Our Community
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
What does “community” mean to Us as an organization?
In the broadest sense “a community” is a group of a people connected by a common feature - whether that is geography, a shared interest, passion, or purpose.
Our community is one that is
built on the foundation of our values (non-judgment, inclusivity, respect, safety, and awareness.)
united in the spirit of creating positive change through raising awareness and advocacy work.
grounded in the importance of collaboration across diverse experiences and backgrounds (individuals, families, professionals, and so on.)
From those who follow our content to those who create it, we are all valued members in this community.
Coordinators of Vancouver Island Voices for Eating Disorders
We are a grass-roots, flat-structured organization, meaning we do not have hierarchical roles in our leadership structure. Our core coordinators are simply a group of passionate individuals who contribute as they can, to our projects and plans. We are composed in this way to honour the natural flux of our needs, time, and personal lives.
Below are a few of our coordinating members, but we would not be here without others whose right to privacy, we honour.
Shaely Ritchey
They/she. Originally from L’heidli T’enneh Territory, but currently residing as an united settler upon unceded traditional W̱SÁNEĆ territory. Nursing background. Co-founder of Vancouver Island Voices for Eating Disorders. Volunteer with CMHA BC and Health Justice. Lover of nature and photography.
Kalina H.
She/her. Uninvited settler on Lək̓ʷəŋən lands. Nursing background. Passionate about advocating for trauma-informed ED care (as defined by the clients receiving care), including understanding the embodiment of trauma and its relationship to Eds. Lover of many creative endeavours, from playing violin to reclamation art, to searching for sea glass designs.
Sally Chaster
She/they. Sally has a background in government work, two children, and is a passionate advocate for those struggling with eating disorders and related mental health issues (with a special interest in the older adult population.) She co-founded the Victoria Eating Disorder Peer Support Group and VIVED.
Sara Maximus
Artist. Animal Lover. Advocate (she/her.) Sara currently resides on South Vancouver Island as an uninvited settler on unceded traditional W̱SÁNEĆ territory. She studied illustration, design, and photography and worked as a Senior Graphic Web Designer.
IG: @redsaidfred
Other core members and present volunteers include:
Chelsea Kelly (she/her)
C.M. (she/her)
Tara Levis (she/her) - may she Rest In Peace and power
Nancy Murphy (she/her)
Linda Duarte (she/her)
Graham Hughes (he/him)
Martin Gerard (he/him)
L.C. (they/them)