Coaches, Coordinators and Mentors

Hope and Health is blessed to offer an incredibly diverse team of coaches, coordinators many whom are current and former student athletes; along with community members already connected to the beautiful children, youth and families at the centre of the Hope and Health movement.

Our team is committed to come together as one heart, one mind to maximize sport as a tool for reconciliation (more better described by us as reconciliACTION) in relation to the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls To Action, specific to Sports and Reconciliation (87-91) http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

Our Core Dream Team

  • TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AND HEAD COACH

    I have been fortunate to have been a part of the Hope and Health community since summer of 2016. With Hope and Health, I support curriculum development, programming and coach development with current and incoming coaches. Working closely with the key staff involved in supporting community development initiatives, mostly in the lower mainland programming that includes school programs, community based events and weekly community clinics. I have been fortunate to be named an MLS Works MVP and CPL Gamechanger for supporting Hope and Health programming.

    I am currently the UBC Women's Soccer Head Coach being named to the position in May 2016. Since taking over the team the program has won 3 National Championships (2019, 2023, and 2024) and 3 Canada West Championships (2016, 2022, and 2024). As well, I was named Canada West Coach of the Year in 2023 and 2024, and USPORTS Coach of the Year in 2024.

    Prior to UBC I worked for 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 head coach. 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. 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!

  • PROGRAM MANAGER

    Hi everyone! My name is Jacqueline Tyrer and I started coaching with Hope and Health in 2019 at one of the Vancouver community camps, then started getting more involved in October 2020 for the H3 program during COVID. Since then, I have taken on more roles with Hope and Health and couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities they have provided me with.

    I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelors of Kinesiology. I am also a proud alumni of the University of British Columbia Women's Soccer Team. I started playing soccer at the early age of 4 years old in Richmond and then started playing in Surrey when I was 13 years old. I have learnt so much about the First Nations community through working with Hope and Health and am thrilled to continue my journey, while also expanding my role within the organization.

  • VI SS PROGRAM MANAGER + MENTOR

    Hi! My name is Ava Alexander and I have been fortunate enough to coach with Hope and Health since 2021. I began playing soccer on Vancouver Island when I was 4 and began coaching in Nanaimo in 2016. I am currently completing a degree in Science at the University of British Columbia. I am also playing on the University of British Columbia Women’s soccer team, where I was first introduced to the Hope and Health community. Since starting with Hope and Health, it has been exciting to see the growth and direction of the program, and I am looking forward to continuing to broaden my knowledge and role with this team!

  • COACH

    Hello, my name is Peter Moses. I am Cowichan on my mother’s side and Puyallup on my father’s side. My Cowichan name is Qwitseem and Spulqadum from the Yakima territory. I have been involved with soccer for 42 years I started playing soccer when I was 7 years old and continue to play today. My highest level of soccer was div 2.  I have been a soccer coach for 24 years now and have coached youth soccer, women’s soccer and men’s soccer. I have been blessed with many trophies, friends and memories and plan on making many more. Soccer life has given me opportunities to be successful in all aspects of my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to still be growing.

  • NAUTSA’MAWT FC ACADEMY LEAD + HOPE AND HEALTH ADVISOR + MENTOR

    Victoria is a proud Anishinabekwe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Long Point First Nation. Victoria supports Hope and Health as the Nautsa’mawt FC Academy Lead & Hope and Health Advisor and is a Policy Analyst for the National Association of Friendship Centres. 

    Recently, Victoria was named an inductee into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame along with her champion women’s soccer team at the 2017 World Indigenous Games Champions. Today, you can find Victoria playing League 1 in Quebec with OSU Atletico Women, and training with her alma mater at the University of Ottawa as she played for the uOttawa GeeGees, capturing a Nationals bronze, OUA gold, and OUA bronze. 

    She led Team Ontario Indigenous Boy’s Soccer Team to their first ever medal at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax, NS. Her passions include Indigenous health, Land Back, sport, and family.

  • COWICHAN TRIBES PROGRAM LEAD

    Tammy Jack is a proud mother of three daughters; Mackenzie, Madison and Ava and a loving grandmother to one granddaughter named Wren. Born and raised in Cowichan, she is deeply committed to paving the way for Indigenous children, ensuring they have the opportunities, support, and cultural connections needed to thrive.

