Team Members
Lesley Fox
Executive Director
Lesley Fox is the executive director for The Fur-Bearers and is passionate about animal advocacy and social justice issues.
She is a certified Humane Education Specialist through the National Association for Humane and Environmental Education (NAHEE) and graduated with honours from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Public Relations, Marketing Communications and Non-Profit Management. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads University.
Lesley lives with her partner on Vancouver Island on the traditional territories of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations.
Aaron Hofman
Director of Advocacy and Policy
Aaron Hofman is passionate about animal protection and works to advance the interests of animals through education, research, advocacy, and policy reform.
He holds a master's degree in International Studies from Simon Fraser University and a bachelor's degree in Philosophy from the University of Calgary, where he studied animal ethics and applied ethics. Aaron has worked in the non-profit sector as an advocate for marginalized populations living in poverty across Western Canada. He has a background in the public sector, with experience in public administration and information management.
He lives on Vancouver Island on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen and WSÁNEĆ nations.
Michael Howie
Director of Communications
Christine Jeyarajah
Director of Development
Christine Jeyarajah is the Director of Development at The Fur-Bearers. Her deep admiration for animals and steadfast dedication to improving their lives drive her commitment to animal advocacy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English, Biology, and Zoology from the University of Toronto and a post-grad in Journalism from Concordia University.
In her personal time, Christine enjoys playing tennis, nurturing her garden, and traveling to explore breathtaking landscapes. She resides in Toronto, Ontario, the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples.
Marcy Potter
Director of Finance and Donor Relations
A former wildlife rehabilitator, Marcy has been involved with all aspects of helping wildlife since 2003. From caring for individual injured wildlife, to now helping to advocate for their protection, Marcy has a variety of expertise to help wildlife.
Marcy was involved with helping oiled wildlife in a Burrard inlet spill in the mid-2000s. She was the Secretary on the board of the Oiled Wildlife Society for four years. She was treasurer on the Wildlife Rehabilitators' Network of BC Board of Directors for seven years and was a founding director, treasurer and secretary for the Society for Humane Science.
Her various administration, speaking and coordinating experience have also made an impact in her work. Working for The Fur-Bearers since 2014 has been the best place to transition to after working in wildlife rehabilitation.
Marcy lives and works in North Vancouver, BC, the traditional territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam First Nations (Coast Salish).
Sydney Schaffner
Social Media & Communications Coordinator
She combines a love of marketing and animal advocacy in her work. Sydney is a graduate of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) School of Business, with a diploma in Marketing Communications. Her goal is to make a positive change in the world for animals and humans alike.
Sydney is based in Vancouver, British Columbia on the traditional territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam First Nations (Coast Salish).
