Employees:

 

Executive Director:  Michelle Barrett

Good day,
My name is Michelle Barrett, I have been working at Cowichan independent living since March
of 2024. I recently retired from the Canadian armed forces after 20 years of service and decided to move
to Vancouver Island to be close to my family. Since arriving in the Cowichan Valley volunteered with the Cowichan Valley Basket Society and am a member of the Duncan Elks Charity committee.
My goal after retirement was to involve myself as much as possible and try to be of service to the community I live in. I very much enjoy working as the Executive Director and hope to continue in this role for some time.
It’s very important to me that all members in the Cowichan Valley especially our Consumers feel supported and have access to all available resources. Hopefully we here at Cowichan independent living can do that and make their day-to-day lives a bit easier.

 

Medical Loans:  Karley Nunn

My name is Karley Nunn and I have been the Medical Loans
coordinator since 2021 I moved back to the island in 2019 after living in Vancouver for a
couple of years and started working for CVIL doing data entry before taking on the
position of medical loans coordinator. I mostly work in handling the equipment that comes in and out of
the office as well as the paperwork that comes with it.
I also help with odd jobs around the office and basic tech questions for people who don’t have a lot of
experience with computers.
I’m hard of hearing and grew up with deaf parents so I have personal experience with how disabilities
can impact day to day living.
I think it’s great how Cowichan Valley Independent Living is making an effort to help the people with
disabilities in the community.
We’ve been working hard to put together programs to bring in more community engagement and I’m
excited to see where that goes. I really hope they will bring more people in so we can see more people
get the support they need.

 

Front desk:  Jean Scholefield 

Hi, my name is Jean Scholefield. I started in May 2013 at the front desk working my way up to Executive Director. I recently stepped back from that role but have enjoyed being at Cowichan Valley Independent Living Resource Center no matter role I was in. I am also a volunteer for doing income taxes under CVITP offered by Canada Revenue Agency here.
I have been married for 44 years, have 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls, and 8 grandchildren, lucky me. My youngest child has an intellectual disability, I always say my life with her has prepared me for being a part of Cowichan Independent Living. One of the best parts of here is the caring, compassion, resourcefulness and knowledge of the staff.
People who are willing to give extra to assist all who come into the Centre.
Hoping to see you at Cowichan Independent Living