Board Members

Reid Johnson – Chairman of the Board

Reid is a founding member of the Association of Families for Christian Education. He Received his BA in Psychology-Mental Health services from Western Washington University. He earned both his undergraduate and Masters degrees in Social Work from the University of British Columbia. He is the founding Director of University Christian Ministries at UBC and founding Director of University Student Family Services. Reid serves on the Board of Directors of several research and technology based associations. He is the President of the Health Sciences Association of B.C.

“When we started Westside, we believed God had tapped us on the shoulder to participate with Him in developing a Christian school for families living on the west side of Vancouver. We are grateful every day to be a part of such a wonderful demonstration of God’s provision and faithfulness.” Reid is married to Aloha and has four children, all of whom have attended Westside Christian School.

Richard Thompson

Richard is Vice- Chairman of the Board of Directors. Born in Newfoundland, raised in Quebec, and now residing in B.C.  Richard's east-to-west Canadian journey brought him to Vancouver to study at Regent College where he earned his Master of Theology degree in New Testament Studies. Richard did his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Waterloo and worked in Ottawa's high-tech sector for a number of years before moving into full-time youth ministry. Following pastorates at two local churches in Vancouver, Richard joined the staff of Regent College in 2006 as Director of Donor Relations. Richard delights in serving on the board of Westside Christian School as he and his wife Jennifer have found it to be a welcoming community and nurturing environment for their two sons.

Aloha Johnson

Aloha has been a member of the Board of Directors since the schools inception. Aloha graduated with honours from Trinity Western University with a BA in Fine Arts. She completed her PDP at University of Victoria, and then attended Regent College. She began her teaching career at Pacific Academy. It was there that she developed a passion for Christian education. In 2002, Aloha, her husband Reid, and some other pioneers felt God’s call to begin a Christian school on the Westside of Vancouver. She was the principal of Westside Christian School for its’ first five years, as well as a board member, teacher, and parent. She currently teaches the Fine Arts program. She enjoys reading, music, experimenting with many different art forms, and spending time with her husband and four children.

Lloyd Plishka

Lloyd has served on the Board of Directors for several years and gives leadership to the Facilities Committee. Lloyd holds a BA in English Literature, and a B. Arch., from the University of British Columbia. He currently has his own architecture firm in Vancouver where he specializes in church buildings, residential buildings and special needs housing. Lloyd has five grown children, all of whom have spent part of their education in Christian schools. A highlight for their family was living and working in Jerusalem for 8 months. Lloyd particularly enjoys studying God’s Word, photography and classical music.

Jennifer Thompson

Jennifer has served on the Board of Directors since 2006. Jennifer was born and raised in Winnipeg where she received her R.N. at Grace Hospital and later BScN. from the University of Manitoba. Specializing in Intensive Care Nursing, Jennifer has been an instructor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Manitoba and a research assistant in the department of Cardiology. She has worked as a nurse in a variety of critical care settings. She moved to Vancouver in 1993 to study at Regent College were she earned a Masters of Divinity degree. She currently works in the Emergency department of a local hospital and is a flight nurse with air ambulance. Jennifer is married to Richard and they have two school age boys. She is delighted to see her sons intellectually challenged and spiritually stimulated in Westside Christian School’s creative and caring environment.