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!

Management Team

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.

Kitty Chong

Business Development and Community Engagement Manager

Kitty started her CCSS journey as a volunteer and later stepped up to coordinate the volunteer
leadership and management program, mobilizing over 200 volunteers to support the Intergenerational Connect Programs and community projects. In her current role, Kitty focuses on fostering community partnerships and developing new initiatives to advance the mission of CCSS.

Kitty is a community builder who brings people together for a common cause. She has 20 years of
professional experience in the education sectors, specializing in ‘friend-raising’ and stakeholder
engagement. She had served as Founding Director of the University of Chicago Hong Kong Campus and as Head of Alumni Development at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) prior to returning to Vancouver.

Kitty is a graduate from UBC and holds a dual degree in MBA/ MSc from HKUST. She is also a Certified
Holistic Nutritionist passionate in promoting health and wellness through diets and lifestyle. Outside of work, you will see Kitty trying new recipes and meal-prepping for the family. She recently picked up
running and is planning to try 10K in the next Sun Run!

Joshua Wong

Operations and Fund Development Manager

Joshua supports strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and organizational initiatives
across Connections Community Services Society. He works closely with program teams, schools,
government stakeholders, community partners and families to support service delivery and strengthen community connections across Richmond and beyond.

Prior to joining CCSS, Joshua worked in public affairs and news broadcasting in Canada, covering federal, provincial and municipal elections, and hosting prime-time news programs. His had conversations with Federal Immigration Ministers, the Premier of British Columbia and senior provincial and municipal officials on public policy and community issues. He also worked at Hong Kong Red Cross before he came to Vancouver, supporting large-scale public engagement and fundraising events.

Joshua holds a Master of Arts in Journalism from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and brings a
strong interest in public affairs, community engagement, and culturally responsive communications.

Fun Fact: Joshua is a proud Snoopy fan.

Partners

Ryan Chandra

Human Resources (PeopleWise Solutions Ltd.)

Ryan Chandra is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) with over 15 years of experience in progressive HR roles spanning industries such as Food Service, Warehousing, Financial Services, Post-Secondary Education, and Technology. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Ryan combines his understanding of human behavior with expertise in project management, technology implementation, and policy development to deliver practical, people-focused solutions.

Passionate about establishing initiatives rooted in core values, Ryan specializes in helping organizations optimize HR processes and foster workplace cultures that reflect their principles.

Fun Fact: Ryan has a fascination with astronomy and loves gazing at the stars and planets—but don’t ask him to name all the constellations; he’s better at spotting opportunities for growth than Orion’s Belt!

Magdalena Cheng

Financial Advisory (CCY Consulting Ltd)

Magdalena Cheng, CPA, CA is a well-rounded accounting professional with over 25 years of experience in public and private companies, non-profit organizations and taxes. Her firm provides services ranging from accounting, assurance, taxation and advisory services.

Able to seamlessly conduct business in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, Magdalena grew up in Hong Kong but also worked in Canada for more than 30 years, her deep understanding of both Western and Chinese cultures brings added efﬁciency and effectiveness to various kinds of clients.

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She is also a key member of the Finance Council in her church.

Connections Kids Club

Sally Tam

Team Lead (Tait)

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.

Fun fact: Raising the future is messy, loud, and completely worth it

Angelika Alano

School Aged Worker

Janice Ng

School Aged Worker

Joyce Fung

School Aged Worker

Hello! My name is Joyce. I am so excited to be a part of the Connections Kids Club team since 2024. I am from Hong Kong, a multicultural and fast-paced city. I have been working with children and youth of various ages from Kindergarten to Grade 12 for years. I believe that every child is unique, and I strive to build a warm and inclusive atmosphere where children feel valued and supported. For leisure time, I love staying active and spending quality of time with my family. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting your child’s growth and discovery!

Alia Amaan

School Aged 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.

Maniya Firouzi

School Aged Worker

Elizabeth Li

School Aged Worker

Fahimeh Nikman

School Aged Worker

Paul Liu

School Aged Worker

Hello! My name is Paul, and I am a dedicated member of the CCSS team at the Spul‘u’kwuk Elementary location. I bring years of experience working with school aged children across various settings, including Out of School Care and community-based programs. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about designing and facilitating inclusive activities. I take pride in fostering open communication with families regarding their children’s wellbeing, while also collaborating with the team on program planning. My goal is to build meaningful connections with your families and create an engaging environment where every child can thrive!

Fun fact: I am an avid badminton player, which helps me stay active and energized!

Saima Zareen

School Aged Worker

Emmalina Dominique Varelas

School Aged Worker

Joyce Lui

School Aged Worker

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Joyce studied in Vancouver before beginning her career
back home. After years of moving between the two cities, she eventually settled
permanently in Vancouver.

