BCSTA Staff

A staff of 12 support the Board of Directors and all provincial trustees in their vital work.

Administration & Executive Offices

Trevor Davies - CEO

Trevor Davies is the Chief Executive Officer of the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA), a role he assumed in October 2024. He brings over a decade of experience in leadership, governance, and financial management across the public and not-for-profit sectors. Trevor has held senior roles in large membership-based organizations and has served on multiple pension and benefit boards, including Pacific Blue Cross, where he chairs the Risk Committee. His professional background spans government relations, education, municipal services, and public health and safety. He holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors, an MBA with a specialization in not-for-profit leadership, and a Certificate in Environmental and Occupational Health from the University of Victoria. He is also a graduate of the Labour College of Canada and the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. Known for his relational leadership style and strategic focus, he is committed to advancing strong governance and building partnerships that support quality public education. Trevor lives in British Columbia with his wife and two young daughters.

Michael has held several key positions throughout his 16-year career with the Vancouver School District including Director of Instruction – Human Resources, District Principal of Educational Planning, and school-based administrator experience.

His work has included leadership in the seismic mitigation program, collaboration with school communities and childcare operators, and implementing programs such as the Seamless Day Childcare Program.

Michael’s ability to build positive relationships with staff, students, and the community has been a cornerstone of his success. He is deeply dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the educational system.

Michael’s expertise in conflict management, effective communication, and problem-solving has been instrumental in navigating complex issues and fostering a supportive work environment.

Donna Depretto is BCSTA’s receptionist and provides clerical support. She has an Administrative Assistant certificate.

  • Phone: 604-734-2721 ext. 0

Please contact Donna for matters regarding:

  • Updates to the BCSTA database
  • District policy updates

Maggie is BCSTA’s executive administrator and provides direct support to the CEO and board of directors. She holds a degree in chemistry from University of British Columbia and a business management certificate from the BC Institute of Technology. With over 20 years experience in executive support, Maggie has worked in both private and public sector organizations. Her most recent experience includes supporting the work of trustees in a large school district.

  • Phone: 604-734-2721 ext. 2

Please contact Maggie for matters regarding:

  • General information and details regarding support of the CEO and board of directors
  • Details on BCSTA meetings

Communications

Monique Atwal is an experienced corporate communications and marketing leader with a proven track record of driving growth and elevating brand visibility in dynamic industries such as the technology, data analytics, artificial intelligence and healthcare sectors.

She has recently joined BCSTA’s communications team as the Advocacy, Public Relations Manager. She holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, minoring in English Literature from York University and a Diploma in Journalism from Seneca College.

Specializing in communications and marketing strategy, she excels in shaping brand narratives that resonates with diverse audiences, creates marketing objectives that increase engagement and crafts compelling communications.

Please contact Monique for matters regarding:

  • Media inquiries
  • Advocacy

Mike Russell is an award-winning communicator and relationship builder with over 15 years of experience as a strategic planner, restorative storyteller, and crisis communications manager.

Mike was most recently the Director of Communications for the Cowichan Valley School District, where he used narrative and framing research and restorative processes to fundamentally change the story of the district.

Please contact Mike for matters regarding:

  • General communications
  • BCSTA’s website

Charlotte Ficek provides BCSTA with communications support as a Program Assistant. She has worked in communications and graphic design in a wide variety of industries, from arts and culture to the non-profit sector. She specializes in digital, print and social media communications and design. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Queen’s University and a Diploma in Advertising and Graphic Design from Humber College.

Please contact Charlotte for matters regarding:

  • Graphic design and publications

Education Services

Gordon Li has worked in various roles as an educator in British Columbia, including as a teacher, program consultant, vice-principal and principal in the Burnaby School District. Most recently, he was the director of learning technology at the BC Ministry of Education and president of BCPVPA. As part of this work, he has visited 54 school districts throughout this province and has supported districts, schools and parents on a variety of subjects including building strong organizational relationships, expanding public profiles of educational leaders, providing background on educational matters, advocating for sectoral initiatives, leading committees for the Ministry and advising strategic planning for various institutions.

He completed his Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Civil Engineering) and his Masters of Education at the University of British Columbia. His work in a variety of settings; elementary and secondary, larger and smaller, suburban and inner-city schools has provided a well-rounded perspective of the needs of students, parents and education partners in BC. His focus is on building positive relationships and meeting the needs of all learners. His passion for sports and working with children drew him into education; he has coached at the high school and provincial elite levels in multiple sports. Gordon has an extensive history as a representative in regional and provincial organizations in educational and public forums and is an unwavering advocate for public education.

  • Phone: 604-734-2721 ext. 7

Please contact Gordon for matters regarding:

  • Trustee Academy and AGM professional development
  • Board Performance Reviews and other facilitation needs
  • Trustee education resources
  • The Professional Learning Committee

Sara Hunter is responsible for planning, coordinating and the onsite operations of board of director and trustee professional development activities including BCSTA events and governance meetings. She coordinates services for events, such as registration, contracting conference facilities and organizing meeting space, catering and audio-visual services. Prior to joining BCSTA, she worked in market development for Tourism Whistler and Tourism Vancouver, hotel sales and meeting planning for a small association. Sara has a diploma in Tourism Management from Capilano University.

  • Phone: 604-734-2721 ext. 5

Please contact Sara for matters regarding:

  • BCSTA meetings & events, including event venues, logistics and general inquiries
  • Conference registration for BCSTA’s AGM and trustee academy

Finance

Elaine Teng holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and is a designated Chartered Accountant. She has accounting experience in both public practice and private industry. Prior to joining BCSTA, she served as controller for a financial investment company for over ten years.

  • Phone: 604-734-2721 ext. 6

Please contact Elaine for matters regarding:

  • Accounts payable and accounts receivable
  • BCSTA’s finances and budgets
  • The Finance and Audit Committee

Information Technology

Matt Taylor brings a comprehensive background in information technology, honed in senior roles within local school board settings. A proud graduate of BCIT and Kwantlen Polytechnic, Matt remains an ever-eager learner, frequently enrolling in advanced courses to stay updated.

At BCSTA, Matt’s responsibilities revolve around maintaining the organization’s IT infrastructure and telecommunication services. He manages the online collaboration platform, email and communication systems, electronic voting, digital document management and disaster recovery systems. Additionally, Matt oversees BCSTA’s online learning technologies, ensuring smooth operations.

  • Phone: 604-734-2721

Please contact Matt for matters regarding:

  • The Portal
  • The Indigenous Education Committee
  • General BCSTA related IT service concerns
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Legal Services

Maryke Peter holds a Bachelor of Legal Studies (Paralegal) degree from Capilano University. Maryke gained experience working in England as a legal administrative assistant for a firm that offers employment law, HR, health and safety and employee well-being consultancy services. Prior to joining BCSTA, Maryke worked as a paralegal at a boutique law firm in British Columbia.

  • Phone: 604-734-2721 ext. 8

Please contact Maryke for matters regarding:

  • Legal services

Contact BCSTA