Our Team

Team Directory

 

Lori Bull
Executive Director
Campbell River
250-914-2212

Lori Bull, M.S.W., R.S.W. – Executive Director
I am a member of the ‘Namgis First Nation with ancestral ties to the Lawit’sis nation through my father and my grandfather as well as the Dzawada’enuxw and Kwikwasutinux nations through my biological mother. My cultural lineages also include Irish and Jewish through my mother and Swedish through my biological father.

I was born in Vancouver in 1971, and shortly after my birth I was placed into foster care where I remained until I was adopted when I was 4 years old and moved to Alert Bay. In my early adolescence my family moved to Vancouver where I lived until I was 27. Since then I have lived & worked in many places. I am currently living in Campbell River with my husband.

I graduated from the University of Victoria in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, specializing in First Nations Child Welfare. Through my personal and professional experience I have truly come to understand the devastating impact that colonial child welfare policies and practice have on Indigenous children, families and communities across Canada.

My approach to practice centres on the inherent Indigenous knowledge that lies within our own families and communities; I recognize that knowledge and wisdom comes to us from our ancestors, our Elders, our knowledge keepers and most of all from our littlest teachers, our children. It is our responsibility to listen, learn and preserve Indigenous knowledge systems, particularly as it relates to keeping our children safe and families together in preserving future generations.

I have been with Sasamans Society since December 2012 assisting many families in the Campbell River area in the role of Aboriginal Outreach Family Navigator. In June 2018, I graduated from the Masters of Social Work Indigenous Specialization program at the University of Victoria. I am grateful for new beginnings and I am honoured to embark on this exciting new journey as the Executive Director of Sasamans Society.

Indigenous Youth Navigator
Campbell River
250-914-2212
Cell: 250-202-7229

Monica Glendale

Monica was born and raised in Campbell River. She has family connections in the Kitasoo, Lax Kw’alaams, and Squamish Nations. Growing up and being a permanent ward of the ministry came with its own challenges. She has fought to keep the teachings of her elders alive. She is honoured to be a mother and will continue to carry on traditions as much as possible.

Monica married into the Glendale family of Da’naxda’xw Nation in 2019. With her husband, they are so very grateful to love, guide, and walk beside 5 remarkable daughters and 1 granddaughter.

Her desire and passion for supporting younger folks that come from difficult family background came clear during college. Monica graduated with her Community Support Worker Diploma in 2016.

Gaining connections at John Howard Society and the creation of Foundry, Monica has had the opportunity to go to various trainings to expand her knowledge to move further into her career of choice. Monica’s passion largely comes from the lessons she has learned growing up in care and aging out. Youth need someone they can connect with that’s not a social worker. Not everyone has an older sibling, aunt or uncle they can go to for support.

Outside of work she loves puzzles, art, going on adventures, being a mom, cheese, and purple. You will find Monica quite quiet but she strongly believes that living life through healthy, open, productive communication is one of the most important aspects of life. Live your life through being kind and compassionate.

She is a wealth of information and has many many networks in the community. Monica loves this journey of working with indigenous people and continue making connections in her home town. She is very excitedly walking this path while building a supportive network for the young people within and around our home.

Cultural Connections Worker
Main Office:
250-914-2212 ext. 105
Cell: 250-203-9971

Rachel Cain, B.A., B.S.W.

Rachel was raised in Campbell River, British Columbia and graduated from Carihi Secondary School in 2005. She is a first generation Canadian whose parents emigrated from England and Hong Kong. Following her graduation from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, she relocated to Campbell River. Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Social Work. Her interests in social welfare and at-risk populations were sparked when her family adopted her two special needs sisters. Since then she has worked with a diverse range of issues from mental health to disabilities, which has only made her more invested in helping others in whatever way is possible.

In 2013, Rachel completed a practicum with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Band in Kamloops where she worked with their First Nations Court and Restorative Justice Program.

Rachel joined the Sasamans Society team in 2013 where she has been able to continue working with Indigenous communities as our Cultural Connections Worker.