Joyce has a deep passion for martial arts and was part of a Muay Thai team for 14 years, training kids and managing operations. She adores little children whose carefree and innocent demeanors always make her day. She finds joy spending time with these jumping beans and can’t help but have fun with them.

Sariel Yao

School Aged Worker

Sadie Joan Ballou

School Aged Worker

Aazam Jaberi

School Aged Worker

Nancy Truong

Team Lead (Cook)

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!

Andrea Grandison

School Aged Worker

Mary Rose Cheng

School Aged Worker

Anna Rioux

School Aged Worker

Hi everyone! My name is Anna and I am a team leader at Caulfield Elementary School in West Vancouver! I am originally from Victoria, but recently completed my undergrad at UBC in psychology, focusing mostly on child development. I am hoping to do my Masters in Early Childhood Education in the near future. In my free time I love fashion, music, singing, and personal fitness!

Rachel Liang

School Aged Worker

Behnaz Poorian

School Aged Worker

Cory Yoon

Early Childhood Educator

Cory Yoon is an Early Childhood Educator who completed Early Childhood Education at Sprott Shaw
College. She is also certified in Infant & Toddler care. She has experience working with young children in both infants and toddlers and preschool programs.

Cory believes that every child is unique and learns in their own way. She values play-based learning and enjoys supporting children as they explore the world through their senses, relationships, and everyday experiences. She always tries to create meaningful opportunities for children to build confidence, make choices, and develop problem-solving skills.

As an educator, Cory focuses on creating a calm, warm, and welcoming classroom where children can feel safe, comfortable, and happy. She enjoys offering both indoor and outdoor experiences that
support children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. Cory works with patience, care,
and respect, and she values strong relationships with children, families, and co-workers.

Maryam Esfandyari

School Aged Worker

Momotaz Munni

School Aged Worker

I am Momotaz Munni, a compassionate and dedicated childcare provider with a strong background
in healthcare and child development. I hold a Master’s degree in Global Health and Human Service
Administration and have also completed the Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) course
to enhance my ability to provide quality care and support to children. I am passionate about
creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn and grow with
confidence.

I enjoy building meaningful relationships with children and families, and also value kindness,
patience and positivity into my daily interactions. Outside of work, I love traveling, exploring new
places, and cooking. I believe every child is unique, and I am committed to supporting their
individual needs and development

Rochelle Fernandez

School Aged Worker

Diksha Saini

School Aged Worker

Joey Lam

School Aged Worker

I have a background in student services, where I’ve supported high school students in their academic
and personal development. Through this experience, I’ve built strong skills in communication, patience, and creating a safe, supportive environment for young people to grow and succeed. I’m passionate about helping students feel confident, understood, and encouraged in their daily lives, and I hope to be someone who makes students feel comfortable talking to and trusting.
I’m now excited to expand my experience into childcare for younger children. I enjoy engaging kids
through creative play, learning activities, and positive guidance. Families can count on me to be reliable, caring, and attentive, with a genuine commitment to each child’s well-being and development.

Harmony Choi

Early Childhood Educator

Employment Program

Anisha Sarana

Employment Program Coordinator

As the Employment Program Coordinator, Anisha plays a key role in advancing initiatives that support youth transitioning out of government care. She oversees core programs, including Youth Works and the Youth Mental Health Fund, helping create meaningful pathways to education, skills development and long-term career opportunities. Prior to joining the organization, Anisha worked as a frontline Outreach Specialist, where she supported at-risk youth in accessing educational and employment resources. Anisha brings a person-centred, collaborative approach to her work, grounded in a strong commitment to impact, inclusion and youth empowerment.

Intergenerational Connect Program

Ira Fan

Activity Worker

Ira is an experienced registered counsellor back in Hong Kong holding a Master of Social Sciences in
Counselling from The University of Hong Kong. Combining clinical expertise with a passion for
community wellness, she starts her new journey as an Activity Worker in Connections Community
Services Society in Vancouver, supporting diverse populations by contributing to both Intergenerational Connect and Indigenous Programs. Dedicated to fostering a more inclusive society, Ira leverages her background in public speaking, coaching, and mental health to address individual needs and societal expectations. She aspires to advance gender equity and empower community members to embrace their unique identities through holistic, culturally supportive care.

Vince Shyong

Child, Youth, and Family Counselor - Richmond School District Alternate Programs

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.

Vicky Luo

Group Facilitator

Office Administration

Olivia Te

Administrative Assistant

Olivia began at CCSS as a volunteer before joining the team as a part-time Administrative Assistant. With a background in graphic design and concept art, she brings creativity and a passion for learning her role and is always eager to take on new challenges. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, playing badminton, and exploring different creative hobbies.