Laisha Rosnau (she/her) is a museum professional and the author of two novels and four collections of poetry. She has received numerous awards, most recently the Latner-Griffin Award for her contribution to Canadian poetry. Her novel, Little Fortress, is a fictional retelling of the Caetani story told from the point of view of the family secretary, Miss Juul, and has been optioned for film. Rosnau devotes her time to the preservation and celebration of arts, culture and the environment of the North Okanagan.

Kristin Froneman (she/her) is graduate of the prestigious photojournalism program at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario. She has worked as a newspaper reporter, copywriter, arts and culture reviewer, and a photographer. She most recently served as the entertainment editor at the Vernon Morning Star from 2000-2017. Kristin is now an experienced interpreter, public speaker and communications specialist with a keen interest in arts, culture, history, tourism and outdoor recreation.

Cody Zatylny (they/them) is a wood-worker, found object sculptor and multi-media artist who has spent years learning through experience, observing and adapting through practices that tend to the power of community and creativity. They live and work at the Caetani Centre with their partner, Jaz Papadopoulos, upholding an emphasis on creating an inclusive community-oriented space for all. Originally from Treaty 7 territory, they acknowledge they currently reside on unceded syilx lands.

aj jaeger has been involved in the arts community of the North Okanagan since the early 1990s. She started as a volunteer at the Vernon Public Art Gallery and eventually became the chairperson of their board. It was during this time that she discovered the intriguing story of Sveva Caetani. 

When the Caetani Cultural Centre Society was set up, aj joined the board as  a chairperson and one of the creators of the fundraising event ‘A Splash of Red’. She was also an integral part of bringing Sveva’s original paintings from Edmonton back to Vernon in 2021. aj is excited to work with the board to help fulfill the vision of Sveva’s legacy in the community of Vernon.

aj is German-Canadian, and her heritage and travels are expressed in her work as a contemporary artist. aj’s artwork is exhibited in private collections in Europe, the Bahamas, USA, and Canada. 

www.angelikajaeger.com

Kim Allen has served on several Boards for cultural initiatives and community endeavours, including museums, heritage organizations and committees. She spent 16 years working in museums, over 25 years at the Royal Bank, and over 15 years self-employed in property development and renovations.

Kim met Sveva in the early 1980s while working at the Royal Bank and they became friends. Sveva Caetani inspired Kim to pursue a university degree in Art History and Architecture at Carleton University in Ottawa, leading to her career in the heritage sector.

Sveva appointed Kim and Grace Funk as Executors for her Estate. A guiding wish for the Estate was that Sveva’s would become a centre for artists to enhance their abilities. Kim joins the CCCS Board to provide a link to Sveva’s vison for the property as progress for the Centre continues.

With 27 years experience in the financial services industry, Sattu Mahapatra has committed himself to helping people secure their financial future. His career in financial services has spanned multiple geographies and business functions. Sattu’s mission statement of “stewardship with integrity, care & professionalism” is an extension of how he believes life should be lived.

In the community, Sattu has been active in organizing fundraising events for Special Olympics, Adaptive Snowsports and the Alzheimer’s Society. He is also an active board member in two local not-for-profits, where his experience and skills can further the respective causes.

On a personal level, Sattu & his wife Bernie are fully engaged in the Okanagan lifestyle – whether skiing, golfing or taking part in other outdoor activities. And somehow never finds enough time to fit in all the other wonderful activities that our region has to offer!

A graduate of Emily Carr University, Gabrielle Strong is a full-time studio artist and part-time art instructor at the Vernon Community Art Centre. Her practice is split between painting, ceramics and public art. 

Originally from Vancouver, Gabrielle originally came to Vernon as the first Caetani ceramic artist in residence eight years ago, which ultimately led her to make the Okanagan her home permanently. Following her residency, she coordinated the Caetani AiR program for a year, further solidifying her connection to the Centre.

Gabrielle brings to the board her passion for the arts and community and her experience as a working artist and advocate.

Kevin Robertson practices civil litigation, family law, and insurance defence at DuMoulin Boskovich.  He is a passionate investigator of technology and is always keen to dive into its potential application to law.  Kevin is actively involved in his community and is the President of a non-profit organization that provides housing and support services to those that are homeless or struggling with addiction. 

Kevin had the pleasure of growing up in the Okanagan and continues to reside there with his partner and two children. Together, they enjoy practicing yoga, playing soccer, and appreciating all that the beautiful outdoors of the Okanagan has to offer.

Gale Woodhouse is a full-time working artist and arts instructor with a studio in Vernon, BC.

She is trained in conflict resolution, group facilitation, Board Governance and not-for-profit management and has a long history of working with arts and culture not-for-profit organizations as an Executive Director, Board Director, and adviser.

Gale is a passionate advocate and active supporter of the arts with a strong belief that arts and culture are fundamental to a community’s health and well-being.