Everyday Magic Made Here

Hope and Health is blessed to offer an incredibly diverse team of youth coaches, mentors, professional coaches and coordinators - many whom are current and former student athletes; along with community members already connected to the beautiful children, youth and families at the centre of the Hope and Health movement.

Our team is committed to come together as one heart, one mind to maximize sport as a tool for reconciliation (more better described by us as reconciliACTION) in relation to the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls To Action, specific to Sports and Reconciliation (87-91) http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

Our Core Dream Team

  • TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AND HEAD COACH

    I have been fortunate to have been a part of the Hope and Health community since summer of 2016. With Hope and Health, I support curriculum development, programming and coach development with current and incoming coaches. Working closely with the key staff involved in supporting community development initiatives, mostly in the lower mainland programming that includes school programs, community based events and weekly community clinics. I have been fortunate to be named an MLS Works MVP and CPL Gamechanger for supporting Hope and Health programming.

    I am currently the UBC Women's Soccer Head Coach being named to the position in May 2016. Since taking over the team the program has won 3 National Championships (2019, 2023, and 2024) and 3 Canada West Championships (2016, 2022, and 2024). As well, I was named Canada West Coach of the Year in 2023 and 2024, and USPORTS Coach of the Year in 2024.

    Prior to UBC I worked for 10 years in multiple roles with the Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club from the Head of Junior Development to the Women’s team and Girls Elite REX program head coach. I helped create the Vancouver Whitecaps Elite REX program in 2015 working with the national team program / staff in building the pathway for high potential youth players in Canada. I hold the distinction of being the only coach to win two Canada Games national championships with Team BC, in 2009 and 2013. I have worked with Provincial programs (2002-2006).

    I am a certified teacher and helped create the West Van Schools Soccer Academy. It also led me to working with Kindergarten to Grade 3 teachers as a physical literacy specialist in PE classes. 

    I look forward to continuing supporting the Hope and Heath program both on the field and in the programming delivery!

  • Strategic Operations and Finance Manager

    Natalie Jimmie serves as the Finance and Strategic Operations Manager for Hope and Health for Life Society, where she brings a powerful blend of professional operations expertise and deep personal dedication to community-driven youth empowerment. In her role, Natalie keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes—managing day-to-day administration, supporting financial and bookkeeping operations, and coordinating employee onboarding. With a keen eye for organization, she handles everything from contract coordination and database management to event logistics and meeting schedules. Natalie is also deeply involved in the society’s growth, assisting with budget monitoring and helping navigate the administration and reporting deadlines of critical grants.

    As a proud member of the Squiala First Nation, where she was born and raised by parents from the Squiala First Nation and Seabird Island, Natalie’s commitment to the organization is deeply personal. Having grown up playing soccer most of her life and competing in three North American Indigenous Games, she knows firsthand the transformative power of sports. She has experienced the magic of Hope and Health for years as a parent, attending community camps with her son. Seeing the profound, positive impact these events have on young participants inspires her daily; she views these programs as a vital, healthy outlet for youth and often wishes similar initiatives had been available during her own childhood.

    Outside of her operational leadership, Natalie is currently focused on navigating the best athletic pathways for her son to excel in soccer at the highest level possible. In her downtime, she enjoys traveling, photography, and traditional weaving—always remaining deeply rooted in her family, culture, and community.

  • VI SS PROGRAM MANAGER + MENTOR

    Hi! My name is Ava Alexander and I have been fortunate enough to coach with Hope and Health since 2021. I began playing soccer on Vancouver Island when I was 4 and began coaching in Nanaimo in 2016. I am currently completing a degree in Science at the University of British Columbia. I am also playing on the University of British Columbia Women’s soccer team, where I was first introduced to the Hope and Health community. Since starting with Hope and Health, it has been exciting to see the growth and direction of the program, and I am looking forward to continuing to broaden my knowledge and role with this team!

  • COACH

    Hello, my name is Peter Moses. I am Cowichan on my mother’s side and Puyallup on my father’s side. My Cowichan name is Qwitseem and Spulqadum from the Yakima territory. I have been involved with soccer for 42 years I started playing soccer when I was 7 years old and continue to play today. My highest level of soccer was div 2.  I have been a soccer coach for 24 years now and have coached youth soccer, women’s soccer and men’s soccer. I have been blessed with many trophies, friends and memories and plan on making many more. Soccer life has given me opportunities to be successful in all aspects of my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to still be growing.

  • DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PATHWAYS + NAUTSA’MAWT FC ACADEMY HEAD COACH

    Victoria is a proud Anishinabekwe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Long Point First Nation. Victoria supports Hope and Health as the Nautsa’mawt FC Academy Lead & Hope and Health Advisor and is a Policy Analyst for the National Association of Friendship Centres. 

    Recently, Victoria was named an inductee into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame along with her champion women’s soccer team at the 2017 World Indigenous Games Champions. Today, you can find Victoria playing League 1 in Quebec with OSU Atletico Women, and training with her alma mater at the University of Ottawa as she played for the uOttawa GeeGees, capturing a Nationals bronze, OUA gold, and OUA bronze. 

    She led Team Ontario Indigenous Boy’s Soccer Team to their first ever medal at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax, NS. Her passions include Indigenous health, Land Back, sport, and family.

  • COWICHAN TRIBES PROGRAM LEAD

    Tammy Jack is a proud mother of three daughters; Mackenzie, Madison and Ava and a loving grandmother to one granddaughter named Wren. Born and raised in Cowichan, she is deeply committed to paving the way for Indigenous children, ensuring they have the opportunities, support, and cultural connections needed to thrive.

    As an educator, she is passionate about fostering learning environments that uplift and empower Indigenous youth. She is honored to be part of Hope and Health and Nautsa’mawt FC Academy, where she contributes to initiatives that inspire and nurture young minds through sport, education, and community engagement.

    Her work is driven by a deep love for her people, her culture, and the future generations she strives to uplift. With a heart dedicated to teaching, mentorship, and advocacy, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Indigenous children and families.

Sessional Team Members

  • LITTLE CHAMPIONS LEAD

    Hello everyone! My name is Chelsea Seymour, and I am from and currently reside in Stz'uminus First Nation. I have been a proud member of the Hope and Health team since 2021. My love for soccer began when I started playing at around four years old, and while I continue to enjoy the game, my primary focus is completing my Bachelor of Education at Vancouver Island University. 

    I have a deep passion for working with youth and take pride in helping them grow in confidence, skills, and leadership. Watching them advance in their age group and develop both on and off the pitch is an unforgettable experience. I am grateful to be part of this incredible team, working together to build a strong, safe, and supportive community.

  • COACH + MENTOR

    Hello, my name is Tessa Scarlett- Charelson. I am from the West Coast of Vancouver Island part of the Ditidaht nation.

    Playing soccer is one of my favorite hobbies. I currently play for VAFC Division 1 and have been playing with them since 2019. I have also had the opportunity play with the Native Indian Football Association (NIFA) and play soccer internationally in Hawaii and the Dominican Republic. Having all of these opportunities to play the sports I enjoy gave me a chance to spread the love of the game.

    This year I have the amazing opportunity to join Hope & Health and be a junior coach. As a Jr. coach I get the experience to practice and grow improve my leadership skills and give back to the kids in my community. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

  • COACH

    Hi, my name is Mia Manson. I am from Snuneymuxw, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish. I'm a 2023 highschool graduate from mountainside secondary school. I've been playing soccer since I was 3 years old, and had the opportunity to play in the San Marino cup in Italy during July of 2019 being the only Canadian team.

    I've been with Hope and Health on and off since early 2020 starting as a volunteer, i’ts been an honour and such an incredible experience.

    I love being a role model for the children in my community and Hope and Health has given the chance to teach children all about soccer and help them with different skills in and out of sport.

  • JUNIOR COACH + YOUTH AMBASSADOR

    Hi, I’m Tessa Jack and I am a youth coach for Hope and Health. Working with Hope and Health has been fun and a great experience. Overall I really enjoy working and playing soccer with family and friends. Not only do I get to play soccer, I get the opportunity to make new friendships.

  • COACH

    My name is Melvin Jack and I am from the Penelakut Tribe. I am proud to be part of the wonderful Hope and Health program since 2024.