 

Nicole Kitts

Niki was born and raised in Campbell River and is a member of the We Wai Kai Nation. She has been married for 14 years and is a busy mother of two very active boys. Niki and her husband spent some time living in Delta, BC but soon moved back to the island to put down roots in the Comox Valley when their boys were born. They lived in the Comox Valley for six years before making Grande Prairie Alberta their home for the next seven. Niki and her family have recently moved back home to Campbell River where they built a home on the Quinsam Reserve. They are enjoying everything beautiful Vancouver Island has to offer especially being close to family and friends.

Niki started with Sasamans Society August 2015 and is enjoying being a part of their team, as well as learning about and assisting with organizations and programs available to help aboriginal children and families.

Indigenous Outreach Elder Navigator
Main Office:
250-914-2212 ext. 101
cell: 250-202-1971

Indigenous Outreach Family Navigator
Port Hardy
250-949-8131
cell: 250-230-5101

Jane Watts-Ellens

Jane Watts-Ellens is from Port Alberni, and is a member of the Ahousaht First Nation, and has ties to the Cowichan Tribe from through her biological mother, Barbara Little (nee Dick/Daniels/Alphonse). Jane has a twin brother and was raised by her grandparents in Port Alberni, and lived on the Tseshaht Reserve. Jane also has 4 older siblings from her mother’s first marriage to Harold Little Jr. Jane’s great grandfather on her maternal side is also from Hupacasath First Nation in Port Alberni. Her father was late Charlie Watts Jr. (Chas) from Tseshaht First Nation.

Jane has been a part of the Sasamans team since July 2015, and is very passionate, understanding and supportive to families who access services through Sasamans Society.

Jane has adapted to living on the North end of the island and loves it in Port Hardy. Jane has 7.5 years’ experience working with First Nations families from her previous job as an Aboriginal Liaison for low income housing. Jane completed the Family Support Worker program at Camosun College and has completed 2.5 years of university transfer courses towards her Social Work degree. In addition to her role as the Aboriginal Outreach Family Navigator, Jane has commenced completing her certificate for the Social Work program via Thompson Rivers University.

Jane has first-hand experience with the child welfare system as she grew up in care from 16 months old until she aged out at 19 years of age. She is both passionate and supportive in advocating for families who have children in care, and is eager to see the transition of children going back home. Jane loves sports (hockey, football, and baseball), playing golf & slow pitch, poker and traveling. Jane also loves to cook, and eat healthy. In a nutshell, Jane is an outgoing, fun loving and caring person who has overcome some huge family loss.

Indigenous Family & Youth Navigator
Courtenay
Phone: 778-225-0295
Cell: 250-218-4917
(on Maternity Leave)

Kia Everson, B.S.W.

Kia (U’ma) Everson was born and raised on the K’omoks First Nation reserve; surrounded by family, elders, knowledge keepers and traditional teachings. Her ancestry is K’omoks, Kwakiutl, Tlingit and Norwegian on her fathers’ side (Chief Nagedzi Robert Everson) and Dutch and Russian on her mothers’ side (Ke’nakwalas Lee Everson). Not only does Kia have an education regarding her Indigeneity, but also a formal education as Kia graduated in March 2020 with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree with Distinction.

Kia has been a youth representative for “Walking with Our Sisters”, an art installation honouring the thousands of murdered or missing Indigenous women and children across BC and Canada. She has been a speaker for “Gathering Voices” which is an annual event held in the bighouse in K’omoks for Indigenous female identified students from the local high-schools to witness speakers tell stories and teachings regarding Indigenous women’s collective and individual power, history, pride, mental/emotional/physical and spiritual health and wellbeing.

Kia has been a tour guide for The Comox Valley Art Gallery’s installation of Potlatch 67-67 which displayed Indigenous artists creative take on the potlatch ban. Kia also has experience working with women in early addictions recovery at Amethyst House and with women and their children fleeing abuse at Lilly House.

Before being hired as the Aboriginal Youth & Family Navigator for Sasamans Society, Kia was a Residence Worker for Youth Horizons where her clients were primarily Indigenous teenage girls referred through MCFD. When Kia isn’t working for Sasamans Society she dances regularly with the Kumugwe Cultural Society.

Kia’s personal and professional experiences have created a work style that incorporates an anti-oppressive, strengths-based, feminist and a wholistic approach. Her purpose in this lifetime is to uplift, support, advocate and walk alongside fellow Indigenous peoples; to see our people succeed and thrive.

Gilakas’la, Welcome and thank you!

