Our Team

Alana brings a diversity of professional experience with completion of a Bachelor of Arts – Political Science degree at the University of British Columbia, followed by a Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Victoria, and Marketing Management – Public Relations studies at BCIT.

Her professional experience includes helping geriatric and other vulnerable populations in several community-based social service settings, counseling, case management, as well as facilitation of psychoeducational groups for mental health, preventative health, and recovery. She was involved in government pilot projects to address the needs of vulnerable populations, developed and led community initiatives, and planned events to draw public awareness to various social issues. Her most recent work includes her role as an educator for eight years in the healthcare field, teaching a Social Service Worker diploma program to train students to work in the field.

Alexandra graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in health, disease, and genetics, and has contributed published work in this field of study. Following graduation, Alexandra was involved with various non-profit organizations in programs that provided mental, social, and physical support services to seniors and other vulnerable populations across Canada. Further to this, she worked at a long-term care facility, exploring healthcare challenges, social determinants of health, and addressing how healthcare needs could be met in the local community.

Corrina is a registered social worker in good standing with the BC College of Social Work. She has both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in social work from McGill University.

Corrina has worked with individuals experiencing a range of mental health struggles, movement disorders and life transitions, such as coping with a new chronic illness diagnosis. She integrates a mindfulness and strength-based approach and through collaboration aims to create a space of self-compassion for all clients when providing short-term counselling and/or healthcare navigation.

Corrina frequently draws from various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Alicia has over 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, building a diverse skill set in marketing, communications, program development, and technical project management. She began her non-profit journey in an agency environment supporting over 20 associations, where she focused on social media, web presence, and marketing strategies. As a product manager for a SaaS platform, she developed technical training materials, led quality assurance (QA) initiatives, and managed client-specific application builds, solidifying her technical expertise.

Before entering the non-profit world, Alicia worked with the Government of Canada, supporting funding programs and coordinating the distribution of promotional materials province-wide.

For the past decade, she has been an integral part of Parkinson Society BC, contributing across all departments. Her work has included planning advocacy campaigns, leading awareness efforts, streamlining programs and services delivery, and enhancing tracking systems. Deeply inspired by the resilience of the Parkinson’s community, she draws strength from their courage as she navigates her own health challenges.

Alicia holds an Honours Degree in Communications with a minor in Publishing from Simon Fraser University, specializing in critical media studies. Recently, she has been exploring responsible applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on transparency and reducing bias in emerging technologies.

Mirela graduated from Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business with a degree in Business Administration in 2016. Throughout her undergraduate years, she pursued her passion for making a meaningful impact by working with several nonprofit organizations. Since 2016, Mirela has been with Parkinson Society BC, where she started in events and fundraising. Over the years, she has taken on various roles within the Society, transitioning into marketing and communications. Her extensive experience in the nonprofit sector has allowed her to make a significant contribution to the organization.

Michelle is a dedicated longstanding fundraising and development professional having worked primarily in the non-profit sector.  She brings a wealth of knowledge from her previous roles such as The Belonging Network, PHS Community Services Society, Vancouver Public Library Foundation and Emily Carr University.  Her focus throughout her career is an ongoing commitment to raise awareness, financial support, and increased engagement.

Along with fundraising Michelle has a background in communications and for the past two and half years served on the Board of the Greater Vancouver Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as VP of Communications.  She has also mentored junior fundraisers in the AFP and credits some of her career growth from the many educational workshops and close-knit relationships she has formed with other members. 

Michelle has been fortunate to work with talented leadership, boards, committees, and colleagues, all passionate about the work and volunteerism they bring to the organization.  In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, travel, singing, podcasts, macrame, cooking and beach walks.

Susan has over 20 years of experience working in the non-profit sector, utilizing her knowledge of Raisers Edge and office administration. Prior to joining Parkinson Society BC, she worked at the Rick Hansen Foundation in the newly created School Program supporting over 2000+ schools.

 Prior to working in the non-profit sector, Susan worked as the Executive Assistant to the President and Corporate Secretary of the Law Society of British Columbia where she supported the President, Executive Committee, the Board and the Corporate Secretary in the work of governing the legal profession. She has over 20 years of Administrative experience that she brings to her current role with Parkinson Society BC.

 She has been an integral part of the Parkinson Society BC team for the past 11 years lending her expertise across all teams.