Leadership Team

She has held various Provincial committee and Board positions, advocating for rural and remote communities. She spent 7 years as a District of Hope Councilor, using the knowledge and networks gained through local politics she continues to raise difficult conversations within the community and bring forth emerging issues to local, Provincial and Federal delegates.

Gerry retired from her role as Executive Director in June of 2025 and has returned as of January 2026 as the Interim Executive Director as the Board of Director’s conducts their leadership search. Gerry is pleased to be able to provide support, guidance and leadership during this transition period.

Finance manager
Soraya Duncan has been with Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society since May 2015. Soraya was born in Manitoba and moved to Hope, B.C. in her youth where she still currently resides. Her adult career began in Vancouver, B.C. in the accounting industry. After living in North Vancouver for 12 years she decided to leave the city to continue her career journey back to her hometown in Hope, B.C. She managed the solid waste & recycling contracts for the District of Hope and the Fraser Valley Regional District for 20 years. In that time, she met her husband of 30 years and raised two beautiful children. Soraya returned to UFV to gain her certification in Human Resources to gain a more applied understanding of how to organize people today. Soraya is passionate about her role as Finance Manager with Cedar Strong by supporting the staff and Management Team and keeping the Societies’ affairs in order. When not at work, Soraya enjoys travelling, spending time with family and just enjoying life.

Human Resources Manager
Kathy Maxwell began her career in the non-profit sector, working with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Winnipeg Child and Family Services, where she developed a strong foundation in community support and advocacy. In 1996, she relocated from Winnipeg to British Columbia, eventually settling in Chilliwack. There, she spent 18 years operating two Early Learning Centres, primarily supporting low-income families and providing vital early childhood education and care.

A proud mother of two grown children, Kathy now enjoys the companionship of her beloved pets—who happily keep her home filled with the pitter-patter of little feet once again. Her lifelong commitment to helping others continues to shape her community involvement and compassionate outlook.

Program Manager Youth and Family Services
Sam has been part of the Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society since 2019, initially joining as a Key Worker and now serving as the Program Manager for Family and Youth Services. With a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care, Sam’s career in social services spans a range of roles across the Fraser Valley, each of which has deepened her expertise in navigating complex systems and honed her advocacy skills. Throughout her career, Sam has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving her community, one that she has called home for much of her life. She is dedicated to creating positive, lasting changes, especially for children, youth, and families. Her advocacy extends beyond professional duty, as she is deeply passionate about empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Now a proud mother, Sam, is raising her family in the same community where she grew up, and her dedication to making a difference remains stronger than ever. Her work is grounded in a feminist perspective and guided by a commitment to strength-based, collaborative, and trauma-informed approaches. She believes in walking alongside the people she supports, fostering resilience and supporting healing through empathy, advocacy, and active community engagement.

Housing Manager
Renee has worked in the social service sector for over 25 years.  Her creativity and person centred Philosophy lead to a variety of roles such as developing a Clubhouse for adult survivors of brain injuries as well as the first public sensory Snozelen room in North Vancouver for people with disabilities.

As an epic nature lover, Renee spends her free time with her family at their cabin near Chilliwack Lake.   When she’s not at her cabin you’ll find her in the backcountry rockhounding with her lab Pepper.

Renee is passionate about advocating for our communities most vulnerable members and works tirelessly to enhance services to people in need.

Emergency Shelter Coordinator

José brings over a decade of experience in the culinary industry, a journey marked by his commitment to people, food, and community. Trained in engineering, he held leadership roles in student organizations and founded a junior enterprise that supported vulnerable communities. During his time at university, he also participated in social initiatives assisting children living in extreme poverty. His strong sense of service and passion for food led him to open and manage his own restaurant in Brazil, where he dedicated nearly a decade to running his business while supporting the growth and development of his team.

In Canada, José has worked in high-output kitchens and in the public health care system — including hospitals, long-term care, and assisted living facilities. He has also contributed to emergency short-stay treatment programs for adults experiencing mental health crises.

Emergency Shelter Coordinator
Isabel has proudly been part of the Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society since Spring of 2018 and is one of the Program Coordinators for the Emergency Shelter Program.
Having overcome her own adversities with stigmatic barriers, her empathic nature and heart for humanity led her to seek ways she could be of service to others. Isabel has organically developed the skills required to take on this current role at Cedar Strong through years of volunteering and then working on the front lines in the shelters. Her favorite aspect of the job will always be establishing meaningful connections with the diverse folks by listening to their stories and supportively walking alongside them while they navigate their personal journeys. She believes that every person deserves safe shelter, nutritious food, clean water, and community supports. Isabel intends to continue being of service in this sector for many years to come and is committed to continue encouraging empathy and excellence in the staff she oversees while they deliver supportive care in the emergency shelter program.