Executive Team

Justine Patterson

Chief Executive Officer

Justine brings international and provincial experience across government, not-for-profit, private and public sectors. With clinical and leadership experience in mental health and substance use, Justine is passionate and committed to providing and improving access to mental health and substance use services and supports for underserved populations.

Justine comes to Phoenix Society from her role as Executive Director, Knowledge, Innovation and Partnerships with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services at the Provincial Health Services Authority. Previously, she led the provincial response to the toxic drug supply crisis as Executive Director of the Overdose Emergency Response Centre with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions. Justine spent her early career as a Psychologist in Queensland, Australia before relocating to Canada, where she worked as the Clinical Director for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver. Justine has her Bachelor of Psychological Science and Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Queensland; she completed her Post Graduate Diploma of Organizational Psychology at the University of London.

“I am honoured to be joining the Phoenix Society as the new Chief Executive Officer. I look forward to working with the Society’s board, staff, and stakeholders to advance the organization’s vision, services, and commitment to serving the community.” Justine Patterson, incoming Chief Executive Officer, Phoenix Society

Justine assumes the role of CEO on May 1, 2023. Please join the Board of Directors of Phoenix Society in welcoming Justine to our community.

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

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.

Director, Operations

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.

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.