"Setting an ambitious course for a more just society"
Since 2002, Randy has led HDC with infectious energy, optimism, intelligence and care. He embodies the organization’s balance of practical action and bottomless compassion. With a bachelor of laws from the University of New Brunswick and an MA in political science from the University of Alberta in urban and local government, Randy brings strong analytical and management skills to the helm, along with a tireless commitment to social justice. A natural leader, his vibrant personality helps him connect with all kinds of people, from government and business leaders to non-profit colleagues, clients and community stakeholders. The HDC staff appreciate many things about Randy, including his Friday morning tradition of bringing in cookies from Titus Bakery. Along with his work, Randy loves to spend time with his family, reading and enjoying nature.
"Giving back to the community by supporting the team"
Every day is different for Trish, the backbone of the HDC team. Whether it’s answering phones, bookkeeping or problem-solving with team members, Trish keeps the office humming. With a love for accounting and a diploma in business technology accounting, Trish brings years of experience in the field. Her big heart for community causes like homelessness and child poverty makes her a natural fit at the HDC. After spending the week staring at a computer, Trish’s idea of a relaxing weekend is spending time with her family forest-bathing where no one can reach her, even by phone!
"Helping youth reach their full potential through education and insight"
With a master of education in leadership and administration and a wide-ranging resume that includes gigs as a teacher, principal, youth worker and mentor both internationally and at home, Callie draws on a deep well of experience from near and far in her position at the helm of UYES! In her life’s work of helping young people reach their goals, she draws on her faith, her family and her photo of Jane Fonda for courage, strength and inspiration.
Chelsea’s idea of fun is exploring a new dataset to see what story it tells. Most days, you’ll find her reading, writing and mapping and analyzing data to help those in need. With a master’s degree in economics, she knows how to harness data in the service of progress. Along with working on HDC’s core publications, she thrives on the flexibility her role allows to research different topics. Family-first, Chelsea enjoys regular downtime with her partner, boating on the Belleisle Bay.
"Orchestrating collective change across New Brunswick"
Chris is like a conductor for the province’s homelessness-serving sector, getting all the players working in concert by sharing data and knowledge, partnering with decision-makers and advancing best practices. A Saint John native, his dream of coming home came true when he joined HDC, bringing nearly 20 years of community development experience in Maine and beyond with him. When he’s not deep into meetings, spreadsheets and tracking tools, you’ll find Chris camping or chilling with his partner and a frosty Foghorn.
Fueled by coffee and the energy of the smart, optimistic and hard-working people around him, Greg embraces the challenge of solving complex social issues. Since he started with HDC in 2012, his title has changed, but the job’s always had the same big goal: making life better for those on the margins. With a BA and a PMP, Greg works with government, experts and stakeholders to reduce homelessness. Off-hours, he’s into sideways sports like snowboarding and surfing and outdoor adventures with his wife and three kids.
"Using stories to celebrate and connect community"
Since 2008, when she joined HDC, Juanita has been a tireless community builder. She was instrumental in developing Around the Block, the bi-monthly newspaper with good-news stories from Saint John’s priority neighbourhoods. Along with publishing the paper from 2015-2019, she’s been instrumental in a number of projects that give a voice to the little guy. Juanita has received numerous awards for her activism and has created a few of her own, including a bursary for high-school students in her name. In her rare downtime, Juanita likes to relax in front of a good craft or cooking show.
"Charting the course that addresses structural injustice"
Much like a cartographer, Michael spends his days navigating the landscape of the homeless-serving sector in New Brunswick and charting a course towards a more just and fair society in New Brunswick. With a master’s degree in political science, Michael brings key partners in the homeless-serving sector together in a shared vision and maps streamlined strategies for structural change. A morning run in Irving Nature Park and time with family and a good book keep him happy and healthy outside the office.
"Record management that makes a real-world impact"
Ian’s role as Resource Specialist for 211 allows him to take records that generally exist on the periphery of the real world and apply them directly to a dynamic living project, resulting in a meaningful tool that has practical application. Using his background in Library Information Technology, Ian manages living records, maintaining their relevance and integrity. On the weekend, Ian leaves work at the door, kicks up his feet and delves into a deep reading of the classics before spending his evenings dabbling in the culinary arts, searching for the perfect recipe.
"Sharing community resources in both official languages"
Cameron believes the best source of information we have rests in other people, a welcomed perspective for HDC’s in-house 211 bilingual Resource Specialist. Working on fine-tuning the 211 database, Cameron has the opportunity to exercise his French and work from home while making an impact for all New Brunswick residents. For inspiration, Cameron looks to the music of 22-year-old Lil Nas X, who is forging a more diverse path in the world of hip hop. Outside the office, Cameron is a maker – always collecting bits and pieces, materials and knowledge, anything that can be re-worked and re-imagined into something new, beautiful, and unique.
"Addressing injustice through research and collaboration"
Whether she is working on social research, coordinating a Point in Time Count or collaborating with community partners, every day is full of variety for Heather, HDC’s in-house researcher, one aspect she loves about her work. Her dedication to community development began as the Community Outreach Worker with Fresh Start and then as a Program Officer with the Department of Social Development (Housing Division). When she’s not employing her Bachelor of Social work to address social issues through research, Heather spends time in nature or nose deep in a good read.
"Bringing heart to data management and programming"
Fusing the technological aspects of database management with an innate sense of compassion, Kat is the computer wiz behind the HIFIS operation at the HDC. With studies as a Programmer Analyst from NBCC, Kat provides technical support for frontline workers who use HIFIS to track and manage client data. Drawing inspiration from close family ties and the tales of the halflings of Middle Earth, Kat loves to use her computer savvy to give back to her community. When she’s not helping mend passwords or broken links in the homelessness sector, Kat spends her time managing her tiny zoo (3 cats, two dogs and two kids)!
As the Tenants Advocate for New Brunswick, Jael brings a highly-skilled background in Human Rights Law to her work listening to tenancy struggles and advocating at the provincial level for rent control, security of tenure and addressing renovictions across the region. She is a graduate of Common and Civil Law at the University of Ottawa. She holds a master’s degree in Development Studies from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. With many years living across the globe practicing Human Rights Law in Colombia, living as a caregiver in France and attending school in Switzerland, Jael is fluent in Spanish, French and English. Jael’s intolerance for injustice and her joyful outlook on life combine in the perfect demeanour for this role, showing empathy for tenants while fighting for their human rights.
"“Creating Dynamic Solutions for Dynamic Problems”"
Whether looking for Veterans while doing outreach, advocating from the office, or enjoying a great cup of coffee, Jason never has a dull moment while building the relationships needed to bridge the gaps between the most vulnerable in our community, to benefits and resources available to them. With the experience from his time in the RCMP, Jason uses his critical thinking skills every day when relating with the veterans throughout the community. On the weekends, you can find Jason wherever his wife and children are or escaping to the forest, appreciating its peace and honesty.
"“Coordinating collaborative efforts in IT to fuel social change.” "
Karla is the Community Coordinator of Civic Tech Saint John, a special project of the Human Development Council. She conducts strategic outreach and connects people with knowledge, training, and skills in information technology to opportunities for civic engagement for the social good. With a master’s degree in International Cooperation and a Bachelor of International Relations, Karla brings a global perspective to her work. She has extensive experience with international cooperation projects in Central America. Upon immigrating to Canada in 2019, Karla held a non-profit position supporting employment initiatives for newcomers in Saint John. She likes to spend her leisure time baking delicious pastries or making crafts for loved ones using natural materials.
