Joelle Hodgins arrived in Rossland in November 2014 from Whitehorse, Yukon where she grew up. Joelle has a bachelor's degree in World & Comparative History and a diploma in Cultural Resource Management – both from the University of Victoria. She has been on the 2015 Heritage BC Conference Committee, 2012-2015 Young Canada Works Peer Review Committee, 2013 Yukon Museums Standards Development Committee, and 2013 Canadian Museums Association Conference Host Committee. She is a current member of the BC Museums Association Council and co-chairs the Advocacy Committee.
Joelle is also a member of the Trail/Rossland Smokettes Women's Hockey team, Vice-President of the Rossland Mountain Film Festival society, and a member of the Lower Columbia Tourism Marketing Committee.
Lana Jamieson is a Certified Art Teacher originally from Quesnel, BC. She left the north to complete a BFA from Concordia University in Drawing and Ceramics, and a BEd degree from the University of Ottawa. Lana brings a lengthy background as a ceramicist, formal educator, art educator, and summer camp specialist to her position. Previously Lana spent 10+ years as a commercial tree planter, timber cruiser, world traveler, bird lover and ceramic artist. She currently manages all of the children's programming and educational tours and is the summer camp director. Outside of the Museum you can find her exploring new trails, mountains and berry patches with her kids.
Chris Gillespie was born in Banff, Alberta, but grew up in Chilliwack, BC. His background is in visual arts, with exhibitions in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Chris worked for many years with an art supplies company, and more recently volunteered with the Chilliwack Museum and Archives in a number of capacities. In 2012 he was privileged to volunteer with the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums and in 2016 he had the opportunity to live in a monastery for approximately one week.
Chris completed a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria in 2000, and obtained a diploma in Cultural Resource Management from the same university in 2018. He has also enjoyed snowboarding over the years, and can remember when the sport was still new in the late 1980s. Chris is looking forward to working with the community of Rossland, hearing their stories, and learning about the history of the area.
Kylie Lakevold was born and raised in the West Kootenays and has recently moved back home from Calgary, AB. For the past 10 years, Kylie has been developing her career as a chief marketing officer, branding manager and startup entrepreneur. She prides herself on her ability to get people talking about any project she is working on and is very excited to be able to bring these skills to the Rossland Museum.
In addition to her role of Marketing and Operations Coordinator for the Rossland Museum, Kylie is the head coach for the J.L. Crowe Track and Field Team as well as an assistant coach for the Trail Track and Field Club. She is also an artist and has had her paintings shown in group and solo exhibitions in Calgary.
Sarah Taekema truly, madly, deeply loves history. She is currently working on an MA in Canadian political history through the University of Victoria which examines John A. Macdonald's influence on the development of Indigenous policy in Canada. She also has a BA in history and visual art, and a BEd. At the museum, Sarah uses her advanced research skills to uncover, analyse, organize and communicate all aspects of Rossland's history. She works with the staff to develop new displays and tours for the benefit of locals and visitors. Originally from Ontario, Sarah has made the West Kootenays her home and her favourite thing about Rossland is talking about Rossland's history while riding the ski lifts at RED Mountain!
Stephanie Friesen is a summer student who is originally from a small town in Manitoba. She is currently taking her Masters in Archival Studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and has completed the first year out of two. Stephanie also has a BA (hons.) in Archaeology. Some of her responsibilities at the museum include organizing the archives, and helping the public and staff with their research using the museum's archival collection.
Chance Boruck is a summer student that has lived all over the province. He is currently taking his Bachelor of Arts (History) at UBC Okanagan. After his degree, Chance hopes to pursue a career in archaeology. At the museum, Chance delivers historical tours, operates the visitor centre and assists other staff with their projects. Chance enjoys reading, rugby, and badminton.
Sarah Cupello is a summer student from Trail, BC, who is working as the educational programs assistant. In the fall, Sarah will be returning to the University of British Columbia in Kelowna where she will continue working towards a BSc with a major in Biochemistry. At the museum, Sarah assists with planning/ running numerous programs including crafternoons, museum kids club, and the various summer camps. On her time off, she enjoys going on hikes, travelling, and spending time with friends.
AJ Pellizzari is a summer student from Fuitvale, BC. He is currently completing a BSc in Physics with a minor in Mathematics at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. At the museum, AJ is working to assist with the operations of the museum through various tasks including the introduction of a new POS system and the revamping of the old website to the one you are currently browsing. When outside the museum you can find AJ hiking, camping, or swimming somewhere in the Kootenays and enjoying being back home for the summer.