Meet the Team

Simon Bevan, General Manager

Simon was born and lived in England until the age of 10, taking an early liking to the game of golf. His mother was an avid golfer and children were not allowed to play. Instead he caddied for her from the age of five or six, learning the etiquette and rules of the game – and hitting the odd shot of course!

Simon is a longtime Golf Professional. A CPGA member since 1987, he was Head Professional at Greenhill’s and Glen Abbey, the Director of Operations at Grandview Golf Club, and most recently the Director of Golf at Deerhurst Resort. After almost 10 years in Huntsville, Simon and his wife Laurie are happy to return to London.

As General Manager, Simon’s goal at RiverBend is to ensure maximum resident, member and guest satisfaction in all areas of life at RiverBend. Alongside a team of core managers at RiverBend, Simon oversees the management of Clubhouse food and recreational services, golf and ProShop operations, community maintenance operations, and community security. 
 

Jackie Bell-Jones, Food & Beverage Manager

Jackie grew up the youngest of four girls, on a farm north of London. After completing her college education in London she moved out west and began working in the hospitality industry in Saskatoon, and later British Columbia. Jackie started out as a hostess/server, dabbled in events and promotions for a restaurant chain, and later found herself in Whistler, as Banquet/Catering Manager for Canadian Pacific Hotels (now Fairmont Hotels). Later returning to London, Jackie worked as Catering Coordinator at Hilton London and the London Convention Centre.  She then spent five years with Culinary Catering Services as Catering Manager.  After getting married and starting a family, Jackie opened her own wedding and event planning business called The Wedding Designer. 

With this wealth of experience, Jackie joined RiverBend in 2008 as Food & Beverage Manager. Under her direction, our Food & Beverage Team guides residents, members and guests of the community through the special events process with ease. From small private functions to large parties, Jackie and her staff will provide an exceptional level of service guaranteed to make you feel right at home. 
 

Kirk Weiss, Executive Chef

Kirk was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba and raised in Montreal Quebec, where he lived for approximately 18 years. After a brief time spent trying to become a cartoonist he decided to travel. It was being a hungry traveler that led him in the direction of culinary arts. His strong interest in the arts has played a significant role in his creativity with food, and 25 years later he is preparing exceptional dishes at RiverBend. Kirk has travelled the globe working with a multi cultural group of individuals that have given him a great respect for all types of cuisine and cultures.

As Executive Chef, Kirk oversees all kitchen operations, menu creation, and works closely with our Food & Beverage Manager to develop new and exciting culinary experiences for our members.
 

Kristen VanBerkel, Fitness Director

As RiverBend's resident fitness expert, Kristen VanBerkel provides residents and members with fun and dynamic ways to stay in shape. Kristen has nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, and our residents tap into her knowledge on a regular basis. 

Kristen offers a wide range of fitness activities for a variety of fitness levels. If you're looking for the personal approach, Kristen is also a certified personal trainer and can build a program that's just right for you and your fitness goals. 

 Jerry Hakkers, Community Grounds Superintendent

Jerry has spent the better part of 20 years working outdoors. He has a diploma in Horticulture/Nursery as well as Landscaping and Greenskeeping from Lambton College.  Jerry and his crew maintain RiverBend's beautiful streetscapes and gardens and ensure our residents' yards and flowerbeds are kept attractive and green. In the winter months, Jerry and his team ensure RiverBend's streets are plowed and walkways are clear. RiverBend's residents find Jerry a wealth of knowledge regarding the flowers, shrubs and trees in the community. He takes great pride in helping to make RiverBend one of the most exquisite communities in southwestern Ontario. 
 

Kevin Collier, Golf Course Superintendent

Kevin Collier is an enthusiastic member of the RiverBend team, with a passion for the industry and the traditions of the game of golf. Kevin is a graduate of McMaster University and Pennsylvania State University, Golf Course Turfgrass Management. In 2007, Kevin was a finalist for the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association - Future Superintendent of the Year Award. He was also the recipient of the Hugh Kirkpatrick Bursary Award from the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association.

Kevin has worked at many other fine golf courses including; King Valley Golf Club, Augusta National Golf Club, Glencairn Golf Club, and Riverside Golf Club. At RiverBend Golf Community, Kevin oversees the entire golf course team and the management of day to day golf course maintenance.

Wendy Harry, Horticulture/Stewardship Coordinator

Wendy grew up gardening, as both her grandfather and father always had large vegetable gardens. While raising three boys and creating an acre garden oasis on her country property, she returned to school in 2004 and completed a year of Landscape Design, graduating in 2006 with a Horticulture Technician Diploma. Her first horticulture position was at Canadale Nurseries for four years where she assisted shoppers with plant requirements, design solutions and creating decorative urns and displays. She also worked at the Fanshawe College greenhouse as the Horticulture Technician supervising a student crew to maintain the college gardens, assisting the coordinator with greenhouse operations, student lessons and sales of the Poinsettia crop.

In 2009, Wendy accepted the Horticulture/Stewardship Coordinator position and oversees all garden maintenance initiatives as well as the Audubon Certification.

Wendy is always available to assist with any garden related requirements.