Jesse Symons

Technical Director + Head Coach

I have been fortunate to have been a part of the Hope and Health community since summer of 2016. With Hope and Health, I support curriculum development, programming and coach development with current and incoming coaches. Working closely with the key staff involved in supporting community development initiatives, mostly in the lower mainland programming that includes school programs, community based events and weekly community clinics. I have been fortunate to be named an MLS Works MVP and CPL Gamechanger for supporting Hope and Health programming.

I am currently the UBC Women's Soccer Head Coach being named to the position in May 2016. Since taking over the team the program has won 2 national championships (2019 and 2023) and 2 Canada West Championships (2016 and 2022). As well, I was named Canada West Coach of the Year in 2023.

Prior to UBC I worked for 10 years in multiple roles with the Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club from the Head of Junior Development to the Women’s team and Girls Elite REX program head coach. I helped create the Vancouver Whitecaps Elite REX program in 2015 working with the national team program / staff in building the pathway for high potential youth players in Canada. I hold the distinction of being the only coach to win two Canada Games national championships with Team BC, in 2009 and 2013. I have worked with Provincial programs (2002-2006).

I am a certified teacher and helped create the West Van Schools Soccer Academy. It also led me to working with Kindergarten to Grade 3 teachers as a physical literacy specialist in PE classes. 

I look forward to continuing supporting the Hope and Heath program both on the field and in the programming delivery!

Victoria Marchand

Nautsa’mawt FC Academy Lead + Hope and Health Advisor

Victoria is a proud Anishinabekwe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Long Point First Nation. Victoria supports Hope and Health as the Nautsa’mawt FC Academy Lead & Hope and Health Advisor and is a Policy Analyst for the National Association of Friendship Centres. 

Recently, Victoria was named an inductee into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame along with her champion women’s soccer team at the 2017 World Indigenous Games Champions. Today, you can find Victoria playing League 1 in Quebec with OSU Atletico Women, and training with her alma mater at the University of Ottawa as she played for the uOttawa GeeGees, capturing a Nationals bronze, OUA gold, and OUA bronze. 

She led Team Ontario Indigenous Boy’s Soccer Team to their first ever medal at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax, NS. Her passions include Indigenous health, Land Back, sport, and family.

Laura Jack

Administrative Assistant

My names are; Kwa' liim'tunaat & Qwa' el' si' ya' traditional names that I shared with the Matriarchs of the Brown & Sylvester Families, My late Grandmothers Priscilla Brown & Laura Sylvester.  My English name is Laura Lynn Jack. (nee Brown )

I am from a small semi isolated island, known as Penelakut Island formerly Kuper Island located on the southern gulf islands.

I previously worked at the Penelakut Island Elementary School as the Administration Assistant - Receptionist. This is where I got the honour to meet Hope & Health and welcome them into our community, We are one of the lucky communities that have been with H&H from the start; 2017 to date! They have helped build healthy, strong young active youth in our community as they will become our future leaders. 

I am now the Administrative Assistant  with Hope & Health and can't be more happier in assisting in any way possible to build a better future for our Youth & Community! 

Jacqueline Tyrer

Program Manager + Mentor

Hi everyone! My name is Jacqueline Tyrer and I started coaching with Hope and Health in 2019 at one of the Vancouver community camps, then started getting more involved in October 2020 for the H3 program during COVID. Since then, I have taken on more roles with Hope and Health and couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities they have provided me with.

I am currently attending the University of British Columbia and have recently graduated from the faculty of Kinesiology. I am also on the University of British Columbia Women's Soccer Team. I started playing soccer at the early age of 4 years old in Richmond and then started playing in Surrey when I was 13 years old. I have learnt so much about the First Nations community through working with Hope and Health and am thrilled to continue coaching for them, while also expanding my role within the organization.

