Our Purpose
West Coast REACH! Association is a dynamic, registered non-profit organization on lower Vancouver Island, celebrating diversity (of ages, cultures and abilities) through the power of the performing arts. We are continually excited to see lives transformed and communities strengthened as a result of our programs and shows that are truly inclusive, empowering and inspiring. Each of us has something special to share with, and to learn from others regardless of background or ability. REACH! enables this to happen in amazing ways!
Our Story
Click on the arrow in the middle of the following image to view a short video about REACH!
Our Founders/Managers
Anne-Marie Brimacombe. LRAM, ARCM (Musical and Artistic Director)
Originally from the Caribbean, Anne-Marie is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, England (singing and music teaching), and the renowned De Leon School of Drama (acting).
Originally from the Caribbean, Anne-Marie is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, England (singing and music teaching), and the renowned De Leon School of Drama (acting).
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She has been celebrated on the Canadian west coast, in Toronto and in the Caribbean as an outstanding singer, choral director and show producer. Her students and performing groups have won numerous awards locally and provincially, and have performed with recording artists including Raffi, Ashley MacIsaac, the Nylons, the Chieftains and Anne Mortifee. Many of her students have gone on to successful careers in performing and teaching music.
Mrs. Brimacombe was recipient of the CFAX Arts Leader of the Year Award and the Saanich Peninsula Hearts of the Community Award. She has also been Guest Presenter at the National Association of Canadian Choral Conductors. |
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Peter Brimacombe (Administrator)
Peter has worked for more than 30 years in fund development and administration in the non-profit sector in Victoria, the Yukon, Toronto and the Caribbean. Locally this included positions at St. Margaret's School, Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria, the Canadian Red Cross, and United Way of Greater Victoria. A skilled writer, musician and composer, he has provided scripts and musical arrangements for many successful stage shows. He currently oversees or handles the administrative and promotional work for REACH! |
Voluntary Board of Directors
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Alvin Law (Chair) Alvin believes the Arts literally altered his life path. Born without arms, he’s been a tap dancer and singer, plus he plays trombone, drums and piano. He’s been a broadcaster, actor, best selling author and his first career was a disc jockey playing classic rock in the early 80’s. Since 1981, he’s also been travelling the world as a celebrated motivational speaker. |
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Alvin is a member of the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame and in 2018 he was inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. He currently lives in Calgary with his wife and business partner, Darlene.
Graeme Dobinson (Vice Chair)
Currently Vice-Chair of the REACH Board, Graeme has been instrumental in helping to secure funding needed for REACH to operate successfully and to grow. He also continues to help in our process of identifying and partnering with other organizations
where synergistic relationships can develop.
Graeme is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience scaling startups to successful exits. Notably, he led a multi-award-winning cleantech venture that significantly reduced the carbon footprint of major Canadian brands, earning recognition
from Canada’s Top Growing Companies and Canada’s Top Innovator. Currently, Graeme is the CEO and Co-founder of Equonos, a Vancouver-based strategic investment firm.
Graeme and Tracy, his wife of 23 years, are deeply committed to philanthropy and
supporting causes with significant social impact. They currently live on the BC mainland
with their two children.
Currently Vice-Chair of the REACH Board, Graeme has been instrumental in helping to secure funding needed for REACH to operate successfully and to grow. He also continues to help in our process of identifying and partnering with other organizations
where synergistic relationships can develop.
Graeme is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience scaling startups to successful exits. Notably, he led a multi-award-winning cleantech venture that significantly reduced the carbon footprint of major Canadian brands, earning recognition
from Canada’s Top Growing Companies and Canada’s Top Innovator. Currently, Graeme is the CEO and Co-founder of Equonos, a Vancouver-based strategic investment firm.
Graeme and Tracy, his wife of 23 years, are deeply committed to philanthropy and
supporting causes with significant social impact. They currently live on the BC mainland
with their two children.
Rahel Umpherson (Secretary)
Rahel and her husband Marcel have lived in British Columbia for over
40 years and have raised three daughters. Rahel and her youngest daughter have been members of the REACH! Performing Company since 2017 and feel strong affection for members of their REACH! family.
Rahel had a twenty-eight-year career as a public servant working in a variety of roles for different Ministries in the BC Provincial Government, primarily in policy development and issues management. She and her husband also owned and operated a small licensed private childcare facility for 13 years.
Rahel and her husband Marcel have lived in British Columbia for over
40 years and have raised three daughters. Rahel and her youngest daughter have been members of the REACH! Performing Company since 2017 and feel strong affection for members of their REACH! family.
