SOLOS Board of Directors
SOLOS is supported by a Board of concerned volunteers. They include parents, youth advocates, community service veterans, child protection workers, business people, restorative justice visionaries, internet industry elders and national law enforcement agency representatives.
Merlyn Horton ~ Executive Director
Merlyn is a youth advocate who, prior to founding SOLOS, worked with high-risk, street entrenched and sexually exploited youth for over fifteen years. Since the inception of the Internet, she has been researching, studying and investigating the incidences and dynamics of online sexual exploitation as well as the intersections of technology and child abuse.
Horton has presented her ideas to over 50, 000 people in all regions of British Columbia, various parts of Western Canada and internationally. Horton founded SOLOS in 2002 as a stand-alone non-profit society. Since then she has guided the Safe OnLine Outreach Society from a geeky youth workers’ dream to a respected, dynamic organization that educates youth, parents and professionals about responsible online cyber-citizenry.
In 2007, she was the lead author on “Bridging the Gap: Best Practices and Policies to Address the Online High Risk Activities of Youth in B.C.”, a template for an integrated human service response to internet issues. Horton’s future plans include collaborating with various organizations to encourage adults to engage youths through an online setting.
Merlyn is the recipient of the 2003 Myrtle Everett Woman of the Year Award and a 2008 B.C. Crime Prevention Individual Achievement Award.Fran Haughian, Chair
Fran has been involved with SOLOS since its inception, serving on the board for three years. As a community developer and advocate she brings to the board her organizing and networking skills. She may not twitter but she does understand possibilities, potential and the hazards that the internet may introduce to vulnerable or under informed people. An avid gardener, married, a mother of two grown children and a Jack Russell named Ruby, Fran has an optimistic out look as long as people are informed and given the tools they need to navigate the World Wide Web.
Shelley Janze, Secretary
Shelley Janze is the President of the Parent Advisory Committee at her teenagers' high school in Mission. She is proud to volunteer her time and support SOLO's, as this organization educates communities about the realities and dangers of life online.
Shelley is aware of how much time kids spend online, and believes that informed adults are the best defence against online predatory behaviour towards our children.
Heather McEwan, Treasurer
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Louis Janze, Member at Large
Louis Janze, Member at Large, Louis Janze is a Certified Prosthetist with an established practice of 15 years in the Fraser Valley. He sits on a variety of National and Provincial Boards associated with the Prosthetic/Orthotic profession. He is married and the father of 3 teenagers, and believes in educating other parents and children about the appropriate and safe uses of online technology.
Gary Van De Keere, Member at Large
A quiet man by nature, Gary has been a SOLOS Board Member since 2005. He is a Supervisor of the Guardianship Team for the Ministry of Child and Family Development in Mission.
Malissa Smith, Member at Large
My name is Malissa Smith. I live on the Katzie First Nation with my husband Jay and our son Cameron. We are foster parents and very active in our community. I am currently employed with Urban Native Youth Association as a Transitional Foster Care Program Coordinator. I have worked in a variety of areas within the Education and Social Services field. I enjoy spending time with my family and yoga.
