Our Staff

Barbara Gilmore- Executive Director
Maureen Matthew - Parkinson's Program Coordinator
Jennifer Morgan - Epilepsy Program Coordinator
Lissa Zala - Coordinator of Education Services
Lindsay Beal - Parkinson's Outreach Assistant
Della Cronkrite - Office Manager
 

Barbara Gilmore- Executive Director
Barbara was educated and trained in the field of behavioural sciences in London, Canada and spent several years in epilepsy-related work battling stigma, advocating, promoting health and epilepsy literacy and finally pharmaceutical clinical research with new drug trials for epilepsy and bipolar disorder. She worked with Dr. Warren Blume's epilepsy team and clinic.  During and beyond her time with epilepsy she directed her efforts to front line local and regional community programs focusing on specific mental illnesses, dual diagnosis, physical disabilities and HIV/AIDS. Recent years in Australia kept Barbara in rural community mental health and suicide prevention projects both in the Far North Queensland region. She is a qualified and experienced facilitator / trainer in mental health first aid and applied suicide intervention skills training. As a consultant, she worked with the Australian College of Community Services (Mental Health Association QLD / Drug Arm); QATSIHWEPAC - Queensland Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Education Program Aboriginal Corporation – in Cairns; and previously the Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health QLD in Cairns. Barbara completed a master’s degree in public relations /communications; diploma in counselling; mental health and adult training & assessment.   She is keen to bring neurology education and promotion  back into her day-to-day life with the Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson's Centre. Barbara available by phone at 250-475-6677 or by email.

Maureen Matthew - Parkinson Program Coordinator
Maureen has worked in this role at the VEPC since 1989. She has a Bachelor of Social Work degree with a specialty in geriatrics. Her background includes experience working in a variety of health-related settings including long term care facilities, hospitals and home support agencies.  As coordinator, Maureen provides information and support to people with Parkinson's and their families. She coordinates all Parkinson's programs in the Capital Regional District, and conducts in-service workshops in the community to educate health care personnel about Parkinson's. Maureen's role also involves recruitment and support of over fifty volunteers who provide a wide range of services to clients and the agency. Maureen is available by phone or appointment by contacting the agency at 250-475-6677 or via email.

Jennifer Morgan- Epilepsy Program Coordinator
Jennifer Morgan is the Epilepsy Program Coordinator for VEPC. Jennifer earned her honour’s B.A. in psychology from UBC Okanagan in 2006 and is currently working toward her M.A. in Educational Psychology with a focus on special education. Jennifer has been involved the Tools for Success program as a tutor and as the coordinator. She has a background teaching and assessing young students with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as students with learning difficulties. At the VEPC, Jennifer is responsible for all aspects of the epilepsy program; she provides information and support services, offers inservice educational programs to community groups by request, and administers travel assistance funds. Jennifer is also interested in creating new programs for members and welcomes any input. She can be reached at the centre by phone at 250-475-6677 or by e-mail.

Sandra Graham - Community Awareness Coordinator 
 

Lindsay Beal - Epilepsy Program Coordinator/Parkinson's Outreach Assistant
For over 25 years, Lindsay has been creating, coordinating and leading programs for individuals ranging from toddlers to seniors and who may have identified with being bright, ill, gifted, or injured. She has worked in settings ranging from prisons and schools, to homes and non-profit societies. Lindsay employs the creative process to foster rehabilitation and maintenance of well being in others. She has worked in the areas of acquired brain injury, developmental disability and mental health, focusing on recreation, personal empowerment, and creative expression in writing, dance and visual art. New to VEPC and in this newly created position, Lindsay coordinates the Parkinson’s Exercise Programs and provides outreach support to individuals with Parkinson’s. Lindsay can be reached by calling 250-475-6677 or by email.

Della Cronkrite - Office Manager
Della has been the Office Manager for the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson's Centre since 1989. She enjoys the relationships she has with clients and co-workers. As well as her busy secretarial duties (typing those quarterly newsletters) she does the agency bookkeeping, and answers your phone calls. Send Della an email.