Munir joined Phoenix in January 2023 and started his role as Director of Mental Health and Substance Use on August 28th.
Executive Team
Meet Our Executive Team
Justine Patterson
Chief Executive Officer
Justine Patterson is a dedicated and remarkable leader in the fields of mental health and substance use, bringing a wealth of international and provincial experience across government, not-for-profit, private, and public sectors. Her deep commitment to enhancing access to mental health and substance use services for underserved populations reflects her passion for equity, compassion, and social justice.
Justine has extensive experience in leading responses to critical issues in British Columbia, including her pivotal role in leading the provincial response to the toxic drug crisis with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions. Her career in BC has spanned across not-for-profits, health authorities, and government sectors, positioning her uniquely to lead Phoenix and bring innovative, holistic solutions to the challenges facing mental health and substance use services.
Prior to her role at the Phoenix Society, Justine served as the Executive Director of Knowledge, Innovation, and Partnerships with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services at the Provincial Health Services Authority. She also played a key role in the provincial response to the toxic drug crisis, as the Executive Director of the Overdose Emergency Response Centre with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.
Justine began her career as a Psychologist in Queensland, Australia, where she founded, owned, and operated a successful wraparound health clinic. Her clinical experience spans the full spectrum of care across the lifespan, including working with adults, older adults, children, and youth. She is deeply passionate about leadership and organizational psychology, which led her to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Organizational Psychology from the University of London.
Her dedication to leadership is complemented by her passion for community impact, social justice, advocacy, and serving underserved and equity-seeking populations. Throughout her career, Justine has consistently championed diversity, inclusion, and the empowerment of vulnerable individuals, including women in the justice system, a focus she developed while serving as the Clinical Director for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver.
Justine holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Queensland. Her unwavering commitment to innovative clinical programs and organizational advancement will support the ongoing success of the Phoenix Society and enrich the broader community, particularly for Indigenous populations, LGBTQ2+ individuals, and women.
Justine has been dedicated to advancing the Phoenix Society’s vision and services, reinforcing her commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Her leadership is characterized by integrity, creativity, and a profound ability to inspire those around her, making her an invaluable asset to the organization and the diverse communities it serves.
Trudi Shymka
Chief Operating Officer
Trudi Shymka has worked with women and children experiencing homelessness in the Downtown Eastside for over 25 years, expanding women-only shelters and developing minimal-barrier services that provide support and opportunities for women to build on their strengths and move towards a better life. For the past decade Trudi has led a portfolio that also includes health and housing services for seniors, people with mental wellness challenges, and end of life care at Bloom Group Community Services Society.
Currently, Trudi serves a member of the Downtown Eastside Coalition of Women Serving Agencies, sits as vice-chair of the Homeless Services Association B.C. and formerly served on the Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House Board.
“I have a strong drive to provide opportunities for community engagement for individuals who face barriers. One of the biggest motivators to me is peoples’ willingness to open their lives and ask for assistance and share their stories. I just feel so honoured and respectful of that,” she remarks. “Most of us who live lives of privilege don’t have to do that, and when you can create a trusting environment where people feel like they can open up and then identify what their next steps are, that’s what’s really kept me in the work as well as supporting and improving the systems that make those opportunities. I think as I’ve moved away from frontline work I am now really focused on creating work environments to sustain the staff that are willing to do this work.”
Trudi has been with the organization since 2021
Kim Brazil
Chief Financial Officer
Even in the buttoned-down world of financing — She is a CPA, CGA — Kim takes time as a CFO to know the residents at Phoenix, and she appreciates hearing their stories. “I’ve been able to combine my financial expertise with a cause that’s near and dear to my heart,” she says.
Kim has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, and has held senior financial positions with not-for-profit and First Nations organizations.
When she started at Phoenix, the administration was in a warehouse and programs were running out of residential housing. Kim considers herself fortunate to have been able to work closely with founders Michael and Ann Wilson, helping bring their visions into reality.
Now Kim is proud that what used to be a single recovery home has expanded to become a facility that not only treats addiction but that also addresses a range of issues including homelessness, poverty, health and education.
She believes the success of the program comes from the way the organization listens to clients and puts their needs first. “Everyone is a unique person with unique needs,” Kim says. “every person has their own individual needs, which we do our best to meet.”
Kim has been with the organization since 2001.
Terri Chanyungco
Director, Operations
Terri joined Phoenix Society in October 2023 as Director of Operations. Her primary areas of focus include day-to-day planning, implementing, and managing of Phoenix Society’s operations related activities.
Terri has over twenty years of experience in administration and facilities management in the post-secondary sector. Prior to joining Phoenix Society, Terri was Director of Project Services and Campus Utilization at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Prior to KPU, Terri was the Manager of Administrative Services at SFU’s Surrey campus. Earlier in her career, Terri led a team in developing and delivering research and endowment programs at the Science Council of BC.
Terri holds a BSc from the University of Toronto which she applies to an analytical and systematic approach to operations management, an MBA from SFU which emphasizes the importance of understanding the business implications of operating decisions, and a Certificate in Change Management from UBC’s Continuing Studies to guide people through successful and enduring change.