Rahel had a twenty-eight-year career as a public servant working in a variety of roles for different Ministries in the BC Provincial Government, primarily in policy development and issues management. She and her husband also owned and operated a small licensed private childcare facility for 13 years.
Rahel has also been involved for the last ten years in the non-profit sector as a volunteer Board member, working on committees and as Treasurer for several registered charities in Greater Victoria.
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Susan Mercer (Treasurer)
Susan has lived in Sidney, BC since 1978. She practiced as a Notary Public for many years in Sidney, and during her career, she served as director and then chair of the Board of Directors of the Society of Notaries Public of BC. She has also served on the boards of The Notary Foundation, the BC Law Institute, Sidney Rotary Club and Beacon Community Services. Since retirement, Susan is currently happy to volunteer with and serve on the Board of the Sidney Museum and Artifacts Society and the Sidney Sister Cities Association. She is also an active participant in the REACH! Programs. Susan and her husband Dan enjoy retirement by taking long walks, gardening, spending time with family and friends and travelling as much as they possibly can. |
Alexandra Donovan
Alexandra trained in Germany in child and youth care (with an emphasis on teaching) before moving to Canada in 1992. She has enjoyed working with individuals and groups in the special needs field for more than 30 years including in group homes, schools and in providing home support for families with special needs children. Currently much of her work is in therapeutic teaching through Little Steps Therapy Services in Victoria, where she is Interventionist Supervisor and Practicum Coordinator.
Alexandra enjoys outdoor and other family activities, as well as volunteering with her church community. She and her daughter Vivian are also active and supportive members of our REACH! Performing Company.
Alexandra trained in Germany in child and youth care (with an emphasis on teaching) before moving to Canada in 1992. She has enjoyed working with individuals and groups in the special needs field for more than 30 years including in group homes, schools and in providing home support for families with special needs children. Currently much of her work is in therapeutic teaching through Little Steps Therapy Services in Victoria, where she is Interventionist Supervisor and Practicum Coordinator.
Alexandra enjoys outdoor and other family activities, as well as volunteering with her church community. She and her daughter Vivian are also active and supportive members of our REACH! Performing Company.
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Ciara McLean
Ciara is currently working in Immigration Law in Victoria following years of education and work in Canada, Germany, Romania, Belgium and the USA. She graduated from St. Michael’s University School and obtained a BA from Madison University. She earned a law degree from The University of Western Ontario and a post degree diploma in Immigration Consulting from Ashton College. A humanitarian at heart, Ciara has volunteered or worked for a variety of social organizations or causes, including a foundation for street children and impoverished families, United Nations HIV/AIDS, and at Dow Jones, reporting anti-trust cases coming out of the European Commission. Ciara is also passionate about music and has enjoyed singing with numerous choirs. |
She is delighted to now be involved with REACH. She says “I sometimes feel that my participation in REACH is selfish as I gain so much joy and feel like I am feeding my soul with the music, love, and connection."
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Ken Allison
Ken was born in England, and has lived in Canada since his early twenties. He has a master’s degree in counselling and has recently retired from practising family law, both as a lawyer and a mediator. Prior to moving to Victoria, Ken spent many years living and working in Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. He has been involved with REACH since 2019 and is a regular volunteer at Anawim House in Victoria, providing for the charitable needs of people in physical, spiritual and emotional poverty. As a member of a community theatre group in Yellowknife, Ken appeared in many musical productions. As well as his love for music and performing, Ken enjoys painting, mainly landscapes in acrylics and water colours. |
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Lindsay Brooks
Lindsay has worked in the non-profit sector for over 15 years with organizations providing support and services to children and adults with diverse abilities. She has had the privilege of volunteering with organizations in varying capacities including the Red Cross’ National Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, serving as the Board Secretary for Thrive Social Services, and as a performer with our REACH! Performing Company. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Education specializing in Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice at Western University. In her free time, Lindsay can be found enjoying great food and exploring the Island with her family. |
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Suzanne Starkiewicz Suzanne is currently a practicing physician in Nanaimo, B.C. She obtained a science degree from UVic and graduated from UBC with her medical degree in 2024. Also a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts, Suzanne is a confident and accomplished performer. She has been an outstanding soloist and mentor with the REACH! Performing Company since it started in 2017 and is much loved by all of its members. |
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Former Board Members
We are so grateful to our wonderful former Board members for their support and assistance.
Belle Garduno
Christina Bauzon
Daniel Mercer
Jamie Gale
Judith Armstrong
Kathie Gale
Laura Lee
Michelle Rios
Sara Partridge
Belle Garduno
Christina Bauzon
Daniel Mercer
Jamie Gale
Judith Armstrong
Kathie Gale
Laura Lee
Michelle Rios
Sara Partridge