Our staff includes audiologists, interpreters, sign language experts, speech-reading professionals and more. We work together to help bridge communication gaps, improve hearing health, and connect individuals with meaningful employment opportunities.
Alex Walker
Manager of Family & Community Services
Alli Guberney
Administration Associate
Allison Sands
Services Booking Coordinator
Amanda Windle
Outreach & Client Services Coordinator
Cheryl Barrett
Accountant
Denise Robertson
Executive Director
Edward Storzer
Audiologist
Grace Cantle
Operations & Client Services Coordinator
Janet McDonald
Employment Advisor
Kim Dillon
Employment Case Manager
Kristi Falconer
Manager of Communication Services
Kristina Guévremont
Digital Communication Specialist
Leslee Scott
Manager of Family & Community Services
Stephanie Renaas
Audiologist
Susanne Harnden
Community Outreach
Alex Walker
Manager of Family & Community Services
Alex is IDHHC’s longest serving employee having worked from both offices for a total of 25 years! Alex is the Manager of Family and Community Services in Nanaimo. Prior to joining IDHHC, Alex had worked at WIDHH in Employment Services, at Canadian Hearing Society in their CONNECT Counselling Services, as a Staffing Assistant/Interpreter with the Federal government, and for Carousel Theatre as an Interpreter for their mainstage productions. Alex holds a M.Ed in counselling, and is a Registered Sign Language Interpreter. Alex appreciates learning from and supporting the variety of individuals that come into IDHHC. She believes that the helping relationship is an experience of mutual learning, and that when individuals are valued and included, society as a whole benefits from their participation. Alex finds balance through the practice and discipline of yoga, through time spent in nature, and through valued relationships with friends and family.
Alli has a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University, where she minored in American Sign Language. She has over a decade of experience working in customer service. Prior to joining IDHHC, Alli was the Production Administrator for Tilray Canada LTD. Alli has long admired IDHHC and first heard about the agency in 2015 from her ASL professor at Carleton. Since then, it has always been a goal of Alli’s to work for the agency and she is so grateful to be in her role. In her spare time, Alli enjoys exploring Vancouver Island with her wife. Hailing from Ontario originally, the novelty and beauty of Vancouver Island and the Pacific never fades for Alli.
Allison is our Services Booking Coordinator, who works remotely from her home in Vancouver. Allison comes to IDHHC with 20 years of interpreting experience in community, post-secondary, medical, mental health, and VRS settings. She is also a TypeWell transcriber and has an educational background in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. In her spare time, Allison loves spending time with her family and friends, travelling, exploring nature, and enjoying great food with great people.
Amanda Windle
Outreach & Client Services Coordinator
Amanda spent twenty years working as an educator, education assistant, and community support worker where she planned and implemented a variety of programs for people of diverse ages and abilities. She also spent six years in a private audiology setting where she provided clinic support and administration services. Amanda is very excited to be in this role at IDHHC where she can build relationships with clients while supporting them in accessing the resources and tools available to them. During her time off, Amanda can be found exploring and photographing the many beaches and trails of Vancouver Island.
Cheryl is IDHHC’s Accountant/Bookkeeper, she manages the financial part of IDHHC. She has 12 years of accounting experience and has mainly worked in non-profit organizations for the past 8 years. Cheryl is pleased to be a part of this organization that’s making a positive difference in the community. She is driven by her passion to make the world a better and more beautiful place. Cheryl loves creating art, playing strategy games, reading and (new during COVID) virtually travelling around the world through walking challenges.
Denise Robertson
Executive Director
Denise is the Executive Director at IDHHC and moved to Victoria in 1992 to carry on her career in Community Development. As well as being an event management consultant, over the years she dedicated her energies to fundraising with non-profits that include local as well as national health care, education and conservation organizations. Denise has always placed high value on being part of a community and the opportunity to give back. Her work at IDHHC drives that passion of working with the staff team, volunteers and stakeholders to make a difference. When not at the office she makes time for reading, fishing, golfing and travelling.
Edward is an audiologist at IDHHC. He earned his Master’s degree in Audiology at the University of British Columbia in 2002, where his published research focused on auditory processing in older adults. Before coming to IDHHC, he spent 17 years in private practice with extensive experience in hearing aid technology and aural rehabilitation. He also provides hearing healthcare and in-service education at residences and care facilities for seniors. Edward is a clinical instructor for UBC Audiology students. He thrives on working with clients at IDHHC and in the community to improve lives through better hearing and communication, using the latest technologies in hearing assessment and hearing loss treatment. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking with his family, playing ball hockey, and playing music with friends.
