Location: Smithers

’Ilhdesinon Birdy Markert is from the House of Many Eyes of the Likhsilyu Clan of the Witsuwit’en Nation. She was raised by her grandmother, ’Ilhdesinon Josephine Michell, whose name she has carried for 15 years within the traditional governance system. Birdy’s grandmother instilled responsibility and reciprocity into Birdy’s soul, teaching her to be thoughtful and kind, but also to have the courage to be fierce and informed.

Birdy has had the privilege of being in the presence of amazing Indigenous leaders who have guided her footsteps to walk softly on Mother Earth. Many Elders have guided her and her work as an educator, mother, and wife.

Birdy has been in leadership roles and networked with several organizations in the region to build a bridge between local families and communities. She is an advocate for equality and equity for Indigenous students in the Bulkley Valley, ensuring that their educational needs are met. She has guided teachers and support staff in developing accessible cultural programs for all learners. Birdy is proudest of being an instrumental driver in creating the Witsuwit’en history textbook Niwhts’ide’nï Hibi’it’ën: The Ways of Our Ancestors, written with Elders and Mélanie Morin.

As a matriarch in training, Birdy is deeply involved in her clan’s business and continually works toward reconciliation for and with her people. She is also a member the Smithers Bridging Committee, a working-group that strives to create cross-cultural harmony between Indigenous and non-Indigenous families living on Witsuwit’en territory. Birdy recently initiated and oversaw the creation of the amazing Walnut Park Totem Pole; a significant act of reconciliation between her district, the Town of Smithers, and the Witsuwit’en. The pole is a legacy of the work she and others have done to make life better for future generations.

In her personal time, Birdy enjoys fishing, berry picking, hiking, and walking her dog. She is married and has two amazing children who are young adults. She is a dedicated wife, mother, and community member.

Location: Gitanmaax

Ang Smith is Gitxsan and lives on the Gitxsan territory.

Ang has been active in her community over the years by being on council for her band, along with various boards such as Anspayxw School Society and Wilp Si’Satxw Healing Centre, within the Gitxsan area. She was also co-chair of an Indigenous Implementation Committee with the Environmental Assessment Office.

Ang has a degree in Social Work and a diploma in First Nations Public Administration. She is a lifelong learner of Gitxsan culture and a student of Sim’algax. 

Ang is involved in the Gitxsan hereditary system and is a member of the Lax Gibuu cla; she is from the house of ‘Wii K’aax. 

Ang is the Cultural Services Manager at Gitxsan Child & Family Services Society. 

Location: Prince Rupert

Location: Sechelt

CJ Butcher has over 15 years of experience as a nurse, a nursing instructor, and in health-related administration. Currently, he is Clinical Operations Manager with Vancouver Coastal Health, located in Sechelt, although Mr. Butcher joined the Board of Governors when he was Acute Care Manager for Northern Health in Prince Rupert. Previously, Mr. Butcher worked in Executive Services for the Health Employers Association of British Columbia in Vancouver supporting contract implementation and bargaining within the health sector. As well, he has been a faculty member and program head within the nursing program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Vancouver Island University and a Master of Business Administration from the Simon Fraser University Beedie School of Business. Mr. Butcher is also an active member with the Project Management Institute, with a project management professional (PMP) designation. Outside of work he enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors with his family.

Location: Smithers

Danielle Allen is a lawyer and a partner at Allen & Hoffman Lawyers in Smithers. She practises a mix of administrative and family law. Before moving to Smithers to raise her young family, Ms. Allen practised law in Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria. She was called to the Ontario bar in 2010, the New York bar in 2012, and the British Columbia bar in 2015. Ms. Allen holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree from York University (2005), a Juris Doctor Degree from Osgoode Hall Law School (2009), and a Master of Laws Degree from the University of Victoria (2018).

Location: Terrace

Laurie Waye, PhD, has been President & CEO of Coast Mountain College since September 2021. Before that, Laurie was Vice President Academic, Students and International for two years, and Dean of Business, Access Education, Libraries, and First Nations Fine Arts for three years. Prior to moving to Terrace in 2016, Laurie was a faculty member at the University of Victoria, serving as the Associate Director of Academic Student Success in the Learning and Teaching Centre, cross-appointed to the Gustavson School of Business. She also taught in post-secondary institutions in New Zealand and Japan.

Laurie holds a PhD (University of Victoria, 2010) and MEd (Temple University, 2001) in education as well as a BA in English and Linguistics (University of Victoria, 1993).

Since 2022, Laurie has been an Advisory Board member of Magnet, a social innovation project out of Toronto Metropolitan University, serving as Vice Chair for two years. Previously, she served on the boards of the United Way of Northern BC and the provincial WriteAway Consortium, among others.

Location: Terrace

Hazel Anjaria is Program Officer for Workforce Training and Contract Services at Coast Mountain College, where she designs and coordinates skills-focused training that responds to the evolving employment needs of the region. Drawing on over a decade of experience in post-secondary education, broadcasting, journalism, and community engagement, she brings a collaborative and culturally aware approach to building programs that connect learners with meaningful career opportunities.

At Coast Mountain College, Ms. Anjaria oversees workforce training contract management, labour market research, and instructor support, ensuring that training is both relevant and accessible. She works closely with faculty, employers, and Indigenous partners to align education with community priorities. Her earlier career as a multimedia broadcaster strengthened her skills in communication, outreach, and event production and applies these skills now to advancing education and workforce development initiatives.

