Board of Directors

NONA Board of Directors 2024-25

Executive:

President: Pamela Cormier

Pam Cormier is the current Board President of the NONA Child Development Centre and has proudly served on the Board for the past eight years. She brings strong leadership skills and a commitment to supporting children and families in our community.

With over 27 years of experience in the banking industry, Pam has a deep understanding of financial management and strategic planning. She graduated from Simon Fraser University with a degree in Political Science, focusing on International Relations and Canadian Studies, complemented by a minor in Economics and Criminology.

Currently, Pam applies her expertise as the office manager for her family’s water utilities company, where she ensures strong organizational oversight across HR duties, billing and invoicing, media, and contracts.

In her previous roles, she served as President of the Vernon Rotary Club, Vice President of Vernon Women in Business, and was a director at the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, leading the Committee for the Business Improvement Group for Real Estate and Development. Pam is dedicated to advocating for child development initiatives and regularly volunteers at the Schubert Centre and Mackie House. Residing in the North Okanagan for 25 years, she remains committed to making a positive impact in her community.

Treasurer: Colleen Lindsay

Colleen Lindsay began her career in Edmonton, Alberta, where she taught Special Education for the Edmonton Public School Board. After completing her master’s degree in special education in 1994, she served as an Educational Consultant for a decade, supporting schools in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

In 1997, Colleen relocated to Vernon, British Columbia, where she continued her academic journey, working toward a PhD in Education. For the last 18 years of her career, she served as an Educational Psychologist with the Vernon School District and the University of British Columbia.

Now retired, Colleen is enthusiastic about her role on the NONA Board of Directors, where she is dedicated to promoting the development and well-being of children in the community.

Secretary: Marlyn Schmolke

Marlyn Schmolke has been a dedicated member of the Vernon community for over 40 years. She has successfully raised two children with her husband while actively participating in local organizations, such as the school PAC and serving as a Brown Owl in Brownies and leader in Beavers.

In 1998, Marlyn completed the (Certified Education Assistant) CEA course at a local college and worked in School District 22, supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, and behavioral challenges for 20 years. Her dedication is fueled by a belief that everyone can make a difference and should try.

Recently retired, Marlyn joined the NONA Board in 2023 to share her expertise and passion for enhancing the lives of children in the North Okanagan. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her three curious grandchildren, gardening, reading, walking, watching movies, and golfing.

Directors: 

Jill Field

Jill Field has served as a Director on the NONA Board since 2022 and has lived in Vernon for most of her life. Together with her husband, she raised two boys in the BX area, fostering a strong connection to the community.

Since 1990, Jill has been a dedicated foster parent, providing support and care for children of various ages and needs. She spent 15 years as an Education Assistant with School District 22, primarily at the high school level, where she supported youth facing diverse challenges.

Jill is enthusiastic about her role at NONA, where she continues her commitment to making a positive impact on children and their families in the community.

Jim McNamara

Jim McNamara was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. He attended the University of Alberta, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology. In 1985, Jim joined the RCMP, completing his training at Depot Division in Regina, Saskatchewan. He was initially posted to the Lower Mainland of BC, where he served in both uniform and plainclothes roles at various locations.

In 2004, Jim transferred to the Okanagan, working throughout the southeast region of the province before joining the Vernon North Okanagan Detachment in 2010, where he served for eight years. After 33 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2018 as Superintendent and Officer in Charge.

Motivated to continue contributing to his community after retirement, Jim became a volunteer member of the NONA Board of Directors in 2018, where he remains committed to supporting local children and families.

Danielle Saddleman

Danielle Saddleman comes from Nkmaplqs, the Head of the Lake, within the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) in Vernon, British Columbia. In 2015, she earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, majoring in Indigenous Studies and minoring in History. Currently serving as the Language and Culture Lead for the Okanagan Indian Band, Danielle recently completed her Master of Education in Leadership with a focus on Indigenous Resurgence at Simon Fraser University.

As a passionate champion for language and cultural renewal, Danielle plays a vital role in her community. Her dedication to language revitalization, traditional knowledge, and the overall health and well-being of her people is commendable. Before her current position, she was the coordinator of the Language Nest which works in conjunction with language revitalization and Early Years and whose mission is to bring Syilx language skills to the pre-school demographic in her community.

Danielle has been a NONA Board director since 2022, where she continues to contribute her expertise and passion for community development.

Jodi Tung

Jodi has proudly served as a Director on the NONA Child Development Centre Board since 2020. With over 30 years of volunteer experience in community development, she has actively participated on various nonprofit organizations’ boards in Vernon, including nine years with the Vernon Women’s Transition House and seven years with two minor sports organizations.

In addition to her board service, Jodi has volunteered with RCMP Victim Services and Vernon Emergency Services, coached several minor sports teams, served as a home share provider for nine years, and acted as a patient advocate for a rare disease organization. As a dedicated social worker with 25 years of experience, she is currently pursuing her master’s in social work.

From left to right, Pam Cormier (President), Colleen Lindsay (Treasurer), Marlyn Schmolke (Secretary), Jodi Tung, Danielle Saddleman, Jill Field, and Jim McNamara (Directors)

Connect with us.

2802 34 Street, Vernon, BC V1T 5X1

Phone: 250-549-1281
Fax: 250-549-3771
Email: administration@nullnona-cdc.com

Socialize with us

Our Mission:

To strengthen the abilities of children with special needs and to enhance opportunities for them to participate in their community.

DONATE NOW