Our Team

Executive Director

Alfred Achoba is the Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kamloops Branch, where he has led transformative community-based mental health, housing, and harm reduction programs since 2021. A graduate in Psychology from Thompson Rivers University, Alfred has dedicated his career to mental health advocacy, inclusive leadership, and strengthening social support systems for vulnerable populations.

With over a decade of experience at CMHA Kamloops, Alfred has held multiple frontline and leadership positions, using his experience and community insight to inform evidence-based strategies. Under his leadership, CMHA Kamloops has expanded supportive housing programs, shelter services, outreach supports, deepened partnerships with Indigenous and local organizations, and launched innovative initiatives like EmpowerMinds, aimed at promoting mental wellness through education and community engagement.

A strong believer in equity, trust, and collaboration, Alfred serves on the Board of BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA), representing the Interior region, and is a vocal advocate for culturally safe, client-centered services across the sector. Outside of work, he is a husband, father of three, travel enthusiast, and proud member of a large, vibrant family that once competed on Family Feud Canada.

Human Resources

Gina Dillon joined the organization in 2023 as the Manager of Human Resources. In this role, Gina oversees the daily operations of the HR department, ensuring compliance with employment and labour regulations and streamlining processes. She also advises supervisors and leadership on various employee and labour relations matters and actively participates in recruitment, training, and development initiatives. Gina’s diverse background includes working in both unionized and nonunionized environments and in the private and para-public sectors. She has successfully handled various employee and labour relations matters, such as hiring, leave management and performance management. With over 15 years of comprehensive experience in employee relations, recruitment, performance management, and training, Gina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. She has effectively managed numerous diverse teams, showcasing her exceptional problem-solving abilities and creative thinking. Gina has a strong commitment to supporting organizational goals and fostering a safe and respectful work environment for employees. She is dedicated to assisting individuals in reaching their full potential by removing employment barriers and supporting individual performance.

Adaobi Ejike is a Human Resources Associate at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kamloops, where she supports the full employee life cycle, from recruitment and onboarding to engagement and workplace culture. She brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to HR, grounded in strong communication, confidentiality, and a deep understanding of organizational needs. Adaobi began her journey with CMHA in January 2022 as a Shelter Support Worker, later moving into a Life Skills and Housing Transition Support role at Moira House. These frontline experiences gave her firsthand insight into the unique needs of both clients and staff. They also helped her develop a strong understanding of the kind of team members who thrive in the CMHA environment; compassionate, resilient, and community-minded individuals. After completing her Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Human Resource Management at Thompson Rivers University, Adaobi transitioned into her current role in HR. Adaobi is driven by a desire to help build teams where people feel supported, respected, and equipped to do meaningful work. She is proud to contribute to a workplace that prioritizes mental health, inclusion, and meaningful support for both clients and staff. Outside of the office, she values quiet time, early workouts, and intentional living, habits that help her stay grounded and focused on what matters most: people.

Nneoma Orji is the Payroll Assistant at CMHA Kamloops, where she ensures employees are paid accurately and have access to the benefits/support they need to succeed. She joined CMHA in 2022 as a Shelter Support Worker and discovered just how much kindness and trust can mean to people facing difficult circumstances.
With over four years of experience in People and Culture roles, Nneoma brings a meticulous eye for detail and a deep commitment to employee well-being. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Law & Diplomacy and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). She sees every payroll cycle and policy decision as an opportunity to promote fairness, dignity, and purpose in the workplace.
At CMHA Kamloops, Nneoma is committed to supporting mental health and housing in the community. She works behind the scenes to make sure systems run smoothly and that staff feel recognized for what they do. She also volunteers on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, helping to build a more inclusive workplace culture.
Away from her desk, Nneoma loves to read, write, and cook. She believes that these small joys are what keep her grounded, reminding her that real care doesn’t need to be loud, it just needs to be consistent.
For Nneoma, the work isn’t about numbers or policies. It’s about people, and the quiet ways we can make sure they’re seen and supported.

Finance

Liane Gottgetreu is the Manager of Finance and Administration and oversees all components of the finance department.  Part of her role includes maintaining and updating financial processes, providing financial information to management and the board of directors, and supervising the finance department staff.  With over 30 years’ experience in accounting and finance, Liane enjoyed spending several years working in the non-profit sector in Vancouver and continued to follow in those footsteps when she moved to Kamloops in 2020. Liane feels very fortunate to be part of this growing team and progressive non-profit organization that believes in the people who benefit from the services provided by CMHA Kamloops.  As the organization expands, so does the finance department. The finance team’s goal is to continue to follow the objective of having a structured and streamlined department that runs smoothly.

