Nonprofit Board Leadership at The StoryBridge Network: Meet Our Board of Directors
- Admin
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 12
At The StoryBridge Network, we believe that authentic leadership starts with connection—connection to lived experience, to community, and to the transformative power of story.
As a nonprofit committed to empowering marginalized voices through storytelling and expressive arts, we serve individuals whose stories too often go unheard: newcomers, youth, seniors, and people experiencing displacement or homelessness. Our programs offer more than artistic outlets—they offer connection, confidence, and creative resilience.
That’s why our Board of Directors is built not just on skill and service but on values and vision. These leaders bring lived experience, professional insight, and deep care for the communities we serve. Together, they guide our mission to create inclusive spaces where all voices are seen, heard, and valued—while strengthening our commitment to mental health, cultural inclusion, and social connection across Manitoba and the rest of Canada.
Meet Our Current Board Members
Brian Creary
Director and Board Chair
Originally from Jamaica, Brian served in the Jamaica Defence Force, where he helped establish the Caribbean Military Academy School of Aviation—the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean. Since moving to Canada in 2010, he has continued his career in aviation as a flight instructor and training program manager. Brian's travels and community involvement have deepened his interest in how personal stories shape identity and connection. A devoted reader of first-person narratives, he is passionate about creating space for diverse voices and proudly supports StoryBridge’s mission to build belonging through storytelling.
Sarah Jane (SJ) Nesbitt
Director and Board Secretary
SJ’s approach to leadership is grounded in community care, accessibility, and creativity. With deep experience supporting seniors, neurodivergent individuals, and arts-based community initiatives, she brings an intergenerational and inclusive perspective to our board. As a storyteller, musician, and operations strategist, SJ is committed to making space for people to be fully themselves—and to feel supported in sharing their truths however they choose to express them.
Monique Burke
Director-at-Large
Monique is the Newcomer Services Coordinator for the Winnipeg School Division. With over 15 years of experience in newcomer settlement, education, and program development, she brings a holistic and compassionate lens to our leadership. Her work has focused on supporting school transitions, youth leadership, and community inclusion for immigrants and refugees. As both an educator and artist, Monique understands the importance of belonging, creativity, and culturally responsive care. Her leadership helps ensure our programs meet the diverse needs of newcomers with empathy and impact.
Rachel E Smith
Director-at-Large
Rachel is a multi-disciplinary artist and educator whose work bridges the worlds of performance and personal development. She brings expertise in storytelling, acting, and public speaking, offering tools that help our participants build confidence and stage presence. Her work as a coach and consultant helps strengthen our ability to deliver trauma-informed, expressive arts programming that is both empowering and skill-building. With Rachel’s guidance, StoryBridge remains a space where creative transformation becomes a path to self-expression and connection.
Lisa Houtkooper
Director-at-Large
Lisa is a registered nurse with over 30 years of healthcare experience, currently working at the Occupational Health Centre in Winnipeg. She holds a Master of Nursing and a certificate in leadership development from Mediation Services. Passionate about fostering psychologically safe workplaces and supporting equity-deserving communities, Lisa focuses on building the capacity of workers, workplaces, and communities to promote health, dignity, and safety. As a workplace mindfulness facilitator and de-escalation trainer, she brings deep compassion and insight to her work and is proud to contribute to StoryBridge’s mission of healing and connection through storytelling.
Dr. Patlee Creary
Chief Executive Officer/Non-voting Board Member
Patlee is a lived experience storyteller, mindfulness facilitator, researcher, writer, non-profit strategist, and social entrepreneur. With a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies, her work centers narrative, identity, and transformation—particularly for people navigating transitions, conflict, migration, burnout, or recovery. Patlee co-founded StoryBridge to offer the kind of support that’s often missing: a space where lived experience becomes a source of power and community, not shame or silence. Her leadership ensures that StoryBridge stays rooted in compassion, innovation, and impact.
The Importance of Nonprofit Board Leadership at StoryBridge
Strong and inclusive nonprofit board leadership is at the heart of The StoryBridge Network. Our board members don’t simply provide oversight—they embody the mission. With lived experience and professional expertise rooted in education, storytelling, mental health, community engagement, governance, operations, and finance, they ensure our work stays grounded, ethical, and impactful.
As a governance body, the board plays a vital role in setting the strategic direction, supporting program development, and ensuring that our values of inclusion, dignity, and voice are upheld across all that we do. From reviewing policies to guiding partnerships and fundraising, they help us grow responsibly while staying true to the people we serve.
This level of nonprofit board leadership is what allows StoryBridge to:
Reach underserved communities through expressive arts and storytelling
Promote social inclusion, mental well-being, and cultural connection
Collaborate with donors, sponsors, and funders who share our vision
Operate with integrity and build long-term organizational sustainability
Our board members lead with insight and accountability, helping StoryBridge grow not just in reach—but in relevance, impact, and trust.
Be Part of the Story
We’re proud of the team guiding StoryBridge—but we know this work can’t be done alone.
Whether you're:
Someone with a story to share
A donor or sponsor ready to support meaningful impact
A partner organization ready to collaborate
A volunteer who wants to help foster community through creativity—
There’s a place for you at StoryBridge. And there are many ways you can help.
Support Our Work:
Let’s build stronger communities—one story, one connection at a time.
The StoryBridge Network
Transforming Lives Through Storytelling and Community Engagement
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