Sharnelle Matthew is a proud member of the Simpcw First Nation. She has worked within the Secwepemc Territory for over 30 years, walking with Indigenous communities in various roles. Sharnelle is passionate about working with children, youth, and families, and teaches in the Bachelor of Social Work program, where she finds fulfillment in helping students grow in a safe learning environment. She believes that change begins within and that we guide others through the healing we have experienced ourselves. Sharnelle earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Thompson Rivers University (2001) and a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia (2006). She is currently pursuing a PhD at UBC Okanagan, focusing on Indigenous Knowledge to enhance her practice and inspire personal growth. Sharnelle holds a deep compassion for all beings and gratitude for the gifts from Creator and Mother Earth, inspiring her to leave a path of hope and love.

Terra Stephenson has been part of the Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society team in a variety of roles since 2012. Her favourite part of working at LASS is helping children and families build strong literacy skills while fostering a lifelong love of reading. Join Terra for Storytime in the Park at the Shuswap Family Expo as we celebrate 50,000 books distributed through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!

Mark Baird is a husband, father, small business owner, and 20-year police officer, with a passion for influencing youth to make decisions that will create opportunities in their future. Having recently relocated to Salmon Arm to build a more family-focused life, he and his wife now operate a small business in the heart of downtown while continuing to prioritize balancing health, fitness, and community connection amidst a busy lifestyle. Throughout his two decades in law enforcement, his most rewarding five years were spent leading the Vancouver Police Department Cadet Program. Mentoring 100 youth annually, he guided young people through challenging training focused on leadership, teamwork, community engagement, accountability, and personal agency. He is committed to helping teenagers realize how their everyday choices shape their future opportunities, and empowering them to step into adulthood with clarity, confidence, and purpose. He looks forward to meeting Salmon Arm’s youth who are ready to start making intentional choices today, maximize their opportunities, and realize what they are truly capable of achieving.