Meet The Team
Richard Plowens
Jody Moore
Colton Schoenke
Glenda Gellner
Kerry Voth
Bianca Filser
April Quigley
Claire Gunderson
Treena Armitage
Richard Plowens
Richard's passion for people and his outgoing nature directed him to the Hotel Industry where he applied his skills in Sales and Customer Service with both Four Seasons and Fairmont Hotels. With a desire to be challenged and to 'change things up', he ventured into the Bio-Pharmaceutical Vaccines Industry with Merck, Sanofi Pasteur, and Pfizer. He conducted positions of increasing responsibility in sales, business development and team leadership over the past 18 years.
During this time, he met and married his wife and had a family. This partnership has influenced his appreciation of art, great foods and all that is nature. They occupy a busy home with Ella, Spencer and London - three lively English Setters.
Richard loves to connect with people and brings forward the responsiveness, persistence and discipline needed to assist clients in one of life's most important transactions - that of selling or buying a new home. He has built a reputation as a connector who forges and maintains partnerships founded on integrity; combining a customer-centric approach with high ethical standards and a commitment to delivering the best experience to his clients.
Richard is thrilled to be back in Oceanside working as a partner with his sister, Susan, and their talented team and through his solid experience has made a positive impact on all our clients.
Jody Moore
Coming from a family of real estate agents, Jody grew up understanding the importance of commitment and self-discipline. After graduation, she moved to Vancouver in the 90's to further her education. Working as a Family Counselor and Coach for many years provided an excellent opportunity to support her community while developing the strong communication skills, ethics, and integrity for which she is known. Though Jody's parents were both local REALTORS, she could never have predicted how much she would love the industry. "I have the best job in the world! I get to show and sell homes in the most beautiful community in Canada while building lifelong relationships with the most amazing people...my clients."
Asked about using her expertise to benefit her community through a career with Royal LePage, Jody has this to say: "My knowledge gives me an opportunity each day to make a big impact in someone's life. I'm honored to be trusted with this responsibility."
She likes to win for her clients, and does so with a calm demeanor and a smile.
Colton Schoenke
"When I started to consider future investment opportunities, including buying my own home, I cultivated a passion for the process involved. I discovered and was excited at the prospect of helping others navigate what can be quite an intimidating event and to continually be part of the excitement that comes with finding a perfect home. After much study and completing the Real Estate Trading Services program at the University of British Columbia, I decided a career in this exciting field was for me!"
Colton understands that the process of buying and selling a home can seem a bit daunting, and he hopes to be given the opportunity to show you that it can also be easy, enjoyable, and even fun!
"I have continually proven to be honest, trustworthy and a hard worker, and what motivates me the most is helping others by sharing my knowledge and expertise in our field to help them reach their goals. As your agent and Real Estate Advisor, my #1 commitment is to help you buy or sell your home with ease and confidence".
When Colton is not working, you'll find him out being an adventure enthusiast with his partner, Alexandra and their chocolate lab, Daisy. They enjoy everything the Island has to offer, whether it be mountain biking, hiking, boating, camping, or any activity that gets them outdoors enjoying the fresh island air and nature!
Glenda Gellner
She is Susan and Richards aunt, and since she had followed Susan in her hospitality career, it was only natural for her to join in real estate as Susan's assistant from the beginning.
Glenda enjoys the administrative side of this business, as well as meeting all of the wonderful people we deal with on a daily basis. She says, "Since Susan talked me into getting my real estate license, I am happy to be able to help the other realtors on our team as needed and also work with prospective buyers."
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and her four grandchildren, gardening, biking, going for walks, Qigong and especially vacationing at their cabin on the lake. Her yellow lab (Sandi) is an often visitor at the office and her two cats Mo & Morris are always waiting at the door to greet her when she gets home.
Kerry Voth
"The rugged northern region of Manitoba is where I first developed a love of nature and the outdoors. My father worked in remote bush camps as a mechanic, and he would often bring me along. In those days there were few paved roads that far north, and most supplies were brought in by float plane, so we were always close to beautiful lakes. Being surrounded by nature left a deep spiritual imprint on me, and to this day I still feel more at home in the country than in the city".
At the age of 5, Kerry's family moved to Calgary, Alberta where he grew up. After completing a course at SAIT, he started earned a living as a freelance Graphic Arts Designer before moving to the courier and transportation industry as a Customer Service Rep.
