Our Team
Cynthia Coyle, M.Ed, RCC-ACS
Executive Director
Cynthia has been working with the Fraser House team since 2010. Cynthia started her career in counselling on the east coast in the 1980’s. Since moving to BC, Cynthia completed her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, worked in private practice in Vancouver for many years and then on to Fraser House where she was hired as the Executive Director. As with the previous E.D., the highly esteemed Harry O'Connor, Cynthia has established herself as a well- respected, truly compassionate and wise counsellor and leader. Cynthia feels blessed to be in this role and working in the community of Mission.
Gaby Ortner
Administrative Assistant
Gaby has been with Fraser House since 2018 as our Administrative Assistant.
She started her career as a certified dental assistant/ receptionist in Germany. Arriving in Canada in 1981, she and her husband raised three children in the Fraser Valley area. When Gaby came to Fraser House for her interview she said that she felt that she belonged here.
Sure enough, Gaby has become an important part of our team. She refers to Fraser House as her family away from home.
Gaby is a warm and welcoming presence for all who come to Fraser House. She is deeply appreciated by all of our staff and clients.
Faye Luxemburg-Hyam
Administrative Assistant
Faye Luxemburg-Hyam joined the administrative team in January 2025. With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and counselling, Faye supports the team one day per week (and on call), and brings valuable knowledge and perspective.
Cass Smith BFA, CCAC
Adult Substance Use Counsellor
Cass joined our team in October 2019 bringing with her a wealth of experience. She has, since her start, been a great asset to our team and a welcome resource for many of our clients, including the ART and Soul group she facilitates.
Cass is a community member and a proud mother of 2 wonderful children.
Keith St. Jean
Adult Substance Use Counsellor |
Keith began as a counsellor with Fraser House January 2024.
Keith is passionate about supporting people and has spent the last 25 years working with individuals and groups as they strive to discover a sense of identity and purpose in their lives. He has extensive training and education in the areas of mental health, personal development and addiction. He has written and developed several different workshops. Keith’s deepest desire is to support people as they make connections and live a balanced and healthy life.
Born and raised in the wilds of Northern Ontario, Keith moved to BC in 1992. Keith and his wife Jennifer have two grown sons and two cats . They enjoy reading, movies and spending time with family.
Brenda Panikkar MACP, RCC, CC
Adult Substance Use Counsellor
Brenda joined the Fraser House team as an Adult Substance Use Counsellor in July 2026 after successfully completing her clinical practicum with the organization. Funding for her position is provided by the Province of BC by way of the Community Action Initiative of BC. She is passionate about supporting adults (19+) who are experiencing challenges related to substance use or who are affected by the substance use of a loved one. Brenda strives to create a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to move toward their own goals.
Prior to becoming a counsellor, Brenda spent many years working in healthcare, business, and advocacy — experiences that shaped her commitment to compassionate, client-centred care. She values authenticity, curiosity, and the therapeutic relationship, recognizing that healing often begins with feeling genuinely seen and understood.
Brenda lives and plays in the Mission community enjoying time with her family, her pets, her pottery, and perpetual learning.
Lee Chernoff, MA
Youth and Family Counsellor
Lee began as a youth counsellor with Fraser House in January 2024.
Lee has been working with youth and their families for over twenty-five years and he has extensive experience partnering with clients living with mental health challenges.
He believes that with gentle support and sincere collaboration, significant change is possible.
Alana Gillchrist, MPCC
Youth and Family Counsellor
Alana began as a youth counsellor with Fraser House in September 2024. She has a bachelor of arts in Child and Youth Care and a post-degree diploma in Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions. Her focus is on helping individuals and families who have been impacted by substance use. She is the mother of two loving daughters and is married to a loving husband.
Georgina Mitchell, BA
Substance Prevention & Health Promotion Facilitator
Georgina has been working as part of the Fraser House team since 2000. She really enjoys working with the community and is well known and highly respected amongst students and staff at all of our schools. Georgina has received thousands of thank you notes from students over the years and she has raised over $100,000 for our community. Georgina’s main message in prevention is to encourage young people to make decisions that lead toward HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND SAFETY and her wish for us all is that we recognize and access our most resilient selves while also remembering that help is easily within reach.
Caylee Paul, BA CYC
Substance Prevention & Health Promotion Facilitator
Caylee joined Fraser House as a third-year Child and Youth Care practicum student before officially joining the team in April 2026. She brings over 15 years of experience working with children and youth. Caylee is passionate about supporting children, youth, and families through education, prevention, and meaningful connections. She facilitates alongside Georgina’s school-based prevention program, community outreach initiatives, and youth activities that promote healthy choices, resilience, and overall well-being.
Originally from Saskatchewan, Caylee moved to BC in 2010 and has proudly called Mission home ever since. She and her husband are raising three beautiful children .
Deborah Bonfield, CAC
Rural Connections Counsellor
Deborah has been a part of the Fraser House team since 1990, and has been the face of our Rural Connections Outreach program since its beginning in 2006.
She has worked across the continuum of care in the field of substance use for 40 years. She has supported and helped many people over this period.
She has created a well-received journaling program that we hope one day becomes published.
Angelina Pellegrino, BSW
Rural Connections Counsellor
Angelina started with Fraser House during her last practicum of her Bachelor of Social Work and officially joined the team in May 2026. She has previously worked with children, adults with disabilities and seniors. She enjoys connecting with clients and feels honored to get to hear their stories. As a rural connections’ counsellor, she works alongside community members in Deroche to promote strength, resilience and well being. It is a delight to have her on our team.
In her spare time, Angelina enjoys playing video games, camping and making art. She is grateful for the supportive team at Fraser House and looks forward to the future.
Contracted Members of our Team
Barb Guitard
Barb takes care of Fraser House. Helping us with the maintenance of our building and grounds, Barb puts love into all she does, and we feel it. She is a cherished part of our team.
Sherida Peters
Sherida manages bookkeeping services for Fraser House Society. We are very grateful for Sherida who brings her heart into all interactions.