Theme: Roots & Resonance: Rewriting the local Narrative

The theme invites us to dig deep, listen closely, and reimagine the stories we tell about where we live and who we are. Roots & Resonance: Rewriting the Local Narrative will shine a light on voices often overlooked, celebrating the wisdom, strength, and creativity that shape our communities from the ground up. It’s time to shift the spotlight and hear from those who’ve been shaping the story all along.

Coldstream Community Hall
9909 Kalamalka Road
Coldstream, British Columbia, V1B 1L5
Canada

Amelia Sirianni

Actor/Artist

Originally from Vernon, BC, Amelia Sirianni spent 14 years in Toronto honing her craft as a professional musical theatre actor and has had the privilege of performing on stages across North America as well as in film and television. Amelia moved back to Vernon 9 years ago with her husband and son where she’s had the good fortune to be a part of the thriving arts community here through teaching theatre for diverse students of all ages, as well as owning and operating an early childhood music program "Itsy Bitsy Music Together" for 4 years. Amelia transitioned into the charitable non-profit sector in 2020. Working in various aspects of service delivery. In 2024, after leaving the executive director role at a local charitable society, Amelia went back to her entrepreneurial roots - producing events, project management and facilitating theatrical workshops. She co-owns Ghost Tours of Vernon and actively connects the community through engaging storytelling; being at heart of all her work.

Julian Sernik

Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Julian Sernik is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in lower extremity reconstruction and trauma, with additional training in healthcare leadership, quality improvement, and team-based systems design. For over a decade, he has worked with specialist teams, hospital leaders, and quality experts to build collaborative workflows in high-stakes environments. Julian is passionate about understanding how high-performing teams can improve efficiency, quality, and outcomes—anywhere people work together. Outside the clinic and OR, Julian brings the same focus on teamwork to the mountains. In summer, he explores British Columbia’s backcountry on horseback. In winter, he draws on decades of mountain experience as a ski patroller and mountain doctor—and recently became a certified ski guide. He gravitates toward environments where trust, communication, and coordinated action are as vital as they are in the operating room.

Sarah Wildeman

Leadership & Team Dynamics Coach

Creative, authentic, and grounded, Sarah is a leadership and relationship dynamics coach, community builder, and founder of Our Common, a coaching and consulting practice dedicated to helping individuals and teams thrive through a collaborative, whole-systems approach. With nearly a decade of intentional community living and extensive experience navigating complex organizational dynamics, she brings deep insight into the art of authentic connection, courageous leadership, and relational design. Rooted in her background in forest ecology, permaculture, and her love of gardening, Sarah integrates the wisdom of nature into her work — helping people and systems grow with intention and resilience. Now based in the BC Okanagan with her family, Sarah lives in alignment with values of environmental stewardship, community care, and local impact, bringing grounded leadership and a steady, collaborative presence to everything she does.