John Charles, Executive Director

John has been the Executive Director since December 2021

Originally from the UK, John immigrated to Canada in 1983. He has lived on the North Shore for over 30 years. John had an extensive career in health care at a senior level, primarily in mental health and has a Masters in Leadership & Training (Health). John is passionate about serving others and hopes to use his experience to foster the development of the LVSS mandate to serve the wider community.

In his spare time, John enjoys sailing and playing the guitar. He is currently teaching himself the lute.

Sophia Hesp, Administrations Coordinator

Sophia joined LVSS 2014 and is currently our Administrations Coordinator.

Sophia’s background is in Finance and she has a passion for volunteering and helping others. She also enjoys the challenge of taking on new projects and participates with other organizations to benefit various causes.

Sophia spent her early childhood years in England and moved to the North Shore where she now resides. She graduated from SFU with a BA in English.

She is an avid reader, enjoys walking the trails across the North Shore and is a passionate cat lover.

Sophia has a strong sense of community and she uses her interpersonal and communications skills to identify the needs of others and to proactively identify solutions.

Aurelia Ulanday, Programs and Services Coordinator

With a professional background in both academic and place-based learning environments, Aurelia is passionate about learning new things and cultivating community. She is committed to ensuring all community members feel welcomed at the Lynn Valley Services Society and looks forward to engaging with users and members and their interests offered through LVSS programs at the Mollie Nye House.

As a dedicated lifelong learner, Aurelia has many incomplete projects on the go, and welcomes you to introduce her to something you are passionate about. Aurelia speaks conversational French and Mandarin, and spends her free time gardening, sewing and exploring the North Shore with her two young children.