Sam Wessel-Estes - President

Sam retired from the working world in 2022 and has been having a lovely bunch of fun ever since. Professionally she has several degrees in psychology and community building, along with 40+ years of experience developing and managing non-profit organizations, human service, and public health programs. Sam is a native of WA and became a permanent resident of south Whidbey Island with her husband 9 years ago. She and Scott have two adult children, one grandchild, and have been foster and adoptive parents. Sam’s passion’s include healthful cooking, chocolate making, gardening, and various forms of art. Her foundational values embrace supporting the wellness and resilience of communities and helping to sustain our natural world in ways that allow us all to thrive.

Margaret Andersen - Vice President

We are a wonderful, caring community here on Whidbey Island!
I have lived on Whidbey since 2007 and discovered many of the organizations that support people young and old. I have been on several Boards serving non-profits here and am honored to be part of the South Whidbey@ Home Board. I bring to the organization my experiences of 30+ years as a corporate executive as well as my BA from Loyola University/Chicago and BS from DePaul University/Chicago.

The SW@H vision supports seniors by providing many important and heartfelt services that are needed to keep ourselves in our home as we age. 
I am delighted to serve my community and the South Whidbey@Home organization.

Chuck Clark - Secretary

My wife, Mary Beth, and I moved to Whidbey Island from the western suburbs of Chicago in 2015. We had been coming to the Pacific Northwest for several years prior to visit our two sons who had both relocated to the PNW, and we decided that in retirement we wanted to be in the same area. In searching for where we wanted to put down roots, we found Whidbey and feel very fortunate and blessed to live in such a beautiful place with such a welcoming and caring community.

When South Whidbey at Home was launched in 2016, I was very appreciative of the idea of helping older people to age in place, as that is what we hope to do. So, we joined SW@H as both a member and as a volunteer. I have helped with light maintenance at members’ homes, light gardening tasks, and helping those who have trouble with their Apple computers. I have enjoyed these opportunities to meet and serve others in our community.

Rosie Liebe - Treasurer

Rosie Liebe came to Whidbey Island in 2017 with her husband, Barry, after spending several years abroad. Being totally new to the island was well as the State of Washington, Rosie was happy to connect with a volunteer organization such as SW@H to meet people, make new friends and to help the community in whichever way she can. Rosie’s professional background includes accounting, software testing, management, as well as running her own business since 2006, The Body Praxis, where she teaches brain-based movement and Pilates.

When she is not busy working in her studio with clients, Rosie volunteers as Call Manager, Board Member and Treasurer at SW@H. She is also actively involved in the local Soroptimist of South Whidbey club. In her spare time, Rosie knits, crochets, tries to master the pottery wheel, and bakes German-style bread and cakes.

Judy Canfield

Judy Canfield is a life-long Registered Nurse, who retired after 42 years from full time Director of Surgical Service, Cardiac Cath Lab, and Endoscopy. Currently, Judy is working one day a week at Providence in the infection control department. Life as a registered nurse offered many opportunities for practice, such as Intensive Care, Perinatology-Labor and Delivery area, Emergency Room, and the last 20 years as a Director of Surgery at Providence. There has been nothing but joy and excitement in this career!

As to a family – a sister, a brother and Judy walked the Camino De Santiago 4 times over the past five years. The average walk was 400+ miles as the family walked about Spain, ending up in Santiago Spain and the most amazing, beautiful Santiago Cathedral.
In 2017 Judy attended the EMT Academy and is a practicing volunteer EMT for South Whidbey Island Fire Department.
Gardening is a major part of summer life, and each year the Victory Garden is planted. You’ll find her most days during the summer puttering about her garden.

Judy has enjoyed playing her Viola for 40+ years and is a member for the Mukilteo Community Orchestra under the direction of Trevor Lutzenhiser. She also enjoys playing Chamber Music and a small group (4) of musicians down in Seattle. 
As a Board member of South Whidbey@Home and former co-president, she has enjoyed meeting many members and sharing information for health services during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Susan Edwards

Susan Edwards has lived here on Whidbey for five years. She moved here from the Portland OR area to be close to her son and his family, after retiring from teaching computer classes at 2 different community colleges in Oregon for a total of 20 years. She moved to Oregon in 1991 from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she went to college and was the Director of three different preschools over the space of 12 years. She was born in Cheyenne, WY, attended the University of Colorado, and graduated with a BS in Education from the University of Michigan.
She has served on several Boards over the years – in both education and social action realms.

Susan has recently retired from teaching computer classes, writing technical manuals and consulting, and is now actively involved with a number of community organizations. She loves to sing, walk the Trustland Trails, do improv and read historical fiction

Ross Godwin

I have lived on the Island since 1984 and met my wife here a year later. She had two boys, ages 2 and 4, and we have a daughter together. I am retired doing home repairs and maintenance, as my previous jogs was working in Oak Harbor for 27 years doing the same type of work. 

I have been on several Boards for the community starting with the Home Owners Association where we used to live, the South Whidbey Children’s Center in Langley, and the Hearts & Hammers Board. I am a long-time volunteer for South Whidbey at Home, starting in 2016 when it first started and I have been doing mostly light repair work. 

I enjoy helping others by doing home repairs and maintenance so people can feel comfortable and safe in their homes.

Henry Veldman

Like many in America, I too am an immigrant. Born in the Netherlands and coming to America as a youth. I served in combat in Vietnam as a drafted soldier. Upon returning home I completed my Bachelor’s degree and subsequent Master’s in Healthcare Administration. I experienced a wonderful 40+ year career as a Healthcare Administrator. One highlight while with the Kaider Permanente Program as an executive was to build a medical center and grow the Kaiser membership over a ten-year period. I’ve had the privilege of being on several non-profit boards, some dealing with healthcare, Education and Sound Experiences – the sailing schooner Adventuress – where we provided a nautical experience for many underprivileged youths. I am a recent Whidbey Island resident, having lived with my wife and our dog Poppy near Edmonds for 28 years. We decided to enjoy Whidbey for this chapter of our life’s journey.