Our Team
The mission of Connections Community Services is to work with people to strengthen the pathways and tools they need for improved well-being, opportunities for development, and human connection
We will work towards a better tomorrow by connecting our community and supporting our children, youth and families to thrive and reach for their dreams.
Meet our staff
Daniel Suen
Executive Director
Daniel Suen
Executive Director / CEO
Daniel is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in youth counselling and program management. Throughout his career, he has consistently provided invaluable support to numerous youths and families, regardless of their circumstances. His expertise centers on life skills coaching, covering essential areas such as leadership development, self-esteem building, communication enhancement, and harm reduction strategies.
In addition to his counselling background, Daniel has excelled in leadership roles, serving as both a Youth Program Manager and a lead Case Manager & Employment Counsellor. His impressive track record includes organizing large-scale events, such as hiring fairs, awards ceremonies, overseas youth leadership camps, and community forums. Furthermore, Daniel is a seasoned guest speaker, contributing to a weekly radio youth talk-show, “Sharing Your Voice,” for over a decade on a local Asian broadcasting station.
Daniel’s commitment to community service has earned him recognition, including the “U-Roc Award” from the City of Richmond, the “Best Quality Client’s Service Award” from the Family and Community Support Service and accolades for his “Outstanding Contribution” to youth programs. His overarching goal is to empower today’s youth by helping them make informed academic and career choices, fostering personal growth, and promoting community engagement.
In his leisure time, Daniel actively organizes social events and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and badminton. His commitment to continuous self-improvement, coupled with a wide range of interests, including motorcycling, cosmetics, yoga, life insurance, and bartending, reflects his passion for helping others succeed and sets him apart in all his endeavors.
Susan Tang
Manager of Finance
Susan Tang
Manager of Finance
As a devoted Non-Profit Accountant, I am deeply committed to advancing the missions and objectives of charitable organizations. Holding the title of Certified Public Accountant (CPA), I am recognized for my meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to financial excellence. It is my privilege to collaborate with passionate teams to create a meaningful impact on the communities and individuals we serve. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, as well as going for walks, watching movies, and cooking.
Jane Reed
Coordinator, Children Programs
Jane Reed
Coordinator, Children Programs
Jane has been with Connections for over 25 years, working in various capacities with children and youth. Currently, she oversees our four before and after school programs located in Richmond and West Vancouver. Before coming to Connections, Jane worked in many youth-oriented settings, both residential and nonresidential, in Ontario, Alberta and BC. Outside of work she enjoys volunteering, travelling and sports (both as a participant and as a fan).
Vince Shyong
Social Worker at Richmond School District Alternate Programs
Vince Shyong
Social Worker at Richmond School District Alternate Programs
Vince is a social worker with over 25 years of experience. For the majority of his career, he has been an integral part of Connections Community Services and the Richmond School District Alternate Programs. His expertise lies in providing extensive support to youth dealing with a spectrum of challenges such as anxiety and mood disorders, substance use disorders, peer-related issues, and school refusal among others.
Vince also plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the alternate school, contributing significantly to coordination, program design, disciplinary interventions, and policy implementation. His influence extends to the creation of the innovative Street View Program, which offers Grade 11 and 12 courses to students requiring a different learning environment.
Vivian Zhang
Team Lead at Caulfeild Connections Kids Club
Vivian Zhang
Team Lead at Caulfeild Connections Kids Club
My name is Vivian Zhang. I started working at Connections since 2016 and I’m the team lead for the Connections Kids Club at Caulfeild. I enjoy working with Children because it brings me fulfillment, compassion, and fun experiences. When it comes to working with children, I am inspired by Reggio Emilia approach that children learn through play. I encourage children to use their senses to learn, explore, and imagine. I observed that children feel happy when they are surrounded with nature. I have a bachelor’s degree in China and ECCE certification in Canada. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my son by going hiking and cooking.
Mikki Ho
Team Lead at Blundell Connections Kids Club
Mikki Ho
Team Lead at Blundell Connections Kids Club
Hiya all, my name is Mikki, the Team Lead at Blundell Connections Kids Club. This is my 5th year working as a Team Lead at Blundell. I have been working with school-aged children for more than 9 years. It’s my passion working with this witty group. I love the challenges they bring everyday, their curiosity drives me, their behaviour evokes me, their cuteness melts my heart. I graduated from SFU as a multimedia artist and few years later, I took the children and youth care diploma at MTI Community College. I have also taken Multiple Intelligence Instructor class that includes enneagram, emotional quotients, adversity quotients, and relationship garden. I was born in Hong Kong and immigrated here when I was young. Travelling is in my blood and photography is my passion. Travelling has broadened my vision and experience of what life is about. I am grateful and thankful for what I have. I love biking, vultures, food, nature, cars, people and PoGo. I am also a coffee addict; you might find me at a coffee shop enjoying my quiet time! My dream is to have my own photo book to showcase my travel experiences, to share the world through my lenses. These are my top 3 places that I visited; Africa, Antarctica and Tibet. I enjoy and love life simply and happily! I like to strive for better and learn new things all the time too. Looking forward working and sharing our stories with you all! Be compassionate & be kind, cheers for life!