Janet Hardie joined the CMHA Kamloops team as the Finance Assistant in October 2023. The role includes the support for the Finance Manager with day to day accounting tasks, as well as performing duties in Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable. Prior to her joining CMHA, Janet had accumulated more than twenty years of accounting experience with private businesses, and earned an Accounting Technician Diploma from Thompson Rivers University. She is excited to expand her accounting knowledge as it relates to the non-profit sector, as well as being a part of an organization that strives to help those in need with empathy and compassion. People and community are two things that are close to her heart, so being a part of CMHA Kamloops is a good fit.

Shelter

Caleb Mpyet is the Manager of Shelter Operations at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Kamloops. He is a passionate advocate for change and a beacon of hope for individuals navigating some of life’s toughest challenges.
Caleb began his career in 2018 as a Shelter Support Worker, quickly immersing himself in CMHA’s mission to create safe, supportive environments for those experiencing homelessness. In 2023, he advanced to the role of Case Manager, where he walked alongside clients on their mental health journeys, celebrating their milestones both big and small. His contributions to the Clubhouse program underscored his dedication to empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and thrive within the community.
Now, as Shelter Operations Manager, Caleb is committed to ensuring that services at the Emerald Centre are delivered with empathy, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. He is driven by a deep belief that everyone deserves a second chance.
Outside of CMHA, Caleb is a devoted husband who enjoys road trips with his family. Whether at home or at work, he leads with resilience and compassion, inspiring those around him to strive for their own personal growth and healing.

Candace Hiscock is a proud Métis woman from a small community in Northeastern Alberta who relocated to Kamloops eight years ago. Her passion for working in the mental health and addictions field stems from a deep desire to support individuals impacted by trauma, addiction, and mental illness.
Candace began her career with CMHA Kamloops in 2020 as a Shelter Support Worker. Her frontline experience provided her with invaluable insight into the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental health struggles. In January 2023, she moved into a Case Manager role, where she worked directly with clients to build trusting relationships, advocate for their needs, and coordinate services to help them achieve their goals.
Now serving as the Manager of Shelter Assessment and Triage, Candace is committed to promoting trauma-informed care, cultural safety, and barrier-free access to services. She is a dedicated advocate for vulnerable populations and strives to build strong, collaborative relationships with community partners to create a more inclusive and supportive system of care.

Jennifer Smith is the Manager of Life Skills and Housing Transition at Moira House.  Jennifer was instrumental in the creation of this innovative recovery-focused shelter program focused on the development of critical life skills. Her aim is to empower individuals through a person-centered approach to transition them into suitable housing successfully.  Jennifer has worked as a shelter support worker and case manager for CMHA, gaining expertise in these roles. As Temporary Shelter Manager, she incorporated case management into temporary shelters, providing individuals with personalized attention and guidance to overcome barriers and achieve success. She believes in every individual’s inherent value and worth, and her dedication to helping others is evident in her work.  Her innovative approach to shelter delivery has created opportunities for individuals to transform their lives.

Jennifer Healey is the Manager of Shelter Assessment and Triage.  Jennifer currently oversees CMHA’s program at Merit Place. In her time employed with CMHA, Jennifer has worked in a multitude of different programs and positions which includes facilitating SMART recovery therapy with past service users. Prior to stepping into management, Jennifer was hired as CMHA’s first Client Engagement Specialist within our supportive housing and shelter programs. Being the center of all client related activity, Jennifer’s focus was working with residents to maintain their housing while building on life skills. Within her person-centered approach, Jennifer provides individualized support to fit the capacity of each individual; focusing on maximizing their physical, emotional, and social well-being.  Jennifer continues to prioritize building an environment at Merit Place Shelter where individuals can come together, build supportive relationships, and focus on moving forward in their journey.

Saleh Mohammed is the Shelter Access Manager (Temporary Winter Shelters).  Saleh currently works with funders and contractors on site development, environmental design and new project implementations for CMHA, Kamloops.  His focus is creating opportunity and support for individuals to succeed in long term housing.  The goal is to create and develop a site to support clients that have demonstrated progress of working towards being independent and self-sufficient. This site will be abstinence based. Saleh is committed to determining an appropriate site with a focus on recovery.  Saleh has years of experience working within a variety of social service agencies that focus on mental health and the criminal justice system. While at CMHA he has worked in multiple programs through the years and continues to support individuals to access suitable shelter. He has always had the passion to help individuals in need of support which is usually as a result of financial instability, family crises or addictions.

