YANA Executive

Diane Morris, President

Diane is President and Executive Director as well as the founder of YANA. A Canadian who moved to California in 1987, and worked for large corporations as Relocation Manager. While living there she joined the Board of Directors and began volunteering with her Pomeranian/Chihuahua Hank for LITA (Love Is The Answer) in San Rafael in 2001. When Diane retired in 2002 after working for 37 years she moved to Nanaimo to start YANA. Diane has
volunteered for many non-profits both in Calgary and California, and continues to serve on committees at her church, is secretary on a micro-board and assists the United Way and is a member of KAIROS. She believes we can all make a difference.
 

Vicki Calder, Treasurer

Born in Calgary Alberta and moved to Nanaimo 12 years ago. She worked with visually impaired students for 7 years with the Calgary Board of Education. After her relocation to Nanaimo she worked for CNIB as their Vision Specialist. She then started her own business, Reveal Living, providing education, assessment and equipment for people experiencing vision
difficulties that cannot be improved with glasses or surgery.
She is also involved with Altrusa, a high profile group that plays a leading role in improving life in the community, Friends of the Library Harbourfront Branch, Seniors Serving Seniors, and chairperson for Seeing Caucus, a group of concerned citizens working with the BC Government to improve services for Blind and Visually impaired individuals. Vicki believes in community, standing up for what one believes and working relationships for the betterment of those around us.

Shirley Stright, Secretary

 Shirley Stright is the secretary of the society and is also, along with her Pomeranian Stormy, a YANA volunteer. After retiring from a thirty-five year career with RBC Financial Group, Shirley moved to Nanaimo in 2005. She is an active member of Altrusa International of Nanaimo and is on the Parish Council and serves as Treasurer of St. James Anglican Church.

Doreen Hagen, Director

Doreen Hagen was an Administrative Assistant for 35 years before her retirement in 2005. Doreen joined YANA, in January, 2006. Doreen, and her dog Tinkerbelle, visit a resident at the Nanaimo Seniors Village. At the present time, Doreen visits with a lady who is wheelchair bound with MS. Everyone at the Village knows Tinkerbelle, and Tinkerbelle enjoys her visits to the Village where the staff and other residents make a fuss of her. Doreen became a member of the Board of Directors in November, 2009. Doreen has been a volunteer at The Port Theatre, in Nanaimo, since it opened in 1998, and also relieves the receptionist on Mondays from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Doreen has been the secretary for the district and area for Canadian Calorie Counters for the past 20 years. In her spare time, Doreen enjoys playing cards, especially bridge.

Monthip Sukree, Director

Monthip Sukree came from Thailand and has 3 children and 2 grandchildren.  She moved from Ottawa to Nanaimo 6 years ago with her partner, to be close to his father and mother who were aging.  For the past year they have looked after his father, until he passed away recently. Mon’s talents range from hosting Thai food parties for her friends and neighbours to cooking in restaurants and has a real passion for learning new things.
 

Sharon Richmond, Director

Sharon Richmond is a retired school teacher and administrator from Winnipeg. Since moving to Nanaimo in 2002 she has been involved with the Heart & Stroke Foundation as a neighbourhood canvasser and team leader. She ishappy to be a part of YANA in supporting their good work in the community

 

Susan Muirhead, Director

Susan Muirhead is a healthcare professional with over 30 years of management experience including 15 years at a senior management level in the rehabilitation field.  She has worked in a broad range of urban and rural health service delivery systems and academic settings including acute care, rehabilitation, community health, continuing care and the private sector primarily within the Edmonton region.  She has managed multiple programs and services including inpatient and outpatient services, healthcare professions, rehabilitation technology and research programs. As well, she has developed successful partnerships with hospital Foundations, post-secondary institutions, community agencies and industry with a focus on securing external support and funding for a variety of patient-focused initiatives.
In December 2007, Susan semi-retired and relocated to Nanaimo with her husband where she has continued to work in healthcare as a consultant. Most recently, she provided project management leadership to the redesign of services for seniors within Vancouver Coastal Health and for the preparation of a $25 Million Networks for Centres of Excellence grant application related to the care of older adults with acutely compromised health.