BC & Yukon - Award Staff

Sushil Saini

Executive Director

Sushil Saini has been working in the non-profit sector for 25 years specializing in communications and development. Before joining The Award in BC, she worked for a number of organizations supporting environmental sustainability, food security, and social justice. A public speaker and writer, she is passionate about the role of  non- profit agencies in developing healthy people and vibrant communities. She has worked and travelled across Canada, India, Thailand, France, and Spain where she walked the 800km Camino de Santiago. When not working, Sushil is a devout bibliophile with a special place in her heart for science fiction, high fantasy, and culinary history. She is also a dedicated gardener and swimmer. She lives in Victoria with her family and her garden.

Lindsay Brookes

Manager of Philanthropy

Lindsay Brookes is a Gold and Silver level Duke of Ed Alumnus. She is a people person and is passionate about helping others and fundraising for important causes. She has recently completed a Master of Public Health at the University of Victoria and has previously completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the Gustavson School of Business. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with people who have disabilities, playing soccer with young adults who have developmental disabilities on a weekly basis, and as a counsellor at Operation Trackshoes, which is an annual sporting event for people of all abilities. She is also the Vice Chair of the Canadian College of Health Leaders for the Vancouver Island Executive. 

Nikki Tellem

Manager of Operations & Cadet Liaison

Born in South Africa, Nikki has lived in the Middle East, Europe and the USA, before settling in Victoria, BC. ​She is an avid believer in Youth Empowerment, ​and actively volunteers with Cadets. Nikki is also a member of ​the Air Cadet League of Canada, British Columbia Provincial Committee,​ responsible for Public Relations & Communications. Nikki explores her creative side through art and handwork, while fostering cats, attempting to conquer her TBR ​pile, and raising a teenage son. To complete her bucket list, Nikki hopes to ​achieve a degree, ​experience at least one cruise, ​see the breathtaking Gate​s of Petra, and visit Australia.

Jillian Jones

Bronze Award Officer & Registrations Liaison

Jillian is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and mental wellness, and is thrilled to be a part of the Duke of Ed team. After completing her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Alberta in 2013, Jillian began her career working in mental health - focusing on the areas of education and advocacy. Her previous professional and volunteer experiences provided her with the opportunity to support youth as they worked to create a stigma-free community through projects in Edmonton and across the country. When not at work, Jillian likes to attend as many concerts as possible, explore BC, and spend time with her family.

Miranda Riou-Green

Silver and Gold Award Officer & Leader Liaison

Miranda moved to Victoria in the fall of 2015 and quickly fell in love with the city. In the spring of 2018, she completed her Master’s degree in Anthropology at the University of Victoria. Miranda has a love of history, heritage, nature, and youth empowerment. Miranda knows first-hand the benefits of youth empowerment and strong community involvement through her life-long participation with Girl Guides of Canada and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, achieving all three levels of the Awards in her teens. When Miranda isn’t working, you can find her exploring Vancouver Island or visiting her friends and family back home in Port Moody.

Taylor Oriecuia

Award Officer

Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Taylor moved to Victoria to pursue psychology and professional communications at UVic. This June she graduated from ​U​Vic with the aspirations of becoming a counsellor. With a passion for helping and supporting others, Taylor has found her time at the Duke of Ed to be both extremely rewarding and inspiring; so much so, that she is now challenging herself to achieve the Gold Award!

Craig McCulloch

Lower Mainland Field Officer & Alumni Liaison

Craig achieved both his Silver and Gold levels of the Award while attending Burnaby North Secondary School in suburban Vancouver. Craig has been active with the Award since the late 1980's, as a participant, achiever, alumnus, Board Member and now Field Officer. Outside of his work with the Award, he enjoys a career in broadcast journalism.  Freelancing for the likes of National Public Radio (NPR), The Voice of America (VOA), KPLU Radio, Joytv, and others, he has met and/or interviewed some of the biggest names of the 20th and 21st Century. In the past he has also contributed to NBC/Mutual Radio, The Christian Science Monitor, CPAC, Independent and National Native News, amongst others

Don Moore

Division Volunteer

Don Moore is a retired postal carrier of more than 35 years, who has dedicated most of his life to volunteerism. He volunteers for 89 (Pacific) Royal Canadian Air Cadets as Past President, the Air Cadet League of Canada British Columbia Provincial Committee as Area League Representative, the Strawberry Vale Community Centre in fundraising initiatives and continues his 40 year dedication to National Little League as Coach and runs the Junior Executive Board. Don has been volunteer​ing for our BC & Yukon office for ​three years.