Board of Directors
Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association Volunteer Board of Directors:
Chantalle Moerman
President
Sugaring Change
Chair of Beautification & Revitalization Committee
Chantalle Moerman
Chantalle has been a resident of Maple Ridge for over 15 years.
With 8 years of running a successful business in Port Moody, BC, Chantalle launched the second location of her boutique style sugaring hair removal studio in the heart of Maple Ridge.
Sugaring Change is an active participant in several fundraising events across the Tri-Cities, Fraser Valley and even overseas.
Chantalle is looking forward to engaging her home community as it continues to evolve and grow.
To learn more about Sugaring Change and their services, go to their website.
Gershon Tan
Vice President
VanCity Credit Union
Gershon Tan
Gershon has been working with small business owners at Vancity for over a decade. He enjoys collaborative interactions and devising solutions to both straightforward and intricate financial and business challenges. His experience as a small business owner (along with his wife) gives him a deep understanding of the multifaceted aspects of managing a small enterprise. This encompasses financial management, fostering a positive work environment, balancing quality and growth, navigating competition, marketing, resolving conflicts, and ensuring client satisfaction. In his interactions with others, he hopes to always create a small positive footprint through his humour, creativity and unwavering passion. In addition, he likes to workout so he can enjoy a guilt-free foodie lifestyle with his friends and family.
To learn more about Vancity and their services, go to their website.Â
John Thomson
Treasurer
Empire CPA
John Thomson
John has lived and worked in Maple Ridge since 2007.Â
A CPA since 2012, he became a partner in the accounting firm EPR Maple Ridge Langley, Chartered Professional Accountants in 2016. EPR changed it's name to Empire CPA in 2022.Â
A firm believer in giving back to the community he works and lives in. John has been involved with the Maple Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Ridge Meadows Ministries Community Council, and the Maple Ridge 2020 BC Summer Games.Â
The father of 3 young children, he is also very involved in their various sports and arts activities. John looks forward to bringing his community spirit and support to the board of the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association.
To learn more about Empire CPA and their services, go to their website.Â
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Lyle Perry
Secretary
MHWP Law
Lyle Perry
Lyle Perry was admitted as an attorney in South Africa in 2010 and called to the B.C. Bar in 2018.
Lyle is now a lawyer and partner at MHWP Law, located in the heart of Downtown Maple Ridge, focusing on business law, real estate and wills & estates.
To learn more about MHWP Law and their services, go to their website.Â
Cindy-Lea Stephenson
Director
T's Once Upon a Tea Leaf
Cindy-Lea Stephenson
Cindy-Lea Stephenson is a long-time Maple Ridge resident, community builder, and co-founder of
T’s Once Upon a Tea Leaf, a tea company and boutique she opened with her daughter in 2007.
After moving to Maple Ridge in 1978, Cindy-Lea raised her family as a single mother, grounded in the strength of the local community. That same spirit shaped T’s Once Upon a Tea Leaf, which has grown from a small mall shop into a beloved destination on 224th Street, alongside a wholesale division serving cafés, restaurants, and a retail line found in boutiques across Canada.
Her approach to business is rooted in kindness, resilience, and connection. Today, she remains an active supporter of the downtown core, championing small business and contributing to the community that has supported her for decades.
Ellie Jubene
Director
Meals-A-Weight
Ellie Jubene
MealsAWeight started out because owner, Ellie, had a knack for creating one-of-a-kind healthy recipes from scratch. Her love for food paired with her passion of fighting diseases caused by poor nutrition and bad eating habits is why we are here today.
For Ellie, being busy and overwhelmed while in university led to poor dietary choices, but the real wake-up call was seeing her mother go through breast cancer. Seeing how integral health is, and realizing how nutrition is the root of it all, she started eating healthy, meal prepping, and making better lifestyle choices. Quickly Ellie realized her family and close friends all wanted to get onboard a healthier journey. Realizing she wasn't alone in the struggle to find time to prioritize her health, what started as a hobby job during university turned into a wonderful career.
Food is the greatest medicine we have, and if you invest in your health today you will save money in the future. Now MealsAWeight is a family-run business in a 1600sqft custom built commercial kitchen and has fed people over 700,000 nutritious meals. They truly believe healthy eating does not have to be bland, boring or restrictive. They HATE fad diets and will always encourage their customers to eat a well-balanced and nutrient dense meal that they will love.
Over 10 years in business - owner and operator, Ellie has big goals in store. Besides healthy individual meal prep, she wants to be your go-to for all of your ordered family meals, catering and corporate lunches. They truly believe feeding your loved ones a healthy and nutritious meal is the best way to show love!
So please share their story with someone you know and love!
To learn more about MealsAWeight and their services, go to their website.Â
Andrew Nemeth
Director
The Therapeutic Collective
Andrew Nemeth
Andrew is the co-owner of The Therapeutic Collective with his good friend and business partner Karl Dahan. It is a boutique style Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy Clinic in the heart of Downtown Maple Ridge.
Andrew was born and raised in Vancouver and grew up in North Burnaby where he went to High school and University.
Andrew has the privilege to live and work all over the world which has allowed him to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of many different cultures.
Around 12 years ago Andrew and his wife found an amazing acreage in Whonnock where they now call it home with their dogs, goats and cats and the occasional Bear! Andrew is passionate for our community and the people of Maple Ridge, and love taking in all this wonderful city has to offer.
To learn more about The Therapeutic Collective and their services, go to their website.
Naz Diva
Director
New Era Dentist
Chair of Events & Marketing Committee
Naz Diva
Naz has been in healthcare business management since 2012, specializing in dental business development. She has been privileged in developing several successful dental clinics across Ontario and BC. She holds an MSc and PhD in Information Technology from Simon Fraser University, a Dental Business Management Certificate from the University of Toronto, and a Real Estate Trading Services License from Sauder School of Business at UBC.
