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.

Tricia is a clinical counsellor in good standing with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, who has worked as a nurse and nurse educator in mental health for over 30 years in hospital and community settings.

Using a broad base of clinical experience, Tricia offers support to people living with Parkinson’s and their carepartners by addressing knowledge gaps, losses, trauma, mood imbalance, anxiety, and energy conservation.

Tricia integrates therapeutic modalities tailored to the needs of clients, including Somatic Experiencing (SE), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Transtheoretical Change Theory (TTM), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Three values guide Tricia’s practice: connection, growth, and balance.

Shelly is a registered physiotherapist in neurology with special interests in movement disorders, brain injuries, and facial and hand rehabilitation, and was previously a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist in the NHS. Shelly is currently Parkinson Society BC’s physiotherapist, leading provincial exercise programs, education outreach and the virtual physiotherapy service. She is a certified PD Warrior therapist and trainer and is on the Steering Committee of the World Parkinson Coalition’s Parkinson Ready Program.

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 is the current Board VP of Communications for the Greater Vancouver Association of Fundraising Professionals since 2022. 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.

Camila holds a degree in Communications from Simon Fraser University. Since 2018, she has gained valuable experience working with non-profit organizations, including The Hi-Five Movement and the Alzheimer Society of BC. Through her academic and professional journey, she has developed a passion for community engagement, particularly in events and fundraising. Camila finds fulfillment in creating meaningful connections and contributing to causes that make a positive impact.

Richard Mayede is a creative consultant who works with companies that need help with social media, marketing, web the design, video, and photography. He was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease in 2005, and from that point forward he was determined to be a source of positivity and encouragement. He first became involved with PSBC through fundraising for Parkinson SuperWalk in 2005. After over 10 years of fundraising for the event, he wanted to do more for people with Parkinson’s. In 2016, he asked and was accepted, to join PSBC’s Board of Directors. In 2017, 2018, and 2025 Richard acted as one of the faces of the Society’s awareness campaign, drawing attention to the many ways that the disease affects patients. His involvement in advocacy efforts in 2020 helped secure more operating room time for DBS surgeries in BC. In 2021, he had DBS surgery, which allowed him to win two consecutive grants in 2022 and 2023 to produce two documentary series based on people with Parkinson’s. He now serves as Secretary of the Board.