MEET OUR TEAM

Chair

I began my career supporting autistic adolescents and later taught children with diverse learning needs after studying nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology. I hold a Sociology degree from Simon Fraser University and trained in art therapy at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute, building a strong foundation working with children, youth, and adults.

I later worked in the Downtown Eastside with PACE Society and spent 18 years at YWCA Metro Vancouver’s Crabtree Corner supporting family wellness and reunification. I was also involved early in conversations to establish the Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House and later served as Board Chair.

Having known the Downtown Eastside since childhood, I remain deeply committed to this community and honoured to support work that strengthens and nourishes the neighbourhood.

Treasure

Matt is a Partner at Crowe MacKay LLP and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with extensive experience advising private enterprise and not-for-profit organizations on financial reporting, tax, and governance matters. Matt serves as Treasurer of the Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House, where he supports strong financial stewardship and long-term sustainability. He is committed to using his professional expertise to strengthen community-based organizations and advance positive social impact. Matt is a lifelong Vancouverite, and when not in the office, enjoys spending time with his wife and three young daughters.

Secretary

Brooklynn Shapiro (she/her) is secretary of the board of the Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House. She is a non-practicing lawyer and works in the disability advocacy space. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, baking, and spending time with her husband and cat.

Director

Elizabeth’s career has included senior executive positions in the private sector and in government, cultural and education institutions. She is currently a PhD candidate at the UBC School of Community and Regional Planning working on research into the municipal role in scaling up non-market housing. Previously, she was the Executive Director of the Vancouver City Planning Commission and a Project Officer for the International Centre for Sustainable Cities. She is a board director and volunteer at the DTES Neighbourhood House. Her community work has included non-profit and grassroots organizations (community foundation, theatre school, neighbourhood advocacy) as well as municipal council advisory and working groups on affordable housing, sustainability and transportation. A common thread in her work and volunteering is her commitment to strengthening the democratic fabric of cities and communities.

Director

Director

With extensive experience in membership associations and non-profits, Brenin specializes in operations and events and currently serves as Vice President, Events and Operations at Association for Mineral Exploration. She volunteered with Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House before joining the Board in 2024 and is passionate about supporting community through service. Brenin is also an active volunteer with ElderDog Canada. Outside of work and volunteering, you will find her enjoying good food, travel, movies, and staying active.

Director

Sonya volunteered with the DTESNH for several years before joining the Board in 2024.   With a passion for community and a background in banking, she is eager to share her positive energy and skillset.   Professionally, Sonya has worked in banking for over 28 years specializing in real estate and Indigenous lending.  Outside of work and volunteering, you will find her outdoors enjoying the local parks and mountains and keeping up with her 2 teenagers. 

Director

Immigrated with her family from Hong Kong at the age of 5 and grew up in Burnaby and Vancouver. After working in the non-profit sector (immigrant and settlement and Chinatown BIA), she began a career in city planning, including her current role at the City of Vancouver where she supports community-serving spaces. Ada has previously served on the board of a non-profit childcare, and in her spare time she enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her husband + two kids + two cats.

Director

A neighborhood resident for over 20 years, Jenny enjoys spending time with her friends and adult daughter traveling, being outdoors, and looking for great eats and new Netflix series to binge. Professionally, Jenny is an experienced events and project management and currently oversees the professional development for brokers across BC. 

Director

Fred Vandenberg, CPA, CA, is a co-founder and Board member of Play MPE, an internationally recognized music promotion platform. Earlier in his career specialized in tax consulting. Fred is committed to giving back to the DTES by lending his financial and governance experience in support of the Neighbourhood House's community work.

Director

With over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, specializing in Talent Acquisition, Donna has worked across a variety of industries, including finance, apparel, technology and beverage, partnering with high-growth global organizations. Having spent much of her career working with people and organizations, she is now looking forward to giving back to the community and contributing her experience to support important work of Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House.