Our Team
The mission of Connections Community Services is to work with people to strengthen the pathways and tools they need for improved well-being, opportunities for development, and human connection.
We will work towards a better tomorrow by connecting our community and supporting our children, youth, and families to thrive and reach for their dreams.
Meet our staff!
Management Team
Daniel Suen
Executive Director / CEO
Daniel Suen
Executive Director / CEO
Daniel is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in youth counselling and program management. Throughout his career, he has consistently provided invaluable support to numerous youths and families, regardless of their circumstances. His expertise centers on life skills coaching, covering essential areas such as leadership development, self-esteem building, communication enhancement, and harm reduction strategies.
In addition to his counselling background, Daniel has excelled in leadership roles, serving as both a Youth Program Manager and a lead Case Manager & Employment Counsellor. His impressive track record includes organizing large-scale events, such as hiring fairs, awards ceremonies, overseas youth leadership camps, and community forums. Furthermore, Daniel is a seasoned guest speaker, contributing to a weekly radio youth talk-show, “Sharing Your Voice,” for over a decade on a local Asian broadcasting station.
Daniel’s commitment to community service has earned him recognition, including the “U-Roc Award” from the City of Richmond, the “Best Quality Client’s Service Award” from the Family and Community Support Service and accolades for his “Outstanding Contribution” to youth programs. His overarching goal is to empower today’s youth by helping them make informed academic and career choices, fostering personal growth, and promoting community engagement.
In his leisure time, Daniel actively organizes social events and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and badminton. His commitment to continuous self-improvement, coupled with a wide range of interests, including motorcycling, cosmetics, yoga, life insurance, and bartending, reflects his passion for helping others succeed and sets him apart in all his endeavors.
Partners
Ram Gill
Human Resources (PeopleWise Solutions Ltd.)
Ram Gill
Human Resources (PeopleWise Solutions Ltd.)
Ram specializes in helping businesses create supportive workplace cultures where teams feel valued, leading to strong business results.
With 25 years of senior HR experience, Ram has worked with thousands of leaders and hundreds of teams. He holds a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation and was a 2018 HR Professional of the Year Finalist (CPHR BC/Yukon). Link to Vide: Award of Excellence
Clients describe Ram as reliable, caring, and fun, creating a safe and supportive environment that builds confidence. Ram genuinely cares about people, helps create great workplaces, and strives to see others thrive both professionally and personally.
His leadership philosophy is simple: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go as a team.” He believes strong relationships built on trust, communication, respect, and accountability are key to cultivating winning workplace cultures.
Fun Fact: Will drop almost anything to get a good “deal” on Marketplace 🤣
Ryan Chandra
Human Resources (PeopleWise Solutions Ltd.)
Ryan Chandra
Human Resources (PeopleWise Solutions Ltd.)
Ryan Chandra is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) with over 15 years of experience in progressive HR roles spanning industries such as Food Service, Warehousing, Financial Services, Post-Secondary Education, and Technology. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Ryan combines his understanding of human behavior with expertise in project management, technology implementation, and policy development to deliver practical, people-focused solutions.
Passionate about establishing initiatives rooted in core values, Ryan specializes in helping organizations optimize HR processes and foster workplace cultures that reflect their principles.
Fun Fact: Ryan has a fascination with astronomy and loves gazing at the stars and planets—but don’t ask him to name all the constellations; he’s better at spotting opportunities for growth than Orion’s Belt!
Joe Liang
Information Technology (impsquared)
Joe Liang
Information Technology (impsquared)
Joe Liang has more than 20 years of experience in the IT sector. He is an alumnus of BCIT, a graduate in both Information Technology and, more recently, Digital Marketing. His consulting firm focuses on providing IT solutions tailored for small and medium-sized organizations. Joe is known for his concise and effective communication regarding IT matters, often incorporating humor to foster a more relaxed atmosphere. With Joe’s presence, you will find yourself feeling more at ease with IT challenges.
Fun fact: Joe has played dodgeball competitively before. Twenty seasons, roughly ten years.
Our Dedicated Staff
Vince Shyong
Child, Youth, and Family Counselor - Richmond School District Alternate Programs
Vince Shyong
Social Worker at Richmond School District Alternate Programs
Vince is a social worker with over 25 years of experience. For the majority of his career, he has been an integral part of Connections Community Services and the Richmond School District Alternate Programs. His expertise lies in providing extensive support to youth dealing with a spectrum of challenges such as anxiety and mood disorders, substance use disorders, peer-related issues, and school refusal among others.
