DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

Hello, I’m Jennifer (Jenn).

I’m a mix of Irish and German, and I grew up in Kelowna, British Columbia, on the unceded Territory of the Sylix (Okanagan) People.

I moved up to the Yukon for my first accounting job, thinking it would be two or three years.

But 10 years on, I have found a deep sense of belonging here, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

I’ve been a designated Chartered Professional Accountant since 2018, and I’m a former elementary and ESL teacher.

I found my professional niche at the intersection of these two fields – making finance and accounting accessible, meaningful, and useful for informed decision-making.

I’ve previously worked as an audit manager and the chief financial officer of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation.

I’ve also taught Grades 1 and 4. and I have helped adults from all over the world to reach their English communication goals.

The outdoors is my happy place, and the Yukon is the most beautiful place to be outside.

In the summer, you’ll find me on a kayak exploring the abundance of lakes and rivers, and I’m on the cross-country ski trails in the winter.

When I’m not outside, you’ll usually find me working on one of my many crafting projects, from knitting and crochet to embroidery, cross-stitch and I am now learning to bead.

I am honoured to have the chance to support the amazing work that the First Nation School Board is doing for education in the Yukon, and I’m so thrilled to be a part of it.

MANAGER OF FINANCE

I’m originally from Hyderabad, India. I moved to Canada eight years ago.

Having lived across diverse regions in India before coming to Canada, I developed an early appreciation for different cultures, languages, and ways of connecting with people – experiences that continue to shape how I build relationships both personally and professionally.

I spent some years living in the Kootenays, where I grew to value the quiet, close-to-nature lifestyle and strong sense of community that smaller places offer.

After working in Vancouver for a few years, I continued to feel drawn north and made a point of visiting Yukon every season.

Over time, it felt like home.

I have been working in finance for over a decade, supporting non-profit, public, and community-serving organizations. I care deeply about working in environments where strong financial stewardship supports long-term sustainability and meaningful impact.

I value collaboration, approachability, and fostering environments where people feel respected, supported, and heard.

I’m proud to be building my life in Yukon and am excited to support the important work of the First Nation School Board. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at the gym, writing poetry, cooking, exploring lakes and driving through wilderness – pursuits that help me stay balanced, creative, and connected.

FINANCE ADVISOR

Hello! I’m Raj Toor from Abbotsford, British Columbia.

I completed my master's degree in Business Administration at the New York Institute of Technology-Vancouver, and moved to Yukon in the summer of 2022.

I have worked with CIBC as their financial representative, learning about financial planning and helping people achieve long-term goals while learning the importance of financial literacy and responsible investing.

Outside of work, I have a love for the great outdoors.

I find joy in living in Whitehorse, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and lakes, and hiking, camping, paddleboarding, and so much more. You can say I'm in my element when I'm outdoors!

I'm excited to work with such amazing people, and it's an honour to be a part of an institution that values knowledge, education, empathy, and the betterment of our communities.

FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

Bonnie was raised in Teslin, a member of the Kùkhhittàn clan of the Teslin Tlingit Council.

She moved to Whitehorse for high school, and has lived here since. Her mother, Bessie Cooley, is a well-known Łingít language and culture teacher.

After receiving her diploma in Accounting at Yukon College, Bonnie worked for 30 years with the finance department at the Yukon Government’s Department of Education, where she most recently held the position of Capital Project Cost Analyst/Budget Analyst.

This makes Bonnie very familiar with the financial operations of Yukon public schools, putting her in a great position to support the First Nation School Board.

“Being part of the setup of this new school board is pretty exciting,” says Bonnie.

“I completely support the work we are doing. It is so good to see Yukon First Nations finally sharing authority over our public schools.”

OFFICE AUNTIE (Tlâkw)

Yak’é yagî (Good day - Łingít), I am a Dakhł’awèdí woman, a descendant of the Fox family from Teslin.

My mother’s maiden name is Bosely, and my father was a Grant. I was born in Whitehorse and raised in the Okanagan and Interior B.C.

I’ve been in the Yukon continuously for many years and am pleased to have raised my daughter in Whitehorse, surrounded by family, for the past 23 years.

You may recognize my name, as I have worked at Yukon Education for the past 15 years in the First Nations Initiatives Branch.

This year, I felt compelled to explore new opportunities. I am super excited to be part of the newly forming team at the First Nation School Board.

I am very proud of everything we’ll be working towards and all that’s been accomplished so far.

I believe this is where I am meant to be at this time in my life and am excited to play a role in making history!

Please call or email if you need assistance: I am here to help.

I hope we get a chance to meet and grow to know each other on a personal level. I look forward to the day our paths cross.

Gu.aal kwshí kʼidéin i yagiyeeyí ḵuwusteeyíḵ! (I hope your day is well - Tlingit).

OPERATIONS CO-ORDINATOR

Hi, my name is Tarah!

I grew up in southern Ontario, about an hour north of Toronto.

I attended Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Northern Studies, and then Carleton University to complete a Master of Arts in the same subject.

While attending Carleton, I discovered a love for the Yukon during a month-long field course that had us travelling from Whitehorse to Mayo, Dawson, and Eagle Plains.

In September 2022, I made the move from Ottawa to Whitehorse and have been loving Yukon ever since!

I worked as the Operations Co-ordinator at the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation before coming to work at the First Nation School Board.

When I’m not working, you can usually find me outside, either biking, paddling or camping in the summers, and fat biking or cross-country skiing in the winters, usually with my dog, Fran, by my side.

I am so excited to be a part of the First Nation School Board and support all the board’s amazing work.