Sally Tam
Team Lead at Tait Connections Kids Club
Sally Tam
Team Lead at Tait Connections Kids Club
Hello, I am Sally, the Team Lead of the Connections Kids Club – Tait location. I have been in the childcare field for 10+ years. I’m a licensed Early Childhood Educator. I have been working with children since 2008. I joined Connections Kids Club back in 2019. I love having the opportunity to guide and teach little minds. There is no better feeling than knowing you have helped to brighten a child’s day and seeing their faces and expressions while they discover and learn new things. I enjoy partnering with both families, staff and children to create an environment that is warm, welcoming and inspiring. I ensure children’s safety and give them positive guidance and problem-solving skills on a daily basis. My role involves challenges which I am able to overcome. My goal will be to promote the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of each child.
Kyla San Juan
Childcare Activity Worker
Kyla San Juan
Childcare Activity Worker
Kyla is one of the Before and After School Care Workers who began at Connections Community Services Society as a volunteer in 2018. While obtaining her B.A. in English, Kyla learned and gained experience in youth work and education by previously working as a Behaviour Interventionist and a volunteer mentor at the Generations Homework Club, which has helped her immensely as a childcare worker. Kyla strongly believes that education expands beyond school and has first-hand experience witnessing the power of learning from the community, regardless of age. When Kyla’s not at work, she is also not at home and enjoys travelling and learning about the world and its different fascinations.
Anisha Sarana
Program Coordinator, Employment
Anisha Sarana
Program Coordinator, Employment
Anisha’s journey at Connections spans over four years, characterized by her unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and community support. Currently, as the Employment Program Coordinator, she plays a vital role with the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, overseeing critical projects such as the Youth Works Program, the Internship Program, and the Youth Mental Health Program, all crucial to the foundation’s mission of uplifting and supporting youth transitioning out of government care to thrive. Before joining Connections, Anisha worked as a frontline Outreach Specialist, where she focused on providing educational and employment opportunities to at-risk youth. Beyond her professional and volunteer pursuits, Anisha enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family and her dog.
Lissy Liu
Childcare Activity Worker
Lissy Liu
Childcare Activity Worker
My name is Lissy, and I am a Part-time Childcare Worker at Connections. Helping others is one of my biggest goals in life and something that I strive to do every day. Connections Kids Club allowed me to discover my passion for working with children, so I hope to contribute my ideas and experiences to create memorable and enriching adventures for the kids! I am also a huge fan of the outdoors and enjoy going on hikes. If I’m not on a hike, then you’ll find me with my nose in a book or drawing. I also enjoy learning new things, travelling to different places, and experiencing new cultures.
Jeannie Jacobson
Indigenous Activity Worker
Jeannie Jacobson
Indigenous Activity Worker
I am the Indigenous Program Assistant and have been with Connections for over a year now. I am Kwaguilth from Port Hardy’s Gwa’Sala Nation. I am a mother of 5 children, I have lived on the lower mainland for the last 13 years. As a mother I’ve had the joy of being a part of the community, attending programs provided by Connections Community Services Society and many others including most of the Native Friendship Centers on Vancouver Island and in the lower mainland, when my children were young – now I am apart of the team. To see the Indigenous Family program grow from the start has been my dream goal. Connections is a wonderful place to be working for with such a supportive team.
Fernanda Santana
Childcare Activity Worker
Fernanda Santana
Childcare Activity Worker
Hello everyone, my name is Fernanda (Fe), and I have been working as a before & after-school staff at CKC Blundell since 2022. Spending the day with the kids is always fun, and I love laughing and getting to know them more every day. My goal at work is to make the children feel safe and happy, and allow them to spend time however they need (we all have happy and lazy/quiet days…)
I study IT in university, and have a passion for helping and teaching others. I love when the kids ask me questions for homeworks, or just general curiosity questions about science and the universe. I am also passionate about learning, and am always trying to learn new things. Some of the hobbies that stuck with me are crochet, photography, dancing, and entertainment arts (music, movies, tv shows).
A little fun fact about me
I used to have a bunch of pets growing up, including dogs, cats, turtles, ducks and rabbits! Another fun fact about me is I love to travel and getting to know new cultures. I would say my favorites places I’ve visited were Austria, Rio de Janeiro (in Brazil, my home country) and Xel-Há park (in Mexico).