Outreach

Kelvin Akakem is the Manager of Envision and Outreach with CMHA, Kamloops and is responsible for overseeing outreach shelter services along with peer programming.  Kelvin started with the organization in 2014 when he accepted a frontline position at Emerald Centre as a shelter worker.  Within this role, Kelvin increased his knowledge, gained experience, and developed relationships allowing him to support vulnerable clients accessing service.  In 2019, he made the transition to case management where he supported clients with community resource connection and responded to those needing to secure housing and/or rental subsidies.  Kelvin demonstrates a strong commitment to the population he serves as he continues to advocate for those within the community needing safe, accessible and affordable housing.

Avery Li serves as the Outreach & Integration Coordinator in our Outreach Department. In this role, she advocates for clients by facilitating referrals and collaborating with local organizations to ensure individuals can safely and confidently re-enter shelters and access the resources they need—while reducing stigma and promoting empowerment. Avery also helps develop outreach partnerships and consults regularly with the City of Kamloops’ Community Services Officers, RCMP, health teams, and other professionals to identify emerging trends, community needs, and priority issues. 
Before stepping into her current role, Avery supported residents at Moira House as a Life Skills and Housing Transition Worker. She holds Master’s degrees in Art Therapy and Inclusive Education, which inform her compassionate, creative, and person-centered approach to outreach work.
Avery believes that humans grow more beautiful and resilient through connection, not isolation. Rather than building walls with labels and stereotypes for self-protection or preservation, she champions the power of genuine curiosity—seeking to understand each other’s stories and life milestones as a way to build authentic bonds and support one another through both inner vulnerability and the unpredictability of the external world.
A fun fact about her: She was a backpacker in Australia. Writing, sketching, engaging in spontaneous dialogues with ‘strangers’ along the way are her three secret technique to re-charging.

Raiyan Chowdhury is the Housing Subsidy Specialist at CMHA Kamloops. He began his journey with the organization in 2019 as Shelter Support Staff, gaining over five years of frontline experience before transitioning into his current role. Driven by a deep passion for helping others, Raiyan now works across all CMHA programs and with the broader community to provide personalized housing support.
He leads the Supported Rent Supplement Program, which helps bridge the gap between high rental costs and limited income from assistance or disability benefits. With a client-centered approach, Raiyan focuses on helping individuals secure and sustain private-market rentals, promoting long-term housing stability.
His commitment extends beyond placement. Raiyan provides ongoing support through regular check-ins and assistance with daily living needs, landlord relations, food security, community inclusion, and culturally responsive services. He is dedicated to making a meaningful impact and building sustainable pathways out of homelessness.

Housing

Since 2020, Michelle Gauthier has led the Rosethorn Program in Kamloops, providing safe, supportive housing and pathways to independence for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. With a strong foundation in social services, Michelle has cultivated lasting partnerships that connect residents to essential resources including life skills training, health supports, mentorship, and community programming, all under one roof.
Born and raised in Kamloops, Michelle’s commitment to her community began early in life. Her passion for mental health and advocacy led her to pursue a long-held goal of working with CMHA Kamloops. After spending several years raising her children, she joined CMHA in 2017 as a frontline staff member. Through dedication and perseverance, she advanced into a leadership role, overseeing the organization’s flagship supportive housing program.
Under Michelle’s guidance, Rosethorn has become a model of supportive housing in Kamloops, recognized for its strong focus on housing retention and resident stability. Grounded in the Housing First philosophy, she emphasizes immediate access to housing and long-term success through personalized, consistent support.
Michelle is a tireless advocate for inclusive housing and is deeply committed to reducing stigma and fostering dignity and opportunity. She firmly believes that with the right support, every individual has the potential to thrive and positively impact their community.

Kayla Cardinal is The Manager of Indigenous Housing and Sustainable Community Services | Genesis Place, a Cree/Métis woman born and raised on the unceded traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, known today as Prince George, BC. She brings over 15 years of experience in community-based social services, providing leadership, education, and support to diverse communities, teams, families, and individuals of all ages. Kayla has worked across the province, including over a decade of service in the Interior, where she supported communities in Kamloops and Merritt.

Having recently returned to her roots on Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc territory, Kayla is excited to continue her work in areas close to her heart—mental health, substance use, community connections, and social justice. Her approach is feminist, strength-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered, with a commitment to harm reduction, decolonization, and response-based practices. Known for her dedication to fostering diverse, inclusive teams, Kayla looks forward to bringing her extensive skills and passion to Genesis Place and contributing to the Kamloops community.

