Our Staff

Shelly Johnson, MSW, RSW, CEO
Associate Member - Royal United Services Institute of Vancouver Island

Anin sikwa?  My name is Shelly Johnson and my traditional name is Mukwa Musayett. I am of Saulteaux (Keeseekoose First Nation, Saskatchewan) and Norwegian ancestry and have lived my life in BC.  I am grateful to the Coast Salish peoples for making space in their traditional territory so that we can live and work in this beautiful paradise.  I am married and a parent to six children through birth, adoption and our blended family.  

For the past 24 years I’ve practiced as a social worker, supervisor, child welfare policy analyst, college / university instructor and CEO. Currently I am working on my Doctorate in Education researching effective strategies to improve the health and educational outcomes of Indigenous children in care. I look forward to the day that all children will grow up safe and connected to their families, communities and cultures. 

Desiree Stevens, BSW, Guardianship Social Worker

Ni’iit, Numekwa, Gilakasla!

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself:  My ancestral name is Leggagwutz which means To Start Fire. I am Gitxsan from Gitsegukla in Hazelton, BC; and I also have Nisga’a ancestry on my father’s side.

I am one of our new full-time Guardianship social workers. I recently graduated from the University of Victoria; School of Social Work – Indigenous Specialization in June 2007. I am honoured to be with Surrounded by Cedar and look forward to working with our children, families, and community.  My work motto is “No Child Left Behind.”

 Yasmin Ali, BA, Guardianship Social Worker

Danach’ea everyone!
My ancestry is Carrier Tse’khene, from Mcleod Lake Indian Band, BC.  I was adopted out at 2 weeks old and I have grown up in Metchosin and Victoria my whole life.  I decided to go to Camosun College and completed my Recreation Leadership Diploma and a few upgrading courses.  I enjoyed my next 6 years at UVic in Sociology and on the Vikes Women’s Rugby team.  After graduating from UVic in 2001 with a Bachelor in Arts, I was focused on going to my Band as their Youth Worker and then encouraged to develop and manage the Youth Department for the next 2 years. 

I’m happy to be a part of Surrounded by Cedar.  Since working at Surrounded by Cedar I have learned a lot from being the receptionist for 2 weeks, to assisting Bradley Dick with his Cultural Program and in my down time I had the chance to help organize the 4th and 5th Annual Back to School Picnic.  Overall I have enjoyed the laughter with coworkers, the support from volunteers, the time with youth and a connection to the aboriginal community.  I would like to say I am proud and honoured of my families and friends, without their love and guidance, my life wouldn’t feel as rich as it is. 
Mussi Cho!

Corrina Neuwirth, BSW, Resource Social Worker

Yo! I am from the Musqueam Nation in Vancouver on my grandmother’s side, and the Pentlatch Nation in Qualicum on my grandfather’s side. I’ve made my home here on Songhees and Esquimalt territory for 12 years.

I love working to develop programming and to enhance programs we already have by building on what works, and identifying partners in the community. We have a very strong, resource-rich Urban Aboriginal community here, and it amazes me to see what we can create when we put our minds and hearts together.

I firmly believe in finding positive ways to work together, whether we are Aboriginal or not. We are all fortunate enough to make our homes on this beautiful land, and we all have something unique and valuable to contribute to our children, families and communities.

Lisa George, BA, Team Leader

Ahnee and Hello.  My name is Lisa George and I am Ojibway from the Saugeen First Nation located on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron in Ontario.  I also have ties to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point through my father’s family.  I have worked at Surrounded by Cedar since October of 2005 as the Child and Youth Counsellor and am now transitioning into the role of Team Leader.  I bring seventeen years of front line experience with me including five years as the supervisor of a child welfare and counselling department.

My son and I have enjoyed our time here in beautiful BC and feel honoured to be working and living on these traditional Coast Salish territories. 

I am committed to supporting urban Aboriginal children in care and feel strongly that this agency can make a difference in the lives of the children we work with.  Meegwetch.

Sabrina Williams, Cultural Programs Coordinator

Hello! My name is Sabrina Williams and I am the Cultural Programs Coordinator at Surrounded by Cedar. I am of Aboriginal and Welsh ancestry. My mother Rosalinda Williams (Brown), is a hereditary chief from Kyouquot and my father, late Robert Williams was from Cowichan Territory, (Samuna).  I have 5 children, the eldest is Cheyenne, (20 years old), and I have two sets of twins; Keilah and Alana are 17 years old and the youngest twins are Nat and Olivia who are 12 years old.

