Summit Community Services Society
Summit Community Services Society is a non-profit and registered charitable organization based in Cranbrook, BC. It is dedicated to promoting community well-being by providing a continuum of quality, accessible, client-centred support, childcare, and intervention services.
Founded in 1971 and incorporated in 1973, Summit Community Services Society (SCSS) was created to enrich the lives of residents by providing community services without stigma. Today, SCSS offers various social services, including counselling, early childhood development, early years programming, and senior programming in Cranbrook and Kimberley.
Our two distinct branches consist of 1) owning and managing daycare centres and 2) providing various forms of counselling services to those in need. Headquartered in the SCSS-owned Mike Carey building in Cranbrook, the society has 55 full-time and part-time employees. It is guided by a Board of Directors composed of local citizens who volunteer their time and expertise to oversee the society’s operation.
Our Vision, Mission, Mandate, and Values
Vision
Fostering communities where all individuals and families are supported and empowered to live the lives they desire.
Mission
Summit Community Services Society is dedicated to promoting community well-being by providing quality, accessible, client-centred support and intervention services in a respectful manner, childcare services, and support programs for seniors and other populations with under-served needs.
Mandate
- To provide therapeutic counselling services to individuals, children, families, and groups to address a wide range of needs arising from trauma and loss.
- To provide quality childcare through all daycare programs from infant/toddler to preschool to after-school care.
- To provide a continuum of support services to groups, including victims of crime and/or traumatic loss, seniors, underserved men and other individuals, children, families, and groups to address the broadest possible range of needs.
- To provide intervention services that will increase client resiliency and coping skills to improve satisfaction with life and their ability to contribute to their community.
- To lead the way in Early Childhood Education programming, staff support/development and innovations in the care and support of families
- To advocate for individual, children, families, and groups to help ensure their needs are being addressed and their rights are acknowledged.
- To provide referrals for individuals, families, and groups to ensure that their needs are addressed.
- To provide resources that may assist clients and service providers in addressing needs of both individuals and the community.
- To educate the public and create awareness on significant wellness and social issues.
Values
Summit Community Services Society’s work is founded on the belief that everyone has the right to lead safe, healthy, and productive lives.
- Community Service: Providing services for anyone in need, with no stigma and addressing critical gaps in community services so that no person is left behind.
- Compassionate: Serving all individuals and families with care and dignity
- Dependable: Fully committed to supporting personal resilience and well-being for all clients
- Equality: Providing services to diverse populations, especially underserved and/or marginalized populations, and supporting equitable access for all
- Professional: Delivering high-quality programs and services in an ethical, accountable, and welcoming manner.
- Respect: Expressing meaningful recognition and appreciation for Summit staff and all individuals in our community.
Board of Directors
Aaron Higgs
Originally from Vancouver, Aaron moved to Kimberley full-time in 2007. A geologist by trade, he worked in the mineral exploration industry for 12 years until 2016, which involved working and travelling across much of northern BC, the Yukon and western Northwest Territories. He manages Nupqu Resource Limited Partnership, a local Ktunaxa-owned resource consulting and contracting company.
Aaron is deeply passionate about recreation and the outdoors. He spends much of his time in the woods in motion, connecting with the land and all living things. With three children of his own, Aaron has direct experience and understands the need for available child care to have a functioning local economy. Further to his commitment to healthy communities, Aaron believes it is essential for accessible and adequate mental health and support services that empower people and bring them up. Aaron currently serves as Chair of the board.
Deb Saffin
Deb is retired from a human resources, business management, and communications career in the East Kootenay and southern Alberta.
She has lived in the East Kootenay area with her family for over 40 years. She has spent many hours volunteering for various ‘helping groups’ and organizations in the area and throughout the province.
Deb enjoys hiking year-round, kayaking, and paddleboarding and finds time to be outdoors most days. She is also an avid reader.
Deb has been on the Summit Community Services Society Board of Directors since 2017 and serves as Vice Chair.
Katrina Heyde
Katrina recently returned to Cranbrook, her hometown, after a 15-year hiatus in Montreal.
