Charles has been a technology entrepreneur and executive for over 25 years, throughout which he has maintained a focus on working with social ventures and non-profits. His introduction to social ventures came while completing his MBA at UC Berkeley, where he created a for-credit speakers series on social ventures aimed at his marketing and finance-focused classmates. Back in Vancouver, he helped build Artspoints Rewards, a loyalty program for the arts aimed at filling empty seats in ballet, opera, and theatre performances across Canada. As Artspoints' VP Strategy & Development, he was integral to their gaining venture funding from VanCity Credit Union. Charles also served as Vice President of the Board of Directors of Douglas Park Community Centre for 3 years, where he helped negotiate a new operating agreement with the Vancouver Park Board. In 2019 Charles was awarded the Chartered Director (C.Dir) designation for completing the required course work and Board simulations at the Directors College, McMaster University. Charles has had the pleasure of serving as President of the Board of Directors of the LDAFS since being elected to the Board in 2019. 

Brenda Smith RN, MSN is an occupational health nurse consultant providing medical case management services for various workplace settings within the province of British Columbia. Brenda has been a member of the LDAFS Board of Directors since 2019. 

Avril has been a resident of BC for her entire life.  She holds a certificate in Personal Financial Planning and has completed the Canadian Securities Course.  Avril's work experience has been in a variety of sectors, including many positions within the accounting departments and two terms as Executive Assistant to a CEO.  Avril has two sons, both of which have learning disabilities, and for who she was a strong advocate throughout their school years.  This included a successful outcome to her BC Human Rights Tribunal.

Rita has more than 15 years of experience as an educator both in the classroom and as an LST.  In 2010 she began researching the reasons why some students do not thrive in our education system. She travelled to California where she first encountered Susan Barton, a pioneer in the field of helping neuro-diverse students develop strong literacy skills.  This was the beginning of a new chapter in which Rita applied all that she had learned about structured literacy in her own private practice.  She has also helped other educators understand the benefits of structured literacy.  Nothing makes her happier than to see struggling students overcome their challenges!  When she's not busy with her students, she loves to delve into all things Italian from learning the language to cooking authentic Italian food.