our Youth Director extraordinaire, helping with administration, social media and youth connections!
Bobbi Elman-Advisor
Bobbi is an American born AuDHD Neuroaffirming Advocate and Campaigner for ND and LGBTQIA rights living in the UK. Bobbi is a Consultant, Coach, Experienced Conference Presenter & Educator.
“I am a parent to two now adult AuDHD children and experienced in navigating the challenges they faced in school and society. I worked for over 8 years as a High Level specialized 1:1 Teaching Assistant and then on the local authority Autism Advisory team. I have a post grad in Autism. I create and deliver bespoke workshops & presentations with over 17 years experience working with Autistic children , families, schools , charities and organizations..
My passions involve lifting Autistic voices as well as autistic demand avoidance , including Exposure anxiety as well as Autistic hyper empathy. It is vital to me that we are no longer viewed as damaged with the stigma attached but rather an important and vital part of society.”
Find out more about Bobbi’s advocacy work here: Bobbi Elman Autistic Advocate