Directors and Administrator

Martine denBok is a classically trained, versatile multi-instrumentalist with an eclectic and busy performance career. She can be seen performing with various Canadian orchestras and holds the positions of Principal Second Violin with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and Principal Viola with the Symphony of the Kootenays. She and her partner Noel Fudge form the duo “Freya”, the alt-folk/rock band “Vanir”, and are proud to be musicians, composers and arrangers of Nelson's “Klezmeridian” ensemble. Aside from performing, Ms. denBok is also a teacher and a mother. She treasures time off spent with her family of 6, and walks on the shores of Slocan Lake with her Goldendoodle, Maple. 

Petra Hekkenberg grew up in the Netherlands, where she graduated with two bachelor’s degrees in Product and Public Space Design. She has been living in New Denver since 2016 and currently works locally as a freelance designer & artist, part-time at Kokanee Glacier Cabin as a hut keeper, and part-time as a cycling trip leader in Europe. You might know her from her published illustrated book “In the Alpine”, one of her short films, or have seen her at SLAC, coordinating one of our many events and workshops! 

Michael has worked as an independent mortgage broker for over 10 years.  Huber Mortgage is a full service brokerage with access to over 50 lenders; Michael specializes in self-employed mortgages.  In addition to helping people achieve their home ownership goals, Michael is an accomplished singer-songwriter, an intermediate to advanced skier, a fair weather hiker, an out of practice horseback rider, a one-time skydiver and a three-season bicyclist.  Michael was the winner of the Okanagan Singer-Songwriter competition in 2017 and has played over 100 live shows since that time.  He lives in Rosebery with his wife, Lisa.

Sue Mistretta is currently Vice President of SLAC.  She has been a board member at large for over 15 years and at one point was President for a few years.  She has enjoyed this volunteer position and has been particularly passionate about music. She has been supportive of musicians and artistic talent  has spearheaded many concerts and shows for the community over the years.  She has a special passion for the cello and devotes much of her time playing and learning.  She is the “elder” on the board and is very happy with the new board consisting of  creative, playful, and enthusiastic young people with awesome ideas. 

Val moved to the Slocan Valley in 2020 and was thrilled to find a home in her new community through SLAC. She is a theatre artist, director and educator (Associate Professor Emerita- Drama, University of Calgary). She has created a community-based arts initiative, ‘Shakespeare by the Shore’ which has drawn warm accolades from Valley audiences for the last two summers with performances staged in the Kohan Garden, New Denver. Val also has an active yoga teaching practice in her home studio in Slocan. She is in awe of the beauty of her new home and loves to cold plunge in Slocan Lake.

Vojta was born in the Czech Republic, where he earned a Master's degree in Media and Marketing Communications. He moved to Canada in 2015. Since arriving in the Kootenays three years ago, he has fully embraced the local culture and lifestyle. He enjoys exploring the Kootenays mostly on skis but also has a passion for paragliding, vintage cars, motorbikes, and immersing himself in good live music or on old record players. Vojta has previously lived in Norway and New Zealand and now resides in Nakusp. 

Linda is a recent transplant from Nelson to the New Denver and Silverton area. Her training as an Occupational Therapist led to work in the public and private health care sectors and, finally, in government.  She brings governance, project management and strategic planning skills from her employment years to the role of Administrator for SLAC. Linda is also a paint and print creator as well as a deep appreciator of music. You will certainly see her enjoying various SLAC events.