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 Directors are 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 our broader society members and those whose right to privacy, we honour.
Shaely Ritchey
Co-founder and Director. 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. Member of the Provincial Adult Tertiary Eating Disorders Program Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC). Lover of nature and photography.
Kalina H.
Director. 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.
Other core members include:
Chelsea Kelly (she/her) - Director
C.M. (she/her) - Director
Tara Levis (she/her) - may she Rest In Peace and power
S. M. (she/her)