Staff Contacts

Executive Offices

Stephen Hansen, Executive Director

Stephen Hansen is BCSTA’s Executive Director. Stephen is responsible to the BCSTA Board of Directors for the overall staff operations of the organization. He provides direct support to BCSTA's President. Stephen has 15 years of teaching experience, holds a doctorate in education policy and leadership, and has held leadership positions in the health and private sectors.

Phone: 604-734-2721 (115)
E-mail: shansen[at]bcsta.org

Maggie Li, Executive Assistant

Maggie Li is BCSTA’s Executive Assistant. Maggie supports the Executive Director and Board of Directors in meeting coordination and travel bookings. Maggie is also involved in the planning of Board of Directors’ and Provincial Council meetings. Her background includes work in a computer consulting firm for eight years.

Phone: 604-734-2721 (113)
E-mail: mli[at]bcsta.org

Communications

Melanie Jackson, Writer/Editor

Writer/Editor Melanie Jackson has been a journalist, children’s author, and – most importantly – mom of a graduate of BC’s public education system. Melanie appreciates the chance to serve public education through her work at the BC School Trustees Association. She also volunteers as a literacy/writing mentor for students through the Vancouver School Board. Melanie has a BA from the University of Toronto and MA in Journalism from the University of Western Ontario.

Phone: 604-734-2721 (101)
E-mail: mjackson[at]bcsta.org

Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Program Assistant, Communications

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is BCSTA’s Communications Assistant. Silvia designs and lays out all print and electronic publications and maintains BCSTA’s website. She has a B.Sc. in Communications, a Journalism certificate and a Marketing Management certificate.

Phone: 604-734-2721 (102)
E-mail: silvia[at]bcsta.org

Education

Rob Goodall, Senior Director, Education

Rob Goodall is the Senior Director, Education. Rob is responsible for planning and organizing a variety of professional development activities for board of education members including the annual Trustees Academy, the Annual General Meeting education program, regional workshops and distance learning activities. He provides leadership support to the BCSTA Education Committee, a group of trustees representing each of the nine regional branches in the province. Rob has a Master’s degree in Political Science and has completed the Professional Development Program (teacher qualification) at Simon Fraser University.

Phone: 604-734-2721 (114)
E-mail: rgoodall[at]bcsta.org

Mike P. Gagel, Director, Information & Education Technology

Mike is BCSTA’s Director, Information & Education Technology. Mike came to BCSTA from the healthcare field, where he worked as a nurse for almost 20 years, and where he progressively focused his career on staff education and the use of technology. He is also staff support to BCSTA’s Aboriginal Education and Healthy School Committees.  Mike has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in nursing from the University of BC.

Phone: 604-734-2721 (105)
E-mail: mgagel[at]bcsta.org

Nelly Wong, Program Assistant, Education

Nelly Wong is BCSTA’s Program Assistant, Education. Nelly books meeting and conference space in hotels and convention centres and acts as liaison with facility’s staff to coordinate services for events, such as accommodation, transportation, catering, signage and audiovisuals, among others. Nelly also provides clerical support to the Senior Director, Education.

Phone: 604-734-2721 (106)
E-mail: nleon[at]bcsta.org

Finance & Administration

Jodi Olstead, Director, Finance & Administration

Jodi Olstead is BCSTA’s Director, Finance & Administration. Jodi is responsible for the fiscal stewardship of BCSTA and the School Community Connections Program (SCCP), reporting to BCSTA’s Finance Committee and Board of Directors. Jodi is BCSTA’s office manager, human resources manager, privacy officer, and staff liaison on the Finance and BCSTA/BCTF Group Life Insurance Committees. Jodi has her CGA designation and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Sciences.

Phone: 604-734-2721 (112)
E-mail: jolstead[at]bcsta.org

Michael Lin, Business Analyst

Michael provides support to both the Finance and Information Technology departments. Michael has extensive experience in various areas of business management, with an emphasis on providing IT solutions to small businesses. He has an MBA from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering.

Phone: 604-734-2721 (117)
E-mail: mlin[at]bcsta.org

Donna Depretto, Program Assistant, Administration

Donna Depretto is a Program Assistant, Administration at BCSTA. She is BCSTA’s receptionist and provides clerical support. Donna has an Administrative Assistant certificate.

Phone: 604-734-2721 (100)
E-mail: ddepretto[at]bcsta.org

Legal & Legislative Services

Judith Clark, General Counsel

Judith Clark has been legal counsel for BCSTA since 1987 and presently holds the position of General Counsel. Judith is a graduate of University of British Columbia law school and was called to the Bar of BC in 1974. She provides legal advice to the Association, supports its advocacy efforts involving legislation, and provides legal advice to member school boards. She is the BCSTA representative on the School Protection Program Advisory Committee.

Phone: 604-734-2721 (104)
E-mail: jclark[at]bcsta.org