    I have always had a passion for educating our children and youth. I have worked at the Penelakut Island Elementary School for almost 17 years as an education assistant for our grade 6, 7, and recently 8 class. I previously worked as our tribe's youth group leader. I went to school to obtain my Child and Youth Care First Nations diploma before that. I have played soccer my whole life. I have also coached a variety of levels of soccer teams, including kids of all ages, a men's team and my own men's futsal team. I am married with 5 wonderful kids and have one grandson. I am a huge supporter and advocate for our children and youth. I am very grateful to be part of the dream team!

  • COACH

    I'm Denny Jack, a proud resident of Penelakut Island, where I feel grateful to be raising my two children and watching them grow. I currently work at a high school, and I get to have that bond with the youth all year round, not just during soccer season.

  • JUNIOR COACH

    Hi my name is Ava Jack, and I am 15 years old. I am apart of the Quw’utsun First Nation.

    I play for the 09 Vancouver Island wave girls, and attend St. Johns Academy in Shawnigan Lake and my goal as first year youth coach is to help the next generation of Indigenous youth find and grow their love for the sport.

  • Director of Women & Girls Development & Pathways

    Kandice comes from Xaxli’p of the St’at’imc Nation, and Sts’ailes where she and her husband are raising their two children, Corey and Carly. She holds an Executive MBA in Indigenous Business Leadership, grounding her work in strategic leadership and in who we are and where we come from.

    Her journey with Hope and Health began with her children participating in programs, it has since evolved to where she felt inspired by the work and vision to uplift, empower, and create meaningful pathways for Indigenous youth. That alignment grew into a calling to contribute more intentionally to this work.

    Kandice was especially drawn to the Fire Keepers program — a space dedicated to strengthening the voices, confidence, and leadership of girls and young women. While she may not be a soccer player herself, she proudly calls herself a professional soccer mom and aunty, always cheering from the sidelines and championing youth in sport and life.

    As a member of the Matriarch Advisory Circle (MAC), Kandice has already been supporting and guiding the important matriarch‑led work of Hope and Health. In her new role, she will continue to help shape and grow the Fire Keepers and MAC initiatives, building pathways rooted in matriarchal strength, cultural teachings, and community‑driven leadership.

    Kandice brings heart, vision, and a deep commitment to empowering the next generation of changemakers.

  • CREATIVE DIRECTOR

    Devan is a Métis multimedia artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Since beginning his photography journey back in 2013 on his iPhone 4, he has documented countless people's stories and moments. Devan's deep love for visual storytelling is apparent in his work from environmental portraiture, to live music, social campaigns, music videos, and even his landscape photography. His documentary-like approach helps provide a unique look into the lives of the people and places he photographs.

  • COACH + MENTOR

    Hi my name is Kelsey Jack I am from Penelakut Island and I am a junior coach for Hope and Health, I have been a junior coach for 2 years and it has been a very good experience. Before becoming a coach I started as a participant in hope and health then in 2018 I was asked to be kid captain for the Whitecaps FC. I enjoy coaching very much and I love working with kids, I love seeing the kids smile and laugh and having a very good time in general. I enjoy teaching the kids some new things and learning new things myself. I can’t wait to see the kids grow and go through the same experiences I have been through.

    Hope and Health changed my life and made me a more confident person then I was before. Hope and Health really does changes lives.

Junior Coaches/Youth Ambassadors

Hope and Health is committed to our “Champions For Life” development model within our coaching system - mentoring youth as young as 13 years of age in holistic coaching methods.

This model provides a critical pathway for youth to remain involved and reap the benefits from being involved with sports in the dual role of as an athlete and/or youth coach.

  • JUNIOR COACH + YOUTH AMBASSADOR

    Hi I am Trent Brown I am from Penelakut. I am currently the youngest youth coach with Hope and Health! I started at the young age of 11! I currently play Striker with Victoria Wave FC. What I love most about this opportunity is working with children and learning from my co coaches on and off the pitch. It has been a learning opportunity for me as a coach and a player! I also enjoy watching the little champs and the junior champs grow in the sport I love!

  • JUNIOR COACH + YOUTH AMBASSADOR

    Hello enthu Ley’wé tunitsun utl Penelakut. Hello my I am Arthur I am from and currently living at Penelakut island.

    I grew up enjoying the gameplay of soccer for as long as I can remember.

    I was always involved with leadership right from the start of elementary to the present, I have been a youth coach for a couple years now. I have really enjoyed and have been grateful for the coaching experiences so far and with continuing this journey.

Join our Dream Team!