Who We Are
We are driven by a shared purpose to offer compassion, understanding, and practical solutions to help men navigate life's challenges.
Our mix of professional knowledge and personal experience means we're ready to walk alongside you on your journey, helping you build resilience and find greater well-being.
Our Board
Eldy Dalgarno
I was raised on a farm in Ontario, graduated from high school in 1958. I took an eight week course and taught public school for two years in a one room country school with 8 grades.
I joined the Bank of Montreal in 1961 and became a career banker holding many positions over the years and retiring as Vice-President at HSBC in 1998.
Over the past 65 years I have been involved in many non-profit organizations generally as Treasurer. I was also quite involved in minor hockey for 30 years holding a level 4 coaching certificate.
Thomas Lamb
Thomas brings nearly 40 years of senior banking experience with RBC, BBC, and HSBC, including Branch Manager roles in Nanaimo and Campbell River, ultimately retiring as Assistant Vice President and Regional Manager for Mid-Market Commercial Lending on Vancouver Island.
He later worked as a commercial business and mortgage broker with Invis and TMG, served as COO of eOmni Solutions, and led Community Futures’ Entrepreneur in Residence program supporting small business growth before fully retiring.
His volunteer work includes leadership roles with the Vancouver Island Exhibition, the Community Futures Loan Committee, the Campbell River Canada Day Committee, and the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.
Kirsty Light
Kirsty Light brings a deep commitment to mental health. As a volunteer board member of The Men’s Centre, Kirsty brings expertise in finance, management and the health community. Through her parents Rose and Fred Kolodrubsky she has participated in many fundraisers and events in the community. Over the years, Kirsty has been on Parents Advisory Committee, soccer coach, and a guide learner with the Girl Guides of Canada.
Hassan Qasim
Hassan Qasim serves as a Board Member and Treasurer at The Men's Centre. As a CPA, he has spent over a decade working in public practice, and brings his extensive knowledge and experience to support an organization that makes a positive impact in the community.
Hassan values being part of a team that's dedicated to helping others and believes that supporting organizations like The Men's Centre is a way to a stronger and more connected community.
When he's not working or volunteering, Hassan enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, reading, and getting outdoors.
Jim Shabbits
I was born in Yorkton; I attended the University of Saskatchewan. I received a B.A. cum laude in 1964 and an L.LB. in 1965.
I was called as a lawyer in Saskatchewan in 1966 and in British Columbia in 1970. I practiced
law in Saskatchewan and later in British Columbia from 1966 until 1992. I was initially a general practitioner, with criminal law, both as a prosecutor and as a defense lawyer, being a large component of my practice. From 1980 until 1992, I did civil litigation.
I was the elected bencher of the Law Society of British Columbia for the County of Nanaimo for two terms. The County of Nanaimo includes all of Vancouver Island from Duncan North. As a Bencher, I was a member of various Law Society committees, including discipline.
In 1992 I was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia. That is a circuit trial court. I presided over both criminal and civil trials. As a judge, I was a member of various court committees, including the Court Clerks selection committee. I retired in 2011.
Bob Tolmie
After graduating with a major in Marketing, Bob joined the financial services industry where he obtained designations as a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Life Underwriter and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.
After retiring he joined The Men's Centre as a front desk volunteer. During a number of years at the front desk he began to appreciate the value the Men's Centre brings to men facing life challenges through its counselling, group sessions and workshops. These values extend to not only the clients but also their families and the community as a whole.
He truly believes The Men's Centre can become a leader in men's support services.
In his spare time he chases golf balls, plays pool in an 8 Ball league and travels.
Our Staff
Linda Stephenson
Executive Director
With 15 years of expertise in non-profit strategy and fundraising, Linda and the team at The Men's Centre specialize in building capacity for underserved populations. Her career is deeply informed by her foundational work in the past as a Victim Services Coordinator, where she identified a critical crisis: a near-total absence of advocacy and resources for men.
Mark Busby
Counsellor
Mark is a Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC #4134) who believes the therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change. He works with adults experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, brain injury, grief and loss, life transitions, self-worth, and finding greater fulfilment in life, offering a supportive and non-judgmental space for those who may find it difficult to reach out. Mark holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the UK and a Diploma in Professional Counselling in Canada, with specialized training in existential counselling and psychotherapy through the International Society for Existential Analysis in Vienna. In recent years he has focused on supporting male survivors of sexual trauma, intimate partner abuse, and men experiencing eating disorders. Mark has also served in numerous nonprofit roles including board member, executive director, coach, mentor, and educator, and is grateful to bring his experience and passion to his work at The Men’s Centre.
Ryan Levis
Counsellor
Ryan Levis holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University (2025) and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria (2011). He brings over 15 years of community-based mental health support experience to The Men’s Centre, working with men facing challenges such as trauma recovery, post-acute withdrawal, cancer, divorce & separation, custody, court processes, emotional dysregulation, and major life transitions. Ryan facilitates the Centre’s free Thursday evening drop-in group, supporting men with diverse mental health challenges. In group, he applies the Socratic method to various mental health topics. Since 2015 he has published on men’s mental health and the role of masculinity in social and culture health domains. His therapeutic approach blends gestalt, solution-focused, reality/choice, and Jungian mytho-poetics. With a humanistic focus on meeting men where they are at, Ryan strives to support men's emotional healing in a respectful, practical way.
Ryan also facilitates a support group for Male Victims of Domestic Violence, this is a closed group by registration only.
Jerry Sauder
Tech and Grant Writing
Jerry is a IT professional with extensive experience in the non-profit sector. He supports the Men's Centre through his expertise in IT, website management, grant writing, and research. Jerry is passionate about using his skills to serve the community and advance the Centre's mission.
Ross Tayler
Front Desk & Client Support
Ross has extensive experience working in a variety of environments supporting clients. He is also passionate about men's work and has been involved in that realm since 2012. He brings a warm, grounded presence to his interactions and genuinely enjoys helping people feel welcome and supported.