Vancouver BTB Executive
Erica McKeddie
President
Erica is the mom to a son and daughter aged 11 and 9. She is married to a 19 year VPD member whose father, mother and step-father were also all members.
Erica works at Douglas College in the Student Life department and has an extensive event management background.
Erica is passionate about mental health initiatives including peer support and crisis management.
She has had training through the Canadian Mental Health Commission as well as the Crisis Centre of BC and is completing Simon Fraser University's First Responders Trauma Prevention and Recovery Certificate in the Fall of 2020.
​
"Starting the Vancouver chapter of Beyond The Blue is the realization of a concept I've been looking for since my husband joined the police department.
The community bond in policing is extremely strong but I had always thought that there was something missing for spouses, partners and families.
​
I am so proud of the work we have done so far and can't wait to see where the Chapter goes from here.
There is strength in our connections and I have no doubt that we will be able to help many VPD families with our work."
Melissa Hill
Director At Large
Melissa is the mom of two very active kids as well as being married to a 19 year VPD member.
She works part time in the Fitness industry and has volunteered her time as an executive board member for numerous non-profit organizations.
​
Melissa’s empathy and intrinsic desire to help, compliments her role as both Peer Supporter and Director At Large with Vancouver Beyond the Blue
​
"When I heard what Beyond the Blue was all about, I knew I had to be involved. The adventure and path of a police family is a unique one with both great rewards and challenges.
My goal within the Vancouver BTB chapter is to support others as they navigate through their own experiences and to help build a community of care, understanding and acceptance."
Olivia Kajander
Treasurer
Olivia is the mother of a beautiful 8 year old daughter and the wife of a second generation Vancouver Police Department 17 year member.
"Being the spouse of a cop isn't easy and it's not for the faint of heart. When you marry a law enforcement officer, you get everything that comes along with a traditional marriage and then some, including their family in blue and a lifestyle that is markedly different from a traditional nine to five.
It's a responsibility, a burden, and a blessing. It's often thankless. It throws up challenges and has it's rewards and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I wear his badge with honour too and I am extremely thankful to be a part of an organization that allows me to share our life experiences and knowledge to help support other spouses and families."
Sarah Woollacott
Director At Large
Sarah is the full time mom to two terrific kids aged 11 and 9. They are an active family who loves spending time outdoors; camping, hiking, kids sports and time with family and friends.
Sarah has worked in Community Living supporting adults with disabilities for 20yrs. The connections she has made with individuals, families and caregivers is what continues to drive her in this field. The skills she has acquired in this profession make her a perfect fit as a Director for BTB as well as one of our Peer Supporters.
In Sarah's 42 years, she has experienced more grief than she would like to know. She lost her fiance to brain cancer at 25 and husband's sudden death at the age of 36 left her as a single parent to her kids who were 5 and 3 at the time.
"I know the heartache and emptiness that comes with grief and the overwhelming feeling of how do I go on?... but I also know that in time you can and will create a 'new norm' and go on to have a really great life (humour, wine and chocolate help too!).
I was extremely grateful to have a support circle around me and my children, helping us to navigate the last 5yrs.
Grief never goes away but you find tools to manage it and not let it rule you."
​