Grace works as the Operations and Client Services Coordinator at IDHHC. Grace has worked in the nonprofit sector coordinating various education and health programs for the past 6 years. Grace has an educational background in geriatric and community nursing. Grace enjoys supporting the wide range of services IDHHC has to offer and is passionate about diversity and helping clients access services. When not at the office she enjoys biking, hiking, and learning about food sustainability.
Janet is IDHHC’s Employment Advisor in Nanaimo. She has enjoyed putting her Psychology degree, H.R. Diploma, Life Coaching, and Career Development training to work in her 10+ year career in Employment Services and 12 years as a non-profit Executive Director. Janet values kindness and service to others, and therefore finds great satisfaction in helping people in her role at IDHHC. When she is not working at IDHHC as an Employment Counsellor, Janet keeps busy as a self-employed visual artist who enjoys bringing beauty into people’s lives in the form of paintings and fine art home décor.
Kim is IDHHC’s South Island WorkBC Employment Case Manager. She has been in the employment services field for twenty years, serving Job Seekers in the Capital Region as a Case Manager, Job Developer, Workshop Facilitator, and Customized Employment Developer. Kim is thrilled to be working with IDHHC again, after serving as a Hearing Loss Resource Assistant in 2014/2015. Kim enjoys helping job seekers clarify and reach their career goals. She is also passionate about empowering job seekers to feel valued in the workplace while helping employers understand the benefits of a diverse workforce. In her spare time, Kim enjoys hiking, stand up paddle boarding, baking, and gardening.
Kristi is IDHHC’s Communication Services Manager and Interpreting/Captioning Coordinator. For the past 25 years, Kristi has worked as a Registered Sign Language Interpreter on Vancouver Island. She also coordinated Interpreting/Captioning services and worked as a Student Advisor at the University of Victoria for 12 years. Kristi enjoys connecting with the diverse range of clients that come in to the agency. She is passionate about creating barrier-free environments and empowering individuals. She is committed to social justice, equality, and has her own non-profit organization supporting children and families in Tanzania. She loves travelling, exploring, and spending time outdoors.
Kristina is our Digital Communication Specialist. She is responsible for managing IDHHC’s website, social media platforms, and graphic design needs. Kristina has been doing graphic design work for over 20 years. She is culturally Deaf and hails from a military family, she has moved all over the country as she grew up. Most of Kristina’s childhood was spent in Kingston, Ontario and she now proudly calls Victoria home. In her spare time, she absolutely loves exploring nature, relaxing at home with her rambunctious yet affectionate cat Magnus, and living life!
Leslee Scott
Manager of Family & Community Services
Leslee is IDHHC’s Manager of Family & Community Services in the Victoria office. Throughout her career working with Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, Leslee has worked in different employment/rehabilitation & general counselling positions at the Canadian Hearing Society in Ontario and Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Vancouver and Kelowna. She was also self-employed in Kelowna as a Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant with contracts throughout BC & Canada with different Ministries and with the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA). She enjoys meeting with people who come to IDHHC seeking assistance and helping to connect them with resources in their communities. She is passionate about teaching people about hearing awareness, communication, accessibility, technology and self- advocacy. Through individuals, we can impact the community-at-large. Leslee enjoys walking, pilates/yoga, reading, travel, paint-nights, cooking and live theatre.
Stephanie is the Audiologist in our Nanaimo office. She earned her Master’s Degree in Audiology and Speech Sciences from UBC in 2016. Before joining IDHHC, she spent four years in private practice focusing on hearing aid technology, community education, and aural rehabilitation. Born with a severe to profound congenital hearing loss, Stephanie understands the barriers of human connectedness that individuals face on a daily basis and is driven to do all she can to improve the quality of life for each client she works with using the latest technology and research available. Being a former IDHHC client herself, she is excited to give back to the agency in her role as an Audiologist. She has spent many years volunteering as a role model for d/Deaf youth as well as working with families to improve their ASL skills. In her spare time, Stephanie loves being outside hiking, camping, and gardening as well as spending as much time as she can horseback riding.
Susanne works in the Family and Community service area as a Deaf Community Outreach Worker and ASL Instructor. With her Community Support Worker Certificate she has spent 25 years of her career working as a Support Worker in various roles. Susanne is passionate about providing ASL Instruction services to families with Deaf children and youth, and supporting Deaf adults in the community. She is dedicated to supporting and improving communication within families so that Deaf family members are included. She wants to see better access and inclusive environments in the greater community for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals going about their day-to-day lives. Susanne has been involved in SVIAD (South Vancouver Island of Association of the Deaf) for over 30 years in various roles such as President, Membership and now Secretary/Treasurer.
Our Team
Our staff includes audiologists, interpreters, sign language experts, speech-reading professionals and more. We work together to help bridge communication gaps, improve hearing health, and connect individuals with meaningful employment opportunities.
