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 Hunter
She/her. Uninvited settler on Lək̓ʷəŋən lands where she is finishing the last few months of a nursing degree. Passionate advocate for adding trauma therapy into eating disorder treatment settings. Has a special interest in how childhood experiences impact brain development, functioning, and behaviour. Lover of many creative endeavours, from playing violin to painting to searching for sea glass on the beach.
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
She/her. Born in Penticton, BC, Sara grew up in Manitoba and currently resides in Saanichton on traditional W̱SÁNEĆ territory. She studied illustration, graphic design, front-end web development, multimedia, and photography. She worked as a Senior Graphic Web Designer. She is also an aspiring artist and photographer, lover of all animals, tree hugger, and mental health advocate.
IG: @redsaidfred
Other core members and present volunteers include:
Chelsea Kelly (she/her)
Celeste Macevicius (she/her)
Tara Levis (she/her) - may she Rest In Peace and power
Linda Duarte (she/her)
Graham Hughes (he/him)
Martin Gerard (he/him)
Lizzie Clarke (they/them)