In 2021, Naz and her family moved from Chilliwack to Maple Ridge to place their son at Meadowridge School. They were drawn to Maple Ridge for its strong sense of community, natural beauty, and vibrant yet intimate atmosphere. It quickly became clear that the city aligned with their values, and they decided to call it home.
In 2022, Naz opened New Era Dentist in Maple Ridge, bringing exceptional dental treatments to the community. They are committed to providing top-notch services, hiring local talent, and giving back through various community initiatives.
Naz is deeply involved in the community. Since Fall 2023, she has been a member of the Meadowridge School Society and has served on the Finance Committee of the Board of Governors. Additionally, she recently joined the Events and Marketing Committee of the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association, where she supports local businesses and contributes to the area's continued development.
Additionally, as a commercial real estate broker with a focus on Maple Ridge, Naz is dedicated to helping the city continue to grow and thrive while maintaining its unique identity.
To learn more about New Era Dentist and their services, go to their website.Â
Carley Simpson-Davies
Director
Aura Beauty Lounge
Carley Simpson-Davies
Carley is proud to call Maple Ridge home for most of her life. She attended Yennadon Elementary and graduated from Maple Ridge Secondary. Both Carley and her husband, Mitch, feel their roots run deep within the community.
As a small business owner and downtown Maple Ridge apartment owner, she has spent the majority of her time in the heart of Maple Ridge - working, shopping, walking, and living. She believes what happens in our downtown directly affects our day-to-day lives, and she cares deeply about seeing our downtown area thrive.
Over the years, she has loved getting to know the incredible network of business owners that make up this vibrant area. Before taking over Aura (formerly Cloud 9), she worked as a receptionist there for many years, developing strong relationships with both workmates and clients. Many people in the downtown core know Carley, and she has always taken pride in being an approachable and active part of our business community.
Carley is passionate about the growth and future of Downtown Maple Ridge. She brings her perspective, energy, and commitment to the DMRBIA board, and loves working alongside others who share a vision for a thriving, inclusive, and connected downtown.
To learn more about Aura Beauty Lounge and their services, go to their website.Â
Anita Viljoen
Director
Cameo Spa & Laser
Chair of Safety & Security Committee
Anita Viljoen
Originally from South Africa, Anita immigrated to Cochrane, Alberta in 1997, where she worked as a corporate paralegal at a local law firm. In 2007, her husband accepted a position in British Columbia, and they made Maple Ridge their home.
Shortly after moving, she transitioned from law to follow her passion for aesthetics. She began working at Temptations (a local salon) in 2008, and by 2011, she had opened her own business. In 2013, she proudly launched Cameo Spa and Laser Clinic in the heart of Maple Ridge.
Anita has been an active attendee at BIA meetings, finding them invaluable for staying informed and for the networking opportunities they provided.
Having the chance to serve on the board was a great opportunity to bridge the gap between the city and business community. Highlighting the resources the city offers and showcasing the unique beauty of Maple Ridge, it will not only strengthen local business, but foster a greater sense of pride and connection.
She looks forward to the positive impact we can create together. Anita loves to live and work in Maple Ridge and she is proud to call Maple Ridge home.
To learn more about Cameo Spa and Laser Clinic and their services, visit their website.
Tim Logue
Director
Garden Hill Funeral Home
Tim Logue
Tim was born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, and raised on a nearby farm. After graduating from high school, he moved to the West Coast, where he earned his Funeral Directing and Embalming license in Coquitlam in 1980.
In 1982, Tim and his wife, Peggy purchased Garden Hill Funeral Chapel - a long-standing, family-owned business established in 1937 and located in the heart of Downtown Haney, Maple Ridge. They have proudly operated it ever since, and today, they continue to serve families across the region alongside their three sons, offering compassionate cremation and burial services.
Throughout the years, Tim has been privileged to contribute to several local boards and organizations, including the Ridge Meadows Hospital Board during the 1980s, the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, the Ridge Meadows Hospice Society, the BC Funeral Service Association, and their local strata council, where he served for over a decade.
Community involvement has always been a cornerstone of Tim's life. He joined the Haney Rotary Club in 1983 and is a past president of the organization. Giving back to the community that has supported his family business for generations is something Tim values deeply.
Outside of work and volunteer commitments, Tim enjoys golfing, camping, and spending time with his wife Peggy, their three sons, and their eight beloved grandchildren.
To learn more about Garden Hill Cremation and Funeral Services and their services, visit their website.
Sarah Eales
Director
Re/Max Lifestyles Realty
Sarah Eales
Sarah's family has lived in Maple Ridge since 1973! She has 4 older brothers who own their own businesses! She has been a LOCAL realtor for over 21 years (currently works out of the Re/Max Lifestyle office) and before was in the Hospitality Industry for 17 years. Sarah knows business and believes in supporting LOCAL! Sarah has loads of post-education that definitely lends a hand to being part of a group that supports businesses. Additionally, she has board experience and has taken courses on governance & will continue to learn more.
Sarah's "WHY" for supporting the BIA, would be to support our community through business leadership. We are going into uncertain times and she believes in a strong business community. The community needs local businesses and local businesses need the community. Sarah comes to the board with many ideas & loves to network with other members within the community.Â
In the past, she has volunteered on sports boards, Lions Club, Rotary, and is currently serving on the board for the Arts Council. Sarah has "TEAM PLAYER" attribute, her work experience, ethics & desire to serve the community are a huge benefit to our community.
To learn more about Sarah Eales, Re/Max Lifestyle Realty and their services, go to their website.Â