    As an educator, she is passionate about fostering learning environments that uplift and empower Indigenous youth. She is honored to be part of Hope and Health and Nautsa’mawt FC Academy, where she contributes to initiatives that inspire and nurture young minds through sport, education, and community engagement.

    Her work is driven by a deep love for her people, her culture, and the future generations she strives to uplift. With a heart dedicated to teaching, mentorship, and advocacy, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Indigenous children and families.

  • VSB PROGRAM LEAD + COACH + MENTOR

    Hello everyone my name is Penelope Sparrow, I am from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) First Nations.

    I became involved with Hope and Health in  the summer of 2022 helping coach the summer camps. I instantly enjoyed all the support and love that Hope and Health was providing for the indigenous youth and how they are bringing them together through

    I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of the Hope and Health team the moment they had a camp in my community. I’ve been very lucky to be a part of their amazing team and I’ve had many opportunities to show my love of soccer and helping out others through the amazing sport of soccer.

    They provide a family and community that is unforgettable.

  • COACH + MENTOR

    My name is Gavin Moses, I am from Quw’utsun First Nations and Puyallup Tribes in Washington state, USA. I’m 18 years old. I am currently in grade 12 at Duncan Christian secondary school. I will be graduating this June 2025. I have been playing soccer since I was 4 years old. I started out playing for the Cowichan eagles U7 coed team. Over the past 14 years I have had the privilege of being a part of a number of youth teams. I also participated in the white Caps academy, the Rush academy as well as West Castle academy. For the past 2 years I have been apart of Quw’utsun men’s team for Native ball. Plus Quw’utsun Mens league and currently I am playing with Mid Island men’s team from the Stzuminus First Nation as well has my second season participating with Hope and Health. 

    When I started out with hope and health, I was a participating athlete, and now I am currently a mentor. 

    My future plans for me for Hope and Health is to learn as far as I can and for as long as I can.

Summer Programs and Sessional Team Members

  • LITTLE CHAMPIONS LEAD

    Hello everyone! My name is Chelsea Seymour, and I am from and currently reside in Stz'uminus First Nation. I have been a proud member of the Hope and Health team since 2021. My love for soccer began when I started playing at around four years old, and while I continue to enjoy the game, my primary focus is completing my Bachelor of Education at Vancouver Island University. 

    I have a deep passion for working with youth and take pride in helping them grow in confidence, skills, and leadership. Watching them advance in their age group and develop both on and off the pitch is an unforgettable experience. I am grateful to be part of this incredible team, working together to build a strong, safe, and supportive community.

  • COACH + MENTOR

    Hello, my name is Tessa Scarlett- Charelson. I am from the West Coast of Vancouver Island part of the Ditidaht nation.

    Playing soccer is one of my favorite hobbies. I currently play for VAFC Division 1 and have been playing with them since 2019. I have also had the opportunity play with the Native Indian Football Association (NIFA) and play soccer internationally in Hawaii and the Dominican Republic. Having all of these opportunities to play the sports I enjoy gave me a chance to spread the love of the game.

    This year I have the amazing opportunity to join Hope & Health and be a junior coach. As a Jr. coach I get the experience to practice and grow improve my leadership skills and give back to the kids in my community. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

  • COACH

    Hi, my name is Mia Manson. I am from Snuneymuxw, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish. I'm a 2023 highschool graduate from mountainside secondary school. I've been playing soccer since I was 3 years old, and had the opportunity to play in the San Marino cup in Italy during July of 2019 being the only Canadian team.

    I've been with Hope and Health on and off since early 2020 starting as a volunteer, i’ts been an honour and such an incredible experience.

    I love being a role model for the children in my community and Hope and Health has given the chance to teach children all about soccer and help them with different skills in and out of sport.

  • JUNIOR COACH

    Hello everyone my name is Saje Paul and I am an Indigenous member of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw.