She has over a decade of experience as a director in non-profits and co-chaired the board for a small refugee rights non-profit for 3 years before moving back to the Kootenays.
Katrina works for Kootenay Employment Services and is responsible for their WorkBC program across the East Kootenay.
Katrina serves on the HR Committee of the Board of Directors.
Kerri Garner
Kerri grew up in Cranbrook, and after a 20-some-year hiatus, she gained a new appreciation for the beauty and incredible outdoors of the Kootenays and came home. She is an avid cyclist of all kinds—from mountain to gravel to bike-packing to fat biking. She is also a hiker and skier who enjoys the outdoors generally. It is where she finds happiness (and most often with her dog, Willow).
Kerri has spent her professional career supporting First Nations to assert their self determination and sovereignty over their homelands by working on land stewardship and governance issues.
With her experience, she is excited to join the Summit Board to support broader civil society. She is excited to play this new role and continue to learn and grow. Kerri serves on the Marketing Committee of the Board of Directors.
Claudia Goodwin
Claudia is a CPA-CA and the owner of Abacus Accounting and Tax, an accounting firm based in Kimberley, British Columbia. With a deep-rooted connection to her hometown, Claudia combines her professional expertise with a genuine commitment to the local community.
As a mother of two, she values the balance between work and family life. She often explores the area’s natural beauty through various outdoor activities. Her passion for the outdoors reflects her appreciation for the region’s unique landscape and lifestyle.
Currently serving her second term on the board of SCSS, Claudia holds the position of Treasurer.
Tanis Richmond
Tanis returned to the Kimberley/Cranbrook area in 2017.
With a passion for policy and a commitment to grounded community development, Tanis strives to blend professional expertise with personal values in her work and projects.
Tanis has experience working with Indigenous and local governments, as well as non-profits. She is employed with the Ktunaxa Nation Council Society to support the development of sustainable economic strategies and relationships that honour cultural values and contribute to the vibrant future of the Ktunaxa Nation.
Tanis serves on the Policy Committee of the Board of Directors.
Jenna Gyurkovits
Jenna, a lifelong resident of Kimberley, brings a deep and genuine commitment to community engagement.
Jenna has played an integral role in the Kimberley Scouting Group Committee, contributing her time to support the growth and development of local youth. Her interest extends beyond scouting; she actively participates in the Lindsay Park Parent Advisory Committee, demonstrating a keen interest in fostering positive education environments.
Jenna works at Kootenay Employment Services as a Job Developer, helping to connect seekers and employers.
Jenna serves on the HR Committee of the Board of Directors.
Ariane Brunet
Ariane is a family lawyer and accredited mediator passionate about dispute resolution. Originally from Quebec, she has called Kimberley home since 2016.
Through her work, Ariane is dedicated to helping families navigate challenging transitions with clarity and fairness. She has served on several local boards through volunteer opportunities, contributing her knowledge and skills to support her community.
Ariane enjoys trail running and exploring the outdoors with her family when she is not working.
Ariane serves on the Policy Committee of the Board of Directors.
Kathleen Erdoino
Since moving to the East Kootenay in 2021, Kathleen, originally from Muskoka, Ontario, has passionately embraced the region’s natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle and can often be found planning her next mountain biking adventure.
As a Registered Nurse specializing in critical care, Kathleen advocates for evidence-based practice and the utmost in patient safety. Her diverse experiences living in Alberta, the Yukon, and now British Columbia have enriched her understanding of community dynamics and healthcare needs.
At Summit Community Services Society, she combines her professional experience with her love for the outdoors to positively impact the community and serves on the Marketing Committee.
Martina Danzer – Executive Director
Martina’s professional background as a teacher, professional art therapist, equine-facilitated learning instructor and author aligns well with years of successful business management and team leadership.
Her deep love for children and youth guided her career path and enabled her to be influential in our community’s social sector.
Her passion for nature and animals has kept her in the Kootenays for 25 years.
Her sense of curiosity and wonder allows her to leave space for innovative ideas and new pathways to be explored together and successfully implemented in all areas of life and community.
Join Summit Community Services Society
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or member of SCSS, please enquire today.