Ms. Anjaria’s commitment to community extends beyond the College. She also serves on the boards of Terrace Peaks Gymnastics Club, Clay Artists of Terrace, and the Coast Mountain College Board of Governors, contributing to governance, policy development, and organizational sustainability.

Dedicated to lifelong learning, she continuously pursues further training and education to enhance her professional skills and is always busy mastering new technologies to stay at the forefront of her field. Outside of her professional and governance work, she enjoys pottery, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family in the scenic landscapes of northwest British Columbia.

Location: Prince Rupert

Kodinna Anaka is an accomplished lawyer and community leader with more than 10 years of experience in environmental and labour law. Called to the Nigerian Bar, Kodinna has built a career defined by integrity, service, and impact—advocating for sustainable development and equitable workplace practices. Kodinna is deeply committed to leadership that inspires positive change.

Currently based in Prince Rupert, he serves on the boards of the K’oomtk Drop-In Centre and Change Makers’ Education Society, where he contributes to community development, youth empowerment, and literacy initiatives.

Kodinna is a recipient of the Rising Star Award, which is presented to individuals who have shown exceptional talent, promise, and achievements early in their careers or endeavours. He is also a participant in the CMTN Leaders in Action Program, in which volunteers help organize and run a wide range of social, cultural, and sporting events—both on and off campus.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Kodinna is a skilled master of ceremonies, performer, and creative advocate for eco-friendly living.

Location: Smithers

Michael graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and began working for a public accounting practice in 1986. He moved to Smithers in 1995 and has been a partner in Edmison Mehr Chartered Professional Accountants there since 1997.

Michael's work in public accounting has always focused on ensuring his small business and not-for-profit clients efficiently fulfill their business reporting needs and on providing advisory services to assist them in decision-making for their operations.

More recently Michael has taken on a role with Xero Canada Ltd., assisting the cloud accounting app with marketing, promotion, and product development. Michael has always embraced the importance of quality education opportunities in our remote communities and has taken an interest in Coast Mountain College in past years by instructing several accounting and bookkeeping classes at the College, participating as a speaker at a Smithers Business Diploma graduation ceremony, serving on the College's Business Faculty Advisory Committee and attending numerous special events put on by the College.

Michael and his wife have been proud to call Smithers home since 1995 and have enjoyed being very involved in the local community while raising their three daughters.

Location: Kitsumkalum

Michelle Horner is a member of the Kitsumkalum Indian Band.  She completed her Bachelor of Commerce from University of Northern British Columbia in 2015. She has held roles as an accountant, bookkeeper, and office administrator & in December 2018 she accepted the role of Financial Manager for Kitsumkalum Economic Development Group of companies.

Location: Prince Rupert

Dr. Nicole Jamieson, DVM, B.Sc, Tsimshian from the Laxsgiik (Eagle) clan of the House of Gitwilgyoots, is a former student of Coast Mountain College under its former name Northwest Community College, Prince Rupert campus.

Dr. Jamieson continued her studies at the University of Northern British Columbia, achieving a Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Biology. She then worked in the forestry and oil and gas industries before finalizing her education at the University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, where she achieved her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Jamieson was proud to serve her home community of Prince Rupert as a veterinarian for nearly a decade at the Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital before embarking on her current journey as a locum veterinarian. Some of her other happy accomplishments were as a volunteer for the Canadian Animal Assistance Team to serve her mother's home village of Lax Kw'alaams, and as a role model for School District 52 and the First Nations Education Steering Committee.

Location: Prince Rupert

Location: Terrace

Sandeep Krishnan Kutty Sheeba is currently in his second year of the Post-Degree Diploma in Business Administration at Coast Mountain College in Terrace.

With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Technology, Sandeep has developed a strong foundation in IT and business principles. His professional experience includes roles in retail management, where he honed skills in areas such as customer service and inventory management.

In his personal time, Sandeep enjoys watching movies, playing video games, and reading the latest technology news to keep him connected to global trends.

Location: Terrace

Location: Houston

Tochi is a computer scientist and health informatician, currently working as the primary care network coordinator for Nisga’a Valley Health Authority.

Tochi’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and a Masters degree in Health Informatics.

She worked in the IT department in the banking industry [LL1] before transitioning to the health care sector. Tochi has also worked as a college instructor.

In addition to her professional work, Tochi is committed to her community. She is a board member of the Houston Community Services Association and volunteers in various community activities, including sports programs.

Location: Terrace

Tracey MacMillan is an experienced educational leader with over 24 years of service in public education across British Columbia and Nunavut. Appointed as Superintendent of Schools and CEO for Coast Mountains School District 82 in October 2024, Tracey brings a strong commitment to student success, equity, and inclusive learning environments. Prior to this role, she served as Superintendent of Schools for SD87 Stikine from 2020 to 2024, where she led a variety of strategic initiatives to support learning in a remote northern context.

Her professional journey has included roles in rural, remote, urban, and Indigenous school settings, giving her a rich and diverse perspective on educational leadership. Tracey has also served as Assistant Deputy Minister with the Department of Education in Iqaluit, Nunavut, where she supported territorial education priorities with a strong focus on community and cultural responsiveness.

Tracey holds a Bachelor of Arts (Specialized Honours) from York University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia, and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. Her leadership is grounded in values of innovation, inclusion, and collaboration, and she believes deeply in fostering strong relationships across school districts and communities to advance meaningful learning outcomes.

Since relocating to the Terrace area, Tracey has embraced opportunities to contribute beyond the education system. She was honoured to be invited to join the Rotary Club of Terrace – Skeena Valley, where she enjoys serving the community and engaging in service initiatives that create lasting impact.