Our Team

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nina is our Digital Communication Specialist. She is responsible for managing IDHHC’s website, social media platforms, and graphic design needs. Nina 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 Nina’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!

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.