Marisa Anthony

Marisa was born and raised in Ontario and earned her Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Toronto in 2007. As a first generation Canadian of Caribbean and East African descent, Marisa grew up observing the impacts of colonialism on her own family’s culture and developed an interest in the healing of Indigenous people around the world. Her desire to work with First Nation communities was sparked after spending several months with a Cree family in northern Manitoba and witnessing first-hand the legacy of colonialism in Canada. Since then, she has spent years supporting clients in Youth Care and as a Family Support Worker in Alberta before relocating to Campbell River.

Marisa is the proud mother of an inquisitive daughter, who is of Nakoda Sioux ancestry through her father. Committed to nurturing both sides of her daughter’s cultural identity, Marisa spent time exploring programs for First Nations kids in Alberta and she is now excited to learn more about the cultures of Vancouver Island. She is honoured to join the Sasamans Society team as an Indigenous Parenting Support Worker, developing new relationships in the community while helping to build on client strengths and preserve family unity.

Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator
Main Office:  250-914-2212
Cell: 250-201-8801

Jordan’s Principle ARC Fund Administrator
Campbell River
250-914-2212
cell: 250-201-1105

Jacquie Henderson

My name is Jacquie Henderson. I grew up in Campbell River, BC and graduated from CARIHI a hundred years ago. After high school, I left town to go to the University of Calgary, where I got my Bachelor of Arts degree. From there, I spent the majority of my career in the high-pressure corporate world, leading teams of top-performing sales professionals, managing contracts and serving customers. After COVID, I moved back home to Campbell River in August, 2022 so that I could help to take care of my aging parents and spend some good quality time together with them. My professional life has changed pretty dramatically as well. I’m now part of the Jordan’s Principle Program at Sasamans, helping First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. It’s extremely rewarding to be part of something so meaningful.

It feels so good to be back in Campbell River, with the smell of the ocean and the call of the seagulls welcoming me home. I know, with certainty, that this is where I am meant to be and where I can do my very best work.

Mamalilikulla Designated Band Representative
Campbell River
250-914-2212
cell: 250-203-5696

Tasleem Mall

Tasleem was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa as a single child to two full-time working parents. As such, she spent many of her childhood hours in the company of her Grandparents and the elders in her family and community. After immigrating to Canada at the age of thirteen with her mom and brand-new baby brother, Tasleem embraced her new freedoms in this new country. She began learning to navigate the challenges associated with starting a new life in a country with fewer family connections and cultural resources than back home.

Much of her twenties were spent working in a range of occupations, from housekeeping to home renovation and construction; from delicatessens to self-employed contracting. During this time Tasleem met many people from diverse backgrounds who shared their life stories about their desire and need for connection and a feeling of community. Understanding adversity and diversity and the necessity of inclusion has come from her experience and of those she has met along the way. As such, Tasleem values the lived experiences of people and strives to honour each person’s truth and story.

Her work with women overcoming their addictions over the past three years have given Tasleem a unique perspective on the realities that many women face in healing their trauma and hopes that this role will allow her to communicate how hard women and families work to overcome these adversities and bring healing to their communities. She is looking forward to building a community around her work in the role of Mamalilikulla Designated Band Representative and in learning from the people who she will be engaging with.

Kayla Graydon

I am from Wei Wai Kum First Nation on my adoptive mother’s side and Snuneymuxw First Nation on my adoptive father’s side. I also have ties to Penelakut and Cowichan Tribes through my biological parents. I grew up in Port Alberni and have lived all over Vancouver Island, but recently relocated to Campbell River to be closer to family. I worked my way though university by serving and cooking in restaurants, until I eventually graduated from VIU in 2023 with my Bachelor of Social Work.

I have always had an interest in connections to land and culture and look forward to learning more each day. My goal is to build relationships with the Mamalilikulla community, and to provide ongoing resources, support, and connections. I plan to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and being into this work, and advocate for culturally safe and relevant resources for Indigenous children and youth.

Care and Connections Liaison
for the Mamalilikulla First Nation

Campbell River
Office: 250-914-2212
Cell: 250-201-3833

 

Jazmine McCrimmon Cook

Jazmine (Wedtlala’ogwa) was born and raised in Victoria, however, is from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nations Ma’amtagila, Namgis (from her father Chief Makwala, Rande Cook) & (from her mother Jodi McCrimmon) Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw & Da’nada’xw. Jazmine’s partner is from Wei Wai Kai First Nation, which is why they decided to make the transition with their young daughter from Victoria to Campbell River.

