WHO WE ARE
We are Whistlerites
We are Whistler Locals who all have a shared vision – to give back to our community. This will take thousands of hours and we are committed. Below are our promises to you:
Every donation, regardless of size, is significant to us. We will express our gratitude and recognition for your generosity through newsletters, and acknowledgment in our reports.
We pledge to maintain complete transparency in our financial operations. We’ll provide regular updates, so you can see exactly how your contributions are being utilized.
We are committed to using your donations to drive meaningful change and create a positive impact in our community.
We welcome your questions, feedback, and suggestions. We are here to engage in open and honest communication.
We gratefully and respectfully acknowledge that R.O.C.K.S operates on the unceded territories of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and Líl̓wat Nations.
Board Of Directors
Natalie Kingi, Founder and Director
I believe everyone needs a purpose in life and a sense of community. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in my career, with my family, travelling and sports, but am still wanting more. I want to give back in an impactful way and recreate a sense of community with the amazing people who live in Whistler. I’ve travelled the world and think that food is always a great way to connect, no matter who you are, or where you are from, so this is how I want to do it. I have a vision for an open community space that centres around food, whether it’s preparing, serving, eating, storing or creating with it . This is my time to bring this vision to life and I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.
Celeste Banning, Director
After spending 30 years in Vancouver’s criminal courts as a Crown prosecutor, I was overjoyed to become a Whistler resident and join this unique community. As a strong believer that free and inviting third spaces are essential to community and individual wellbeing, I serve on the Board of the Whistler Public Library. While still living in Vancouver, I was a long-term volunteer at a Downtown East Side community kitchen which served about 80-90 hot dinners nightly, made mostly from donated food that would have otherwise gone to waste. Whistler is a very different kind of community but even paradise has its troubles, and seeing many here struggle with access to a kitchen, the high cost of groceries locally, or both, I’m committed to creating a local community kitchen.
Marco Zunino, Director
I settled in Whistler in 2021 for the long-term realizing that the strong sense of community and access to the outdoors is unparalleled here. My background is in finance management and I currently work for Arts Whistler. However, my passion is for urban development and creating more sustainable places to live. I have a masters in sustainable urban development, focussing on the practice of food growing and consumption to enable a circular economy in our towns and cities. I love growing my own food and volunteer at a regenerative farm in Pemberton during the summer months. I also sit on the board of both Whistler Valley Housing Society and Whistler Farmers Market.
Bevin Heath Ansley, Director
Bevin (whom we have to thank for the communal table center pieces) has held a number of senior Human Resources management positions with major corporations; holds a Masters of Arts in Leadership and Training; and has consulted widely in the areas of HR and education, including work on the Learning and Education Task Force for the RMOW. As former Chair of the WPL Library Board, management work for Jen Ford’s recent political campaign, and current part-owner of family business Local Canning Ltd, Bevin brings many skills to Whistler ROCKS. Plus loads of energy!
Rhawnie Vallins, Director
I first moved to our wonderland of Whistler in 2004/05 year. From what was thought to be a season, grew to be many years of fun, and adventure for me. In those years I have travelled extensively, but the road has always led me back home to the mountains.
I have a Masters in Linguistics and have spent a lot of time teaching both in Canada and abroad. Meeting so many people from around the world in our small mountain paradise is a blessing. It also opens our eyes to the struggles one can face in a rapidly growing resort town.
I believe the vision of Whistler R.O.C.K.S is ground breaking, and the warm fuzzy feeling that everyone deserves whether they’re just arriving, or have called Whistler home for years. Connecting people through delicious meals is an unbeatable feeling.
A wise man (Bill Nye) once said, “Everyone you will ever meet, knows something you don’t”. My passion and inspiration comes from meeting, and learning from friends both new and old. I consider myself a passionate ambassador for Whistler, and I look forward to my work with Whistler R.O.C.K.S!
Naomi Pitt, Director
I did my first season in Whistler in 2006 and quickly fell in love with its vibrant community and the people who make it so special. I bring over two decades of experience in hospitality, events, and people leadership to the Whistler R.O.C.K.S. Board. In my role at The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, I’ve led large-scale events and supported community fundraising initiatives that celebrate connection and care.
Now, as Director of Recruitment at Crew HR, I partner with leaders to build inclusive, people-first organizations, a philosophy that aligns closely with Whistler R.O.C.K.S.’ mission. I’ve also been a long-time supporter of Whistler Community Services Society and the Audain Art Museum Gala, and I’m passionate about helping create welcoming spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and nourished.
What excites me most about joining the Board is the opportunity to bring even more people together through community energy, and, of course, a hot meal. I look forward to contributing my experience in people strategy, events, and community engagement to help Whistler R.O.C.K.S. grow and continue making a positive impact here in Whistler!