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About Us

Whether you’re looking for support, housing help, or someone to talk to — we’re here.

Our Mission

For over 50 years, Nanaimo Family Life Association has been helping individuals and families build healthy relationships — the heart of a strong, resilient community.

We offer personal and professional growth programs with respect, inclusion, and compassion, serving people of all ages in and around Nanaimo. Our approach helps participants recognize their strengths, make meaningful connections, and reach their full potential.

We believe in everyone’s capacity for growth, healing, and positive change.

No one is turned away for inability to pay — fees are on a sliding scale

Meet Our Management

At NFLA, our volunteers, staff, and board share one belief: healthy relationships build strong, resilient communities.

Deborah Hollins (she/her)

Executive Director

Deborah supports marginalized communities, fostering resilience, equity, and meaningful social change while staying connected to community and living a balanced, ethical life.

Cora Leschert (she/her)

Director of Programs

Cora is passionate about equitable mental health access. She loves beachcombing, baking, reading, and walks with her golden retriever.

Angela Turnbull (she/her)

Manager of Financial Services

Angela, passionate about diversity and equality, brings her Business Administration background and life experiences to support the community. She enjoys ocean views, family, dogs, and her crochet business.

Erika Gagnon (she/her)

Director of Shelters & Guest Services

Erika, with roots in Nanaimo and a background in palliative care and management, is passionate about community support, exploring nature, foraging, and creating change.

Gabriela Andrade (she/her)

HR Assistant

Gabby, originally from El Salvador, now calls Nanaimo home. She enjoys beach walks, connecting with loved ones, and discovering the city’s best croissants and coffee spots.

Meet The Team

At NFLA, our volunteers, staff, and board share one belief: healthy relationships build strong, resilient communities. In addition to the staff listed here, we also have a number of excellent and compassionate staff who work in our shelters and guest services. 

Jody Braybrook (she/her)

Shelter Coordinator

Jody, originally from Alberta, loves supporting vulnerable community members. As Winter Shelter Manager, she enjoys Vancouver Island’s nature and cherishing time with family and self-care.

Ardith Finnamore (she/her)

Counselling Coordinator & Program Developer

Ardith, an administrative manager, combines her psychology background with corporate experience to support community needs. She enjoys teamwork, helping others, and spending time with pets, friends, and changing hobbies.

Paige Plested (she/her)

Office Coordinator

Island-raised, Paige is inspired by helping others grow and thrive. She's happiest camping with family, playing volleyball, catching a concert or discovering new places to explore.

Roni Budgell (she/her)

Better at Home Coordinator

Roni, from Powell River, brings customer service and medical experience to NFLA. She loves family time, exploring, and reading with her cat Charlie.

Amber Knapman (she/her)

Community Connector

Amber joined NFLA after 15+ years in animal behavior and welfare. She loves helping people and enjoys hiking, skiing, and camping with her dogs.

Stefan Jaeger (he/him)

Program Coordinator (TAPS)

Stefan, a VIU Recreation & Tourism grad, brings public and non-profit experience to TAPS. He loves Island scenery, hockey, and Netflix.

Ellis McNewshiro (she/they)

Support Services Coordinator and Peer Support Facilitator

Ellis is a parent and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate. She facilitates our peer support groups (Gender Journeys and Transcend) and coordinates our transportation and meal delivery services.  Ellis enjoys gardening, reading and building community.

Luke Peterson (he/him)

Volunteer Coordinator

Luke is dedicated to supporting individuals and families in the community. Currently working towards a degree in psychology, Luke combines a deep passion for the field with a genuine desire to help others. Outside of work, Luke enjoys music, woodworking, and spending time with his cats.

A.J. Vaidya (he/him)

Program Coordinator Senior Housing and Navigational Ease Program (SHINE)

AJ draws on lived experience and healthcare expertise to support seniors facing housing insecurity. He loves strong coffee, travel, cooking, hiking, and creating meaningful, positive change in people’s lives.

Jasjit Sahota (she/her)

Program Assistant Senior Housing and Navigation Ease Program (SHINE)

Born in the Middle East, I’ve called Nanaimo home since university. I love the ocean, nature, learning, and embracing life’s adventures—let’s make waves together!

Laura Dawson (she/her)

Seniors Housing Information & Navigational Ease (S.H.I.N.E) Support and Outreach Coordinator

Laura, with roots in Australia and the Okanagan, loves building community and supporting equality. Off work, she’s often backpacking, gardening, or curled up with a good book.

Jessica Wilson (she/her)

Outreach Case Manager

With nearly 20 years supporting marginalized individuals, mainly in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, I enjoy family time, nature, cooking, and improving my tattooing skills.

Lorraine Dean (she/her)

Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable

I’ve come to truly appreciate the simple comforts of life. I’m a homebody at heart—there’s nothing better than watching the sunrise with a warm cup of coffee and ending the day curled up with a good TV series. These quiet moments, surrounded by peace and familiarity, bring me the most joy.

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Beverley Herd (she/her)

General Program Assistant

Beverley, a long-time Nanaimo resident, holds a BA in Sociology and Global Studies. She enjoys pets, kettlebell sport, and exploring Vancouver Island.

Alicia Campbell (she/her)

General Program Assistant

Alicia is passionate about mental wellness and community connection. She brings diverse experience to her role and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family on local trails and beaches.

Carson Zimmerman (he/him)

Food Services Assistant

I began my journey of helping others in 2008. From volunteering at soup kitchens, to my current role of ensuring that people who need a meal, will receive a meal"

Alisa Ouellette (she/her)

Housekeeping Service Provider - Better at Home

Alisa, a Prairie transplant to Nanaimo, has cleaned since her teens. She loves organizing spaces, exploring islands or abroad, researching family history, and spending time with her beloved cats.

Denisa Reyes (she/her)

Housekeeping Service Provider - Better at Home

Denisa, a nature lover with diverse experience, helps clients improve wellbeing through cleaning and organizing, while supporting self-healing, energy work, and her passion for Medicine Horses.

Debra Lawson (she/her)

Housekeeping Service Provider - Better at Home

I enjoy working for people who need a helping hand. Serving others. When I’m not working I’m knitting, which I give to people I love and kids as well as the unhoused. Spending time with friends and learning to paint. 

Lisa Smith (she/her)

Housekeeping Service Provider - Better at Home

Originally from Australia, I bring 25+ years in cleaning with genuine care. I love family, animals, gardening, baking, and adding a personal touch to everything I do.

How We Help

Whether you’re looking for support, housing help, or someone to talk to — we’re here.

Want to Make a Difference?

Whether you’re looking for support, housing help, or someone to talk to — we’re here.