May Elkhatib is the Property Manager at CMHA, dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive housing environments with a strong focus on supporting vulnerable communities.
With a background in administration, hospitality, and property management, May brings strong organizational skills and a compassionate, people-first approach. Raised in Edmonton, Alberta, she values community, diversity, and meaningful connection.
She was drawn to CMHA because of its mission to promote mental health, housing stability, and the well-being of those facing systemic challenges—values that deeply resonate with her.
Outside of work, May enjoys cooking, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with family and friends.

Wellness

Julie Clark is a Certified Counsellor. Throughout her diverse career, which spans from entrepreneurship to roles in hospitality, tourism development, and finance, Julie has always been passionate about working with people. This passion is grounded in her educational journey in Business Management and Human Resources from Australia. After moving countries and starting her family, Julie’s dedication to people’s well-being has continued to flourish.

When the pandemic cast a shadow on global mental health, Julie felt a compelling call to action. She delved into research to support those facing mental health challenges and realized her true calling was in counseling. Pursuing her passion, she enrolled at the Vancouver College of Counselling and Training.

We were fortunate to have Julie join the CMHA as a Finance Assistant in 2022. Not long after, in February 2023, she commenced her practicum at the Clubhouse offering Counselling services. Her time there has been marked by the formation of invaluable connections with clients and staff alike.

Sheena Christian is the Manager of Wellness Programs at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Kamloops Branch. With an unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of her community, Sheena steers the wellness initiatives in Kamloops and serves remotely to the Merritt area. Her work is deeply rooted in the principles of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR), aiming to empower adults with mental health and substance use challenges towards recovery and rehabilitation. Sheena’s 14 years journey is marked by her frontline engagements with service users, collaborative efforts with community supports, and strategic interactions with stakeholders – qualities that have been instrumental in crafting a program environment that nurtures individual growth and safety. Sheena’s passion extends beyond day-to-day operations; she advocates for the proliferation of PSR practices. Her vision is clear – to dismantle barriers to recovery-oriented support and services, thereby ensuring they are within reach for everyone in need. Through her leadership, Sheena aims to inspire change and foster an inclusive, supportive community that inspires holistic well-being of every individual.

Food Services

Catharine Hope is our Manager of Nutrition and Food Services. Catharine is responsible for all CMHA kitchen facilities and staff in addition to creating and delivering healthy, balanced and nutritious meals.  Catharine is a Red Seal Chef with over 30 years of experience in the food service industry where she focuses on providing nutritious options within the vulnerable sector.  This work includes serving indigenous youth and seniors.  Catharine is dedicated to continuing her education through Food Sciences and Nutrition Support with Langara College.  She is an active member of both the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management and the Pacific Society of Nutrition Management. Catharine believes that good and adequate nutrition is essential to the physical and mental well-being that all should have access to.

Communications & Engagement

Brett Mineer is the Communications and Engagement Coordinator at CMHA Kamloops, where
he leads media relations, manages internal and external communications, and oversees education
programs that include Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, and Applied Suicide
Intervention Training (ASIST).

He brings nearly 20 years of experience in journalism, having worked in radio, TV, and print at
CKNW in in Vancouver, CTV in Victoria and CHNL 610AM in Kamloops, where he also hosted
NL Newsday.

Brett has also worked in communications and media relations with boutique firms, and large
organizations like WorkSafeBC and the Provincial Health Services Authority, where he was
involved in issues management and helping make complex issues clearer and more accessible.
He is passionate about reducing stigma and promoting mental health through thoughtful,
effective communication.

Avary Williams is a proud Kamloops native, born and raised in this beautiful city. From a young age, she has had a deep passion for caring for and understanding people, which sparked her interest in psychology and human behavior.
She completed her university education in Behavioural Sciences at a small private university in southwest Calgary, Alberta. As part of her academic journey, she partnered with the local crisis centre, where she developed strong crisis intervention skills and honed her ability to express empathy. Following graduation, Avary worked with The Mustard Seed in Red Deer as part of their street-level team.
Her career then took her to Ontario’s capital, where she spent three years working across various sectors in the helping field. These experiences taught her how to quickly adapt, problem-solve, and offer support based on the unique needs of individuals. Later, while living in the Toronto area, she partnered with the Toronto Public Library through their new safety specialist initiative. There, she facilitated Mental Health First Aid, built rapport with regular patrons, and consulted on crisis prevention, crisis management strategies, and employee safety and wellness initiatives.
Avary is thrilled to be back in Kamloops and to be joining the CMHA Kamloops team as a Community Educator. She looks forward to collaborating with the team and making a positive impact in the community.
Fun fact: Avary has learned to play four musical instruments and is currently reconnecting with her heritage by learning to read and speak Italian.