Board Members

Leela Chinniah, Secretary

Leela Chinniah has been working in the non-profit sector for over 15 years. She currently balances working as the Program Co-ordinator at Vancouver Co-operative Radio with writing contracts and being a single mom to her 6-year old daughter. Since sitting at the back of class in Grade 1 beside the Class Clown, Leela has always been a great audience for funny people. She is drawn to the Laughter Mission's mission because she has experienced firsthand the importance of keeping a sense of humour during difficult times.

David C Jones

David C. Jones has been called "one of the funniest minds in Vancouver" by The Vancouver Sun. His charity The Laughter Mission Society  provides comedic entertainment for persons living with life threatening and terminal illnesses and their care-givers. David was a care-giver himself. He is an award-winning actor, writer, teacher, and film maker, creating extraordinary experiences for diverse audiences around the world. He's performed in Australia, Italy, Switzerland, Bosnia, Israel, Egypt, Las Vegas and across North America, as well as on radio and TV. David was listed in The Vancouver Sun as one of the top twenty improvisers in Canada, and nominated for a 2001 Canadian Comedy Award for Best Male Improviser. David is also the driving force behind The Bobbers – Queer Comedy Improv. He has written and/or directed several short films that have been playing the festival circuit and was commissioned to make a documentary entitled Laughing Behind Enemy Lines. He is also a teacher at the Vancouver Film School. David has also produced and stars in the OUT TV series Tops & Bottoms. As Entertainment Manager for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympics Games David created or recruited over 107 acts that dazzled international guests throughout the games.

David has performed for soldiers in war zones, children in classrooms, bosses in boardrooms, and packed theatres everywhere. Wherever he travels, David creates a warm supportive environment in which to laugh and learn. His inspiring combination of empathic humour, compassion and outright hilarity, encourages audiences to break out of their comfort zones and into more powerful relationships and creative working practices. He believes passionately in the skills of improvisation because, "whenever you stretch yourself in a new way you re-invigorate your psyche and open up new possibilities."

Sheila Dunn

Ms. Dunn serves as a general board member for Laughter Mission Society. Her mutual love of humour, the arts and belief that connecting to others through creativity brings healing led her to join Laughter Mission’s team. Ms. Dunn’s career includes more than 14 years in broadcast media leading and directing marketing and promotions departments for organizations including Pattison Broadcast Group and Standard Radio Inc. She now works as an independent marketing and communications strategist for non-profit and private companies. Ms. Dunn has a B.A. in business and psychology and is pursuing her Masters in Leadership at Royal Roads University.

Paul Sue

After graduating in Electrical Engineering from UBC, Paul's professional path has largely been in the hi-tech and IT industry where his checkered career has included roles as a software engineer, systems administrator, technical writer, team manager, business systems analyst and college instructor.

As a busy father of two young daughters, in what little spare time he has, he enjoys working out, martial arts, hiking, ping pong, badminton, tennis, music, reading, and meeting new people.

Renuka Jiwa

Renu is a certified laughter yoga leader. Achieved certification in Naramata BC from the founder of laughter yoga Dr.MadanKataria. Renu has been running Leading Edge Laughter Club in Coquitlam for the past 3 years. Renu supports her Ismailia community with laughter sessions, specially the youths and seniors. Her personal life experiences have made her more aware of benefits of laughter and her mission is to share laughter yoga with the World. Renu teaches Brahman (beginner) meditation, to bring that inner peace and tranquility.