Alex Walker
Manager of Family & Community Services
Alli Guberney
Administration Associate
Allison Sands
Services Booking Coordinator
Amanda Windle
Outreach & Client Services Coordinator
Cheryl Barrett
Accountant
Denise Robertson
Executive Director
Edward Storzer
Audiologist
Grace Cantle
Operations & Client Services Coordinator
Janet McDonald
Employment Advisor
Kim Dillon
Employment Case Manager
Kristi Falconer
Manager of Communication Services
Kristina Guévremont
Digital Communication Specialist
Leslee Scott
Manager of Family & Community Services
Stephanie Renaas
Audiologist
Susanne Harnden
Community Outreach
Alex Walker
Manager of Family & Community Services
Alex is IDHHC’s longest serving employee having worked from both offices for a total of 25 years! Alex is the Manager of Family and Community Services in Nanaimo. Prior to joining IDHHC, Alex had worked at WIDHH in Employment Services, at Canadian Hearing Society in their CONNECT Counselling Services, as a Staffing Assistant/Interpreter with the Federal government, and for Carousel Theatre as an Interpreter for their mainstage productions. Alex holds a M.Ed in counselling, and is a Registered Sign Language Interpreter. Alex appreciates learning from and supporting the variety of individuals that come into IDHHC. She believes that the helping relationship is an experience of mutual learning, and that when individuals are valued and included, society as a whole benefits from their participation. Alex finds balance through the practice and discipline of yoga, through time spent in nature, and through valued relationships with friends and family.
Alli Guberney
Administration Associate
Alli has a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University, where she minored in American Sign Language. She has over a decade of experience working in customer service. Prior to joining IDHHC, Alli was the Production Administrator for Tilray Canada LTD. Alli has long admired IDHHC and first heard about the agency in 2015 from her ASL professor at Carleton. Since then, it has always been a goal of Alli’s to work for the agency and she is so grateful to be in her role. In her spare time, Alli enjoys exploring Vancouver Island with her wife. Hailing from Ontario originally, the novelty and beauty of Vancouver Island and the Pacific never fades for Alli.
Allison Sands
Services Booking Coordinator
Allison is our Services Booking Coordinator, who works remotely from her home in Vancouver. Allison comes to IDHHC with 20 years of interpreting experience in community, post-secondary, medical, mental health, and VRS settings. She is also a TypeWell transcriber and has an educational background in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. In her spare time, Allison loves spending time with her family and friends, travelling, exploring nature, and enjoying great food with great people.
Amanda Windle
Outreach & Client Services Coordinator
Amanda spent twenty years working as an educator, education assistant, and community support worker where she planned and implemented a variety of programs for people of diverse ages and abilities. She also spent six years in a private audiology setting where she provided clinic support and administration services. Amanda is very excited to be in this role at IDHHC where she can build relationships with clients while supporting them in accessing the resources and tools available to them. During her time off, Amanda can be found exploring and photographing the many beaches and trails of Vancouver Island.
Cheryl Barrett
Accountant
Cheryl is IDHHC’s Accountant/Bookkeeper, she manages the financial part of IDHHC. She has 12 years of accounting experience and has mainly worked in non-profit organizations for the past 8 years. Cheryl is pleased to be a part of this organization that’s making a positive difference in the community. She is driven by her passion to make the world a better and more beautiful place. Cheryl loves creating art, playing strategy games, reading and (new during COVID) virtually travelling around the world through walking challenges.
Denise Robertson
Executive Director
Denise is the Executive Director at IDHHC and moved to Victoria in 1992 to carry on her career in Community Development. As well as being an event management consultant, over the years she dedicated her energies to fundraising with non-profits that include local as well as national health care, education and conservation organizations. Denise has always placed high value on being part of a community and the opportunity to give back. Her work at IDHHC drives that passion of working with the staff team, volunteers and stakeholders to make a difference. When not at the office she makes time for reading, fishing, golfing and travelling.
Edward Storzer
Audiologist
Edward is an audiologist at IDHHC. He earned his Master’s degree in Audiology at the University of British Columbia in 2002, where his published research focused on auditory processing in older adults. Before coming to IDHHC, he spent 17 years in private practice with extensive experience in hearing aid technology and aural rehabilitation. He also provides hearing healthcare and in-service education at residences and care facilities for seniors. Edward is a clinical instructor for UBC Audiology students. He thrives on working with clients at IDHHC and in the community to improve lives through better hearing and communication, using the latest technologies in hearing assessment and hearing loss treatment. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking with his family, playing ball hockey, and playing music with friends.
Grace Cantle
Operations & Client Services Coordinator
Grace works as the Operations and Client Services Coordinator at IDHHC. Grace has worked in the nonprofit sector coordinating various education and health programs for the past 6 years. Grace has an educational background in geriatric and community nursing. Grace enjoys supporting the wide range of services IDHHC has to offer and is passionate about diversity and helping clients access services. When not at the office she enjoys biking, hiking, and learning about food sustainability.
