Our 50 Year History
Board of Directors
Carolin Picker
Co-chair
As a mother of three children under the age of six, Carolin brings her organizational expertise, caring nature and her experience in the non-profit sector to the board.
“WSFP is a welcoming place with people who care and listen to you with no judgement. I joined the board to give back and further connect with this community.”
Carolin is passionate about exploring culture, people and cooking.
Paro Ray
Co-chair
Paro first started coming to WSFP during the pandemic, and she’s so glad she did! She found her family in Family Place, away from her own family back in India, and learned to navigate (and to relax!) her new role as a mother more confidently. Family Place welcomed her in such a warm way, and guided her through the many invaluable programs offered. When her son joined preschool, and she was no longer a frequent visitor; she still wanted to be connected to the community and organization that helped her in so many ways, and hence decided on joining the Board.
Paro enjoys playing squash, horse riding, and dancing. Paro’s background is in engineering and she has worn many professional hats from a business analyst to a project engineer. She took a career sabbatical in 2015 and traveled for 4 years through India, Central Asia, Western China, and sailed the coast of BC from Vancouver to Alaska on a 32ft sailboat with her husband.
Angela Lam
Treasurer
Angela is an engaged member of the Kitsilano community and supports connections with local organizations for collaboration and contributing to the neighbourhood’s vibrancy. Angela appreciates a strong sense of community involvement and cherishes the bonds, shared experiences, and collective growth that comes with being an integral part of the community’s social fabric. Angela’s professional experience is in financial services and has a background in management, project planning, change management and risk management. Angela has two children actively involved in ice hockey and dance and for fun, Angela enjoys music, traveling and exploring new culinary trends.
Komal Nandra
Secretary
Komal has lived in Vancouver since 2021 and welcomed a new life in her family in 2022. “I am thankful to be a part of the WSFP community as it has given my baby a safe space for free play and socializing with other babies. As a new mom and a newcomer, WSFP is one of the few places where I found belonging and felt liberated by talking with the staff and sharing parenting experiences with other mothers and fathers.” Komal joins the board to explore ways to contribute to this community.
With the plethora of parenting information available, Komal enjoys navigating motherhood and graduate studies at UBC. During moments of not actively childrearing, Komal loves gardening, cooking, practicing embroidery, and playing Magic: The Gathering with her partner.
Elizabeth Vander Hoeven
Director
Growing up on the west coast led Elizabeth to the hospitality and tourism industry. In her current Human Resources role she builds a welcoming, engaging and supportive culture in her workplace. “As a new parent in a new city WSFP offered connection and stability in a safe and cozy space.” Elizabeth loves a good cup of coffee, listening to podcasts and exploring our city’s beautiful parks and beaches with her two young daughters and husband.
Brooke Astles
Director
Brooke moved from Ontario to British Columbia in 2013 for graduate school in gerontology. Settling in Dunbar, Brooke has worked in numerous areas: quality assurance, project management, training of health care workers and facilitators, and curriculum development. She now works as a specialist for a local health authority. “Having my son at the start of the pandemic was incredibly lonely. WSFP provided a regular opportunity to socialize with other parents in a safe and welcoming environment. It completely changed my maternity leave experience, and I am incredibly grateful.” In her free time, Brooke can be found skiing and exploring neighbourhoods with her spouse and kids.
Hannah DeJong
Director
Hannah joined the Westside Family Place board in 2023 to give back to the community that supported her so much during her maternity leave. She has been practicing as a civil litigation lawyer since 2017, and became a mom in 2023. Hannah enjoys gardening, hiking, cooking, and cycling.
Ellen Allard
Director
Ellen has lived in Vancouver since 2012 and in the Kitsilano neighbourhood since 2018. As an engineer and project manager, she is excited to bring her professional experience to the Board. Ellen and her husband are parents to a two-year girl and are expecting another child in 2024. WSFP has been an amazing place to meet other parents in the neighbourhood and for her daughter to socialize. Ellen joined the Board to help to give back to the community and to ensure WSFP can be there to support young families for years to come. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors either snowboarding in the winter or hiking and biking in the summer.