The Hope and Health leadership team is an incredibly diverse and accomplished group of individuals, all in active professional roles within their respective fields of expertise. They each bring diverse skills, talents, and experiences with a common passion and vision for creating the most healthy and resilient future generation.
Leadership
DEANA
GILL-GEORGICA
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
Deana Gill, MSW, has been leading capacity building and organizational development initiatives for over 20+ years in a variety of settings, from public service to non-profit to global corporations. She started her career as a front line child protection social worker and child and youth mental health therapist and moved into supervisory and leadership roles driven by her passion to make
a difference on a larger scale. Deana crossed into the corporate world (PwC and Ritchie Bros.) to strengthen her leadership skills and business acumen and also founded an advisory company (Dreammaster) where she specialized in Aboriginal service agencies, partnering to strengthen governance, leadership and providing culturally safe and relevant services.
Deana was recognized nationally in 2013 as the recipient of the Canadian Association of Social Work “Distinguished Service Award” for outstanding contribution as a social work professional. Deana believes that identifying and building on strengths and inviting people to lead from where there they stand contributes to vibrant and sustainable outcomes in all situations.
After a lengthy career balancing corporate leadership roles alongside the creation and growth of Hope and Health, Deana has now moved into the role of Executive Director of Hope and Health and focusing on this exclusively with the vision to maximize the impact locally and then grow across Canada and beyond!
Deana is most passionate about partnering with her family, close friends and other committed citizens to make a difference in the lives of Indigenous children and youth and their communities.
“Hope and Health is a movement that brings communities and people together with our nation’s most vulnerable children and youth at the center. Everyone that participates understands that the most important component is placing the relationship at the centre and to connect with the children and youth on a personal level. By doing so, we are offering our love and mentorship- on and off the pitch and as a long term commitment.”
ED GEORGICA
CO-FOUNDER, BOARD MEMBER & SECRETARY-TREASURER
An East Vancouver native, Ed began his 28 year career in professional sports with the BC Lions back in 1980. After the Grey Cup win in 1985, Ed moved into hockey as the Equipment Assistant with the Vancouver Canucks for six years and then moved to the Ottawa Senators for their inaugural year as the Head Equipment Manager where he contributed in this role for over 10 years.
On the international stage, Ed worked for Team Canada at the 1993 and 1996 World Championships resulting in a silver medal win. He was then selected to represent the world team in the 2000 NHL All Star game in Toronto. Ed served four years on the executive board for the Society for Professional Hockey Equipment Managers (SPHEM), with one year in the role of President. In 2001, he was the recipient of the Larry Ashley Award presented to the trainer that best exemplifies the character and commitment to excellence displayed by Ashley throughout his career. In 2002, Ed made a change from hockey and moved to back to the West Coast where he enjoyed sports consulting for two major motion movies and then pursued a business opportunity patenting a unique technology for a compression garment. Five years later, a licensing deal was finalized with a global performance sports apparel leader and this technology is now global and in multiple products. In 2011, Ed stepped back into professional sports, with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, as the Head Equipment, Logistic & Facilities Manager. He is currently the Head of First Team Operations, Facilities and Equipment.
Ed is passionate about maximizing the sports platform to make a difference in the lives of others and is committed to providing access and opportunities to Indigenous children and youth, inspiring them on their own individual path of greatness.
“The cornerstone belief is that our potential is limitless and our aim is to inspire the kids to believe in themselves to pursue their dreams. Humanizing the pro athletes is key so the kids realize that we are all just people and that with hard work and determination, they too may accomplish great things, whatever that looks like for them.”
WILLIAM YOACHIM
CO-FOUNDER & BOARD MEMBER
William Yoachim is a proud member of Snuneymuxw FN, born and raised in Nanaimo. Currently the Executive Director Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family Services. Bill received his Bachelor of Arts from Vancouver Island University (VIU) and Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria.
A former and current elected member of Snuneymuxw Chief and Council (2002-2014 and 2018-current), former VIU Board of Governor 2008-2014 and as the first Indigenous person elected to City of Nanaimo Council, 2014-2018, Bill has always maintained a focus on service to his community, leveraging overcoming his own adversity in the leadership and betterment of others. He was recognized for his contribution as the recipient of the MLS Works Community MVP in 2014.
He is a proud father to his daughter, Samantha, and two sons, Joshua and Liam and lives in Nanaimo with his partner Shawn.
“Hope and Health is how one shall live by, this movement to me is about providing children, youth and families with hope while providing health.”
JAMES MERRIMAN
BOARD MEMBER & HOPE AND HEALTH HEAD COACH
Coaching Credentials
CSA B National Coaching License
NCCP Level three
NCI Advanced Coaching Diploma (trained)
Born and raised in Cedar, BC, James excelled and pursued soccer early becoming a Youth Provincial
and National level Player. As a NCAA DIV1 Athlete, 4 Year Letter Winner, he completed a Business Administration Degree at the University of Denver. James then moved on and played in the Professional Arena Soccer League & Premier Development League in Colorado, along with European experiences as he trained & studied in Germany, Turkey and England while he transitioned into coaching. He then contributed five seasons as an Assistant Coach at the collegiate level CCAA Vancouver Island University and NCAA Simon Fraser University. James formerly a Youth Coach for Vancouver Whitecaps FC and has since stepped into the role of Technical Director and Assistant Coach with the Pacific FC (Canadian Premiere League), based out of Victoria, BC. Jamie loves fishing, art and spending time with family & friends on Vancouver Island!
“A day of inspiration that gives us an opportunity to make positive change. The hope is the energy from this experience will truly make a difference in every person involved young and old. The goal is a healthier outlook on life and to give support and strength to those in need. Most of all,
its a special day with lots of smiles!”
Advisory Board Member
JESSE SYMONS
BOARD MEMBER
I have been fortunate to have been working with Hope and Health at their annual lower mainland camp since 2016. I am currently the UBC Women's Soccer Head Coach being named to the position in May 2016. We have won a national championship in 2019 and finished second in the country in 2016. In 2016 the team also won the Canada West Championship.
Before UBC, I was both technical director and WPSL head coach for the North Shore Girls’ Soccer Club. In this role, I was integral in entering the first-ever Canadian franchise in the Women’s Premier Soccer League in the United States.
I served 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. 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, where I worked for 10 years! 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!
“The ability to connect communities through a focus on empowering the next generation through physical, social, emotional and cultural pillars is absolutely inspiring. Hope and Health builds bridges through meaningful, respectful interactions. A program that allows youth to elders to have a voice and opportunity to grow their confidence and courage in a safe, motivational way. Reach for the stars!”
Jesse was recognized for his contributions to Hope and Health by being awarded the MLS Community MVP title by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the Fall of 2020
(Watch this video below at 1:57)
https://www.whitecapsfc.com/post/2020/11/17/getting-know-2020-mls-works-community-mvp-jesse-symons