Jazmine has a strong passion for supporting Indigenous communities and families. Her passion stems from her cultural teachings, lived experiences and positive role models. Prior to working at Sasamans Jazmine received her diploma in Community, Family & Child studies at Camosun. Then worked at the Victoria Native Friendship Center as an Aboriginal Supported Child Development Consultant (ASCD). In June 2022 Jazmine received her Bachelor of Child and Youth care with Indigenous specialization. Since Jazmine worked and completed her bachelor’s while pregnant and then with a young child, Jazmine took a break post-degree to spend time with her daughter. Then, began her work at Sasamans in November 2022.

Jazmine seeks to provide support, amplify families’ voices, guide them along their journeys. She upholds others right to self-determination and believes in incorporating Indigenous knowledges into practice.  Jazmine is excited to work, learn and grow with families in Campbell River and gain new connections as Jazmine has ancestral ties to Campbell River through her great grandmother who comes from the Wei Wai Kai and We Wai Kum First Nations.

Indigenous Family Navigator
Campbell River
Office: 250-914-2212
Cell: 250-202-7280

 

Fiona Hansed

Executive Assistant
Main office
250-914-2212

Cecilia Plecas

My name is Cecilia and I have the honour and privilege to have been born and raised on Vancouver Island. I would also like to recognize that I have resided as an uninvited guest on the lands of the Snuneymuxw, Mowachaht, Muchalaht, Ligwiłda’xw people; the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, and Kwiakah, and the Komox First Nations. My path towards choosing a social service career has been a rewarding although sometimes challenging one. My ancestors from my mother’s side were from the British Isles and Belgium. While on my father’s side was raised as a Croatian with biological ties to Ireland, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. In my life there has been intergenerational trauma from both sides of my family. As a result, I have experience working and coping with broken family ties, abuse cycles, as well as substance misuse issues. My past personal experience has given me the understanding and tools to help myself and others through a strong trauma informed lens. The work I have done is for my young son to make sure this cycle ends with myself. From this personal experience I have also noticed a mirror effect in my professional life as well.

My professional experience includes being a housekeeper in long-term care and hospital settings. In these roles I was able to have tough but enriching conversations with Indigenous Elders. These unique encounters shaped my understanding of how the health care system has adversely impacted Indigenous people with the lack of culturally safe health care services available to them. I have also been an Aquaculture Technician for a few years and through this role I noticed the lack of respect for Indigenous people, culture, and their connection to their traditional lands. It is through these experiences that inspires me to provide advocacy support for the Indigenous families I am working with. Included in my career training I have completed a course for working in the construction trades. This has led to me having a very diverse understanding of industry and public work settings. As well I have been a working knowledge of many different types of barriers for parents who need support.

In many different experiences I have been drawn into the work of listening to people and helping them to advocate for support. With my work with Sasamans (Our Children) Society I am hoping to bring forth my knowledge in a meaningful way. I am honoured to have this opportunity for giving purposefully support to parents who need it the most. In the time that they need it the most as well. 

Indigenous Parenting Support and Family Navigator
Main Office: 250-914-2212
Cell: 250-334-7347

Indigenous Youth Justice Support Worker
Campbell River
Main Office: 250-914-2212
Cell: 250-201-3303

Amanda Turner

Amanda was raised on a small farm on Quadra Island. She is of Austrian, Scottish, and English descent.  Amanda’s early career started off at alternative schools on both Quadra and Cortes Islands. This unique opportunity to teach in a very out of the box setting has been key in her creative ability to work with youth who do not fit into government systems.

In 2015 Amanda’s sense of adventure and love for organic farming moved her and her family to the small town of Opotiki in New Zealand. Opotiki is a predominantly a Māori and Pacifica people’s community of the west coast of the North Island. Amanda and her children enjoyed being immersed in the rich culture of Aotearoa, she began volunteering with local youth groups and primary schools. As her connections in the community grew, she found herself helping facilitate cultural events for hundreds of youths and leaders in the area.  Amanda then began working as a Youth Mentor for an Indigenous non profit, helping to give youth a voice and supporting them to achieve their goals and ambitions.

