Board of Directors

Rhonda Belczyk (Shears) - Board President

Rhonda was born and raised in the East Kootenays and settled in the West Kootenay Boundary in 2005. Rhonda completed her Master of Social Work (2018) degree and Bachelor of Social Work (1996) degree at the University of Calgary. She is currently an instructor in the Human Services Program at Selkirk College. Her professional interests include community development, service coordination, and collaborative practice. "Be the change you wish to see in the world" is a philosophy Rhonda aspires to live by. Her social work practice is rooted in relationships, reflective practice, a strengths-based and solution-focused approach, knowledge based on both research evidence and practice wisdom, and a strong commitment to reconciliation. Rhonda's personal interests centre around outdoor pursuits, including skiing, biking, hiking, and paddling.

Debra Potter - Board Director

Bio coming soon!

Victor Villa - Board Treasurer

Victor Villa has a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Victoria and a PhD in Experimental (Cognitive) Psychology from the University of Oregon. He has taught Psychology at Selkirk College since 2007 and joined the Freedom Quest Board of Directors in 2019.

Karly Olson - Board Vice President

Karly was born and raised in Kootenay Boundary. After finishing university, she returned to the area to set down roots. Karly has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science from Thompson Rivers University. Her professional interests include health promotion, prevention and community development. She is passionate about supporting and improving the wellbeing of youth and families in Kootenay Boundary. Karly was born and raised in Kootenay Boundary. After finishing university, she returned to the area to set down roots. Her personal interests include spending time with her wonderful family, her two dogs and gardening. Karly joined the Freedom Quest Board in 2018.

Jim Fisher - Board Director

Retired at the end of February 2020 after a long career of senior roles in community based, non-profit management in the social services sector.

Kootenay Family Place, Castlegar BC - 2005 to 2020 as Executive Director
Nisika Community Services, Victoria BC - 1995 - 2005 as Executive Director
Nisika Community Services - 1988 - 1995 as Family Programs Manager
Kootenay Boundary Community Services Cooperative - 2015 - 2020 Board of Directors and various committee roles.
Columbia Basin Trust Advisory - 2012 - 2019 Social Advisory Committee with 3 years as committee chair.

I continue to have a strong interest in the social services sector with particular passion for Executive Management Mentorship, Leadership Development, Truth and Reconciliation, Program Development as well promoting the value and expansion of evidence-based intervention services to children and youth.

Past Board Directors

Once a Freedom Quest'er, always a Freedom Quest'er. We thank you for your many years of service.