Sabrina Anderson

Provincial Coordinator + Coach + Mentor

Hi everyone, my name is Sabrina. I just finished up my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, where I also played soccer. I first started with Hope and Health in 2018 at their annual Vancouver community camp. Over the years, I have continued to coach within various nations and it has been so heartwarming to watch the positive impact that we have in the lives of so many. It has been so amazing to not only be able to watch the growth of Hope and Health as an organization, but also be a part of it. I can’t wait to see what else the future holds for Hope and Health.

Xituluq Hwitsum

Coach + Coordinator

Hello my name is Xituluq Hwitsum son of George Williams and Lydia Hwitsum, I am a Quw’utsun tribes’ member and I have lived most of my life in my nations territory.  I have had a duel career as carpenter and a youth program coordinator.  I have had the opportunity to design, oversee and facilitate over 8 years’ worth of summer camps with Duncan Hiiye’yu Lelum friendship center and for Cowichan tribes. While working with Duncan friendship center for 4 years I ran an afterschool program for ages 6 to12, Right to Play, with a focus on creating health active life styles and diabetes awareness.  For the past year and a half, I have been working as the Student Support coordinator with Hiiye’yu Lelum friendship center.  

Hope and Health has a commitment to truth and reconciliation and I am proud to be part a team that is committed to help every community they participant in. I look forward to working with Hope and Health and seeing what we can accomplish in my community and abroad.

“We do not stop playing when we get old; we get old because we stop playing”- George Bernard Shaw

Kelsey Jack

Coach + Mentor

Hi my name is Kelsey jack I am from Penelakut island and I am a junior coach for hope and health , I have been a junior coach for 2 years and it has been a very good experience. Before becoming a coach I started as a participant in hope and health then in 2018 I was asked to be kid captain for the whitecaps FC. I enjoy coaching very much and I love working with kids, I love seeing the kids smile and laugh and having a very good time in general. I enjoy teaching the kids some new things and learning new things myself. I can’t wait to see the kids grow and go through the same experiences I have been through.

Hope and Health changed my life and made me a more confident person then I was before. Hope and health really does changes lives.

Daniel Jack

Coach + Mentor

Hello, my name is Daniel Jack. I've joined H3 (Hope and Health) to hopefully make a difference in my community, I've had many coaches throughout my time playing growing up. I've recently just lost one, I've reached out to my best friend and one thing he told me is that I can keep his teachings alive by teaching what he has taught me to the next generation. Which is what I plan to do in my own way, I think he'd love that.

For me, Hope and Health is something special, we have some amazing young girls and lads that have absolutely amazing talent. I am honoured to be apart of this program and to see the next generation grow and fall in love with the game (soccer). We all heard that this is a dream job; for me, it's an opportunity to leave a foot print for myself to inspire the young ones to the older ones. I am truly inspired by the wonderful opportunities that have come up already, and also looking forward to the ones that are still yet to come. I look forward to where this takes me in life.

Ava Alexander

Coach + Coordinator + Mentor

Hi! My name is Ava Alexander and I have been fortunate enough to coach with Hope and Health since 2021. I began playing soccer on Vancouver Island when I was 4 and began coaching in Nanaimo in 2016. I am currently completing a degree in Science at the University of British Columbia. I am also playing on the University of British Columbia Women’s soccer team, where I was first introduced to the Hope and Health community. Since starting with Hope and Health, it has been exciting to see the growth and direction of the program, and I am looking forward to continuing to broaden my knowledge and role with this team!

Janika Sangha

Nautsa’mawt FC Academy Coordinator

Hi everyone! My name is Janika and I have been coaching with Hope and Health since 2018. I first became involved with Hope and Health through the annual Vancouver community camp, and then became a coach in the after-school program at χpey̓ Elementary School. I have also coached at Britannia Elementary School, and have been fortunate to travel to more remote communities and Nations on Vancouver Island for various coaching opportunities.

I feel extremely grateful and privileged to have the opportunity to work with Indigenous communities, children and youth in a meaningful way through sport. I enjoy learning from and about Indigenous culture and tradition, and I am excited to learn more as I continue my role within this organization.

I recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. I also played on the women’s soccer team for 5.5 years while at UBC. I am excited to be in my new role with Hope and Health as a coordinator for the Nautsa’mawt FC Academy, and I look forward to the ways this program will make sport and mentorship opportunities more accessible for Indigenous youth across the province.

Karen Battie

Coach

Hello! My name is Karen Battie and I have been an avid soccer player and fan since I can remember. I grew up on Vancouver Island and played out my varsity career at Vancouver Island University. Following my university experience, I played one year in League1BC with Harbourside FC. Since 2019, I have had the privilege of coaching at Nanaimo United FC. Additionally, I will be taking on the head coach position for the 2010/2011 BCSPL Girls' Team this fall.

I am honoured to be given the opportunity to work with Hope and Health, knowing that this program has done so much for countless communities. I look forward to bringing a positive energy and sharing my knowledge around the beautiful game.

Penelope Sparrow

Coach + Mentor

Hello everyone my name is Penelope Sparrow, I am from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) First Nations.

I became involved with Hope and Health in  the summer of 2022 helping coach the summer camps. I instantly enjoyed all the support and love that Hope and Health was providing for the indigenous youth and how they are bringing them together through

I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of the Hope and Health team the moment they had a camp in my community. I’ve been very lucky to be a part of their amazing team and I’ve had many opportunities to show my love of soccer and helping out others through the amazing sport of soccer.

They provide a family and community that is unforgettable.

Cordell Jack

Coach + Mentor

Hello, my name is Cordell Jack. My indian name is Xhenii’mutstun. I recieved the name from my great-great grandpa Peter Mithcell. I am from Penelakut Island. I grew up on Penelakut. I grew up playing all sorts of sports, but soccer was the one sport I really enjoyed playing. I started when I was four years old, I’ve learned a lot from playing the game of soccer. I would love to give back to my community by assisting this younger generation and developing them into young great soccer players/athletes.

I currently am in school doing the Hul’qu’minum Class. I think it is important to me to learn our language as it has been lost due to residential school and through generation. Which leads me to say I am a advocate in the orange shirt movement!

I started with Hope and Health as an assistant coach back in 2018, and have learnt leadership, the way children learn and interact. Being with Hope and Health seeing children grow over the years is heartwarming because we truly are making change, and that is my only goal is to see them exceed in a sport they are passionate about.

Aaron Jack

Coach + Mentor

My name is Aaron Jack Jr, my Indian name is Pi’itz. I received from my father Aaron Sr which came from my late Great-grandpa Norman Charlie. I am an all round athlete and since working with Hope and Health it has brought back my passion for soccer! My goal in life is to work with children of all ages and change lives, little or big! I love working with Hope and Health because I love seeing the kids grow and develop their skills. Also the chance to be involved in their development makes the job way more fun! I also enjoy building new friendships in different communities!

Chelsea Seymour

Coach + Mentor

Hello! my name is Chelsea Seymour. I am from stz'uminus first nation. Currently I’m finishing my senior year at Ladysmith Secondary School. I received my early childhood education and care certificate. Throughout my whole life soccer has always been a large portion of my life. I started playing when I was three and began coaching in the summer of 2021. I love working with the kids, being able to see them grow as soccer players and advance in their age group is an amazing feeling. I am looking forward to being a part of the team!

Ryan Hum

Coach + Mentor

Hi everyone! My name is Ryan Hum and I have been fortunate enough to be a part of Hope and Health since 2019. I grew up playing soccer since the age of 4, but have shifted towards more of a coaching role upon the graduation of highschool. I have my Bachelors of Science and in the process of applying to nursing school!

From my first coaching role at the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Summer Program in 2019, I have had the privilege to coach and mentor youth across many different Nations. It is truly amazing and heartwarming to see the positive impact we can have in the lives of so many. I have learned so much about the First Nations community and culture with my time working with Hope and Health. The growth of Hope and Health has been incredible, expanding and impacting the lives across Canada. The future is bright for this organization and I am excited to be a part of it!

Richard Palmer Thomas

Junior Coach + Youth Ambassador

Hello everyone my name is Richard Palmer Thomas and I am an Indigenous community member from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Coast Salish First Nation tribe.

