Our Staff

Kristen Zilkie

Director of Communications

Kristen grew up on a farm just outside of Consul, Saskatchewan with her two sisters and parents. Upon graduating from high school she attended Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport, SK. before moving to Los Angeles, California to pursue an internship at The Dream Center. She served as staff in a teen girls recovery home in downtown LA for one year before returning to her roots in southwest Saskatchewan to further pursue her passion of working with teenage girls.

Kristen is in the process of finishing her diploma in Youth Care Work from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and resides once again in Consul, Sk, where she also works part time at the local bakery, Manley Bread and Honey.

Kristen began the founding process for LHR in September of 2013; and now serves as the Director of Communication, bringing public awareness and support to the development and progress of LHR. She will engage any public questions (media, inquiries, etc.) regarding Living Hope Ranch and is available for public speaking engagements, corporate meetings, or for personal inquiries and interviews upon request.

Bernadette (Berni) Dowkes

Program Director

Bernadette (Berni) Dowkes hails from Jasper, Alberta but resided most of her adult life in BC’s Lower Mainland. She has worked with several volunteer social agencies and served with BC Justice for several years as a correctional officer. Berni’s life and employment experiences, combined with her many years of volunteering with teens and adults at risk, have built a great wealth of knowledge applicable to giving leadership to the LHR program. After resigning her position in BC, Bernadette relocated to Saskatchewan where she resides in Piapot, SK with her husband Joe.