Meet the team
We treat you the way we would like to be treated and welcome all identities
Aida (founder of Food For The Soul)
I have worked with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations for 13 years all over the Lower Mainland.
I love getting creative on how we can help each individual. I love the challenge of working through the different barriers within our health system and individually created barriers each patient creates on their journey (we all create our own barriers, it is great to have support to notice and share healthy feedback for growth and alignment). I enjoy watching people succeed and continue to look for different ways to build bridges of support for our patients and community members.
Outside of work I love being with my family and nature. Not so much hiking but just being by streams or forest walks. Taking kids on road trips and watching their creative minds explore the world.
Shannon (resource centre and outreach manager)
I have worked with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations for over 10 years ranging from children, youth and adults. Through my lived and work experience I feel like working with adults with mental health and addiction is the population I am most passionate about.
Coming to work does not feel like work. Being able to connect with individuals on a deeper level, learning their stories and backgrounds is truly a humbling and privileged experience. I love how everyday is different and how much I have grown and learnt through this journey.
When I’m not working I love spending time with my family, watching my children grow into little men. I also absolutely love anything fitness related and reading, there is never a day that I do not have a book on the go!
Michelle (resource centre support worker)
I have worked with our socioeconomically disadvantaged population in Maple Ridge for about a year.
What do I enjoy most about my work? I love being the first point of contact. Connecting, building relationships and giving services to our vulnerable fellow community members.
Outside of work I love being with my 3 beautiful children, nature, creativity, yard work, yoga and a good cozy movie night.
Derek (housing outreach worker)
I recently graduated from college where I received a diploma in community support work and mental health. This is my first year working professionally with people in recovery and I am 2 years into my own recovery journey.
What I enjoy most about this work is seeing the positive change in people. It is such a gift to be a part of someone’s journey from homelessness back to a life of being a productive member of society.
Outside of work I am a busy guy. I have two beautiful daughters whom I adore and a lovely girlfriend. I am physically active and spend a lot of time outdoors and at the gym. If you don’t use it, you lose it!
Kenzie (housing outreach worker)
I have worked with our socioeconomically disadvantaged population in Abbotsford for just over a year.
One of the things I most enjoy about working with those currently without a home is watching their faces light up when they get brought to their new home. After their anxieties and fears becomes pure joy and it’s so heart warming. But my favourite aspect is gaining and growing relationships with them, allowing them to find someone they can confide in and trust is such an amazing feeling. This career has been a dream of mine since an early teen so it holds a special place in my heart to finally be involved.
Outside of work I enjoy travelling, going to concerts, hanging out with my friends, having my self-care days and purely living my life to its highest potential!
Faith (medical office assistant)
I have worked with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations for over two years now.
I have grown to love working in this field and will continue to do so. This is what I should probably call “my calling”. I am grateful to be part of the Food For The Soul community and be able to build trust with each person. I am honoured to be in a position where community members are able to come to us for help.
Outside of work I enjoy watching TV shows, travelling, eating, and listening to music.
