Staff: Metis Community Services employs 10 full-time staff. These positions include Executive Director, 3 Family Support Workers and 1 Supervisor, 2 Family Group Conferencing facilitators, 1 Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) Key Worker, an Executive Assistant and Receptionist.
Volunteers: A number of volunteers assist at cultural gatherings. In addition, a retired social worker is available for volunteer consultation and a volunteer genealogist assists individuals in finding their Metis families and their cultural connections.
We welcome you to meet the staff:
Family Support Workers
Nicole Daigle, LPN, Human Services Diploma, BA (CYC)
I was born in Quebec City. My first language is French, so most people recognize me by my accent. When I was 20 years old, I came to Vancouver to learn English where I met my British husband and raised my two wonderful boys. My career has ranged from Nursing to Teaching to Child and Family Counsellor. Currently I am a Family Support Worker at Métis Community Services where I am an enthusiastic advocate for our clients and our adopted Métis children. I take great happiness in the successes of the people I work with.
I have a pioneer soul. I love beginnings and pilot projects such as when I coordinated and taught a Resident Care Attendant Program in French colleges in Victoria, Whitehorse, Nanaimo and Vancouver. I made CBC News because it was the first course at the college level which was available in French in British Columbia.
I love music, comedy, a good book, my white cat, and indoor plants.
Natalia Richardson, B.Sc., B.S.W.
I am a first-generation Canadian of mixed ethnicity. My mother and her extended family raised my brother and me in Quebec and in B.C. I completed my bachelor of science at UVIC and my social work training at UNBC. I began working in the community with children and families 16 years ago. I also have 7 years experience working various support roles for the Provincial Health Services Authority and the B.C. Cancer Agency.
I enjoy working at MCS and am grateful for the supportive team, the wonderful family preservation mandate, and the sheer determination and incredible perseverance I perceive in the children and families I serve. I also helped launch a youth drop-in program streamlined towards Metis youth from 14-19 years of age. It is both an honour and a pleasure to be serving Metis people.
When I’m not at work, I am most likely playing soccer somewhere in the Victoria area, am holed up with a book and/or my cat, or am visiting with some of my amazing family and friends. Peace
Maureen Gent, Social Services Diploma, BSW
I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. In my early twenties I travelled to Europe and never looked back. Eventually, I decided on the Canary Islands as my home. Ten years and two beautiful daughters later, I chose Victoria, B.C. (I like islands) as our home.
With fifteen years in the social work field, my experience has primarily been serving children and families as well as youth guardianship. After a break to pursue other interests I have returned to enjoy the variety that this work brings. When I’m not advocating on other’s behalf I am busy with my family, friends and pets.
I believe it is a privilege to work with Metis families and take responsibility for providing the best services possible. I am committed to making sure other voices are heard. With the support of my team members, I am incorporating new techniques and approaches in my practice.
Making a positive difference in someone’s life – now that’s inspiring
Family Group Conference Coordinator
Elena Vojakina, BSW
My name is Elena. I was born in Saint-Petersburg, Russia and immigrated to Canada in 1999. After high school, I studied business administration and worked as a marketing manager for a small private company. During that time, I was doing volunteer work for various community organizations and became interested in human and social development. To pursue my new interest, I gained a BA in social psychology with specialization in group therapy and privately practiced as a family/couple’s counsellor.
I have been living in Victoria for the past 5 years enjoying its beautiful scenery and friendly people. I studied Social Work at the University of Victoria and have been privileged to find employment with Métis Community Services where I serve as a Family Group Conference Coordinator promoting collaborative decision making and family preservation and reunification for children and youth.
In my free time I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and a little bit of gardening.
Alicia Allard
I am a person of mixed Aboriginal-European ancestry. My birth-mother is Aboriginal, with a mix of Ojibwee and Cree blood. My maternal birth family extends from the Bigcanoe family on Georgina Island, Ontario, and my birth-father is of Italian decent. Therefore, I understand and indentify myself to be Metis. Needless to say, my search for family connections continues.
Born and raised in Ontario, I eventually have made my way “home” to Metchosin, B.C. I cannot help but grow more and more appreciative for having the opportunity to be surrounded by, and accessible to the most immaculate and beautiful natural world that I could ever imagine. It is like and ever-lasting dream, to intimately know this place that is filled with record-setting ancient trees, the readily moving sea, and the magical systems encompassed within the wilderness.
With and Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work, my plans for continuing my education in the socio-psycho field are within arms reach. I am happy and proud to be working with Métis Community Services as a Family Support Worker. I very much value the relationships that are built within our community, and enjoy the learning as it is a wonderful life-long journey.
FASD KEY Worker
Mona Carlson, First Nations Family Support Worker Program, FASD Certificate
I am of Qualicum descent on my dad’s side, and Musqueam descent on my mom’s side. I am very proud that I have two children who have grown to be positive contributors to society: my daughter is a resource social worker; my son has just received his degree in anthropology and is now completing his law degree at UBC.
I have resided on Coast Salish Territory for about ten years.
My goal is to be the difference in helping make a paradigm shift happen in society while serving those affected by or living with FASD.
My hobbies are reading, crocheting and watching sports.
ALL MY RELATIONS
Cultural and Community Liaison
Rebecca Mabee, Indigenous Specialization BSW
I am Métis of Cree/French and Cree/English ancestry on my father's side. We originated from Manitoba and Saskatchewan. I have lived on beautiful Vancouver Island for 24 years now and would not want to live any where else. Thank you to the Coast Salish Territory. I am very proud to be a Métis.
I am married and have 2 daughters (13 and 5). I enjoy a good book and a good laugh. When I'm not reading or laughing, I take kickboxing lessons.
Team Leader
Susan Williams BA (Honours), B.ED, BSW, MSW
I am serving as the Metis Community Services Team Leader. I was born in Comox and returned to Vancouver Island three years ago after a 25 year hiatus in Nova Scotia, Haida Gwaii and Costa Rica where I lived, studied and practiced social work from a social justice and humanistic perspective. I am attracted to out of the way places and the people who live there. I am fortunate to have lived in international parks on two different continents amongst inhabitants who claim occupancy since time immemorial. I have earned up formal degrees along the way and I am registered for private practice as a Social Worker in BC. I live on the Saanich Peninsula where sometimes the natural beauty takes my breath away. I have a daughter who delights me.
Administrative Assistant
Linda Cochrane
I was born in a small prairie community, Three Hills, Alberta. Determined to move to the West Coast and live by the ocean my parents loaded up their 5 children, pets and worldly possessions and made Victoria their home.
I was raised in the Western Communities enjoying the freedom and lifestyle of rural living. I graduated from Belmont High School receiving honors in business and pursed a career in accounting.
After travelling Europe, exploring Hawaii and becoming a weekend sailor my next challenge and most rewarding part of my life has been raising my sons. Sunday is my favourite day of the week as we still gather with our family for dinner to share our weekly events. My passions include my love for horses, alpine skiing and gardening,.....not to mention home renovating.