Her training and experience working for and with Indigenous peoples is pathway that has led Amanda to this role today. She is looking forward to getting to know the Indigenous Youth here in Canada and to learn from and with them.

Debbie Cathey

Debbie was born and raised in Campbell River and is married with two grown children and two granddaughters. Debbie went back to college in 2019 and completed the Community Support Worker/Mental Health Worker certificate in 2020. Debbie enjoys spending time camping, fishing, reading, gardening, and walking her two Golden Retrievers Jasper and Walter.

Debbie joined the Sasaman’s team in June 2023 as the Indigenous Youth Navigator and is looking forward to working with the youth.

Indigenous Youth Navigator
Main Office: 250-914-2212
Cell: 250-201-4666

Reception
Campbell River
Main Office: 250-914-2212

Mary Henderson

Lavina Boyd

My name is Lavina Boyd. I have six children between the ages of 11-27, two boys and four girls, and one grand daughter who is 5 years old. We originate from very large families, are members of the Dene Indigenous group, in central British Columbia, and are registered with the Ulkatcho First Nations band, in Anahim Lake, BC. The Ulkatcho First Nation group is one of four groups that make up the Dakelh or Southern Carrier First Nation in central British Columbia. The other three communities are Lhoosk’us Dene, Nazko, and Lhtako Dene. My grand daughter is a member of Tk’emlups te Secwepemc and is part of the Interior-Salish Secwepemc speaking people located in Tk’emlups (Kamloops), BC.

I was born in Quesnel, British Columbia and raised in a small community west of Quesnel called Nazko. I enjoy beading, making moccasins, loom beading, hiking, travelling, camping, fishing, hunting, networking, resource harvesting, whale watching and I would love to learn how to can (especially fruit & salmon), rock climb, sing & drum local First Nations songs & learn my Carrier First Nations language!

I graduated from Thompsons Rivers University, located in Kamloops, in 2010 with a Bachelor of Education degree and plan to return to university until I obtain a Doctorate in Education. 

Through my life experience, education and professional journey I have a clear understanding of how the residential schools had a profound negative impact on our Indigenous populations across Canada and North America. My specialized interest through my education and profession is learning about, researching, and working with Indigenous parents and children across Canada.    

I am excited and grateful for an opportunity to be working with families in Campbell River and area at Sasamans Society, with a dual role position, as the Indigenous Parenting Support Worker and the Indigenous Caregiver Support Worker roles. I am looking forward to meeting families and working with parents and caregivers to offer support and knowledge with our most mysterious yet most fulfilling and rewarding roles as parents and caregivers.

Indigenous Parenting/Caregiver Support Worker
Main Office: 250-914-2212
Cell: 250-203-7417

Indigenous Youth Worker
Courtenay
Cell: 250-218-4917

Kaitlyn Williams, DPCRIM, DPSSW, – Indigenous Youth Navigator

My name is Kaitlyn Williams. I am a queer 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate. I am passionate about making a difference for those who have suffered from traumatic experiences, colonization and who want to connect back to their land and roots.

I am new to Vancouver Island and recognize that I reside as an uninvited guest on the lands of the Kwakwaka’wakw, the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, Kwiakah, and the K’ómoks First Nations.

I have previous experience with adults who were not able to advocate or communicate for themselves, and find it an extremely important tool to have, especially in today’s day and age. I have been working alongside Indigenous children and families since 2017. I was inspired to know more about the history of Canada and Indigenous culture and decided that where I was previously residing did not offer the opportunities that Vancouver Island does.

I started working for Sasamans Society as the Youth Navigator in 2023 following my completion of a Social Services Diploma, where I found a passion for advocacy and understanding the history and trauma of Indigenous peoples. I am constantly seeking to expand my knowledge, and my connection with the nature that surrounds us. I am looking forward to advocating and learning with and from the Youth in Courtenay and the encompassing K’ómoks areas.

Follow Us!

Sasamans Society

680 Head Start Crescent

Campbell River, BC

V9H 1P9

reception@sasamans.ca

Main line: 250.914.2212

Toll-free: 888.597.2810

Fax: 250.914.2215

(see direct extensions on the staff directory page)