CHCC Board of Trustees
At Christian Health Care Center, the board of trustees members shown below play a crucial role in guiding our leadership team and working to protect the long-term sustainability of this nonprofit health care organization. Comprised of local residents deeply committed to serving in ways that align with CHCC’s mission, they ensure that decisions regarding patient care and staffing are made locally, right here in Whatcom County, rather than by a distant corporation.
Vincent Buys
Board member since 2021, current chair
About Vincent
Born and raised in Whatcom County, Vincent is a graduate of Lynden Christian High School and Bellingham Technical College, with an associate’s degree in electronics. In 2010, Vincent was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives, serving the north Whatcom County community for eight years in the Legislature.
Vincent has served the local church community for more than 20 years in worship ministry and is currently employed by Comcast Government Affairs. He was married to his wonderful wife, Victoria, in 2020, and they welcomed their first child, Valor, at the end of 2021.
“It is a privilege to serve on the board of CHCC and be part of the decision-making that continues the legacy of this organization, which is to serve the staff and residents who call CHCC home. The CHCC community has cared for many of my family members over the years, and it’s an honor to be able to give back.”
Jeany Aupperlee
Board member since 2021, current vice-chair
About Jeany
Jeany retired from Lynden Christian Schools in 2021 after 21 years working as the student services director. She currently works remotely as a part-time teacher consultant for All Belong Center for Inclusive Education — an organization that equips congregations and Christian schools to include persons with varied abilities in purposeful, innovative ways.
Jeany was born and raised in Lynden. She worked as a nursing assistant for CHCC during her teenage years, then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Dordt College and a master’s in special education from Grand Canyon University.
Jeany and her husband, Dr. Don Aupperlee, DVM, have four adult children and eight grandkids. They have attended Sonlight Community Church since 1992.
“When I retired, I wanted to serve the community in a unique manner, something that was not related to education. The health care center felt like a good fit, because I had worked there and my father had lived there for a while. I know CHCC to be a caring community through those experiences and would like to see that fostered and even enhanced so CHCC can continue in our community for decades to come.”
Kevin DeYoung
Board member since 2020, current treasurer
About Kevin
After graduating from Lynden Christian School, Kevin went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Calvin University. He returned to Whatcom County and started working at Larson Gross PLLC in 1994, becoming a partner at the firm in 2008.
Kevin has served three terms on the board of the Whatcom Community Foundation, advising them on investment and finance issues, and he also serves on the board of directors for the Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council, including a past stint as president.
Periodically during the past 20-plus years, Kevin has volunteered as an assistant football coach at Lynden Christian School. He attends Sonlight Community Christian Reformed Church in Lynden with his wife, Janelle, and their three boys.
“In my work advising families and individuals as a CPA over the past 25-plus years, I have both seen and heard about the excellent quality of care and high standards of CHCC from my clients. When asked to serve as a board member, it was an easy decision to assist in providing guidance and leadership to such a well-run, faith-based organization that serves our community well.”
Emily Gibson, M.D.
Board member since 2022, current secretary
About Emily
Emily Gibson grew up on small dairy and beef farms, first in Stanwood and then in Olympia. She graduated in human biology from Stanford University, where she had the unique opportunity to do wild chimpanzee research with Dr. Jane Goodall in Tanzania, Africa. After graduating from the University of Washington School of Medicine, she completed family medicine residency training at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle, practicing in an inner-city clinic for several years.
She married Dan Gibson, who grew up in Lynden, and the couple moved back north to raise their family, Dan working as a deputy criminal and civil prosecutor for Whatcom County and Emily working as a primary care physician, at Interfaith Clinic, and St. Joseph Hospital Recovery Center. She retired in 2021 as medical director of the Western Washington University Student Health Center after 32 years caring for college students during a transformative time in their lives.
Emily and Dan have three grown children and four grandchildren, and they continue to volunteer in the community while managing their small farm in mid-county. They have attended Wiser Lake Chapel for more than 30 years.
