Kate Underwood was born and raised in Huron County. Kate now resides in Perth County with her husband and two daughters. Kate is a Public Health Nurse at Huron Perth Public Health. Kate has worked closely with Victim Services throughout her career and is passionate about the organization and working with people. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, teaching Kangoo Jumps classes, playing hockey and enjoying a warm cup of tea. Kate has recently joined the Board of Directors and is looking forward to supporting the work of the organization.
Board of Directors
2025-2026
Executive
Kate Underwood: Board Chair
Jo-Anne Fields: Vice Chair
After 38 years as Community Services Manager for the Municipality of South Huron, Jo-Anne retired in January 2019. During her career, she played a dynamic role in organizing and delivering community events.
Jo-Anne knows all about a busy lifestyle! In addition to raising two sons, she has been a dedicated and active member of many organizations. Jo-Anne is Secretary/Treasurer of the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards, Zone 5 and the Exeter RAM Rodeo Committee Chair.
In her free time, Jo-Anne enjoys cheering on the London Knights, vacationing in the Caribbean with her husband Scott, spending time with her family, and bonding with friends in her backyard.
Susan Regier: Secretary
Susan Regier, owner of Vantage One Writing, is a professional copywriter, brand storyteller, and marketing strategist. For more than two decades, she has worked with entrepreneurs, sales leaders, advertising agencies, and non-profits to help them create more impact. In addition to her writing services, Susan hosts writer’s retreats for women in her home and effective writing workshops for organizations.
Susan grew up in Huron County and returned in 2016. She currently resides in St. Joseph with her husband. In her free time, she tends to their gardens and hangs out with their family, which now includes ten grandkids.
Carole Weber: Treasurer
Carole was raised in Huron County and returned to live in Benmiller in 2004. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration—Honours from Wilfrid Laurier University, 1975. Carole has held senior management and executive positions, primarily in residential construction and land development firms. She has been self-employed since 2008 as a bookkeeper and small business consultant with clients throughout the area.
Directors
Culver Van Vaerenberghe
Culver Van Vaerenberghe is a dedicated frontline healthcare professional with nearly a decade of experience as a paramedic. Having witnessed firsthand the impact of trauma, she is honoured to join the Board of Directors and contribute to the organization’s mission.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Management with a focus on leadership, labour relations, and governance. Culver was recently awarded the 2025 Fitch Leadership Mentoring Program Scholarship.
Outside of work, Culver enjoys travelling with her family, which fuels her appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. She is a proud resident of Stratford.
Kimberly Richardson
As a lifelong Perth County resident currently residing in Stratford, I am deeply passionate about giving back to my community and helping others. With over 20 years of experience in Human Resources across private and public sectors, I have developed a strong foundation in supporting organizational growth and fostering positive work environments.
In addition to my professional experience, I have dedicated my time to volunteering in various capacities. Since 2023, I have been involved with Victim Services, initially with Grey Bruce Perth and now with Huron Perth after their amalgamation. I am also proud to serve as Vice Chair of two council committees for the City of Stratford, having previously held the role of Chair for two other committees.
Mike Scott
Mike Scott is a retired OPP officer who has enjoyed a strong relationship with Victim Services throughout his policing career. He is a 30-year resident of Huron County, and his hobbies include flying, farming, and beekeeping.
Tim Poole
Tim Poole was born and raised in Halifax, NS. His career started with the Military Police in 1976, when he served at various locations across Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. In 1999, Tim retired from the military and started with the Wingham Police Service. He worked his way through the ranks and retired in February 2019 as the Chief of Police for the Wingham Police Service. This will be the third time Tim has served on the board for Victim Services. He is the Commanding Officer of the Wingham Air Cadets in his spare time.
Trish Smith
Trish became involved with Victim Services of Perth County in 2003 until 2013. Trish began as a volunteer, then added shift coordinator and volunteer coordinator.
Trish has worked as a PSW in various roles over the last twenty-plus years and is currently working as a private PSW.
Trish and her husband have farmed together for the past 45 years. They have five children and nine grandchildren.
Trish loves spending my time on the shores of Lake Huron just outside of Kincardine.