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 of Indigenous leaders and “champions for life”. The leadership structure is defined as Co-Founders & Executive, Advisors and the Matriarchs Advisory Circle “MAC”. The MAC formalizes the incredible women and community champions that are actively informing and guiding our vision and everyday work to ensure that the children and youth and their communities are central in everything we do.
Co-Founders + Executive
Deana Gill, 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 then crossed into the corporate world (PwC Ritchie Bros., PHSA) to strengthen her leadership skills and business acumen and also founded an advisory company (Dreammaster) where she specialized in partnering with Indigenous service organizations to strengthen governance, leadership and providing culturally safe and relevant services.
“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.”
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 inviting and inspiring 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 the Hope and Health movement, Deana has moved into the role of CEO of Hope and Health full-time in 2019 to maximize the impact locally and grow across Canada and beyond!
Deana is most passionate and honoured to partner with her family, friends and other committed amazing humans to make a difference in the lives of Indigenous children and youth and their communities to drive reconciliation through sport.
Ed Georgica, Co-Founder + Director of Community Projects
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 “core shorts” which is now in demand across professional sports teams and utilized for injury prevention, recovery and performance around the glob.
“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.”
In 2011, Ed stepped back into professional sports, with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, as the Head Equipment, Logistic & Facilities Manager and contributed there for 12 years - maximizing the opportunity to engage the Whitecaps as a core partner in the Hope and Health movement.
Ed has since left the Whitecaps to pursue growing Coretection to its greatest potential and supporting Hope and Health with their “Be the Change” Mini-Pitch initiative.
William Yoachim, Co-Founder, President
Sqwulutsultun 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 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 and a BC Achievement Award in 2023.
He is a member of the Assembly of First Nations’ Chiefs Committee on Child and Family Services and Self-Determination that provides input, oversight and guidance on the Nation-wide implementation of the Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families.
“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.”
Bill is a proud father to his daughter, Samantha, and two sons, Joshua and Liam and lives in Nanaimo with his partner Shawn.
James Merriman, Founding Head Coach, Executive Board Member
Coaching Credentials
CSA B National Coaching License
NCCP Level three
NCI Advanced Coaching Diploma (trained)
“Hope and Health brings 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, with lots of smiles!”
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.
Following his contributions as a Youth Coach for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, James stepped into the role of Technical Director and Assistant Coach with the Pacific FC (Canadian Premiere League) based out of Victoria, BC. He moved into the Head Coach role in 2023. Jamie loves fishing, art and spending time with family & friends, and his newborn son and wife Elya on Vancouver Island.
Advisors
Jesse Symons, Technical Director & Coach Development, Advisor
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 won the USPORTS national championship in 2019, 2023, and 2024.
“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!”
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!
Maynard Johnny Jr. , Jersey Design & Youth Artist Development Advisor
Thii Hayqwtun (translates Big Fire), Maynard Johnny Jr. was born in Campbell River BC. He is Coast Salish on his father’s side and Kwakwaka'wakw on his mother’s side. Maynard has created the Salish Heron design on a BC Ferries vessel and has received the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art from BC Achievement. Maynard’s work is on Greys Anatomy since the beginning of the tv series. His work is all over the world in private collections, galleries and museums. Maynard has created the first Coast Salish mural in Chemainus the unceded traditional territory of Pune'luxutth Hul’q’umi’num people. Maynard’s valuable contributions to Hope and Health include: generation 1 and 2 logos, “Be the Change” orange shirt design, Anti-bullying Pink Shirt design, Nautsa’mawt FC crest and jersey collection and the Hope and Health mascot "Raven” - the only Coast Salish designed mascot - in the world. Mayard’s orange shirt design and important message was the design inspiration for the “Be the Change” Mini-Pitch initiative.
“Many still believe we as Indigenous people are given too much- not knowing the actual true history of genocide and oppression Canada and Religion has imposed. I’m 51 years old and my grandparents could not leave the reserve and not go past grade 5 for education- so what kind of future or lucrative job could you get with those kinds of restrictions? It’s taken almost 500 years to get to this point in moving forward and Hope and Health is a great organization pushing the limits and boundaries of equal opportunity for youth to have that may not have ever been able to before.”
“I believe in the initiative Hope and Health are continually working on to create opportunities for Indigenous youth is how we move forward in the world of sport and art.”
Melanie Mark, Partnership & Growth Strategy Advisor
HLI HAYKWHL ẂII XSGAAK, Melanie Mark is a trailblazing Nisga'a, Gitxsan, Cree and Ojibway matriarch and the first First Nations woman to be elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in 2016. Mark is also the inaugural First Nations woman to serve in BC’s Cabinet as the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training (2017- 2020) and later as the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (2020-2022). Mark has been disrupting the status quo throughout the nonprofit sector, public service, as an elected official and entrepreneur for the past three decades. Mark has a Criminology Diploma from Douglas College/ Native Education College and a Political Science Degree from Simon Fraser University. In 2024 she was the recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Mark is tenacious. She is a bold and strategic leader, with a demonstrated track record of advancing social, environmental, and economic justice. Mark retired from politics in 2023 to focus on her daughters and her two businesses: Remarkable First Nations Regenerative Industries & HLI HAYKWHL ẂII XSGAAK Consulting. Mark is a passionate advocate for education, sport, culture and clean tech and has an unwavering belief that we can and must “Paddle Together” to implement the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
“I was one of “those” kids who spent most of my time in the hallway and principals office because of my “bad attitude”. I went to six different highschools and really struggled in the classroom. I had Indian grades. I always felt stupid and worthless. Life at home sucked. I lived in poverty. My mom was addicted to alcohol and drugs. My siblings and I ended up in foster care. There are so many times that I wanted to quit. But everything changed in grade 11 when I fell in love with rugby. I ended up graduating from highschool as the first in my family and later going on to college and university. Sport literally saved my life and over time I learned more about my culture, which gave me such a powerful sense of belonging. This is what Hope and Health does. They unleash a power to empower. Connecting culture through sport. Transcending across communities. Epitomizing Paddle Together.”