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 is the Executive Director at IDHHC, landing in Victoria in 1992 from the mainland. As well as being a private event management consultant, she has dedicated her energies to raising significant funds for local and national health care initiatives, post-secondary institutes 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 would love to be travelling all of the time. 

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. 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. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking with his family, playing ball hockey, and playing music with friends. 

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. 

Jon is a member of the Employment Services Team providing technology support to assist clients accessing services. He has extensive experience supporting people with developmental disabilities to access technical resources to integrate into community. He has a passion for helping people and is an active volunteer community counsellor. Jon completed 3 years of VISTA ASL, and having a culturally Deaf family member, he brings a strong understanding of Deaf culture to his role. When not working, you can find Jon taking walks with his wife, in front of a chess board or in the kitchen puttering around with new recipes! 

Kim is IDHHC’s South Island WorkBC Employment Case Manager and returns to IDHHC after working with us in 2014/2015. 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 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 into 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. 

Ocean joined IDHHC in 2023 after recently graduating from UVic’s history department. She grew up in East Vancouver and has a background working in integrated health clinics. She is passionate about doing work that gives back to the community and aspires to create an environment where everyone is treated with the care that they deserve. She is very excited for the opportunity to work with the IDHHC team and community! When not at work, Ocean loves to cook, sing, and write. 

Patrick earned his master’s degree in Audiology from Dalhousie University in 2016.  Following graduation, he worked for two years as the regional audiologist for the Qikiqtaaluq (Baffin) region of Nunavut, flying to hamlets across the region for travel clinics. Following his time in Nunavut, he moved to the opposite side of Canada’s north, serving as an audiologist for the Government of Yukon in Whitehorse for four years. Pat has always enjoyed the landscapes of Vancouver Island and is excited to explore them further by bike, foot, and car. He also enjoys playing sports, listening to music and podcasts, and reading. 

Born and raised in Victoria, Sydney joined the IDHHC team in 2023 while completing her Bachelor of History Degree from the UVic, specializing in 17-18th Century England, women’s history, and intersectionality. With employment experience in customer service and administrative roles, Sydney believes in creating warm and inviting environments, fostering kindness and compassion above all. Outside of work, Sydney loves to dance, paint with watercolor, spend time with her dog – but she also loves to travel! So far, she has travelled to 18 different countries and hopes to continue to grow that number in the years to come. 

In April 2024 Zahra Bhaijee  joined our team as a booking coordinator to provide interpreting and captioning services. Previously Zahra provided education for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing, both in schools and communities. She's been involved with various organizations, showing her dedication to accessibility and education. Outside of work, Zahra is passionate about providing ASL to parents with deaf or hard of hearing children, specifically teaching those who use English as a second language. Zahra enjoys collecting wall art and proudly displays pieces from the many Deaf and Hard of Hearing artists she meets, and also enjoys documentaries and real-life movies.  

Jameson came to IDHHC with extensive customer service experiences in legal, insurance, automotive industries.

He has a degree in Business Administration and within his roles he always found himself putting people first, clients and coworkers alike.

He is excited to continue that trend as he works behind the scenes and occasionally helping the Front Office. At home Jameson loves almost everything nerdy, and he is currently trying to write a fantasy novel but keeps getting distracted by his favourite TV shows.

He also enjoys complicated board games, learning about history, and exploring Vancouver Island.