Volunteer Victoria Staff

The Volunteer Victoria team includes 4 full-time staff members, 5 part-time staff positions, a contracted part-time accountant, and more than 100 amazing volunteers. We provide programs and services to our community and pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, inclusive, and responsive environment.

Lisa Mort-Putland, Executive Director

Lisa joined the Volunteer Victoria team as Executive Director in June 2011. Lisa holds a B.A. in Drama and a Masters in Public Administration with a focus on non-profit management. Prior to working with Volunteer Victoria, Lisa was the Development Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria and spent more than 25 years working and volunteering in the museum and heritage sector. Lisa is a member of the Board of Volunteer Canada. Lisa provides governance assistance to organizations and is often asked to speak at conferences, events, and celebrations. Lisa can be reached at lisa@volunteervictoria.bc.ca.

George Colussi, Manager of Membership, Training, and Outreach

George first joined the Volunteer Victoria team in January 2014, in membership services.  George continues to work with new and existing members, leads the youth volunteer services team who deliver presentations to individuals of all ages, supports the activities and learning journey of the youth involved with our Youth Engagement Team, and oversees the delivery of our training program. As George puts it, “My work at Volunteer Victoria is a powerful privilege since it allows me to link daily with individuals and organizations that are undertaking transformational work in community”. George can be reached at 250-386-2269, ex. 28 or at george@volunteervictoria.bc.ca.

Betty Leitch, Volunteer Services Coordinator

Betty joined the Volunteer Victoria team in February 2017. Betty is a certified Volunteer Management professional with a history of managing successful volunteer programs in Victoria and Winnipeg. Betty holds an Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s in Environmental Sciences. When Betty is not coordinating our E-Link Newsletter, she can be found volunteering for her amazing quilting group, travelling, and spending time with family. Betty can be reached at betty@volunteervictoria.bc.ca.

Volunteer Access and Mental Health Recreation Visiting Programs

Debbie Flint, Volunteer Access Program Coordinator

Debbie Flint joined Volunteer Victoria in June 2018 as an Access Program Coordinator. Debbie has worked as a specialist in mental health and substance use for more than 25 years. Debbie can be reached at debbie@volunteervictoria.bc.ca.

Julia Harrison, Mental Health Program Coordinator

Julia Harrison joined Volunteer Victoria in January 2022, after receiving her B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Victoria. Julia is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Mental Health and Substance Use Dual Diagnosis, and is the coordinator for the Mental Health Visiting and Activity Program, as well as the lead for a new Eco-anxiety project at Volunteer Victoria. Julia is committed to community education surrounding mental health and substance use. When Julia isn’t working or studying, she’s spending time with family and her 100lb dog, Oakley. You can reach Julia at julia@volunteervictoria.bc.ca.

Youth Engagement Workers

Vanshika Awasthi (Vinny), Corporate Services and Volunteering Programs Coordinator

Vinny has moved around a lot growing up which has made her very aware and appreciative of different cultures. She is passionate about volunteering and has been an active volunteer in the community, supporting senior and women equity programs. She is thrilled to join the Volunteer Victoria team and expand her learning. Vinny starting attending UVic in January 2024.

Anisha Kapoor, Mental Health Program and Volunteering Programs Coordinator

Anisha joined the Volunteer Victoria team as the Mental Health Program and Volunteering Programs Coordinator in January 2024. Anisha holds a B.Sc. in Biology and Psychology from the University of Victoria, and is currently pursing a part-time Global Master’s in Business Administration, with a focus on non-profit management. Prior to working with Volunteer Victoria, Anisha was a Case Management Supervisor for the Emergency Management department at the Canadian Red Cross, an organization at which she spent 2.5 years. She has been an avid volunteer since she was a teenager, with most of her work being at hospitals. Outside of Anisha’s work at VolVic, she is an Academic Advisor for the Abdu Dhabi Department of Education and a Math, Science, and English tutor. Her hobbies include reading, dog sitting, and going on local/international adventures.

Sharon Bidner and Mike Grivel provide amazing admin support to the Volunteer Victoria team.