Team & Board

GiveWise Board of Directors

Mark Brandsma

Both his professional experience and personal journey contribute to the passion Mark has for GiveWise Foundation. He has worked in the financial services industry since the late 1990’s, and enjoys engaging clients in conversations about philanthropy and exploring the impact their wealth can have.

On a personal level, Mark left the security of home in 2014, and along with his wife and three children, served with Hope for Korah in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The primary objective was to walk alongside people living in an urban slum and assist in breaking the cycle of poverty. Mark continues to be involved by co-leading small teams to Ethiopia annually and serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for Hope for Korah.

Mark enjoys being involved in the lives of his kids, particularly around their sporting pursuits, and on multiple occasions has served as coach. Mark loves to travel and has been fortunate to visit several countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe… but Ethiopia remains particularly close to his heart!

Grant Strachan

Grant Strachan is an Executive Financial Consultant and Division Manager for one of Canada’s largest Wealth Management firms. Grant is passionate about Philanthropy and facilitating ways for individuals to give back to the causes they are most passionate about. Grant holds a bachelor’s degree in theology and a master’s degree in Leadership. He is very involved with two different NGOs in Africa focused on education and leadership development, respectively. Grant is married to his wife Kate for over 20 years and together they have three active kids who are very involved in sports. In his spare time Grant enjoys traveling and reading when he is not riding his road bike.

Robyn Bright

Robyn Bright is the Director of Global Advocacy for Nutrition International (NI), a global leader in international development for improved nutrition. This role has afforded her the opportunity to lead NI’s global advocacy and strategies, and to work with donors, foundations, implementing partners, and the private sector. Previously, Robyn had the pleasure of leading teams in external relations and resource mobilization with Nutrition International, World Vision Canada, Micah Challenge Canada, and the UN peacebuilding program Interpeace. She has also worked with several members of Parliament on issues related to international development.

Benji Vanderpol

Benji is passionate about starting and growing organisations that leave an impact on the world. His experience involves being an early member of a fast growing fitness franchise, co-founding multiple tech startups and then starting his own non-profit aimed at teaching valuable skills to young people. He has joined the GiveWise board of directors based on his belief that individuals can have a great impact on shaping our world through philanthropic initiatives.

Tyson Nagasaka

With over 20 years in the financial services world, Tyson takes a refreshingly clear approach to financial planning—no fluff, just smart, personalized strategies. As a member of the Board of Directors, he combines deep industry expertise with a passion for helping donors support meaningful causes.

Through his work at Portfolio Planning, Tyson focuses on empowering Canadian medical professionals and business owners with flat-fee, unbiased financial planning and insurance strategies (portfolioplanning.ca). Whether you’re growing your practice, securing retirement, or planning your legacy, he’s all about turning financial goals into real-life outcomes.

Outside the office, Tyson is a proud dad of two who loves making memories with his family—especially when it involves sunshine, sandy beaches, and the occasional surfboard in Hawaii.

Melani O'Leary

Melani O’Leary is the Director of Partnerships at Grand Challenges Canada's (GCC), a global innovation platform that invests in locally driven solutions that improve health, equity and wellbeing for people around the world. Melani is a public health professional with over 15 years of experience working in the not-for-profit development and humanitarian sector at the intersection of health, food systems, climate and gender. Prior to joining GCC, Melani spent two years at Criterion Institute where she led the development of a new field in innovative finance to influence the flows of public and private investment capital to support child and youth health and wellbeing. Melani also spent over 15 years at World Vision Canada, where she provided technical leadership in the design, assessment, and management of health projects in Latin America, Middle East and Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa.

GiveWise Advisory Board

Tom Berekoff

Tom is the President and Founder of tpb strategic counsel ltd. He holds a Master’s Degree in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and has held his CFRE Designation since 1995. As an advisor, teacher, leader, coach, mentor and friend, he holds to the values of being promise centred, people focused, and purpose driven. Tom fosters an understanding that each one of us is here with a reason and purpose which is for the good of others.

Mike Gardner

Mike is a C-Suite executive and board leader with international experience in fintech software, capital raising, strategic planning and operations.

Bri Trypuc

A Philanthropic Strategist, Bri is the principal advisor of Trypuc Philanthropic Office , an exclusively philanthropic private office that provides clients with Philanthropic Advisory, Private Foundation and DAF Management and Strategic Consulting services.

Eric Girardin

Eric lives in North Vancouver, BC with his wife and 2 kids. He loves spending time in the mountains skiing and trail running, and focuses his time on collaborative projects that create greater impact in his local community and the giving space. His experience has been primarily as owner / operator of manufacturing and service-based businesses over the last 20+ years, and he has led in various roles as VP of Operations, CFO and CEO. Eric actively supports several not-for-profits at a board and advisory level, including Praxis Labs, Trust Bridge Global Foundation, NCF South Florida, Venture and his local Community Foundations. He and his wife also founded and run a local not-for-profit, thewoods.org, that provides nature and creative arts based therapeutic programs.

Carissa Youssef

Carissa is driven by a desire to see all people flourish and is passionate about helping purpose-driven businesses leverage their skills, staff, products and brand to fulfill their mission, serve their clients and create value for their communities while enhancing their culture and uplifting their values.

