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- 604-702-2611
- [email protected]
- open tuesdays, wednesdays & thursdays 9am to 3pm
Alan Cadwell is a lifelong advocate for education with over 50 years of experience in teaching, business, and community leadership. His career in adult education began in 1993 as Director of the Centre for Business Development and Training at the University of the Fraser Valley, where he designed and taught programs to help mature students upgrade skills and re-enter the workforce. Known for his trademark question, “What did you learn today?” Alan inspires others to see learning as a daily habit and a key to staying engaged with the world.
Today, Alan serves on the executive of Chilliwack ElderCollege as Chair of the Finance and Policy Committee and guest lecturer, where he shares his expertise in technology and artificial intelligence to help seniors navigate the digital age. He also leads as Chairman of the Residents’ Council at Elim Village Garrison Crossing, representing nearly 400 seniors. Whether teaching, leading, or volunteering, Alan’s passion for lifelong learning, service, and community-building continues to shape and inspire those around him.
Alyson has called Chilliwack home for 31 years, where she lives with her husband and two sons. For the past 26 years, she has practiced Transcendental Meditation and Tai Chi, and she has long been an active member of her community—serving on boards, leading groups, and sharing her gifts in many ways.
With a passion for nurturing the Mind-Body-Spirit connection, Alyson facilitates drum circles, teaches aquafit, leads workshops, and writes poetry. She connects with Spirit through automatic writing, oracle cards, Jikiden Reiki, and the wisdom of Nature. With a calm, grounding presence, she offers clarity, comfort, and guidance by sharing the messages Spirit wants others to receive.
Alongside her spiritual work, Alyson brings 30 years of experience in the public school system and holds a BSc, BEd, and MEd. She is now exploring more holistic approaches to learning and growth, weaving her educational background with her spiritual path.
Brian is a full-time Kinesiology faculty member at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, where he teaches exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, exercise testing and prescription, persistent pain management, and post-rehabilitation techniques. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia and is currently pursuing a PhD in Pain Management with a lifestyle medicine focus. Brian is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), with advanced training in movement therapy, pain-free performance, nutrition coaching, and somatic education.
Brian works with a wide range of clients, from post-rehabilitation and chronic pain populations to recreational and varsity athletes. In addition to teaching and coaching, he authors textbook chapters, manuals, and professional articles, with contributions to multiple Human Kinetics publications. He also serves as an instructor and continuing education provider for several national fitness and kinesiology organizations. Brian is passionate about promoting physical activity as a foundation for health, performance, injury prevention, and lifelong well-being.
Carol has been working in the fitness industry for over 32-years in several capacities. As a Personal Trainer, Carol’s aim is to assist clients who have diagnoses, such as arthritis, and incorporate fitness in their daily lives; to guide clients who have completed physiotherapy after an accident, injury or surgery in order to prevent any further damage while exercising; to revamp existing exercisers programs and; to introduce newcomers to the world of daily physical activity.
With a diagnosis of RA over 28 years ago, Carol provides a “leads by example” attitude whether in the gym, instructing a fitness class or teaching Nordic Walking groups and individuals.
Carol’s Motto: Life is good but it can be great!
Carson Loeppky is an instructor at the Chilliwack Academy of Music with 6 cumulative years of theory, performance, and ensemble experience from Trinity Western University. Carson has played in many ensembles, including R&B, Pop, Rock, Orchestra, Musical Theatre, Jazz and Folk. Carson enjoys writing, performing, and recording with other musicians creatively to bring out their unique voice. Carson’s off time is filled with swing dancing and restoring his 1980 Chevy.
Cathy Mitchell is a local tech educator and long-time WordPress expert who loves helping people learn new skills. For more than 17 years, she has taught approachable digital workshops that help seniors stay connected, navigate their laptops, and feel more confident online.
Chelene is like many seniors–wished they had asked their family and friends more about their lives before the opportunities to do so disappeared. And who want to share some of their own stories while they can.
After retiring from her work as an educational advisor at UFV for 20 years, Chelene says she has time to answer some of the questions her 3 sons and 9 grandkids want to know about her background. Friends tell her that stories from her life are unusual, and her mother-in-law says “you gotta write a book!”. A book is too big of an undertaking for her. Instead, she’s seen firsthand how important it is to save memorable moments in lasting forms. They become a personal legacy and valued keepsakes.
Dr. Cynthia Thomson is an Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley. Cynthia teaches exercise physiology and human anatomy and leads an active research programme. Her research has explored a range of topics related to human health, though in recent years, her research programme has focused on chronic pain, and more specifically changing beliefs about pain. She has experience leading randomized clinical trials and she gained health systems experience through time spent as the Research Facilitator with Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute where she supported health care professionals from diverse health settings to design research, quality improvement, and knowledge translation projects.
Darren Kennedy is a life long Chilliwack resident who owns his own IT Consulting business and volunteers as the IT & PR Director of the Chilliwack Military Museum.
David Johnston received his Ph.D. in philosophy from McGill University in 1992. He has taught philosophy, logic, and the history of science at various universities and colleges in Canada. He retired from the University of Victoria in 2010 and has lived in Chilliwack ever since.
