The Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice is pleased to announce the appointment of Saira Abrar as its new Executive Director, effective Tuesday May 20, 2025. 

Saira joins us following an extensive and competitive search process, with the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors. She brings over 15 years of progressive leadership experience, including eight years at the Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice, where she held several senior management roles. 

Saira is an accomplished healthcare leader with expertise in primary care strategy, governance, and organizational leadership. She has successfully overseen the development and management of Primary Care Networks and is recognized for her ability to build strong, collaborative partnerships with physicians, health authorities, Indigenous organizations, and community stakeholders. Saira has championed initiatives that drive innovation and implement system-level change, with a strong focus on advancing equity. 

Saira holds a Master’s degree in Health Services Research from the University of New Brunswick and a Medical Doctor (MBBS) degree from Rawalpindi Medical College, Pakistan. 

“The Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice is thrilled to welcome Saira Abrar as our new Executive Director.  With the recent approval of two new Primary Care Networks in the Sea to Sky corridor, Saira’s strategic insight, public health expertise and leadership skills will be invaluable. Her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with her experience in financial management and community-based care, positions her as a trusted leader among our membership. We look forward to working with her.”  
- Dr. Olivia Bayley, Co-Chair, Board of Directors  

“I am honoured to join the Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice as the new Executive Director. In this role, I am committed to advocating for our physicians, nurse practitioners, and the patients they serve, ensuring their voices are represented at every level of decision-making, both within the organization and across the healthcare system. I look forward to working in partnership with the Board, staff, health authority partners and the Indigenous communities of Squamish and Whistler to strengthen our primary care networks and expand their impact throughout the region.”   

- Saira Abrar, Incoming Executive Director 

Kari Mancer - Coordinator – Finance and Operations
BSc, MA.

Kari was one of the first employees hired at the inception of the Sea to Sky DoFP in 2014 and has worked in various capacities over the years. From the Executive Assistant and Bookkeeper to Pathways Administrator and Finance and Operations Coordinator. She came to the Division with a decade of non-profit leadership and community-based programming experience.

Kari moved to Whistler in 2003 on what was meant to be a pit stop on a BC tour. Drawn by the community and mountain lifestyle she built a life rooted in purpose and passion. Kari enjoys all that the mountains have to offer including skiing and mountain biking, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Kari can be reached at
kmancer@seatoskydivision.ca

Kelsi Cooper - Primary Care Network (PCN) Manager

Kelsi Cooper is the Primary Care Network (PCN) Manager for the Sea to Sky region, leading the implementation of team-based primary care across Squamish and Whistler. With a background in clinical care as a nurse and extensive experience in healthcare operations and leadership, Kelsi is passionate about improving access to care and aligning services with the unique needs of her local community. She works in close collaboration with clinics, health authorities, Indigenous partners, and the Ministry of Health to build integrated and responsive care models. A long-time resident of the corridor, Kelsi enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, and making the most of the Sea to Sky’s natural beauty.

Kelsi can be reached at
kcooper@seatoskydivision.ca

Véronique Paquette is now our Membership Coordinator

We’re excited to announce that Véronique Paquette has transitioned from her role as Attachment Coordinator to become our new Membership Coordinator. In this role, Véronique will be connecting directly with Division members to share insights into the value the Division brings to their practices and professional lives. She’s eager to learn about each member’s unique needs and to champion initiatives that support local primary care provider wellness and continuing education. Her new role will be contributing to the long-term strength and sustainability of primary care in the Sea to Sky region.

Véronique can be reached at
membership@seatoskydivision.ca

Welcome Kate Van Beelen, our new Attachment Coordinator

Please join us in welcoming Kate Van Beelen to the Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice as our new Attachment Coordinator. Kate brings a strong background in management and marketing, with experience spanning project coordination, strategic communications, and community engagement. She recently completed a Marketing Management certificate at BCIT, further strengthening her skills in outreach and relationship-building. A proud Sea to Sky resident since 2013, Kate is deeply connected to the region and passionate about supporting local initiatives that benefit the community. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, strength training, cooking, and spending time outdoors.

Kate can be reached at
patientattachment@seatoskydivision.ca