After the turn of the century, he began a life-journey that saw him move to Vancouver for several years, and then to the Greater Victoria Area after meeting his life partner in 2003. Once they had purchased a home and settled in, they started camping around the island. Eventually they ended up camping at Horne Lake and fell in love with the Oceanside area, prompting a move to Nanoose Bay. It was while looking for a new home that Kerry first met Susan Forrest.
"Susan was my realtor at first, but quickly became a great friend. In 2008 a position opened up on Team Susan Forrest and she asked me to join. I'm a naturally creative person, and over time I gravitated away from the clerical side towards the media side of real estate. Being the "Team Media Guru" is a perfect fit for me and I enjoy it very much".
When he's not working, Kerry enjoys life's simple pleasures: camping and hiking, reading good books, sunny afternoons of relaxation, and pursuing various artistic interests.
Bianca Filser
In the mid-nineties, Bianca ventured to Long Island, New York to work as an AuPair and to perfect her English. After a year of scurrying after children and mastering the language of Shakespeare, she returned to school in Germany to complete an Office Assistant Management program.
Eager to speak English on a regular basis and to see new places, Bianca travelled through Western Canada for 5 months where she was intrigued by the difference and beauty of the landscape compared to her home country. Her interest in imagery and creativity lead her to a Photography program in Victoria. She temporarily anchored there, completing school for a couple of years before moving permanently to Nanoose Bay.
Bianca joined Susan in both life and as a Team member in 2004. She occupies the role of Lead Photographer and Imaging Guru for our property listings. She successfully manages several key administrative projects and through her salient attention to detail and meticulous photography plays a key role on the Team. Her optimism and positive attitude greatly contribute to our success. Bianca's favorite pastime is spending time with their Golden Retriever, Zinfandel.
April Quigley
"Being a part of Team Susan Forrest is a dream job for me! My team-mates are fantastic, I really enjoy helping our clients, and I love the fast-paced work environment... there's never a dull moment!"
Among the many talents that April brings to Team Susan Forrest is a consistent determination to get the job done right! Though she may seem quiet and reserved, don't be fooled...beneath the unflappable, focused exterior lies an amazing sense of humor, sincerity and warmth.
April loves to call Oceanside home. When she's not working she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and exploring our beautiful island!
Claire Gunderson
Claire spent much of her career in the dental and orthodontic professions, but when she and her husband Kris became empty-nesters after raising their 3 children in Delta, they decided to relocate to Vancouver Island and fell in love with the Nanoose Bay area.
She started a new career path working at the Fairwinds Wellness Club doing administration, accounting, marketing, and communications. Learning about real estate developments happening in the area renewed a lifelong interest, which she adopted from her parents who were always involved in buying or investing in the market. When an opportunity came up to work with Team Susan Forrest, she eagerly jumped on board and is excited to contribute. She takes great pride in engaging customers with sincerity and a smile and making them feel taken care of.
In the fall of 2020, Claire and her husband became grandparents for the first time to a beautiful little girl. They currently have 5 chickens and also have adopted a very mushy and loving golden retriever "Rusty" who is living his best life ever on the island!
In her down time you will find Claire curling, biking, exploring all the local trails, and her favorite pastimes...fishing and being on the water with her paddle board or kayak.
Treena Armitage
After meeting her future hubby, Shawn, in Alberta, the couple moved to Qualicum Beach in 1993 and got married. Eager to see more of the west coast, they lived in Haida Gwaii for awhile, then relocated to Victoria where Treena graduated from the Western Academy of Photography. Eventually the couple moved back to Oceanside in 2000 to start their own businesses and raise a family.
Two kids, three dogs, three horses and two cats later, they now live on an acreage in River's Edge.
For the past 20 years Treena has worked as a professional photographer for her own company, SeaSide Studios, in addition to starting another business venture - Equine Transport Inc - moving horses to and from BC, AB and the US. With a passion for photography as well as experience in architectural design and graphic arts, Treena brings a unique skill set to Team Susan Forrest.
"I've worked with Team Susan Forrest occasionally over the past few years, and now I'm thrilled to be finally part of such a fantastic team!"
In her spare time you'll find Treena riding her horse and enjoying the great outdoors...taking lots of photographs along the way!