    I became involved with Hope and Health in the spring of 2022 when I went to an after school camp at my school Xpey elementary. I liked it a lot because I liked meeting the new coaches, they taught me the teachings of the eagle, whale, etc. I loved the things that Hope and Health was doing for Indigenous youth through soccer.

    When the soccer camp ended I was a little bit sad because I loved playing soccer with my classmates and coaches but after the camp Hope and Health messaged me that they wanted me to be part of there dream team and I gladly accepted their request and here I am coaching at my old elementary school and other schools.

    One thing I love about Hope and Health is meeting new people and working with them on the pitch and off the pitch. Hope and Health will always be in my heart.

  • JUNIOR COACH + YOUTH AMBASSADOR

    Hi, I’m Tessa Jack and I am a youth coach for Hope and Health. Working with Hope and Health has been fun and a great experience. Overall I really enjoy working and playing soccer with family and friends. Not only do I get to play soccer, I get the opportunity to make new friendships.

  • COACH

    My name is Melvin Jack and I am from the Penelakut Tribe. I am proud to be part of the wonderful Hope and Health program since 2024.

    I have always had a passion for educating our children and youth. I have worked at the Penelakut Island Elementary School for almost 17 years as an education assistant for our grade 6, 7, and recently 8 class. I previously worked as our tribe's youth group leader. I went to school to obtain my Child and Youth Care First Nations diploma before that. I have played soccer my whole life. I have also coached a variety of levels of soccer teams, including kids of all ages, a men's team and my own men's futsal team. I am married with 5 wonderful kids and have one grandson. I am a huge supporter and advocate for our children and youth. I am very grateful to be part of the dream team!

  • COACH

    I'm Denny Jack, a proud resident of Penelakut Island, where I feel grateful to be raising my two children and watching them grow. I currently work at a high school, and I get to have that bond with the youth all year round, not just during soccer season.

  • COACH

    Hello, my name is Savannah Harris. I’m from Cowichan Tribes and Stz’uminus First Nation. My parents are Iona Harris and Calvin Swustus Jr. Soccer has been a huge part of my life since I was able to walk. I’ve travel to many different places to play soccer. It truly runs strong in my bloodline. I’m very happy and excited to be apart of hope and health as a coach and can’t wait to work with all the youth playing the sport we all love.

  • JUNIOR COACH

    Uy skweyul, ne’unthu Stut’sulwhut. Good day, my traditional name is Stut’sulwhut. My English name is Anika Swustus. I’m from Cowichan with ties to Stz’uminus. I enjoy time with the kids and my coworkers. It is fun watching the kids learn and grow and also creating great memories.

    I love to play soccer. I’m playing with Mid Isle FC Women’s Division 3 Team. I usually play defence or midfield. Soccer has taken me abroad to Hawaii, Cuba & the Dominican Republic.

  • JUNIOR COACH

    Hi my name is Ava Jack, and I am 15 years old. I am apart of the Quw’utsun First Nation.

    I play for the 09 Vancouver Island wave girls, and attend St. Johns Academy in Shawnigan Lake and my goal as first year youth coach is to help the next generation of Indigenous youth find and grow their love for the sport.

  • PENELAKUT AND KL MEMBER NATIONS COORDINATOR

    My names are; Kwa' liim'tunaat & Qwa' el' si' ya' traditional names that I shared with the Matriarchs of the Brown & Sylvester Families, My late Grandmothers Priscilla Brown & Laura Sylvester.  My English name is Laura Lynn Jack. (nee Brown )

    I am from a small semi isolated island, known as Penelakut Island formerly Kuper Island located on the southern gulf islands.

    I previously worked at the Penelakut Island Elementary School as the Administration Assistant - Receptionist. This is where I got the honour to meet Hope & Health and welcome them into our community, We are one of the lucky communities that have been with H&H from the start; 2017 to date! They have helped build healthy, strong young active youth in our community as they will become our future leaders. 

    I am now the Administrative Assistant  with Hope & Health and can't be more happier in assisting in any way possible to build a better future for our Youth & Community! 

