Meet our Board

Chris Roy is the Senior Director of Technology at Enkel Backoffice Solutions. He has over 20 years experience in technology leadership with a focus on software as a service. He is passionate about utilizing technology to increase efficiency and accessibility of information and solutions. Chris joined the board in 2020 with a desire to help bring a sense of belonging to every child and enable them to achieve their full potential.

Adrienne worked as Crown Counsel for the Attorney-General of B.C. in Kamloops and surrounding communities. She lives in Kamloops and has worked on boards of non-profit organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of  Kamloops, Kamloops Bar Association, Kamloops YMCA and B.C. Crown Counsel Associations, as well as being on the Board of the Belonging Network since 2016. She is a member of the adoption community and Vice-Chair of our board.

Coming soon.

Merel Veldhuis is an experienced collaborative lawyer and mediator specializing in family law.  She has experience in risk management, business management and strategic planning.  Merel has three children – her eldest by adoption. Her family received a lot of guidance and support from the Belonging Network through their parenting journey. She also grew up in a community that included friends who found permanency through adoption and fostering. She joined the board to support the continued great work of the organization. Merel is currently the past Chair and has sat on a number of committees during her seven years with the organization, including the Executive Finance Committee, the Development Committee, and the Nominations Committee.

Jennifer is the Principal of Bloom Communications, a strategic communications consulting firm, which she has operated for the past 24 years. Her clients include the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, BC Cancer, the YMCA, the City of Vancouver, BC Dental Association, Partnerships BC, UBC, and Vancity, among numerous others. Her passion for her community, however, led to her creating a non-profit organization, BabyGoRound, which is dedicated to providing families in need with equipment, clothing, and products for their infants and young children, assisting close to 900 families per year. Jennifer was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award as the Founder of BabyGoRound. During her career, Jennifer has volunteered her time to many worthwhile causes and events in her community. Jennifer is adopted and is passionate about supporting others’ journeys. Jennifer is committed to giving back to her community and supporting those in need.

Kathleen is a global marketing executive with more than 25 years of experience in strategic marketing, brand, product, digital, partner marketing and corporate communications best practices.  She has proven experience marketing an array of hardware, software, and connectivity technology and services in the areas of artificial intelligence, wireless telecommunications, and quantum. She has served on boards for profit and non-profit organizations for more than 7 years and continues to support technology start ups and teams as a mentor and advisor.  Kathleen was adopted at birth and is married with two children. Connect with her on LinkedIn.