About

Rachel Bland

Board Chair

Rachel brings a wealth of artistic and event planning experience to the board. Having been involved in theatre and live events since high school days, she spent 15 years as a Canadian Equity Stage Manager with many productions across Canada including over 300 performances of Beauty and the Beast. Also an Event Manager, Rachel had the opportunity to be involved with the 2010 Winter Olympic Ceremonies as well as countless concerts and private events. As a child, Rachel loved to go sledding and playing hide and seek, activities which she still enjoys doing with her two young boys. Her favourite childhood entertainer is Raffi and her favourite ice cream is Maple Walnut, although she loved Tiger flavour as a kid.

Ryan Schulz

Treasurer

Ryan is a CPA and partner at Omland Heal LLP. Ryan’s expertise as an accountant and his experience as a father to his young children make him a great fit for the Kidzfest board. He has been involved in other non-profit organizations including as a board member for Habitat for Humanity and a coach in Penticton Minor Hockey. Ryan grew up enjoying the music of Sharon, Lois and Bram. He loved to snowboard as a kid, a joy which he now shares with his own children. His favourite ice cream is salted caramel.

Jacki Kliever

Secretary

Jacki has wonderful memories of taking her boys to the Okanagan International Children’s Festival when they were young and is excited to now be able to give this experience to the next generation of families in our community. She brings plenty of experience in event planning, particularly with youth and children’s events. She has professional experience as a youth and children’s pastor for over 10 combined years as well as a camp leader, speaker and director. She is an active volunteer in a variety of community non-profit groups including school PAC, KISU Swim Club and Black Widow Rope Spinners. Jacki’s musical career highlights the value she places on arts in education. She is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers and teaches piano to approximately 30 students. She has also been involved in music and performing arts as director for numerous children’s choirs and musical theatre groups. She is currently a member of the Naramata Community Choir. She grew up listening endlessly to Anne Murray’s “There’s a Hippo in my Tub” on vinyl. As a child, she loved to spend time in the kitchen baking with her mom and that has carried on into her adult life, much to her family’s delight. Her favourite ice cream is pralines and cream.

Cyndie Salting

Board Member

Cyndie was born and raised in Naramata. She recently retired from 33 years teaching in the Penticton school district where she was a well-loved school librarian and music teacher. Her experience as a teacher left her with a profound sense of the importance of music in childhood development and she looks forward to bringing her insights to the Kidzfest team. As a child, she spent much time riding her bike, as activity that she continues to enjoy today. Her favourite children’s performer is Rick Scott and her favourite ice cream is chocolate.

Joseph Pierre

Co-Chair

Joseph comes to the board with political and education experience. He has served over 8 years on the Penticton Indian Band Council and been involved in education, currently serving as the K-12 Public Private School Coordinator for Outma School. Joseph has been involved as a volunteer in coordinating many events and festivals including a number of pow wows. He has always loved watching the Disney animated classics and continues to enjoy them as an adult. His favourite ice cream is spumoni.

Bryce Munro

Board Member

Bryce Munro is a member of The International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees locals 118 and 891. Working currently as a Key Rigging Grip on feature films and TV series like Virgin River and Antlers, previously he worked on the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 Olympics and Canadian tour with American rapper Pitt Bull.

Bryce is excited to be back in Penticton and raising a family, reliving memories from his childhood and doing things he loved including bike riding, eating vanilla ice cream and hiking in the mountains. Bryce’s favorite childhood book was Dan the flying Man.