Janet McDonald
Employment Advisor
Janet is IDHHC’s Employment Advisor in Nanaimo. She has enjoyed putting her Psychology degree, H.R. Diploma, Life Coaching, and Career Development training to work in her 10+ year career in Employment Services and 12 years as a non-profit Executive Director. Janet values kindness and service to others, and therefore finds great satisfaction in helping people in her role at IDHHC. When she is not working at IDHHC as an Employment Counsellor, Janet keeps busy as a self-employed visual artist who enjoys bringing beauty into people’s lives in the form of paintings and fine art home décor.
Kim Dillon
Employment Case Manager
Kim is IDHHC’s South Island WorkBC Employment Case Manager. She has been in the employment services field for twenty years, serving Job Seekers in the Capital Region as a Case Manager, Job Developer, Workshop Facilitator, and Customized Employment Developer. Kim is thrilled to be working with IDHHC again, after serving as a Hearing Loss Resource Assistant in 2014/2015. Kim enjoys helping job seekers clarify and reach their career goals. She is also passionate about empowering job seekers to feel valued in the workplace while helping employers understand the benefits of a diverse workforce. In her spare time, Kim enjoys hiking, stand up paddle boarding, baking, and gardening.
Kristi Falconer
Manager of Communication Services
Kristi is IDHHC’s Communication Services Manager and Interpreting/Captioning Coordinator. For the past 25 years, Kristi has worked as a Registered Sign Language Interpreter on Vancouver Island. She also coordinated Interpreting/Captioning services and worked as a Student Advisor at the University of Victoria for 12 years. Kristi enjoys connecting with the diverse range of clients that come in to the agency. She is passionate about creating barrier-free environments and empowering individuals. She is committed to social justice, equality, and has her own non-profit organization supporting children and families in Tanzania. She loves travelling, exploring, and spending time outdoors.
Kristina Guévremont
Digital Communication Specialist
Kristina is our Digital Communication Specialist. She is responsible for managing IDHHC’s website, social media platforms, and graphic design needs. Kristina has been doing graphic design work for over 20 years. She is culturally Deaf and hails from a military family, she has moved all over the country as she grew up. Most of Kristina’s childhood was spent in Kingston, Ontario and she now proudly calls Victoria home. In her spare time, she absolutely loves exploring nature, relaxing at home with her rambunctious yet affectionate cat Magnus, and living life!
Leslee Scott
Manager of Family & Community Services
Leslee is IDHHC’s Manager of Family & Community Services in the Victoria office. Throughout her career working with Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, Leslee has worked in different employment/rehabilitation & general counselling positions at the Canadian Hearing Society in Ontario and Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Vancouver and Kelowna. She was also self-employed in Kelowna as a Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant with contracts throughout BC & Canada with different Ministries and with the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA). She enjoys meeting with people who come to IDHHC seeking assistance and helping to connect them with resources in their communities. She is passionate about teaching people about hearing awareness, communication, accessibility, technology and self- advocacy. Through individuals, we can impact the community-at-large. Leslee enjoys walking, pilates/yoga, reading, travel, paint-nights, cooking and live theatre.
Stephanie Renaas
Audiologist
Stephanie is the Audiologist in our Nanaimo office. She earned her Master’s Degree in Audiology and Speech Sciences from UBC in 2016. Before joining IDHHC, she spent four years in private practice focusing on hearing aid technology, community education, and aural rehabilitation. Born with a severe to profound congenital hearing loss, Stephanie understands the barriers of human connectedness that individuals face on a daily basis and is driven to do all she can to improve the quality of life for each client she works with using the latest technology and research available. Being a former IDHHC client herself, she is excited to give back to the agency in her role as an Audiologist. She has spent many years volunteering as a role model for d/Deaf youth as well as working with families to improve their ASL skills. In her spare time, Stephanie loves being outside hiking, camping, and gardening as well as spending as much time as she can horseback riding.
Susanne Harnden
Community Outreach
Susanne works in the Family and Community service area as a Deaf Community Outreach Worker and ASL Instructor. With her Community Support Worker Certificate she has spent 25 years of her career working as a Support Worker in various roles. Susanne is passionate about providing ASL Instruction services to families with Deaf children and youth, and supporting Deaf adults in the community. She is dedicated to supporting and improving communication within families so that Deaf family members are included. She wants to see better access and inclusive environments in the greater community for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals going about their day-to-day lives. Susanne has been involved in SVIAD (South Vancouver Island of Association of the Deaf) for over 30 years in various roles such as President, Membership and now Secretary/Treasurer.