Board of Directors

Bob lost his wife “Kerry” after a battle with cancer when she was at the young age of 32 and left Bob with 2 wonderful children, Avery and Hudson that were 3 and 1 years old at the time of her passing. Bob requested that donations from Kerry’s celebration of life service go towards a family bereavement program that Dr. Heather Mohan was running at the time. Heather approached Bob with the idea of having a bereavement program for young families that had lost a loved one and suggested the program be named after Bob’s late wife Kerry. Bob has been involved with the Society since its inception and is a huge supporter of the valuable work and contributions this unique bereavement program offers in the communities it serves.

Shortly after graduating from UBC with a Commerce degree, Bob co-founded his company, Advantage Parts Solutions in 1988, which currently operates across Canada, the US and the UK. He is also an active member of Young Presidents Organization.

Ben Siemens joined LUMARA’s Board of Directors in 2021. He currently works as a Policy Analyst on the Strategic Policy team at the First Nations Health Authority, where he brings experience in policy analysis, governance, and program development and implementation.

Ben was first introduced to LUMARA while working at the Zajac Ranch for Children, an inclusive camp for kids with disabilities and medical needs. As the camp director hosting the Camp Kerry family retreat, he witnessed firsthand the meaningful and compassionate support LUMARA provided to families navigating grief and loss. Those experiences left a lasting impression, and years later, when a colleague on LUMARA’s board invited him to consider joining, Ben felt honoured to support the organization’s mission.

Ben now lives in Chilliwack, on the unceded traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples, specifically the Pil’ált, Semá:th, and Ts’elxwéyeqw. He has seen how profoundly grief and loss shape people’s lives—and how LUMARA’s programs, resources, and community can help individuals and families navigate grief, foster resilience, and build lasting relationships with others who have had similar experiences.

With few supports available for those facing grief and loss, Ben is committed to helping LUMARA expand its capacity to reach and serve individuals, families, and communities across Canada—whether through counselling, online resources, or participation in Camp Kerry programs.

Dr. David Moniz first connected with LUMARA following the 2024 provincial election, during which he ran as a candidate for the BC United Party. After the campaign, Joshua Dahling reached out to let him know about a vacant director position on LUMARA’s board. Once David learned more about the organization’s mission and goals, he felt an immediate alignment with its vision and decided to apply. Joining soon after in 2025.

David lives in Chilliwack, BC, and works as an Emergency and Anesthetic doctor. In his medical practice, he frequently encounters individuals and families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He has observed how society often struggles to address grief and bereavement, leaving many people feeling isolated and unsupported.

As a board member, and practicing doctor, David, hopes that he can help further LUMARA’s goal of reducing the stigma surrounding loss, and to help people find strength, healing, and improved quality of life as they navigate their grief.

Brian was introduced to LUMARA in 2014, volunteered at Camp Kerry the next year and joined the board in 2023. He was originally drawn to the organization due to his own experience with grief and loss, having lost his mother after a fight with cancer at the age of 13. His journey from volunteering to serving on the board was driven by a deep belief in Lumara’s mission and the impact it has on our community. As a volunteer, he is able to witness the immediate benefits of his efforts. However, by joining the board, he enjoys playing a more strategic role in shaping the organization’s future, ensuring its sustainability and amplifying the positive change Lumara brings to the lives it touches.

Brian currently works as a Finance Director at Simon Fraser University supporting their upcoming Medical School and has held previous finance roles at the University of British Columbia and Best Buy Canada. He articled at KPMG LLP and holds a CPA, CA designation. He brings important experience developing and presenting financial narratives and how they impact future planning to the Lumara board, particularly as a member of the finance committee.

Brian lives in Vancouver with his wife, Melissa, who also volunteers with Lumara. When he’s not working or volunteering, you can find him playing golf, ultimate frisbee, or badminton.