I became involved with Hope and Health in the summer of 2016 when I went to a soccer camp day that Hope and Health was putting on in my community. When I got there, I instantly enjoyed all the things that Hope and Health was doing and I loved how much they cared about Indigenous youth and bringing them together through soccer.

When that day camp ended, I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of the Hope and Health team and help out however I could. So I volunteered at a boot drive that they were hosting and I really enjoyed it and was so happy to be there. Since then, I’ve been very lucky to be a part of their amazing team and I’ve had many opportunities to show my love of soccer and helping out others through Hope and Health.

One of the reasons I love being a part of Hope and Health is because I get to meet all these amazing people and I get to make so many life lasting friendships that I will cherish forever.

Tessa Jack

Junior Coach + Youth Ambassador

Hi, I’m Tessa Jack and I am a youth coach for Hope and Health. Working with Hope and Health has been fun and a great experience. Overall I really enjoy working and playing soccer with family and friends. Not only do I get to play soccer, I get the opportunity to make new friendships.

Arthur Smith

Junior Coach + Youth Ambassador

Hello enthu Ley’wé tunitsun utl Penelakut. Hello my I am Arthur I am from and currently living at Penelakut island.

I am fourteen doing grade nine at chemainus secondary school. I grew up enjoying the gameplay of soccer for as long as I can remember.

I was always involved with leadership right from the start of elementary to the present, I have been a youth coach for about two years now. I have really enjoyed and have been grateful for the coaching experiences so far and with continuing this journey.

Trent Brown

Junior Coach + Youth Ambassador

Hi I am Trent Brown I am from Penelakut. I am currently the youngest youth coach with Hope and Health! I started at the young age of 11! I currently play with CVSA U12 Super 8's Select Team! What I love most about this opportunity is working with children and learning from my co coaches on and off the pitch. It has been a learning opportunity for me as a coach and a player! I also enjoy watching the little champs and the junior champs grow in the sport I love!

Mia Manson

Youth Coach

Hi, my name is Mia Manson. I am from Snuneymuxw, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish. I'm a 2023 highschool graduate from mountainside secondary school. I've been playing soccer since I was 3 years old, and had the opportunity to play in the San Marino cup in Italy during July of 2019 being the only Canadian team.

I've been with Hope and Health on and off since early 2020 starting as a volunteer, i’ts been an honour and such an incredible experience.

I love being a role model for the children in my community and Hope and Health has given the chance to teach children all about soccer and help them with different skills in and out of sport.

Saje Paul

Youth Coach

Hello everyone my name is Saje Paul and I am an Indigenous member of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw.

I became involved with Hope and Health in the spring of 2022 when I went to an after school camp at my school Xpey elementary. I liked it a lot because I liked meeting the new coaches, they taught me the teachings of the eagle, whale, etc. I loved the things that Hope and Health was doing for Indigenous youth through soccer.

When the soccer camp ended I was a little bit sad because I loved playing soccer with my classmates and coaches but after the camp Hope and Health messaged me that they wanted me to be part of there dream team and I gladly accepted their request and here I am coaching at my old elementary and different other schools.

One thing I love about Hope and Health is meeting new people and working with them on the pitch and off the pitch. Hope and Health will always be in my heart.

Tessa Scarlett-Charelson

Youth Coach

Hello, my name is Tessa Scarlett- Charelson. I am from the West Coast of Vancouver Island part of the Ditidaht nation.

Playing soccer is one of my favorite hobbies. I currently play for VAFC Division 1 and have been playing with them since 2019. I have also had the opportunity play with the Native Indian Football Association (NIFA) and play soccer internationally in Hawaii and the Dominican Republic. Having all of these opportunities to play the sports I enjoy gave me a chance to spread the love of the game.

This year I have the amazing opportunity to join Hope & Health and be a junior coach. As a Jr. coach I get the experience to practice and grow improve my leadership skills and give back to the kids in my community. I am so grateful for this opportunity.