It wasn’t love at first site. In fact, it was one of the most unforgiving of mediums in the hardest forms of work – where Don discovered his passion for art.
Having worked in a family run concrete business on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, and then being self employed for over 25 years in the Fraser Valley, Don has worked with concrete for over 50 years. Don opened his own studio called the “Concretist” where he taught workshops that involved concrete mold making, and casting to create unique garden art pieces.
Don later discovered his passion for glass after attending hot glass casting courses at Red Deer College and then working as a T.A. at the prestigious Pilchuck College.
He has recently retired from a local highway’s maintenance company after 15 years as a Bridge Superintendent. Through his work experiences, Don incorporates both nature and structural design into his art with a growing curiosity and passion for experimenting with multi mediums. Don pushes the boundaries of traditional art with the intersection of mixed mediums and abstract design, that now expands beyond concrete and glass – to paper, wood, fabric and metal.
As a dedicated lifelong learner, Doris thrives on the pursuit of knowledge and continuous growth while still making time to have lots of fun. Passionate about fostering connections, she channels her love for games into creating shared moments of joy.
By bringing people together, Doris aims to cultivate an environment where fun and enjoyable experiences become lasting memories.
Fresh Impressions Catering is the fruition of a Provincial Red Sealed Chef putting her head, heart and hands together to provide the Fraser Valley with food prepared with craftsmanship and charisma. The concept of Fresh Impressions Catering refers to “a play on words”. Your “Fresh Impression” is a fresh new look and the resulting impressions that happily linger.
Fresh Impressions Catering is the fresh, local and distinct choice when planning any function. Whether it be a corporate event, special occasion, wedding, family gathering, business meeting or private dinner in your home. The goal of Fresh Impressions Catering is to continue it’s solid reputation in the culinary field. Fresh Impressions Catering consistently provides the highest standard of exceptional quality food. Menus are inspired by international cuisines with items sourced locally and cooked from scratch. Creativity with ingredients and presentation is of the utmost importance. With Fresh Impressions Catering, no meal is impossible because the goal is to realize the vision that the client has in the culinary food experience that they want to provide their guests.
Elizabeth is a Red Seal Chef with more than fifteen years experience in BC’s Food and Hospitality industry. She is highly proficient in catering and banquet management operations. Elizabeth is very experienced in menu planning, design, management and cost control. She earned her red seal by attending University of the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Community College. Her cooking experience includes: farm to table, hotel, fine-dining, catering, institutional, assisting in the Chilliwack School District’s Culinary Arts programs and teaching Elders College classes. She is a member of the BC Chef’s Association and the Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks.
With her artistic eye for detail, Elizabeth enjoys making every plate, platter, or bowl a striking show piece. Elizabeth also loves to create new dishes, experiment with ingredient combinations and presentation styles. Elizabeth is a positive and self-motivated chef that works hard at exceeding customer expectations through producing memorable dining experiences.
Gerry is originally from Saskatoon and moved to Chilliwack 15 years ago. He was a businessman and workaholic for most of his working career. He loved manufacturing and designing equipment for manufacturing.
About 20 years ago he had had enough day to day business and decided to retire. Since retiring he has enjoyed playing and organizing pickleball, dancing, tia chi and singing. Gerry has 5 grandchildren and that keeps him busy. Also his wife Phyllis of 51 years always helps with the line dancing!
Gretchen worked as an E.A in the Chilliwack School District for 27 years. After retirement she tutored children after school until recently. Her passion is making cards, gardening, and crafting with her granddaughter.
Gretchen won the Peoples Choice Award in 2014 on the Rotary Garden Tour!
Jenn started beading in Winter 2022 she was searching for a way to connect culturally and for something fun to do. Jenn took a workshop locally and learned the Peyote Stitch. Instantly she felt connected to the process. Jenn found beading challenging but kept at it until it became a relaxing way to unwind at the end of the day. Jenn loves to learn and expand her knowledge and loves being able to share her work and teachings with others.
Jenn is a mom, wife and stepmom. A passionate early childhood educator who manages the child care centre at Stó:lō Service Agency. Jenn is also a councillor for her community Sq’ewá:lxw (Skawahlook) First Nation.
Jessica has always been fascinated by colour and contrasting colour combinations. Jessica is proficient in many art forms but specializes in glass mosaics, oil pastels, mixed media and acrylic paint. She enjoys the entire art process, from finding perspective, planning the design, persistence to finish and the fantastic feeling of perseverance. Jessica can create snow that glistens, the most delicate flowers, or winds and waves on a stormy day at the beach. She has also done commissions for businesses, private collectors and special occasion gifts.
Jessica lives in Chilliwack, B.C. with artist Jim Godfrey and their four children: Ian, William, Blythe, and Gabriel.
“I want to see what happens when I continue learning, creating, teaching, and inspiring.”
Kim Wimmer received his Private Pilots License in 1975 through Diploma Program Mount Royal College. He retired as 767 Captain with Air Canada in 2013 with around 30,000 hours. Flew wheels, skis and floats and is still kicking!
