Our Staff
Fed staff members are responsible for maintaining and overseeing our programs and services. They must be knowledgeable and passionate about young people and are deeply committed to meaningful youth-engagement.
Please connect with any of our staff team if you have any questions about the Fed!
Lorena Bishop - Executive Director
Lorena brings over 15 years of experience in the youth service sector including three years of experience (2009-2012) at the Fed as a Program Manager and interim Executive Director. Lorena has most recently been working as an Independent Consultant in Halifax and was also the Director of Operations for the HeartWood Centre for Community Youth Development. Lorena has a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, as well as a certificate in Human Resources Management. Lorena has been the recipient of the Child Welfare League of Canada’s Leadership Award and helped support and advocate for the creation of BC Child and Youth in Care Week.
The Executive Director is the leader of the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks. We are delighted that we have found a person who deeply understands the issues for youth in and from care and has a provincial perspective on services and issues. Lorena Bishop will lead the organization in current projects and in the development of a new strategic plan. She will be responsible for policy and administration, including planning, organizing, coordinating, and managing the operation of the FBCYICN programs and services. This is a full-time position working with a progressive agency made up five staff, youth members from across the province and alumni – youth who have transitioned out of care. The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors and will liaise with provincial Ministries, funders and community agencies across the province.
Lorena recognizes the complexity of working with youth. In her cover letter, she wrote that she “has a passion for improving the lives of young people in and from care, which comes from [her] experience working with and growing up in the child welfare system.” Lorena’s personal interests are varied and in her free time she enjoys yoga, crafting, hiking and reading.
Email Me
604-527-7762. ext 103
Shannon Dolton - Engagement Coordinator
I am so excited to be joining the Fed family as the Engagement Coordinator. I am passionate about working with youth and look forward to building youth involvement and connection at the Fed. I know when given access to tools and support youth can achieve anything they desire.
My educational background is a combination of Child and Youth Care work with Women’s Studies and Gender Relations. I have had the opportunity to work with children and youth in a variety of settings including 1 to 1 home support, low barriers crisis intervention, and life/parenting skills development.
I like to think of myself as a grown up with a healthy balance of childlike whimsy and a touch of 80-year-old grandma. I am an avid tea-drinker, reader, unicorn collector and believe in the power of Wonder Woman. I am an intersectional feminist with strong ties to the body acceptance community and a strong advocate for the rights of all LGBTQI2S+ people.
I look forward to meeting and getting to know everyone!
Email Me
O: 604-527-7762 ext 109
Deepak Nijjer - Practicum Student
My name is Deepak and I am a Master of Arts: Psychology student from Adler University! My gender pronouns are he, him and they. I currently live in New Westminster and have been living here for my entire life. I am a huge hockey and football fan, and I also am a goalie in hockey as well. If I could eat one meal for the rest of my life, make no doubt about it…I’d eat hot dogs for the rest of my life! During my limited down time, I love to play video games and hang out with my friends as much as I can, as an escape from the stress of student/work life. I can’t begin to express how excited I am to be involved with the Fed and getting the chance to meet and hangout with the awesome youth! Thanks for having me on board and I look forward working with the Fed in improving the lives of young people all around our nation!
Jeff O'Neill - Local Development Coordinator
I am very excited to be joining the Fed as the Local Development Coordinator. I have had a lot of experience working with youth in and from care and I have always had a strong passion to help youth in and from care reach their full potential.
I hold a B.A. in Child and Youth Care and my past experience working with youth in care involves working in youth centres, after hours outreach, safe houses, and one-to-one work.
I will be welcoming my first child soon and I am a devoted Canucks and sports fan. I am looking forward to getting into our communities to find a way we can best serve the young people who access our services.
Email Me
O:604-527-7762 ext 104
Preeti Prasad - Administrative Coordinator
Hi! I’m Preeti Prasad the Administrative Coordinator at the Fed. I’m super excited to be joining the Fed team!
I’ve worked with young people in several different capacities over the years. I’ve supported youth in building employability and life skills. I have traveled across B.C. in a research capacity, listening and documenting the stories and experiences young people have shared with me. I have also worked with a youth council in developing by youth-for youth projects and initiatives. What continually guides my work is an understanding that, everything I do in whatever role I take on is in the best interest and to the benefit of the young people I work and interact with.
I hold a Diploma in Youth Justice and a B.A. in Criminology. When I haven’t caught the travel bug, I’m usually reading (true crime and fantasy are my favourite genres), crocheting, scrapbooking or baking.
O: (604) 527-7762 ext. 101
Stephanie Thompson - Communications Coordinator
I’ve been with the Fed for the last couple of months covering administration, but I am very excited to be moving into the Communications Coordinator position. I grew up in Burns Lake, BC where I spent most of my time reading (there wasn’t much else to do). I moved to Vancouver in 2007, and after serving and bartending for a few years I decided to run with my passion for stories. I got a degree in English, and later a diploma in Publishing. My work experience has ranged from
customer service to working with seniors to writing, editing, and design.
I’m a pretty huge nerd, and can often be spotted on my couch watching Star Trek, Studio Ghibli movies, or anything by Joss Whedon.
I’ve always believed in the power of knowledge and storytelling. I look forward to using my writing, editing and design skills to provide valuable information and resources to youth, and in turn helping share the stories they want to tell.
604-527-7762 ext. 113
On Special Contract:
Chris Bentzen
Graphic Design Consultant
Shannon Pawliw
Graphic Design Consultant
Helen Roberts
Organizational Development Consultant
Denise Turner
Board Development Consultant
Ann Veerman
HR Consultant
