Meet our New Board Members

Every year Gordon Neighbourhood House convenes members for our Annual General Meeting to discuss our outcomes from the previous fiscal year, and provide updates on our plans for the next 12 months.

The Annual General Meeting is also when we elect our new Community Advisory Board (CAB) Members. The CAB is an important decision-making body and steward of our organization. All Community Advisory Board members are volunteers, and they bring a wealth of experience and skills to their roles. Please welcome our new Community Advisory Board!

Dan Watson moved to Vancouver early in 2015 and started volunteering with Gordon Neighbourhood House shortly after. Dan was attracted to GNH because of its role in building community in the West End and emphasis on food-related programming. Dan currently acts as co-chair of the GNH board, as representative to the ANHBC Board, and chairs the ANHBC Board’s Capital Assets Committee. Dan has a master’s degree in urban planning and works for a planning firm based in downtown Vancouver on projects in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Dan’s urban planning experience has instilled in him an appreciation for the convergences between physical and social elements of city building and he is always excited to contribute this perspective to the work of Gordon Neighbourhood House. 

Rashmi GC is a West End resident trying to lead a sustainable way of life and take the do-it-yourself/do-it-together approach to everything. She is actively involved in many community building activities and is very passionate about her work. She loves having healthy interactions with the people in the community. She hosts workshops related to various topics to share her knowledge. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering, and worked for 10 years as a Software Programmer while living in Bangalore, India. She is a certified Master Recycler, is part of the Resident Advisory Committee of the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program and sits on the boards of the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation and the Vancouver Trees Project.

Mash Salehomoum has been volunteering with Gordon Neighbourhood House’s Young Ideas team for the last two years. During this time, she has helped organize and support several events in Jim Deva Plaza and the Pumpkin Parade in Nelson Park. Mash’s two main areas of focus are community development and environmental sustainability. She has an environmental background with a BSc in Ecological Restoration and a Diploma of Technology in Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation from BCIT. Currently, she works as a Program Coordinator for Park People, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting communities in improving their local neighbourhood parks.  She has a passion for bringing nature and people together in a way that is equitable and sustainable for future generations. In her spare time, Mash enjoys hiking, playing board games, eating cheese, and travelling.  

Dale Lutes is a 74 year old retiree who has lived in the West End for 25 years. He is a member of the West End Seniors’ Network, QMunity, Gordon Neighbourhood House, the Vancouver Seniors’ Advisory Committee, the West End Community Response Committee and the West End Seniors’ Planning Table. He has worked in adult and youth mental health, corrections and community living in various positions in government and non-profits. His interests include outdoor spaces and places that are safe and accessible for all, older adult needs and issues, affordable housing, food security and child day care.

Rain Daniels is Anishinaabekwe, is a member of the Saugeen Nation in Ontario, and was born in QayQayt territory. She lives on unceded xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) territory. Rain’s work includes 15 years in service provision, followed by 20 years of contract work in community development and social justice for Indigenous People, with various organizations. Her most recent highlights include working for the Provincial Health Services Authority’s Indigenous Cultural Safety Program for 7 years as a Lead Facilitator, Trainer, and Mentor and facilitating in SFU’s Certificate in Dialogue and Civic Engagement since 2012. With a Master’s degree in Adult Education, and decades of facilitation experience, Rain brings multiple skills, experience and analysis, to this crucial work.

Sonella Ramanaden is a Registered Dietitian and recent graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Food, Health and Nutrition from the University of British Columbia. She is currently working as a Clinical Dietitian at Surrey Memorial Hospital and was previously a long-time volunteer at St. Paul’s Hospital. She recently worked on a project with Gordon Neighborhood House unpacking the complex impact that COVID-19 has had on food security in the West-End whilst advocating for change. Sonella is passionate about public health, nutrition and social justice and looks forward to joining the Board!

Susan Moore, MA, is a West End renter/resident and has extensive experience working in the senior-serving not for profit sector. Prior to moving into the not for profit sector, Susan worked in post secondary education where she held senior management and director level positions specializing in international recruitment and admissions. Currently, Susan is the Director of Community Development and Resident Support with Brightside Community Homes Foundation, one of Vancouver largest not-for-profit housing providers.

Yasemin Yumurtaki is pleased to put forward her name for consideration.  Working in health services as a counsellor, Yasemin is passionate about accessible and inclusive mental services in particularly geared towards children and youth. She previously completed a practicum at Gordon Neighbourhood House.  On her free time, you can see Yasemin going on walks in the West end, spending time with any dog she sees and playing tennis. Yasemin is excited to be a part of the West end community and be a voice in developing programs. 

Join us at our next Annual General Meeting on June 16^th, 2021 at 5:30pm. For more information, please email welcome@gordonhouse.org.

If you are interested in joining our Community Advisory Board, please email our Executive Director Siobhan Powlowski at siobhan@gordonhouse.org.