Our Staff

 Barb Cowan, Executive Director

Photo and biography to come...








Desiree Sparrow, 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 full-time Guardianship social workers. I 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.”

Lonnie Gosek, Guardianship Social Worker

Photo and biography to come...

Jennifer Donison, Guardianship Social Worker

Photo and biography to come...

Corrina Sparrow, BSW, Resource Social Worker

Gila Kasla! I am from the Musqueam Nation of the Coast Salish people, and the Pentlatch Nation of the Kwakwaka'wakw people in Qualicum. I have gratefully made my home here on Songhees and Esquimalt territory for the past 14 years.

I am the resource worker for our agency. I love working to develop new programs and to build on ones we already have. I believe this work is best done together, and with the partners and allies we have made as service providers in 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 hearts and minds together.

I believe in finding positive ways to work together. I believe we are all part of the extended family for our children in care. We all have something unique and valuable to contribute to the lives of our children and families, and it is an honour to be able to work with such a diverse and loving community of caregivers.

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 Manager

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 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.

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. And 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.

Maggie Charlie, PT Administrative Assistant

 Biography to come...

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!

Ga Ching Kong, ROOTS Connection Worker

Photo and biography to come...

Asma (Angela) Antoine, Child and Youth Counsellor

Biography to come...

Yasmin Prince, BA, Guardianship Social Worker

Yasmin is currently on maternity leave, scheduled to return sometime in the next year.