  • PARTNERSHIPS AND SOCIAL IMPACT MANAGER

    Hi everyone, my name is Nisa! I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. I am also an alumni of the UBC Women’s Soccer Team. I first began coaching with Hope and Health in 2019 and recently in summer 2024, moved into a social media role within Hope and Health. I’m now extremely excited to be in this new role, focusing on bridging meaningful and purposeful connections, and highlighting social impact stories.

    Throughout my time with Hope and Health, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture and stories and I am so thankful for this experience!

  • COACH + YOUTH AMBASSADOR + MENTOR

    Hello everyone my name is Richard Palmer Thomas and I am an Indigenous community member from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Coast Salish First Nation tribe.

    I became involved with Hope and Health in the summer of 2016 when I went to a soccer camp day that Hope and Health was putting on in my community. When I got there, I instantly enjoyed all the things that Hope and Health was doing and I loved how much they cared about Indigenous youth and bringing them together through soccer.

    When that day camp ended, I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of the Hope and Health team and help out however I could. So I volunteered at a boot drive that they were hosting and I really enjoyed it and was so happy to be there. Since then, I’ve been very lucky to be a part of their amazing team and I’ve had many opportunities to show my love of soccer and helping out others through Hope and Health.

    One of the reasons I love being a part of Hope and Health is because I get to meet all these amazing people and I get to make so many life lasting friendships that I will cherish forever.

  • PHOTOGRAPHER + VIDEOGRAPHER

    Devan is a Métis multimedia artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Since beginning his photography journey back in 2013 on his iPhone 4, he has documented countless people's stories and moments. Devan's deep love for visual storytelling is apparent in his work from environmental portraiture, to live music, social campaigns, music videos, and even his landscape photography. His documentary-like approach helps provide a unique look into the lives of the people and places he photographs.

  • COACH

    Hi everyone! My name is Ryan Hum and I have been fortunate enough to be a part of Hope and Health since 2019. I grew up playing soccer since the age of 4, but have shifted towards more of a coaching role upon the graduation of highschool. I have my Bachelors of Science and I am currently in the University of British Columbia Nursing program!

    From my first coaching role at the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Summer Program in 2019, I have had the privilege to coach and mentor youth across many different Nations. It is truly amazing and heartwarming to see the positive impact we can have in the lives of so many. I have learned so much about the First Nations community and culture with my time working with Hope and Health. The growth of Hope and Health has been incredible, expanding and impacting the lives across Canada. The future is bright for this organization and I am excited to be a part of it!

  • COACH + MENTOR

    Hi my name is Kelsey Jack I am from Penelakut Island and I am a junior coach for Hope and Health, I have been a junior coach for 2 years and it has been a very good experience. Before becoming a coach I started as a participant in hope and health then in 2018 I was asked to be kid captain for the Whitecaps FC. I enjoy coaching very much and I love working with kids, I love seeing the kids smile and laugh and having a very good time in general. I enjoy teaching the kids some new things and learning new things myself. I can’t wait to see the kids grow and go through the same experiences I have been through.

    Hope and Health changed my life and made me a more confident person then I was before. Hope and Health really does changes lives.

Junior Coaches/Youth Ambassadors

Hope and Health is committed to our “Champions For Life” development model within our coaching system - mentoring youth as young as 13 years of age in holistic coaching methods.

This model provides a critical pathway for youth to remain involved and reap the benefits from being involved with sports in the dual role of as an athlete and/or youth coach.

  • JUNIOR COACH + YOUTH AMBASSADOR

    Hi I am Trent Brown I am from Penelakut. I am currently the youngest youth coach with Hope and Health! I started at the young age of 11! I currently play Striker with Victoria Wave FC. What I love most about this opportunity is working with children and learning from my co coaches on and off the pitch. It has been a learning opportunity for me as a coach and a player! I also enjoy watching the little champs and the junior champs grow in the sport I love!

  • JUNIOR COACH + YOUTH AMBASSADOR

    Hello enthu Ley’wé tunitsun utl Penelakut. Hello my I am Arthur I am from and currently living at Penelakut island.

    I grew up enjoying the gameplay of soccer for as long as I can remember.

    I was always involved with leadership right from the start of elementary to the present, I have been a youth coach for a couple years now. I have really enjoyed and have been grateful for the coaching experiences so far and with continuing this journey.