Staff and Board of Directors
Board Members
Donna Bryant, Chair
Returning as a 'mature student', Donna is a recent graduate of the University of British Columbia, majoring in visual arts and health in society. She devoted many years to her role as executive wife, mother of four and community volunteer.
Her volunteer opportunities have been many and varied. She has chaired major events, produced publicity campaigns, baked cookies, driven car pools and monitored swimming pools. Through this she has discovered that volunteering is not a selfless act. It develops friendships, intellect, leadership skills, good-will and a positive sense of self.
Prior to accepting her current position as Inaugural Chair of the Board of the BC Mental Health Foundation, she chaired the Crystal Ball Committee for the Children’s Hospital Foundation for two consecutive years, including the 20th anniversary ball. The Ball was budgeted to raise $1 million and broke all records at $1.7 million. The money raised in this and the previous years directly contributed to the opening of the new Mental Health Building at B.C. Children’s Hospital in January 2007.
Donna's own experience with depression has provided her with valuable perspective on mental health issues. Having 'walked the talk', she brings personal understanding, empathy and passion to the cause.
Leslie Arnold, Director
Leslie moved to Vancouver in 1971 and began her career as a social worker, specializing in family violence, child protection and emergency services. She spent 19 years working in government roles ranging from social worker to assistant deputy minister. This background has given Leslie an excellent understanding of the complexity of our government, mental health and social service systems and the legislation that guides them. Leslie has also served as the Executive Director of the BC Association of Community Care and established Health Match for the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC).
In 2000, she joined the Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission as CEO. Leslie’s portfolio expanded with the formation of PHSA in 2001. As President, Mental Health, for the Provincial Health Services Authority, she is responsible for Riverview Hospital, Forensic Psychiatric Services, child & youth mental health programs as well as adult and pediatric eating disorders programs throughout BC. Today she works to strengthen the continuum of care for people with mental illness by forging stronger links across government and community-based agencies and services.
Dr. Shimi Kang, Director
Dr. Kang completed Medical School at the University of Alberta where she graduated with Distinction and Honors in Research. She gained frontline experience as a primary care physician in Greater Vancouver. She completed her Psychiatry training at the University of British Columbia and a Clinical Research Fellowship at the Addiction Research Program- Massachusetts General Hospital/ Harvard University in Boston, USA. Dr. Kang also attended Rutgers University School of Drug and Alcohol Studies in New Jersey, USA and examined global health issues at the World Health Organization, in Geneva, Switzerland. She is a Michael Smith Foundation postdoctoral fellow in Health Services Research (University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University).
Currently, Dr. Kang is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia where she conducts research and teaching. She has been involved in studying assessment and treatment issues for those with alcohol and serious drug dependencies. As a result of her endeavors, Dr. Kang has received five national awards in the field of addictions and mental health including the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry Research Award and an American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Award.
As one of Canada’s few physicians who is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), she trains extensively in the area of motivation, facilitating positive change, and promoting healthy behaviors.
Dr Kang has published numerous articles, book chapters, manuals, and monographs in the area of alcohol dependence, addictions, youth and women’s mental health, and cross cultural issues in healthcare.
Dr. Kang has a keen interest in promoting and providing health information that is understandable and relevant to the general public. She has donated her time in countless public forums and has appeared on numerous radio/TV shows discussing common conditions such as stress, depression, and addiction.
Dr. Kang’s treatment, research, teaching, and media work reflect her expertise in healthy living, motivation, culture, addictions and mental health.
For more information, please visit; www.drshimikang.com
Bruce Schmidt, Director
Mr. Schmidt was a founder and C.E.O of a University of British Columbia spin-off biotechnology company that developed novel compounds for the treatment of various cancers and neurological disorders.
In 2000, he served as a founding director of Genome British Columbia a life-sciences research institute whose objective is to build world class genomics capabilities for the province. He has current responsibilities with that organization relating to institutional and government relationships, corporate development and programs relating to ethical and social impacts.
Mr. Schmidt has served as a director for a number of high tech and biotech companies in Canada and has also served as a Reviewer for the Canadian Networks of Centers of Excellence. An active angel investor, he is a Director of the Western University Technology Innovation Fund (WUTIF).
Previous activities also include being a Director of the Canadian Healthcare Licensing Association and past-Chairman of the Life Sciences British Columbia (formerly BCBiotech).
Currently, he is Director and past-Chair of the B.C Nanotechnology Alliance and co-Chair of B.C.’s Integrated Technology Initiative, a body representing academia and industry with government focused on strategic economic growth opportunities for the Province. His community involvement includes a Directorship with the newly formed British Columbia Mental Health Foundation.
Greg Sprung, Director
Greg joined Canadian Western Bank in 2005 and currently holds the position of Senior Vice President & Regional General Manager, B.C. Region. After 35 years of banking experience including various senior management positions in Western Canada and the United States. Ontario-born Greg went to school in California and was a member (trumpet) of the Monterey County Symphony Orchestra. Married 34 years to Sandy, they now live in Coquitlam, B.C. They have one son, two daughters and four grandchildren. Greg has served on several boards/foundations including serving on the Campaign Cabinet of the United Way. Greg has lived and/or worked in 21 different cities/communities in 6 provinces in Canada, 3 states in USA and also in Mexico.
Don Livingston, CEO
Don has more than 25 years of experience in not-for-profit organizations, having worked in fundraising and an executive leadership role recently at St. George’s School in Vancouver, and at leading universities and health care organizations in both Ontario and British Columbia. A resident of BC since 1996, Don works closely with individuals, businesses, and other organizations to help them meet their goals in helping to improve the lives of our fellow citizens with mental health issues.
Don has been an active leader in the not-for-profit field over the years with organizations such as the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP). He holds the professional credential of Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), is a respected conference leader and presenter, and has taught business and fundraising courses at a post-secondary level.
People with mental illness need caring support: these illnesses can place enormous emotional and financial strains on the person with the illness and their family and friends.