BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Brett Marchant - Board Chair
Senior Policy Advisor, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Part of the Inner Hope community since 2012, contributing as a volunteer, mentor, and two-term board member—and every moment has been “cherished and fulfilling”. He is a proud member of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba, and has committed his career to advancing Indigenous rights and fostering relationship-centered reconciliation across diverse communities, institutions, and governmental bodies. He currently lives in Gibsons, BC on beautiful traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). In his spare time, you’ll often find him gripping a cherished cup of strong coffee and/or enjoying a forest walk with his young family. |
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Karen Giesbrecht - Secretary
Dietitian, St. Paul's Hospital Registered dietitian with a particular interest in mental health, strong communities, good stories, and real food. She works with several community food programs in Vancouver, and is a long time friend of the Inner Hope community. |
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Joanna Miller - Member at Large
Registered Nurse, BC Children's Hospital Joanna started her journey with Inner Hope's as a Boundless mentor in 2016. Through the relationship with her mentee, Joanna's life and understanding of the world was enriched. She continues to cherish the opportunity to serve alongside Inner Hope and welcomes the opportunity to connect with others over a cup of tea. Joanna currently serves as a registered nurse at BC Children's Hospital. Naturally, her particular loves are children and youth, adventure in nature, food and friends. Top of her bucket list is a hot air balloon flight! |
Elaine Haakstad (CPA CGA) - Treasurer
Accountant, Temple Shalom
Elaine Haakstad, Inner Hope's Treasurer since 2020, seamlessly merges financial expertise with a passion for social justice. Her involvement began during the Covid-19 pandemic, marked by her first virtual meeting. Elaine and her husband, Kevin, have dedicated 12 years to supporting men in addiction recovery in a community house. Their altruism extended to hosting refugee claimant families for nearly two years through Journey Home Community. Currently, Elaine with her Certified Professional Accountant designation, works part-time for various non-profits organizations. Elaine brings her commitment to positive community impact to the Inner Hope board, aiming to foster the organization's growth and influence.
Outside her professional commitments, Elaine finds tranquility in nature, whether exploring hiking trails or enjoying leisurely walks with her dog, River, in her neighborhood of New Westminster. This balance underscores her dedication to both philanthropy and personal well-being.
Accountant, Temple Shalom
Elaine Haakstad, Inner Hope's Treasurer since 2020, seamlessly merges financial expertise with a passion for social justice. Her involvement began during the Covid-19 pandemic, marked by her first virtual meeting. Elaine and her husband, Kevin, have dedicated 12 years to supporting men in addiction recovery in a community house. Their altruism extended to hosting refugee claimant families for nearly two years through Journey Home Community. Currently, Elaine with her Certified Professional Accountant designation, works part-time for various non-profits organizations. Elaine brings her commitment to positive community impact to the Inner Hope board, aiming to foster the organization's growth and influence.
Outside her professional commitments, Elaine finds tranquility in nature, whether exploring hiking trails or enjoying leisurely walks with her dog, River, in her neighborhood of New Westminster. This balance underscores her dedication to both philanthropy and personal well-being.
Travis Olafson - Member at Large
Service Technician, Fraser Valley Office Systems
A creative communicator, a protector and caregiver, loyal to a fault, Travis has always been that advocate for the one that is invisible to others. He has a passion for giving a voice to those who are voiceless. A social and business entrepreneur at heart, Travis is looking forward to empowering others through Inner Hope Ministries. Travis values family and the community it creates and believes Inner Hopes focus on creating healthy and safe environments will impact for the positive not just the youth of today but for generations that follow.
Service Technician, Fraser Valley Office Systems
A creative communicator, a protector and caregiver, loyal to a fault, Travis has always been that advocate for the one that is invisible to others. He has a passion for giving a voice to those who are voiceless. A social and business entrepreneur at heart, Travis is looking forward to empowering others through Inner Hope Ministries. Travis values family and the community it creates and believes Inner Hopes focus on creating healthy and safe environments will impact for the positive not just the youth of today but for generations that follow.