Staff

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Shawna has lived in the community of Chilliwack for 5 years, having moved here in 2019 to fulfill the role of Executive Director of the Chilliwack Museum & Archives.

Shawna has worked in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors since 2009. Starting her career path as a visitor services attendant at the local museum in Lloydminster, SK. She completed a BA in History and Anthropology through the University of Alberta and a Graduate Diploma in Heritage Resource Management through Athabasca University. Shawna remained at the Lloydminster Cultural & Science Centre for nearly 10 years, fulfilling various roles in programming, collections, and for most of her career as the Manager.

Shawna has two young children who she is looking forward to raising in the community of Chilliwack, enjoys hiking & backpacking with her partner, and is completing an MA in Heritage & Social History. She is also the Vice-President of the Heritage Chilliwack Society and a member of Soroptimist International of Chilliwack.

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Jessica is both a recent addition to the Chilliwack Museum & Archives team and the community of
Chilliwack.

In 2014, Jessica received a Bachelor of Design at Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD) University
with a Major in Illustration and a Minor in Drawing and Painting. Upon completion of her thesis, she also
received an Honourable Mention for the Robin & Doreen Cumine Award. After graduating, Jessica united
her passion for the arts and history, beginning her journey as an art instructor and educator. During this
time, she additionally established a small business and background as a freelance Illustrator working with
clients across Canada and the United States. In 2017, she received an award for her artwork from the
Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival juried art exhibition.

Jessica has a fondness for creating art and studying art history. In her leisure time, she enjoys fungi, and
flora foraging, birdwatching, spending time at museums and galleries, as well as delving into fantasy/sci-fi
universes.

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Ever since he was young, Matthew has been interested in working with heritage and material culture. He received a BA from UBC in Anthropology in 2013 and received an MA in Archaeology and Heritage of Asia from UCL in 2015. After a brief period of travelling in China, Matthew returned to his studies and completed an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester in 2020.

Not long after, Matthew started work at the Chilliwack Museum and Archives as the Archives Technician. His primary duties are to process donations, aid researchers, and assist the Archivist in other daily operations.

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Michaela joined the Chilliwack Museum & Archives in 2024 as the Public Programs & Events Coordinator. Michaela completed her undergrad at Simon Fraser University in 2017 and received her BA with a joint major in History & World Literatrure. After getting her BA she transferred to UVIC where she completed a Diploma of Cultural Resource Management and then her MA in Germanic and Slavic Studies in the Holocaust Studies stream in 2022.

Michaela has always had a passion for art and history and has strived to utilize those passions in her career, both in the heritage sector and out. In just the last few years she has established her own small business designing and making stained glass jewelry and décor and sells her works locally and internationally.

When Michaela is not working, she enjoys visiting other museums and galleries, reading, and spending time outdoors (biking, hiking, and camping are among her favourite outdoor activities).

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Sarah graduated from Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in 2004. Her work experience over the past two decades has been largely in the non-profit sector, ranging from art galleries, museums, and cultural centers. She is now currently completing her MA at the University of British Columbia in Museum Education.  

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Tyler joined the Chilliwack Museum & Archives in 2024 as the Collections Coordinator. In his role, Tyler is responsible for the care of the Museum’s object collection, such as cleaning objects, processing donations, and monitoring environmental conditions, as well as assisting the Curator with exhibition design and installation.

As a lifelong history enthusiast, Tyler completed a BA in History from the University of British Columbia in 2021, and has worked in the heritage sector ever since.

In his free time, he enjoys travelling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

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Tristan has a BA in History and Political Science from the University of California Davis.  In 2015, he obtained his MA in Public History with an emphasis on Archives and Manuscripts from California State University Sacramento.  Prior to moving to Chilliwack, Tristan worked in the Preservation Department for United Auburn Indian Community and in the processing lab for the California State Archives.  Tristan was a founding board of director member for Cosumnes Culture and WaterWays, a non-profit that explores ways to preserve, promote, and steward indigenous culture and waterways.  Additionally, he has worked on various collections at the Center for Sacramento History, Solano County Archives, and Lavender Library in Sacramento, California. 

In his spare time, Tristan enjoys whitewater kayaking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, and craft breweries.  

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Photo Credits: Matthew A. Hawkins/Around Chilliwack