Staff

Leadership

Meet our leadership team! They bring together deep experience, shared values, and a strong commitment to belonging. Guided by a belief in people’s potential, they provide strategic direction, foster collaboration, and ensure our programs create meaningful opportunities and lasting impact for the individuals, and families we serve.

Geoffrey Ewert

Chief Executive Officer

Yvette Guigueno

Chief Advancement Officer

Kevin Steeple

Executive Director, Client Services

Tami Zaranski

Director, Finance and Administration, On Leave

Tommy grant

Interim Director, Finance and Administration

Adrian Benedek

Director, Programme Innovation

BJ Webb

Manager, Community Inclusion

Amy Dennis

Manager, Community Inclusion

Selena Bewsky

Manager, Residential Services

Tammy Coward

Manager, Learning and Employment

Tara McManus

Executive Assistant

Steve Barker

Development Officer

Geoffrey Ewert

Chief Executive Officer

Geoffrey assumed the role of CEO in September 2021.  Prior to this, he was hired as Manager, LifeStreams Learning in March 2017, and then Director of Learning and Employment Services in April 2018.  Before joining the Garth Homer Society, Geoffrey enjoyed a 20 year career in the performing arts working in theatre, film, television, and radio.  In addition to his own work in the performing arts, Geoffrey has worked with several organizations to develop and integrate arts-based strategies and pedagogies in schools, art centres, theatre companies, and other community-based organizations such as the Calgary Centre for the Arts (Director of Education and Community Engagement), Sage Theatre (Artistic Associate/Festival Director), and Renfrew Educational Services (Consultant, Arts-Learning strategies), along with several post-secondary teaching positions.  

Throughout his career, Geoffrey has used the arts to engage people with developmental disabilities, which has paved the road that led him to the Garth Homer Society in 2015.  He moved to Victoria in 2012 with his wife and son from London, UK where he and his wife completed their graduate studies, and now spends his free time exploring beautiful Vancouver Island with his family. 

Yvette Guigueno

Chief Advancement Officer

Yvette Guigueno is the Chief Advancement Officer at the Garth Homer Society, where she leads philanthropic and corporate engagement to support inclusive housing, expanded programs, and community initiatives. In this role, she is focused on building a culture of philanthropy, strengthening donor relationships, and improving the systems that support long-term sustainability and inclusive community impact.

With more than 17 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, Yvette has held senior fundraising roles at Pacific Opera Victoria, Royal Roads University, and the Victoria Symphony. Throughout her career, she has championed equity, inclusion, and access—principles that are deeply aligned with Garth Homer’s mission to create a life, a home, and a place in the world for adults with diverse abilities.

Yvette is active in her community, serving on the board of Kaleidoscope Theatre and as a skating coach with Roller Skate Victoria, where she teaches all ages how to skate. She holds an M.B.A. in Executive Management from Royal Roads University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Of Kanaka (Hawaiian) and Stó:lõ heritage, with Swedish and Finnish ancestry, Yvette brings a culturally grounded perspective to her work and is committed to inclusive, community-centered philanthropy.

Kevin Steeple

Executive Director, Client Services

Kevin Steeple has been involved with the Garth Homer Society since 1998, joining the organization as a volunteer.  In January 1999 he took a full time position within the Sports and Recreation program. With 11 years of supervisory experience as a Program Coordinator and 7 years as Manager, Client Services, Kevin has a great understanding of the Garth Homer Society and promotes innovative thinking in GHS’s Service Delivery. Kevin was also involved with the transition of prior service delivery models to the current Community Inclusion programs now offered by GHS. As the Director of Client Services, Kevin oversees the intake process for the organization and welcomes the responsibility of building positive long term relationships with Families and Caregivers initiated at contact prior to receiving services at Garth Homer.  Kevin was a GHS Mandt trainer for 7 years and works closely with our current trainers, recognizing its importance in creating a positive, safe and welcoming environment for everyone connected to the Garth Homer Society. Kevin is responsible for developing and managing program budgets, working with new employees, performance evaluations, scheduling, team planning and maintaining the GHS standard of Service Delivery.  

Tami Zaranski

Director, Finance and Administration

Tami is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Masters in Global Business & Innovation Leadership. Prior to joining the Garth Homer Society, Tami was the Director of Finance at the Boys & Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria.  Previously, she held key financial roles in a variety of for-profit organizations, and served on several charitable Boards including the artsReach Victoria and the Octa Collective Society. Having worked in financial management for over 20 years, she believes it is her diverse work experience, and other volunteer activities, where she developed valuable skills of conscientious decision making, and governance, providing her with a unique perspective with regards to achieving the financial goals within a not-for-profit agency. Tami is continually inspired and humbled by the dedication and compassion the many volunteers, instructors and staff of the Society given to improve the lives of individuals by building a strong foundation of life skills, training and employment opportunities, and creativity through the arts. Outside of work Tami enjoys travel, touring on her motorcycle, and is a member of Pacific Opera Victoria.

Tommy Grant

Interim Director of Finance

Tommy Grant, CPA, MPAcc, joined the Garth Homer Society in October 2025, bringing a personal commitment to community-based work and values-driven financial leadership.

With over twelve years of experience in audit, consulting, and operational leadership, Tommy has worked in Vancouver, Victoria, and internationally. His background includes senior roles with PwC, Capgemini, and FortisBC, as well as five years as General Manager of a growing Vancouver Island–based organization, where he led finance, operations, and systems modernization. He brings a people-first approach to financial leadership, focused on building clear, sustainable systems that support both organizational accountability and the well-being of staff and community.