Kasimir Kish
Director, Housing and Programs
Kasimir Kish joined Phoenix after working with the City of Vancouver’s Non-Market Housing Operations and John Howard Society. Earlier in his career, he mainly worked in project management and later in residential and multi-family real estate sales and development.
He became involved in the volunteer non-profit housing world in 2014 as a Board Director for a local affordable housing provider. He currently serves on an Acquisitions and Asset Management Committee.
Kasimir holds a BA from UBC and has completed the Social Housing Management program at Langara. He is also a certified practitioner of the Chartered Institute of Housing Canada.
Kasimir has been touched by addiction which includes the loss of a relative who was not able to access support services. This makes the Phoenix mission even more prescient for him.
Kasimir hopes to make a big impact at Phoenix by supporting and strengthening what Phoenix has already been doing so well, for so many years. “I have the privilege of seeing and feeling the positive impact that Phoenix makes in peoples’ lives.”
Kasimir has been with the organization since 2022.
Munir Velji
Director, Practices and Standard
Munir Velji (He/Him/His) is both a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Registered Social Worker. He has a passion for working with people from all walks of life. Munir holds a BA in Criminology from SFU, a Bachelor in Social Work from UBC, as well as, a Masters in Social Work from UBC.
Munir has an extensive and diverse career, having worked at all levels within numerous organizations across the public sector, private sector, and non-profit sector. Throughout his professional journey, Munir has demonstrated a profound passion for his work in trauma, substance use, mental health, and critical incident stress management.
In addition to his expertise in these crucial fields, Munir is highly regarded as an expert in accreditation, clinical supervision, and the development and implementation of best practices and standards. His commitment to excellence ensures that organizations achieve and maintain the highest levels of quality and compliance.
Munir’s multifaceted experience and unwavering dedication make him a valuable asset to Phoenix, consistently striving to foster environments of growth, support, and excellence.
Jeremy DeRoche MSW, RSW
Director, Mental Health and Substance Use
Jeremy DeRoche is a committed Registered Social Worker with a passion for mental health, substance use, and trauma. He is passionate about bringing humility into his work, aiming to make a positive impact by learning from people’s experiences and supporting them on their recovery journey, with a focus on connection, empowerment, and community building.
Originally from Ontario, Jeremy relocated to the Okanagan in 2018 and moved to the Lower Mainland in January 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Brock University, a Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead University, and a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia Okanagan.
With a background in child protection services, mental health and substance use counseling, and community outreach, Jeremy has also managed treatment programs and overdose prevention services. His previous roles include managing the Bridgeway Intensive Live-In Treatment Centers and Outreach Overdose Prevention Services with The Bridge Youth & Family Services.
Jeremy hopes to have a positive impact within Phoenix Society as he brings with him experience in program development, building community partnerships and collaborating with program participants, staff and community services to find innovative ways to best support the individuals who access substance use services.
Jeremy joined Phoenix Society on July 8, 2024.
Dr Ashok Krishnamoorthy MD MRCPsych FRCPC
Medical Director, Mental Health and Substance Use
Dr Krishnamoorthy is an established medical leader with more than 10 years of experience at leadership level in various public sector organizations. He did his medical school in India and did psychiatry training in India, United Kingdom and Canada. He brings along his vast experience and expertise gained through working in different countries. Qualified in psychiatry and addiction medicine, he brings the passion for improving quality of life for patients with mental health issues, substance use disorders and invests time in various models of care focused on recovery.
He has keen interest in organizational development, creating sustainable models for mental health and substance. Use care, cognitive impairment. /damage related to substance use disorder, acquired brain injury. He joined Phoenix Society to support and develop key strategic initiatives and will oversee delivery of healthcare.
Ashok joined Phoenix May 1, 2024 as Medical Director, Mental Health and Substance Use.
Siva Chandran, CPHR, SHRM-SCP, MHRM
Director, Human Resources
Siva Chandran is a dedicated Human Resources professional with a remarkable 15-year journey in fostering strong, supportive workplaces. His expertise spans Labour Relations, HR Shared Services, and Global HR Operations, enriched by experience in the corporate, public, and non-profit sectors. Siva is passionate about building relationships and nurturing collaboration, believing that the heart of any organization lies in its people.
Most recently, Siva served as Human Resources Manager at School District No. 48 (Sea to Sky), where he had the privilege of working closely with the Skwxwú7mesh, Lil’wat, and St’at’imc Nations. His deep commitment to honoring Indigenous cultures and values aligns with our mission, reflecting a shared vision of community support and empowerment.
Siva brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Phoenix Society, supported by advanced degrees in Genetics, Pharmacology, and Human Resources Management. His numerous professional certifications, including SHRM-SCP, CPHR, CEHRM, and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, reflect his commitment to excellence in the HR field. With his technical expertise in HRIS platforms, Siva is well-equipped to implement innovative HR technologies that will streamline processes and improve operational efficiency.
In recent years, Siva has focused on change management, HRIS implementation, and HR data analytics, using insights and data to inform decisions that truly benefit individuals and teams. By leveraging this information, he fosters strong relationships across the organization, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued. Siva is also a passionate advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, newcomer integration, and employee wellness—key values that resonate deeply within Phoenix Society’s strategic plan. His commitment to these principles will further foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all staff.