Over the years, Louise’s artistic journey has been one of discovery and creative exploration. Through participation in various workshops—including photography, pencil and ink drawing, Zentangle, and Cyanotype—she has found inspiration and connection with like-minded individuals. Her art provides an outlet to dream, explore, and relax, keeping the spirit of playfulness alive.
While her path has taken many turns, each detour brings renewed vision. For her, the creative process is less about the destination and more about the joy of daydreaming along the way.
My name is Lyle Simpson and I am the President of the Chilliwack Pickleball Club. I have been playing pickleball for about 12 years. I am a certified NCCP level 1 instructor and have also attained a level 1 certification from the IPTPA (International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association).
Before becoming president of the CPC, I was the Player Development Coordinator.
I have taught hundreds of people to play and enjoy the game of pickleball and have previously instructed classes at the Elder College.
Dr. Mark Evered, Ph.D in Physiology, is past president of the University of the Fraser Valley. He has held teaching, research and administrative positions at universities in Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, at Cambridge University, and the Florey Research Institute in Melbourne.
Mark’s research in the neurophysiology of body regulatory systems has been published in national and international journals and presented at conferences world-wide. He holds a number of teaching awards, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, an honorary University Presidency in China. and an honorary Stó:lō First Nations’ name, Al’aliyatel.
Pat Gerlach loves the surprises of painting with watercolour, but she also enjoys other mediums such as acrylic, pastel, pencil, pen and ink, and large-scale mural painting.
Besides painting, she has worked with cedar bark baskets and stained glass. Her work is varied and has been shown at galleries and museums in British Columbia and Alberta. Currently Pat is loving teaching art classes to children and adults in the Fraser Valley.
Pam has had a love of paper crafts all her life, she started making flowers with wax and moved over to crepe paper with ease.
In Pam’s studio she discovered the limitless potential of paper, her crafting journey spans across variety of techniques and finished products from vibrant crepe paper flowers to the quiet crafts of bookbinding, painting and card making. She is excited to share and create with other inspired artists.
Renee Priya Prasad is an Associate Professor in the Agriculture Technology Department at UFV.
She received her Ph.D. from Washington State University and her Master of Pest Management from SFU (Simon Fraser University).
She works closely with local consultants, BC Ministry of Agriculture, and Agriculture Canada experts and various grower groups. Renee teaches AGRI 142, AGRI 163, AGRI 203, AGRI 247, AGRI 248, AGRI 306, and AGRI 371. Renee has also been a faculty advisor for directed studies (AGRI 210, 390 or 490) projects.
Renee’s favourite part of teaching in the Agriculture Technology certificate and diploma programs is that she gets to help the next generation of farmers be future-ready, by focusing on evidence-based practices in all her courses. She is also Department Chair.
Rob Dueck is a retired Mental Health Worker, who taught Stand Up Comedy for 15 years. Rob led Adventure Therapy, Art Group, Peer Support Training among other creative endeavors.
Rob loves Creative Writing and has completed his first screenplay recently – planning the shoot in the very near future.
Ruby Rodier is a French-speaking Canadian who learned English in her late 30s, bringing a unique and empathetic perspective to language instruction.
When approached to develop a short program in French conversation, she was inspired by the question, “What else can I teach in French?” That curiosity—paired with a mix of excitement, vulnerability, and challenge—continues to fuel her creativity in the classroom.
In addition to language instruction, Ruby has been teaching yoga since 1986, offering a well-rounded approach to lifelong learning that blends communication, mindfulness, and personal growth.
Theresa is an Holistic Nutritionist who specialises in helping people support their bodies and minds to maintain vitality and optimal wellness as we age. Her gentle and informative approach ensures you receive detailed unbiased information about foods and supplements. She helps adults 50+ understand how nutrition and targeted supplementation can support energy, strength, cognitive health, and overall vitality.
Drawing from both science and practical, everyday strategies, she guides learners through the essentials of eating well for longevity, making sense of conflicting nutrition advice and helping them make confident, informed choices. Her goal is to empower older adults to feel their best, age with confidence, and enjoy vibrant health through simple, sustainable changes.
Trish began sewing at an early age and her sewing business has given her many areas of expertise throughout the 25 plus years. These include children’s wear, home decor, fashion and formal wear including bridal, dance, and skating apparel as well as offering alterations for just about everything.
Trish’s dedication and hard work ethic to making sewing popular and fun again is her focus in class as well as learning as much as you can to feel more accomplished in your sewing!
Victor’s passion for photography began in high school at Chilliwack Senior Secondary, where he served on the Photography Club executive and learned the fundamentals in the school darkroom. After earning his teaching credentials at UBC, he shared his love of photography with his elementary students before returning to graduate studies to complete his M.Ed. and PhD. His academic work led him to apply photography in book publishing and web development, expanding his skills into digital photography and image processing.
After retiring from UBC in 1999, Victor devoted more time to photography, specializing in floral art photography inspired by his wife’s work in floral design. He became a regular contributor to Floral Design Magazine (New Zealand), serving as Western Canadian correspondent and contributing multiple published cover images. A member of the Chilliwack Floral Art Club, Victor has twice received Best in Show at international photographic competitions. While floral photography is his specialty, he continues to explore the beauty of nature and human creativity through his lens.