Tommy grew up in the small community of Comox on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, where he spent much of his time swimming in local rivers and enjoying the surrounding beaches and forests.

Tommy is excited to contribute his skills and experience to the Garth Homer Society, supporting its mission through thoughtful financial stewardship and collaborative leadership. Outside of work, Tommy enjoys spending time with his partner Paige and their senior dog, Goblin. He can often be found baking, gardening, golfing, kickboxing, or exploring nature with friends.

Adrian Benedek

Director, Programme Innovation

Adrian Benedek is Director of Programme Innovation at Garth Homer Society. He utilizes his extensive experience in program development and strategic leadership to enhance the society’s offerings, ensuring they meet and exceed the evolving needs of the community. His role in GHS is contributing, facilitating and effecting concepts that distinguish GHS as a trend-setter.

Prior to joining GHS, Adrian served as President of 2Think1 Solutions Inc. There, he excelled in creating content and workflow for organizational efficiency and growth, helping streamline operations and adopt advanced methodologies, particularly education content and learning technology for migrants aspiring to work, study, and live abroad.

A local, and a University of Victoria and Stanford alumnus, Adrian has deep roots in Vancouver Island. His global travels have enriched his perspective, and his passion is in giving back to the communities that have supported him and his family. Adrian enjoys engaging in outdoor activities with his wife, two daughters, and furry companion Max, always eager to learn and discover the island’s beauty and wonder.

Known for his strategic vision and empathetic leadership, Adrian is dedicated to driving meaningful change and fostering inclusive environments. His work is motivated by a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of all.

BJ Webb

Manager, Community Inclusion

BJ joined Garth Homer Society’s Team in May 2005. With almost two decades within our organization, BJ has developed strong rapports and gained vast experience within many roles, from Casual Staff (all teams in that era), Program Facilitator (STARR and CAT), STARR Team Coordinator (12 years), Supervisor Client Services (December 2020-May 2022), MANDT Instructor, Employer Chair of JOHSC, OFA2 for CI teams, long standing member of the social committee, and currently Manager, Client Services since June 2022. 

BJ strives daily at Garth Homer for all individuals and coworkers to feel safe, supported, empowered, encouraged to embrace diversity and be one’s authentic self. 

Outside of GHS, BJ’s priority is time with family/friends. She enjoys music, swimming, camping, and paddle boarding. 

Amy Dennis

Manager, Community Inclusion

Amy started at GHS in 2021 as a Community Support Worker and joined the GHS management team in 2025. She brings extensive experience in the disability sector, having worked and volunteered since 2007 in a variety of roles supporting people with disabilities to achieve their employment, social, and recreational goals. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria. Her professional approach is grounded in a long-standing passion for social justice, community inclusion, and supporting people with disabilities to live their best lives.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys music, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Selena Bewsky

Manager, Residential Services

Selena’s diverse career spans 20+years experience in management and front-line work in the non-profit social service and arts and culture sectors, including community development and engagement, arts & cultural management, volunteer management, social justice, and conflict resolution. It is in the intersection of these fields that Selena loves working the most, leading with the knowing that when people’s basic as well as creative needs are met, they can truly thrive! 

It is this holistic leadership approach, grounded in inclusivity, empowerment, and compassion that Selena infuses in her leadership style, daily work, and relationships with others. She loves her connections with people and knows the importance that those connections have in nurturing the health and growth of her clients and organizational culture. 

Over her career, Selena has gained valuable experience working with a broad spectrum of society, including individuals with diverse abilities, families, youth, immigrants, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and seniors. She values diversity and the richness it creates. 

Selena brings a unique curiosity, a commitment to lifelong learning, and an inspiring dedication to creating belonging for all. She knows deeply, ”It takes a village!” 

Tammy Coward

Manager, Learning and Employment

Tammy joins the Garth Homer Society with over 10 years of experience in the social services sector. With degrees in Human Services and Child and Youth Care, she is eager to apply her skills and experience. A proactive, forward thinker, Tammy is a valuable addition to the GHS team and is excited to contribute to its continued success.

Tara McManus

Executive Assistant

Tara brings experience in administration and operations across various sectors, including PR, digital marketing, and technology. Throughout her career, Tara has excelled in supporting executive-level management by enhancing office functions, managing projects, and fostering strong relationships.

She is committed to inclusivity, empowerment, and compassion, valuing diversity and believing in the importance of meeting both basic and creative needs to help individuals and organizations thrive. She brings empathetic problem-solving skills, technical proficiency, and attention to detail to her professional endeavors.

Outside of her professional life, Tara enjoys spending time sewing, cooking and hiking with her dog.

Steve Barker

Development Officer

Steve brings the Gath Homer Society his 8 years of fundraising experience, gained in a variety of Development roles at The Victoria Conservatory of Music and Pacific Opera Victoria.

BC born and raised, Steve has called Vancouver Island home for most of his life. He enjoys the enrichment and expanded world view that travel fosters, but is always glad to return to our beautiful city. In Steve’s experience, “the more you see the better home looks”, and he is pleased and proud that his work in the non-profit sector has a small part in making Victoria a better place to live.

When not adventuring near and far with his family, Steve enjoys building community through volunteering for youth programs, and participating in various local clubs.

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