“Having worked as a nurse aide in an extended care facility throughout my high school and college years, I was inspired to pursue medical training as a physician. Dan and I know firsthand the quality of care provided at CHCC — our parents and a grandparent all received excellent support from its dedicated staff in the past. It is my privilege to participate on the CHCC board to not only share my medical perspective, but also in appreciation for this faith-based facility making such a profound difference for a family member during a challenging time of life.”
Joel G. Kok
Board member since 2020
About Joel
Joel was born and raised in Lynden. He graduated from Lynden Christian School and started working for Farmers Equipment Company. In 1982, he purchased his father-in-law’s insurance business and is currently the owner of Guide Insurance Services.
Joel and his wife, Karen, also a native of Lynden, have raised five children and are grandparents of 10. Joel and Karen have both served in various areas, both in church and at Lynden Christian School.
Christian Health Care Center has been a blessing to our family. We have seen and experienced the loving care provided by the staff of CHCC. I’m honored to be able to serve on the board.
Jack Veltkamp
Board member since 2022
About Jack
Jack graduated from Lynden Christian High School and Calvin University, served in the Air Force as an air traffic control officer, attended graduate school at the University of Washington, and served the Lynden community for 45 years as a general dentist.
Jack and his wife, Diane, have raised five children and have been blessed with 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Jack and Diane are avid walkers and have enjoyed hiking in most of the national parks in the country.
“The Christian Health Care Center has been at the foundation of elder care in Lynden for many decades. It has provided a great service to the families of our community, and I am honored to have this opportunity to contribute to its ongoing success.”
Kari Heeringa
Board member since 2023
About Kari
From 2001 to 2022, Kari worked in the human resources department at Christian Health Care Center. She served as an HR assistant for the first six years and then as the HR director for 14 years. In 2022, Kari transitioned from CHCC to the City of Lynden, where she currently serves as that organization’s HR director.
Kari possesses extensive knowledge of the needs of our staff, gained from her 21-year tenure as an employee and member of our leadership team. She brings a wealth of history and experience to the board.
Raised in Sumas, Kari is a Lynden Christian High School graduate. She now resides in Everson with her husband, Dustin. Together, they have three adult daughters. Kari is a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Lynden.
“I’ve seen firsthand how much of a blessing CHCC is to this community. After having the privilege of being an employee at CHCC for 21 years, I am now honored to serve on the board.”
Nellie Vander Kooi
Board member since 2024
About Nellie
My husband, Marlin, and I are members of Third Christian Reformed Church, where we volunteer in many areas. I also volunteer at Lynden Christian School. We have three children and eight grandchildren.
The CHCC mission statement is “to provide skilled nursing care with compassion and love in Christ’s name.” Matthew 25:40 NIV reads, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for Me.” I am excited to continue serving our residents and staff as a CHCC board member.
Laura Brisbane
Board member since 2024
About Laura
I grew up on the East Coast but have been living in Washington state since 1977. I graduated from Western Washington University and have been calling Lynden home since 1998.
My work history includes owning an in-home caregiver business and working as a nursing assistant, an executive assistant and a property manager.
Currently semi-retired, I serve on the board of directors for Joshua Green Corporation. I also volunteer as the education chair and philanthropy chair for Joshua Green Family Council and engage in spiritual outreach with SERVE – Summer Youth Ministry, among other activities.
My local church affiliation is with First Christian Reformed Church, and I’m happily married to Cal Buys, with a blended family that includes seven children and nine grandchildren.
“I chose to serve on CHCC’s board because I’ve had direct experiences in healthcare and philanthropy, seeing the needs of patients and caregivers firsthand. I have experienced firsthand the needs and concerns of geriatric and rehab patients, as well as those who care for them—from the CNA to the executive level. My compassion for people working in and served by this industry is unwavering. It is a privilege and an honor to support CHCC and our local community by serving on the board.”