Urban Academy Board of Directors

Laura Drummond
President

A 14-year New Westminster resident, Laura Drummond is the proud parent of three Urban Academy students.  Trained at Studio 58 as professional actor, she spent the early years of her career touring schools across North America.  This experience was a strong influence in Laura's belief that a high quality school program valued the arts, as well provided a place that was respectful to the children, and supported them in a rich and dignified way. Laura has experience in business management, conflict resolution, leadership and organizational health, and has volunteered with several other non-profit organizations.  She is honored to be a part of the talented group of parents, teachers, and staff that work together to provide this to the students of Urban Academy every day. 

Helen Loshny 
Vice-Chair

Originally from England, Helen has lived in Canada for 27 years, the last 17 of those in New Westminster. Helen is the mother of 10-year old Urban Academy student, Emma and 16-year old Veronika. Helen and her family feel privileged and excited to be involved with Urban Academy.  As Board Secretary, she looks forward to her role in helping Urban Academy continue to be a vital part of the New Westminster community. Helen brings to her position her current expertise as a health researcher and  previous experience both in management in the corporate world, and in volunteer and staff roles in the non-profit sector.

Patty Brnjac
Treasurer

Patty Brnjac (nee Frend) was born in Edmonton but grew up in Richmond, graduating from Steveson High in 1978. She met her husband Mike at MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates where Mike still works.  Patty and Mike have been residents of New Westminster since 1990. They have boy/girl twins Claire and Michael attending Urban Academy. Patty currently works part time at Royal Columbian Hospital in the Accounting Department and is also a Mary Kay cosmetics consultant. She keeps busy as a Sparks Leader and as the Treasurer of the POCOMO Twins Club.

Donna Clarke
Facilities

Donna Clarke (nee Tays) brings a diverse set of skills to the Board of Directors. Born in Vancouver in 1959 and raised in the Royal City, Donna is a long time resident of New Westminster. She graduated from New West Secondary School and attended Douglas College. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology and criminology and obtained her BC Teaching Certification from Simon Fraser University. A top producing REALTOR since 1985 with RE/MAX Advantage, she is the proud mother of two children attending Urban Academy.

Brian Drummond 
Director

Husband to Laura, Brian has performed with Greenthumb Theatre for thousands of children across North America.  A professionally-trained actor, he presently works in film, television and voice over, and is best known by children for the many voices he plays in animated series such as: Spiderman Unlimited, Dragonball Z, Card Captors and The New Inspector Gadget. Brian is excited to put his experience in business and the arts to work in this wonderful school.