Our Board
Meet the passionate and talented stewards of SJMA
David Gens
President
Jenn Hepburn
Treasurer
Jenn is a Certified Management Accountant and has over ten years experience in public company financial reporting. She is experienced in operational and financial analysis, project management and systems implementation, having worked in agriculture, bio-technology, manufacturing and mining sectors. She excitedly brings to the board her operational and financial experience. Jenn grew up playing the violin and trombone with the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra and is committed to supporting youth in music. She believes passionately that music supports the skills for success and growth in young people. And that most importantly, music builds communities. Jenn is proud to be a part of the SJMA community through volunteering and as a member of the board. In her role as the treasurer, Jenn is to provide financial oversight and governance for the organization through presenting the board accurate and timely financial information, evaluating financial risks and opportunities, and ensuring funds are used in line with SJMA’s mission statement.
Don Shumka
Director
Don is a lifelong supporter of the arts in British Columbia having served as the Chair of the Board of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, the British Columbia Arts Council and Ballet British Columbia. He is currently on the Board of the Emily Carr Foundation and the Chairman’s Advisory Council of Science World. In the Downtown Eastside, he is a benefactor of Union Gospel Mission, First United Church and the Heart of the City Festival. Prior to joining the Board of SJMA, he has been a long-time donor. Professionally, Don is a retired investment banker. He has a BA in Economics from UBC and an MBA from Harvard University.
Kael Vincent
Director
Kael Vincent has been part of the music school since day one. Since having joined the program as a student in 2007, Kael has developed and enjoyed a great love of music; His musical journey began with double bass, choir, and classical guitar through SJMA, to self-instruction later on in other instruments and styles, such as the accordion. Kael has continued to play music regularly since having graduated from SJMA in 2014.
As part of the staff team from 2018-2022, and eventually as Operations Manager, Kael was instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the music school. Since 2022, he has volunteered weekly, teaching stringed instruments to students with learning differences.
Kael believes that every student deeply matters and has something unique to offer the world. It is his hope that through discovering their ability to play music – and through the care of teachers and staff – all SJMA students may come to know this more fully.
A life-long resident of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Kael knows first hand of its suffering and beauty. He looks forward to bringing his experience to the SJMA board and to supporting the work of the music school.
Rosmarie Schipizky
Director
Rosemarie has a lifelong love of music. As a member of SJMA’s board, she combines this passion with her legal knowledge and other volunteer experiences. The dedication, discipline and joy of music is wonderful to share in community – something that SJMA excels at. Rosie played various instruments in her youth (piano, flute and balalaika), has always been a regular concertgoer and currently sings in United Voices Choir, a community choir performing large choral works with orchestra and soloists. Rosie is a trustee at St Anselm’s Anglican Church and president of Oak Counselling Services Society, a non-profit providing professional, low-cost counselling services. Rosemarie is a retired lawyer with the federal government.
Sarah Lilley
Director
Sarah Lilley is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 15 years of business experience. Currently the Controller at Merchant Growth, Sarah has previously held accounting roles for large multi-national corporations, a healthcare startup, and a provincial sports non-profit. Sarah completed her business degree at SFU and was formerly on the board of a local independent school.
Passionate about the arts, Sarah is a classically trained ballet dancer and has studied piano, flute, and drums. She believes every child should have the opportunity to flourish through musical expression and is excited to be a part of the SJMA board.
