Miki Nash
Miki provides seamless service for the many administrative functions that keep us organized and on-track, as well as supporting five other non-profit organizations that share space at our facility. Miki also manages a wonderful volunteer team, who together run the Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP).
Miki has been employed with CCSS since 1993 (our longest-serving staff member!) and she has seen the agency grow and change through that time. She is happy to be working at the new Lions Gate Community Recreation Centre and getting to know the neighbourhood. The larger space at the new centre will provide greater opportunities to deliver exciting programs and also offer increased community information and resources.
Maralyn Wild
Maralyn has a background in working with government, non-profit, private sector organizations and Indigenous communities. Her skills include program management, vocational counselling, classroom facilitation, development of public education and outreach programs, events coordination, delivering immigrant settlement programs, website and social media content development, corporate communications and stakeholder negotiations.
Maralyn enjoys being part of the dynamic CCSS team. She has a passion for creating and delivering engaging community programming and events that bring people together to connect, collaborate, and support one another. She also enjoys developing partnerships with other community organizations to offer innovative programs - with support from corporate donors and funders – who all come together to build a vibrant North Shore community.
In her spare time, Maralyn enjoys cooking, kayaking, hiking, travelling and photography.
.jpg)
Austin Neaves
Austin has over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, working with seniors, helping to build capacity, and ensuring programs are both sustainable and inclusive.
Austin believes in meeting people where they are at, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table, and that a sense of community and belonging is vital to our health and happiness.
In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, watching film, taking long walks, and spending time with family and friends.
Fariba Tehrani
Seniors' Hub Program Assistant
604-988-7115 ext. 2008
Fariba became a registered nurse in Austria, and has lived on the North Shore for 25 years.
She was working with geriatric patients in the private sector but was unable to continue following a car accident. Fariba became a volunteer for Capilano Community Services in 2007 and was soon recognized for her value to the organization, becoming an employee in 2008.
Fariba is passionate about working with seniors and loves to make their time in our programs joyful.
Chantal Pankratz
My Lions Gate Break Program Coordinator
604-988-7115 ext. 2008
Chantal was born and raised in Saskatchewan before moving to Vancouver for an Acting and Writing program. After graduation, she relocated to North Vancouver and managed an Airbnb, as well as started a cleaning company that catered primarily to seniors.
As the My Lions Gate Break (MLGB) Program Coordinator, Chantal is able to merge her skills in business administration with her love for seniors and the arts. Through engaging activities that take a holistic approach to well-being, she is excited to grow the program into an increasingly valuable resource for caregivers and individuals navigating the changes associated with dementia.
In her downtime, you'll find Chantal at the library with a good book or working on a screenplay, staying active at the nearest rec-centre, out on the ocean, or relaxing with friends and family.
Marjorie Somerton
Marjorie brings an extensive background in Seniors Programming, Heritage Interpretation and Communications.
She is excited to be part of the team and looks forward to connecting people in the community to rewarding new volunteer opportunities at Capilano Community Services. She believes that volunteers play a vital role and are worth their weight in gold.
Marjorie began her career in radio and is a natural storyteller. She has worked in a bunkhouse in the woods, a replica train station, and is now overlooking the gym in the new Lions Gate Community Recreation Centre.
Marjorie loves hot springs, walking forest trails and being close to the mountains and water. She enjoys train travel; character houses and winter is her favorite season.
Tanya Vipond
As a Program Development Coordinator Tanya is excited to contribute to the community; to develop and facilitate programs, creating opportunities for people to connect, collaborate and support one another. Tanya comes to Capilano Services with a background in supporting diverse populations in social and mental health through behavioural intervention, special education, counselling, coaching, teaching, program and curriculum creation and delivery.
Tanya spent many years travelling and teaching, developing a love of learning and connecting with members of diverse communities through work and volunteer activities. In her professional work she incorporates art and yoga, fitness, nutrition, and education as tools for both personal growth, well-being and facilitating community connections.
Tanya applies a simple philosophy in her work as in her personal life: shared experiences create opportunity for happiness, physical and psychological well-being. She looks forward to connecting with members of the community.
Yasmin Soliman
Yasmin is passionate about working with children and families.
Her education includes a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Marketing, and a certificate in Early Childhood Education. After moving to Canada, Yasmin worked as an educator and director of childcare at a private childcare center. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and ideas to her role with Capilano Community Services, to create and deliver the best environment and experiences for families and children through their early years.
Outside of work, Yasmin loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys playing basketball, exercising, travelling, and photography.
Xi Wu
Xi was born and raised in China, where she worked as a pediatrician's assistant for five years. She moved to the US and subsequently to Canada with her family in 2015 and fell in love with North Vancouver.
Xi’s entire career has centred around working with children. After moving to Canada, she obtained her Early Childhood Education Certificate (ECE) and worked at a variety of preschools, childcare centers, and summer camps. She has a passion for helping children and families build a strong foundation during the critical window of early childhood development. Xi brings her creativity and talents to our Family and Children’s Program where she can be found leading activities such as art, music, and circle time.
Outside of work, Xi loves spending time with her husband and two sons. She also enjoys travelling internationally, and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping
Nick Avery
Nick is passionate about working and connecting with at-risk youth, providing them support so they can thrive in the community.
Previously employed with the Vancouver School Board, he was responsible for reducing barriers to participation for vulnerable and underprivileged youth. He is skilled at creating a fun inclusive environment and fostering positive relationships to help youth reach their full potential.
Nick is a sports enthusiast. During his free time, you can find Nick on the basketball court or up the mountain skiing!
Jordan Pearmain
Jordan enjoys working with and connecting with at-risk and vulnerable youth, by being able to provide them a safe, supportive environment to get to know themselves and the community around them.
With a background in Social Work, prior to joining CCSS, Jordan worked for the North Vancouver School District building connections in the local high schools as a Youth Engagement Worker. She is also knowledgeable in the areas of mental health and substance use/harm reduction, having gained this experience with Vancouver Coastal Health. Jordan is enthusiastic about being able to support North Shore youth on the roller coaster ride that is growing up, and all the things that entails!
Jordan loves to be active and is a huge advocate for mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation. She loves to try new activities such as pottery, but also loves a good book, home cooked meals and taking it easy!
Lexy Atterton
Lexy is passionate about supporting and connecting with youth. Her education includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in Applied Psychology. While in university Lexy began volunteering with CCSS in their Family and Children’s Program and later went on to join them full time for a summer job, before joining the youth team. She has experience working with youth of all ages and is skilled in building connections with others. Lexy is dedicated to helping create a positive, uplifting, and inclusive environment at Capilano Community Services assisting youth to recognize and reach their full potential.
Outside of work Lexy loves playing her guitar, attending music performances, and going for hikes. She also enjoys travelling and visiting her family abroad in Australia.
Michael Cahal
Michael is passionate about supporting diverse youth and their families and is an advocate for those who often need their voices heard. He has worked with various demographics in the Burnaby, East Vancouver, and Downtown areas, both in recreational and nonprofit settings. He specializes in working within systems to facilitate change, and has experience working with refugee, immigrant, queer and disabled communities, assisting them to navigate challenges and change the narrative so they can thrive. Michael also has experience running afterschool care programs, as well as peer support programs for marginalized youth. He identifies as a pop culture geek and during his free time, you can find him discussing his favourite music, or superhero team, which comic book runs are the best, or what video games he is excited to play.