Mike Todd

Mike finds himself at the intersection of wealth management and philanthropy, having spent a lot of time in both sectors. He’s worked on Bay Street and Hastings Street and streets in between and is driven by his desire to spread the magic of generosity. Most recently he founded Transform Philanthropy, and spends most of his time helping charities, advisors and donors understand the unique benefits of donor-advised funds (DAFs).

GiveWise Staff

Tammy Kyte

Executive Director

Tammy Kyte

Tammy Kyte merges her deep-rooted passion for authenticity and the transformative power of generosity with an entrepreneurial spirit honed over 15 years of leading a family home building business. Fueled by her passion for innovation, she is dedicated to fostering generosity through collaboration. Her global volunteer work in locations such as Cuba, Haiti, and Southeast Asia, along with local initiatives supporting refugees and teaching ESL, highlight her commitment to community building.

At GiveWise, she spearheads efforts to promote generous living among individuals and businesses, striving for a brighter future for Canadians.

Away from work, Tammy loves embarking on adventure hikes with friends, playing tennis with her husband Dan—who also works with her at GiveWise—and traveling with her two adult children, showcasing her belief in the joy and enrichment that come from exploration and shared moments.

Dan Kyte

Director, Finance & Investments

Dan Kyte

Dan’s entrepreneurial leanings have always led him to be involved in his local community and at a global level. This has resulted in a passion for philanthropy that has positive impact on entire regions and inspires individuals to find community in order to work together. Involved in various volunteer, committee and board leadership roles at church, Dan has had the privilege of being mentored by amazing people, helping him to see the big picture, compelling him to dig in wherever he can. He has been a business owner for 25 years, with a brief stint teaching at a High School level.

Dan is thankful for his wife, his kids, and the privilege of living and being active in the beautiful Pacific NorthWest. He also loves to travel to different countries, checking out how people live and what they eat.

Cristie Moews

Director, Systems & Operations

Cristie Moews

After receiving her BBA from University of the Fraser Valley, with a keen interest in Economics and International Finance, Cristie enjoyed well over a decade employed at one of Canada’s largest credit unions, in varying roles. After serving for many years in a banking environment, Cristie is excited for the opportunity to work within an organization with a vision for global change.

Cristie enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children and filling it with adventures and well-cherished memories. They value the outdoors and often go hiking, camping and work in the garden. She also appreciates time spent playing games, watching movies or lost in a good book.

Mike Christie

Chief Technology Officer

Mike Christie

Mike is a technology enthusiast with over 25 years of experience in software development and management. His commitment extends to leadership, knowledge sharing, talent management, and cultivating relationships within the industry.

Tanis Patenaude

Marketing & Communications Lead

Tanis Patenaude

Tanis brings 15+ years of experience in marketing, communications, and brand development to her role at GiveWise. With a background in creative direction, product marketing, graphic design, photography, and storytelling, she’s passionate about crafting compelling messages that inspire action, build trust, and foster meaningful connection.

Driven by a desire to make life better for others, Tanis finds purpose in both thoughtful communication and genuine human connection. At GiveWise, she’s excited to support a mission that empowers people to give more and create lasting impact.

Outside of work, you’ll find her with her husband and two dogs, walking, hiking, working out, gardening, and making memories with family - especially her nieces and nephews who keep life extra sweet.

Jessica Rayne

Generosity Growth & Partnership

Jessica Rayne

Jessica Rayne is driven by a lifelong passion for community engagement, service, and fostering social change. With a steadfast commitment to building and fortifying relationships among organizations, businesses, and communities, she ensures that individuals have access to the necessary support and resources to flourish. Throughout her career, Jessica has been dedicated to cultivating more equitable and inclusive environments, particularly within the realms of education and non-profit sectors. Her work has been instrumental in creating spaces that uplift underserved and equity-deserving communities. Fuelled by her entrepreneurial spirit, Jessica founded Evolving Doors Inc. and co-founded a non-profit organization both dedicated to supporting Black, Indigenous, and Women of Colour entrepreneurs in realizing their fullest potential through entrepreneurship and holistic well-being initiatives.

Jessica has developed and contributed to valuable programs at prestigious institutions such as the University of Toronto, York University, and Humber College. Jessica holds a master’s degree in Sociology along with diplomas in Business Management and Marketing.

Outside of work you can find Jessica spending time with her family, diving into her entrepreneurial ventures, traveling the world, and channeling her creative energy through music, dance, spirituality, and culinary.

Aree Sanchez

Administration & Marketing Support Coordinator

Aree Sanchez

With roots in Thailand and a heart shaped by cross-cultural experiences, I’ve seen firsthand how generosity can create hope and transformation in people’s lives. Growing up as a missionary kid, I was surrounded by stories of resilience and community impact, which sparked my desire to help others make a difference.After moving to Canada to study International Business at Trinity Western University, I developed a passion for connecting with people and supporting them in meaningful ways. At GiveWise, I hope to continue on building relationships and helping donors give with intention and joy. Outside of work, you’ll often find me reading novels, shopping, or playing my guitar!

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