Prior to being here, I was the Youth Centre Coordinator at Hiiye’ yu Lelum House of Friendship in Duncan for 7 1/2 years.  I have worked also as an Adult Education Advisor and as retail manager for a Native Arts and Crafts gallery. I have found myself surrounded by such a loving team of individuals here who put their heart, soul and passion into their work. This is truly inspiring, I feel grateful and happy to be coming to a place I enjoy being every morning!

Maria Sampare, Finance / Back to School Picnic Coordinator

Hello, my name is Maria Sampare and I am Gitxsan from Glen Vowell in Hazelton, BC on my mother’s side and Scottish/Danish-German on my father’s side.  I am the proud mom of two beautiful children, my son Darian is twelve and my daughter Portia is seven. 

I am pleased to say that I have lived on Coast Salish territory for the past twenty years and I thank the people of this territory for the opportunity this has afforded me.
I am the Back to School Picnic Coordinator this year, and also one of the book keepers at Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services. There is so much to be grateful for; to be working with such wonderful children, their families, as well as the most amazing team here at SCCFS!  Haamiiyaa.

Ed Robson, MBA. Business Manager - LifeBooks

Tihei Mauri Ora!
 
My Maori sub-tribe is Te Rarawa of Ngapuhi from New Zealand.

I Joined SCCFS as an administrative assistant in July 2007, moved to fundraising October. Marketing two highly successful products already developed in-house and designing the next generation of fundraising instruments is as good as it gets.

Serving Canada’s First Nations has been my goal since retiring from the US in early 2005. Appointed Executive Director, Nuxalk Nation Development Corporation in Bella Coola, BC; and to the Board of Directors, Khowutzun Development Corporation; Volunteer advisor with ad hoc groups to provincial government projects on Aboriginal economic development.

Proudly served in New Zealand Army and the USAF Reserves.

Tena Koutou Katoa.

Samantha Sam, Office Manager

Hello! My name is Samantha Sam and I am the Office Manager at Surrounded By Cedar.  I am of Coast Salish Ancestry on Vancouver Island.  My mother is from Chemainus First Nation in Ladysmith BC. My father is from Skatin First Nation which is 28 km south of the outlet of Lillooet Lake and 75 km south of Pemberton.

Before coming to Surrounded By Cedar, I worked in the Victoria Inner Harbour as Front Desk Clerk/Part-Time Manger, and for 8 years before that I worked at Chemainus Native College & Stu’ate Lelum Secondary School as the Administrative Assistant.  While working full-time, I continued my College/University studies in Business Management.  I have 4 sons, William, Devon, Dylan and Airin.

I am honoured to be apart of the Surrounded By Cedar Team. I look forward to greeting you when you visit us at Surrounded By Cedar.

Charlene Barney, Administrative Assistant

My name is Charlene Barney.  I am from the St’a’timc Nation in Lillooet, BC. I work at SCCFS as an Administrative Assistance two days a week. I’ve been here since August, 2004.  I really enjoy working and hanging out in the Aboriginal community here in Victoria.  I enjoy chatting and playing with the children who come to visit us here at SCCFS.

Lynn Owen, Bookkeeper

Lynn has worked for SCCFS since it’s inception in 2001.  She met Shelly at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and we’ve never let her go back!  She enjoys being part of our dynamic team, enjoys working with the children and believes strongly in the goals of our Society.  (She’s also a wee bit camera shy.)
 

Peter Morin, ROOTS Connection Worker

Hello, my name is Peter Morin.  I am from the Crow clan of the Tahltan Nation, of Telegraph Creek, BC.   My home community is approximately 27 hours drive up north.  I was born in Prince George, and grew up in Smithers BC.  When I turned 15, my family decided to leave the north and move to surrey.  A large part of my childhood, up the age of 25, was spent in a car driving back home, to visit family, get moose meat, and listen to stories.   

When I think about the work that I’ve done to support our aboriginal youth voices, I know that it is these times and these stories that I draw my strength from.  I’ve been working within our community for about ten years, working to support our aboriginal youth voices as best I can.  I am very excited to be the new Roots Connection worker for Surrounded by Cedar.   
I look forward to connection more to this new community, and to supporting all our relations as best I can.  Meduh!

TBA, Child and Youth Counsellor