Know It All

We’ve learned that the next best thing to having all the answers is knowing people who do!  That’s why we have strong relationships with a number of incredible agencies who do have all the answers.

Meet Our Team

DISTINCTLY WEST COAST TEAM

Charlene SanJenko

Charlene is a Creative Catalyst for Positive Change who enjoys bringing an entrepreneurial edge to social change.  Charlene’s business experience in the financial services industry, law, accounting, and as an entrepreneur have given her a unique, well-rounded perspective from which to work with clients she enjoys and projects she is passionate about.

Born and raised on the Canada’s West Coast, Charlene enjoys projects grounded in tourism and community economic development especially where collaboration and innovation are present.  Her extensive network and strong relationships allow her to manage quality, unforgettable experiences, events and excursions that Distinctly West Coast is quickly becoming known.

Buffy Barrett

Buffy brings a diverse background to Distinctly West Coast. She has worked for over 20 years in the publishing industry with Maclean’s Magazine, and is also a successful entrepreneur having started two of her own companies. Buffy lights up any room with her positive attitude and energy as well as her ability to think creatively and provide results. Her love of nature and all things West Coast completes our well rounded team at Distinctly West Coast.

Rhoni Whyard

Rhoni is a business professional with over ten years of extensive experience in marketing and communications.  She has enjoyed her career experiences as the owner of her own consulting businesses, Marketing & Communications Specialist for the Whyte Museum in Banff, Program Coordinator for Mount Royal College in Calgary, Director of Communications for the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association in Winnipeg, and more.  Her superior project management and marketing skills make her another valuable asset to the Distinctly West Coast team.

Theressa Logan

Theressa is a public relations specialist graduating with Distinction in Public Relations & Marketing Management from BCIT. She is an outdoor enthusiast and world traveller who believes the West Coast is the most beautiful place to be. Theressa uses her creative writing and communications skills to assist organizations such as S.U.C.C.E.S.S., one of BC’s largest social service agencies, and the Fraser Academy in Vancouver to create awareness and help to increase funding for its many programs and services. Theressa volunteers her time consulting for BC Guide Dog Services and the David Suzuki Foundation.  She is excited to be a part of Distinctly West Coast and looks forward to sharing her stories of the most beautiful place in the world.

Astrid Bradbury

Astrid is a Vancouver native and lover of the West Coast lifestyle!  As a member of a very musical family, she played the trumpet growing up and was exposed to many genres of music – jazz, classical, world, pop, rock, and soul.  Astrid has taken her love of music combined with her reliable, easy-going nature and positioned herself as a sought-after professional and mobile DJ. This graduate from the Rhythm Institute DJ School enjoys being a valued part of the Distinctly West Coast team and playing a role to ensure events are professional, memorable… and distinct.

Cleo Ashcroft

Cleo came to Canada when she was six years old, and although she enjoyed travelling extensively with her family,  she always came home to B.C.  and back to the West Coast seven years ago.  Cleo is a true ‘foodie’,  having trained in London, England and worked as a chef for the British Embassy in Israel.  Her love for people, her passion for food, and her upbeat attitude make her an important player on the Distinctly West Coast events team.  As a catering and events coordinator, she enjoys her work and her energy is infectious!

Contact

info@distinctlywestcoast.com
604.741.7985
Attention:  Charlene SanJenko
Distinctly West Coast
c/o 718 North Road
Gibsons, BC  V0N 1V0

Contributors

getawaybc.com

Folks in the know, know – getawaybc.com is the ultimate Insider’s Guide to British Columbia!

We have over 3000 articles submitted by locals who live and work in some of the most beautiful areas of British Columbia.  Insiders will share with you the best places in their backyard for you to relax, hike, bike, boat, fish, explore or simply soak in the beauty.

In addition, travel and lifestyles Host, Cheryl MacKinnon, provides weekly features on best picks for getaways in BC and more exotic locales for the adventurous.

Next vacation, or for a few days away, be sure to check out www.getawaybc.com to help make plans.

Sunshine Coast Tourism

The Sunshine Coast has been called one of Canada’s best kept secrets.  You’re going to want to find out why.

At its southernmost tip, this destination is a mere 10 miles as the crow flies from downtown Vancouver (in fact, an 18 minute flight from YVR), and at its most northern point it borders on some of the most rugged natural surroundings in this beautiful province of British Columbia.  Stretching 110 miles along the shores of the Strait of Georgia from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound, the Sunshine Coast has much to offer visitors. With its coastal mountain range, old growth forests, lakes and inlets, each stop along the Sunshine Coast offers visitors a unique sense of place, featuring local history, cultural heritage and natural attractions.  Immerse yourself in marine activities such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, pleasure cruising, sport fishing, scuba diving, swimming, beachcombing and more!

Tourism Nanaimo

Our friends at Tourism Nanaimo can answer all your questions about this amazing city and the surrounding area.

Tourism Tofino

Surrounded by ancient and protected rainforest, edged by a vast, rolling ocean, and populated by passionate residents, Tofino offers the perfect mix of wild nature and authentic coastal village.

You’ll be amazed how Tofino’s force of nature can move you.

Vancouver Island Tourism

The Vancouver Island region is a large, sparsely populated area, encompassing Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, as well as a portion of the mainland. Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards ranked Vancouver Island second in the “Top Islands of North America” category.

It has one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems: Rainforests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes create habitats for multitudes of wildlife species. In fact, the region is one of the world’s premier locations for whale watching, birding, as well as salmon and trout fishing.