Our Board & Staff
Our Board of Directors/Executive Director.
Nancy McIntyre
Executive Director
Nancy McIntyre is a compassionate, community-driven leader whose work is grounded in connection, respect, and a deep commitment to the people she serves. With extensive experience collaborating with diverse communities and First Nation partners, Nancy is widely recognized for her heart-centered leadership—approaching every relationship with empathy, humility, and genuine care.
With family roots in the Cowichan Valley, Nancy made the intentional decision to return to Vancouver Island to be closer to loved ones and reconnect with the place that has always felt like home. This return has deeply influenced her leadership approach, inspiring her to help create environments where people feel valued, supported, and understood. She believes strong communities grow from trust, kindness, and shared purpose.
Throughout her career, Nancy has dedicated herself to advancing community well-being through initiatives that strengthen food security, cultural revitalization, youth engagement, family support, and community gathering spaces. She has had the honour of working closely with First Nation communities, nurturing partnerships that uphold cultural teachings, honour traditions, and support long-term relationship building. She carries this responsibility with gratitude and deep respect.
Nancy is known for her ability to bring people together. Whether supporting families, coordinating community events, developing collaborative programs, or advocating for vulnerable community members, she leads with intention and strives to uplift every voice. Her approach centers on listening, learning, and walking alongside community members to foster meaningful and lasting impact.
With a steadfast commitment to inclusion, cultural respect, and community connection, Nancy continues to champion initiatives that foster healing, belonging, and shared growth. She leads with an open door—and an open heart.
Our Board
Sandra Reder
President
Sandra moved to Ladysmith in late 2022 where she's been enjoying all that this beautiful town has to offer. She owns and operates two successful HR consulting businesses, providing human resources support to clients throughout BC. Prior to moving to the Island in 2019, she lived in Vancouver where she sat on a number of Boards including EMBERS, the Developmental Disabilities Association and Room to Read.
In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association, doing horse handling and side walking. She also loves exploring all the wonderful places here on Vancouver Island with her rescue pup, Mojo.
One of her personal beliefs is to always give back to the community where she lives. In July of 2023, she joined the Board of the LRCA as a Director at large. Sandra believes that the LRCA is such an important part of the community offering some great programs and services.
Candi McNeil
Vice-President
In 2017, Candi retired to Ladysmith to be close to her family, and she has been an active member of the community in gardening and music activities. Before retirement, she was the owner of a printing business, so she knows the struggles of small business in Canada. Over the years, she has served on several Board of Directors such as a museum and a trade organization.
Currently, I she serves on the Board of Directors of the LRCA as the Vice-President. She has also helped with events for the public at the Heart on the Hill and is actively interested in all matters of the LRCA. Candi recognises the dedicated efforts required by our volunteers and staff.
She wishes to continue as a Board Member to help continue the Board's important part in governance and strengthening the policies of the LRCA. Candi wants to see a strong and vital organization equipped for the future challenges.
Andrea Stelnicki
Treasurer
Andrea has been a Ladysmith resident since 2021 and quickly recognized the vital role of the LRCA programs, staff, and volunteers in building strong community partnerships.
She is a Registered Psychologist and business owner with over 15 years of experience working in human and social services. Before moving to Ladysmith, she served on several community and provincial committees, focused on advocacy and supporting vulnerable populations. This work allowed her to contribute to meaningful initiatives that promote quality care and accountability across health professions. She looks forward to bringing this experience to the Board to support wellness and counseling programs, as well as to guide offerings for young families and community-building events.
The LRCA’s programs are a cornerstone of this beautiful community, and Andrea is excited to join the Board to help further this impact. Her family and she love exploring all that Ladysmith has to offer in this vibrant and welcoming community.
Ed Cancade
Secretary
Ed has lived in Ladysmith since 2014 and have been a volunteer counsellor at the LRCA since 2019. That experience has made him appreciate the importance of the organization in the community.
Prior to retirement, he worked as a full-service family physician in Nanaimo. In that capacity, he served on a number of hospital committees including a term as President of the Medical Staff.
Ed was a board member of the Board of Directors of Nanaimo Family Life for two years and he also worked with Nanaimo Mental Health to institute programs to assist people with major mental health issues and addiction.
Ed is married with two children and two grandchildren. He appreciates the opportunity to serve on the board of the Ladysmith Resources Centre Society.
Melissa Kriegerfox
Director
Melissa moved to Ladysmith in 2007 with her husband. They have two children who attend LSS and very much enjoy our active lives in the community. She owns Left Coast Fashion & Design downtown on First Avenue, bringing local fashion and artisan treasures to our town. She is also a member of the LDBA and Ladysmith Chamber.
Prior to owning my own business, Melissa has had a career in management in both the waste industry, as well as healthcare. In these industries, Ishe served on many board of directors, committees, and provincial groups over the last 30 years. As a member of the new Cowichan Hospital and Design committee, she is excited to see the new hospital break ground!
Melissa is passionate about community and community services. The programs of the LRCA are vital to our community and she looks forward to the opportunity to serve.
Anita McLeod
Director
Anita has lived in Ladysmith since 1979 and was Community Services Coordinator until retirement.
With her strong community connections, she would bring a collaborative approach to the LRCA board, supporting this vital organization’s diverse programs and services from a governance perspective.
Maxine Pirie
Director
Maxine is a transplanted prairie person and has lived in Ladysmith since 2014. She is a United Church minister and retired from active ministry in 2016.
She has a strong commitment to compassion, inclusion, and social justice. The LRCA provides her with the opportunity to help build a stronger and healthier community.
Maxine is impressed that the LRCA has a wide variety of programs for everyone from babies to seniors. She volunteered with the Ladysmith Food Pantry in the fall of 2016 and started as a volunteer counsellor in 2018.
She recently joined the Restorative Justice team at LRCA in early 2025 and Maxine looks forward to serving as a Director-at-Large on the Board.
Diana Fernandez
Director
Diana has spent her career as an elementary teacher for the Toronto District School Board until her retirement in March 2025.
Now an empty-nester and retiree living in Ladysmith, she is excited to share her love for providing service within her community.
Diana's background includes being a board director for multiple organizations. She appreciates the opportunity to work with the LRCA team and to continue the solid work LRCA has been doing in the Ladysmith community.
About Us
It all began early in 1992 at a meeting of the Ladysmith Inter-Agency Liaison Committee, a group of representatives from the government-mandated agencies formed in the early 1970s to maximize cooperation among the agencies while minimizing the duplication of services.
In 1992, this group pooled some of their own money and decided to form a non-profit association to try to deal with these recurring situations. This became the foundation of the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association.
Read more about our history HERE (PDF).
