fom Staff
Janet Pryer is the Executive Director of FOM Music Society, a role she took on whole-heartedly in 2017 after four years as FOM’s bookkeeper. Janet was a Chartered Professional Accountant and graduated from Camosun College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and Leadership. Janet first learned about Friends of Music on a family outing to the annual Victoria Day Parade where she saw one of the groups performing on a float. Janet played trumpet in many community bands in Victoria, including a short stint in the Moodswing Orchestra as well as performing at EMP in a few Community Concerts with the Wine and Roses Ladies’ Salon Orchestra. Janet believes in the healing power of music and loves helping people find their place at FOM. If you can’t find Janet in the office, it is likely, you will find her playing anything from the tuba to harmonica, and now slide-trumpet, in one of FOM’s music groups or even more likely playing pickleball.
Vanessa came on board with FOM Music Society in January 2020. She has a passion for the arts, and serving the non-profit sector. Her educational background is in Anthropology, with experience supporting large membership-based organizations with program & volunteer coordination, administration, and communications. Vanessa has been involved with drop-in musical groups for the last 10 years and knows first-hand the benefit that music can have to uplift the spirit and improve health. She loves hand drumming and devotional singing and chanting. Music has brought a deep sense of joy into her life, and she is excited to continue supporting FOM Music Society with its mission.
Hi, my name is Chey Davin Hjelt, I am a Peer Support Worker and musician who has lived in Victoria for the last 20 years. The thing I enjoy most about the Friends of Music programs are the different bands and musicians that I get to play, perform and interact with in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Lately, I have also got the opportunity to work as a Music Director. Whenever I get overwhelmed, I find that Friends of Music is the perfect place to have fun and unwind after a stressful day. I know I will always play music, and I will look back and remember my time at Friends of Music with happiness and good memories, it truly is a great place to learn and have fun.
fom music society board of directors
Nathan joined the FOM board in March of 2021. A lifelong passion for music and its ability to bring people together is what drew him to FOM Music Society and board membership. Nathan has a Bachelor of Science in general biology and a Doctorate in neuroscience. His research has focused on preventing the harmful effects of aging when damage occurs in the brain or spinal cord. Currently, he works as a public servant and enjoys living life on Vancouver Island. Nathan is excited to use his skills and expertise to raise awareness and help those affected by mental illness.
Julio worked in the field of finance as an internal auditor, manager, and director for the provincial and federal government and is currently retired.
Julio enjoys listening to all kinds of music and is a beginner guitar player. He enjoys living on the island and would like to contribute back to the community.
Rodney worked for 25 years in public practice accounting including accounting, tax and assurance services. He provided risk management advisory services with 10 years of experience serving universities, crown corporations and the BC provincial government. For the past 12 years, he has served as financial controller and CFO for a locally owned business with multiple offices across Canada and abroad. He brings to the board his skills in financial control, governance, and planning. FOM Music Society has served so many who are recovering from mental health challenges. Rodney hopes that his contributions to the Society will continue to help people in need.
Robert became involved with Friends of Music shortly after the death of his brother, Bill Buckle, who was a founding member of FOM and president for over 25 years until he died. In joining, Robert came to really appreciate the wonderful work FOM does to support many people through the medicine of music and what a vital organization FOM is for the community. Robert is a third-generation Victorian and attended the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia. He has been a licensed realtor for over 30 years, the last 25 with Newport Realty. Robert enjoys real estate and the creativity of restoring beautiful, old heritage buildings.
Chris Sheaff is a public servant based in Victoria, British Columbia. After spending much of his thirties recovering from a serious mental illness that left him homeless for several years, Chris rebuilt his life and now works in government while contributing to several nonprofit boards in the community.
Chris holds a master’s degree in Communications and is currently completing a diploma in Public Relations. He has a strong interest in public policy, governance, and community engagement.
Outside of work and volunteer commitments, Chris enjoys reading Wikipedia, listening to jazz and electronic music, eating brunch, and learning about investing.
Now if only there were some place to get brunch in Victoria…
Winona works as an entrepreneur, including real estate. She loves to engage with the public in the hospitality industry. She also has a background in volunteering, which has included: The Boys and Girls club, Snow Host and ski instructor for Visas which is a non-profit charitable society focused on proving nationally certified snow sports instruction to the physically or developmental challenged programs on Mount Washington. Winona is a Saskatchewan rough riders fan and she loves to spend time with her family.
Ken Beattie was born and raised in Victoria BC. He studied at Camosun College, and attended Pacific Vocational Institute in Vancouver, on the Aircraft Maintenance course. As a Youth, he was an air cadet and went on to earn his private pilot license at age 19.
Ken was passionate about playing the accordion, and he has studied the instrument since age 8. At Friends of Music, he regularly accompanied the Eclectics, one of our performance groups. He has also busked on the Victoria Causeway, which led to many a paid gig. Ken got involved with Friends of Music, before it was even registered as a Society. He also did both volunteer, and paid work, in Mental Health, such as leading a support group for 33 years, and served as President of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Victoria Branch, attending national conferences across Canada. Ken has served on boards in the past, and believes in the long-term future of FOM. Ken was an active member and served on the board, until his passing on June 17th, 2025. He will be dearly remembered.
