Shirley holds an undergraduate degree in community health nursing, and a masters degree in nursing. For over thirty years, she has practiced as a nurse and nurse practitioner in a variety of urban, rural, and isolated sites across Canada and the United States. In addition to her clinical work, she has also held positions in management and teaching. She believes that patients have the right and responsibility to manage their own health care, and identifies building patient knowledge and self-care skills as a key professional responsibility.

Sally is a passionate nutritionist in the field of disease prevention and healthy living. Her well-researched approach has been honed from seven years assisting cancer patients at the Inspire Health in Canada. Her work with physicians, and associated practitioners has led to a wealth of knowledge that she shares enthusiastically with her audiences. In 2006, Staying Alive! Cookbook for Cancer Free Living (Belissimo Books, 2004), became a national best-seller because of her practical and “can do” approach to healthy living every day. Sally’s experience covers over a decade in public health education, non-profit management and consulting experience. Her speaking engagements have included professional wellness days, community kick-off seminars for the Canadian Cancer Society, and talks to cancer support groups across three continents. She is committed to helping implement workable solutions for cancer prevention, for everyone, at all levels.

Terryl Bertagnolli: North Vancouver Island (SD 71, 72, 84, 85)
(250) 285-3919

Terryl Bertagnolli completed a doctorate degree in Natural Health Studies in December 2008. He is the founder of CHOS Consulting, a small health and wellness practice on Quadra Island focused primarily on project development. Over the past 4 years, Terryl has contracted extensively as the North-Central Vancouver Island regional Cancer Prevention Coordinator for the BC Cancer Agency Prevention Programs. He is the Vice-President of the Quadra Island Recreation Society as well as the Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce.

John has an educational background in Environmental Health with a special interest in the control of enteric and zoonic disease. After spending the first twenty three years as an Environmental Health Officer in Alberta he moved to Gabriola Island, British Columbia to start his own consulting business. As such, over the past ten years he has worked for private business, non-profit organizations and for various levels of government in Canada and the United States. He has a special interest in aboriginal health and helping individuals or organizations implement preventative health programs.

Cheryl Colby has been a health and fitness professional for over 15 years, and has a Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree. Cheryl has served as the Director of Personal Training at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club as well as Jericho Tennis Club, and was one of the original trainers for Lifeworks Health Systems, one of Canada’s leading corporate health and wellness companies. As a personal trainer and health and fitness coordinator, Cheryl has experience with a variety of populations, including children, seniors of all ages, rehabilitation, pre/post natal, athletic training (including tennis and golf), boot camp, special needs and weight loss.

Cheryl believes that everyone deserves a healthy lifestyle, and with her passion for health and people, delivers a positive, energetic approach in working with her communities. Cheryl lives in Chilliwack and enjoys running and doing a variety of activities with her family.

Sonia has an educational background in literature, psychology and business and has previously operated her own social science consulting business. For 8 years, she worked at a post-secondary institution in the areas of Continuing Education, Admissions and Educational Advising. Sonia finds the area of preventative health very interesting and is convinced it is the key to being healthy not just on an individual level, but also on a societal one. Sonia has a demonstrated ability in process management, research, and finding creative solutions for program improvement. Born and raised in the Okanagan, she now lives in Vancouver.