Nancy Truong
Team Lead at Cook Connections Kids Club
Nancy Truong
Team Lead at Cook Connections Kids Club
Hello! My name is Nancy and I have a strong passion for helping others. I went to Seneca College in Ontario for the Social Service Worker Program and through my placements, I was able to acquire experience working with children, youth, and seniors living in vulnerable communities. After graduating, I was able to work with adults living with mental illness through an internship. During the pandemic, I found myself working in a lot of daycares, gaining experience working with infants and toddlers. Finally after having my baby daughter, I became a youth leader at the Boys and Girls Club, working with preteens and youth. After relocating to British Columbia, I was fortunate enough to become Connections’ new Team Lead at Cook Connections Kids Club. My only goal is to have a positive impact on the kids and to see them thrive! Fun fact: I love to dance!
Ashna Chand
Childcare Activity Worker
Ashna Chand
Childcare Activity Worker
Hello, my name is Ashna Chand. I currently work at Tait Elementary and have a graduate’s certificate in Criminology from KPU and will be going back to school in September to get my certificate in EDAS at KPU to hopefully run my own daycare in the future. I have two sisters, one older and one younger. In my spare time I love listening to music and spending time with my family and friends. My all time favourite thing is to drive around in my car or go to car shows to look at my dream car a Nissan GTR R35
Hanna Shimada
Childcare Activity Worker
Hanna Shimada
Childcare Activity Worker
Hanna graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, with her coursework focused in developmental psychology. Her passion for nurturing young minds is demonstrated through her volunteer work with children in art and dance, as well as through her professional experience as a centre assistant in a coding program designed for kids. Captivated by the curiosity and creativity inherent in children, Hanna pursues her own creative outlets and keeps active by taking dance classes and exploring new trails for scenic hikes.
Alan Lam
Activity Worker
Alan Lam
Activity Worker
Hi there! I’m Alan Lam, an Activity Worker based in C.C.S.S.. With a passion for working with children, I’ve been fortunate to engage with young minds, creating enriching experiences and fostering growth.
Guided by my commitment to empowering young individuals, I strive to create inclusive and engaging environments where every child can thrive.
A little fun fact about me
I’m a dedicated coffee enthusiast who has pored over countless coffee brewing techniques and methods. From mastering the art of the pour-over to experimenting with different bean varieties, my passion for coffee extends beyond a morning ritual—it’s an ongoing journey of discovery and delight.
Alia Yahya
Childcare Activity Worker
Alia Yahya
Childcare Activity Worker
Hi! My name is Alia, and I am a student at SFU pursuing Education. I come from a small island in Africa called Zanzibar. A fun fact about myself is that I love to swim and travel. I have been to at least ten countries so far and hope to travel around the globe one day! Another of my favourite things is to go on long walks by the beach while watching the sunset with my friends.
Debby Wong
Youth Employment Counsellor
Debby Wong
Youth Employment Counsellor
Hello, I am Debby, Youth Employment Counsellor at CCSS. I have over 15 years youth work experiences; I love to walk and grow together with young people. As an employment counsellor, I am not only focus on how to prepare your hard skills, such as resume building, cover letter writing and interview skills etc.; but also provide counseling on emotional concern, work sustainability and career planning. Looking forward to seeing you!
A little fun fact about me
I love sleeping and can you guess how many hours I can sleep in one day? It is for 16 hours!
William Poon
Group Facilitator – Intergenerational Connect
William Poon
Group Facilitator – Intergenerational Connect
William is a versatile graphic designer originally from Hong Kong, bringing with him a wealth of design expertise honed through UK design training. In addition to his design work, he serves as a part-time tutor, sharing his knowledge of packaging and branding with students at local design colleges. As a dedicated father of two, William has gained valuable childcare experience, further enriching his skill set. Outside of his professional pursuits, he finds joy in immersing himself in Japanese comics, staying active through swimming, and indulging his creative side through drawing. William comes to CCSS with a strong dedication to contributing back to the social services industry. He truly believes that it is a blessing to be able to help others and is always happy to connect with people from different generations.
Molly Yang
Project Manager
Molly Yang
Project Manager
I’ve had the privilege of gaining experience in administration and project management over the years. Through various roles, I’ve honed my skills in keeping operations running smoothly and ensuring projects stay on track.
In addition to my professional endeavors, I hold a background in Psychology and family counseling. This training has provided me with valuable insights into human behavior and interpersonal dynamics, which I strive to apply in both my personal and professional life. This unique blend of skills allows me to not only manage projects efficiently but also foster meaningful connections and facilitate positive outcomes in various interpersonal dynamics.
When I’m not immersed in work, I enjoy quiet moments in reading Japanese comics or simply spending quality time with loved ones. I believe in the power of balance and self-care to fuel productivity and fulfillment in both professional and personal realms.
I’m excited about the prospect of collaborating with fellow enthusiasts, exchanging insights, and driving positive change together. Let’s connect, and embark on a journey of growth and impact!