Vince also plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the alternate school, contributing significantly to coordination, program design, disciplinary interventions, and policy implementation. His influence extends to the creation of the innovative Street View Program, which offers Grade 11 and 12 courses to students requiring a different learning environment.
Mikki Ho
Team Lead - Blundell Connections Kids Club
Mikki Ho
Team Lead at Blundell Connections Kids Club
Hi everyone! My name is Mikki, and I’m the Team Lead at Blundell Connections Kids Club. I have been working with school-aged children for over 10+ years. I have a deep passion for working with this witty and energetic group—their curiosity inspires me, their behavior challenges me, and their cuteness melts my heart.
I graduated from Simon Fraser University as a multimedia artist. Since I was young, I’ve always loved working with children and connecting with people. Naturally, I pursued a diploma in Children and Youth Care at MTI Community College soon after. Additionally, I’ve completed a Multiple Intelligence Instructor course, which explored topics such as the enneagram, emotional quotients, adversity quotients, and relationship dynamics. These experiences have greatly enhanced my awareness of communication, interpersonal relationships, and self-growth.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, biking, kayaking, appreciating nature, and spending time with people. I’m passionate about cars, food, PoGO, and exploring diverse cultures. As a coffee addict, you’ll often find me in a cozy coffee shop, savoring a quiet moment to recharge.
I strive to live a simple and happy life while continuously learning and growing. I’m excited to go to work every day and look forward to sharing stories and experiences with everyone. Let’s always remember: be compassionate and kind. Cheers to life!
Sally Tam
Team Lead - Tait Connections Kids Club
Sally Tam
Team Lead at Tait Connections Kids Club
Hello, I am Sally, the Team Lead of the Connections Kids Club – Tait location. I have been in the childcare field for 10+ years. I’m a licensed Early Childhood Educator. I have been working with children since 2008. I joined Connections Kids Club back in 2019. I love having the opportunity to guide and teach little minds. There is no better feeling than knowing you have helped to brighten a child’s day and seeing their faces and expressions while they discover and learn new things. I enjoy partnering with both families, staff and children to create an environment that is warm, welcoming and inspiring. I ensure children’s safety and give them positive guidance and problem-solving skills on a daily basis. My role involves challenges which I am able to overcome. My goal will be to promote the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of each child.
Fun fact: Raising the future is messy, loud, and completely worth it
Anisha Sarana
Program Coordinator - Employment Program
Anisha Sarana
Program Coordinator, Employment
Anisha’s journey at Connections spans over four years, characterized by her unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and community support. Currently, as the Employment Program Coordinator, she plays a vital role with the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, overseeing critical projects such as the Youth Works Program, the Internship Program, and the Youth Mental Health Program, all crucial to the foundation’s mission of uplifting and supporting youth transitioning out of government care to thrive. Before joining Connections, Anisha worked as a frontline Outreach Specialist, where she focused on providing educational and employment opportunities to at-risk youth. Beyond her professional and volunteer pursuits, Anisha enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family and her dog.
Nancy Truong
Team Lead - Cook Connections Kids Club
Nancy Truong
Team Lead at Cook Connections Kids Club
Hello! My name is Nancy and I have a strong passion for helping others. I went to Seneca College in Ontario for the Social Service Worker Program and through my placements, I was able to acquire experience working with children, youth, and seniors living in vulnerable communities. After graduating, I was able to work with adults living with mental illness through an internship. During the pandemic, I found myself working in a lot of daycares, gaining experience working with infants and toddlers. Finally after having my baby daughter, I became a youth leader at the Boys and Girls Club, working with preteens and youth. After relocating to British Columbia, I was fortunate enough to become Connections’ new Team Lead at Cook Connections Kids Club. My only goal is to have a positive impact on the kids and to see them thrive! Fun fact: I love to dance!
Fernanda Santana
Activity Worker - Connections Kids Club
Fernanda Santana
Childcare Activity Worker
Hello! My name is Fernanda (or just Fe) and I’ve been working in the before and after school program in Richmond since 2022. I enjoy spending time with the kids at the school, whether it’s playing Uno, participating in challenge games, going on nature walks, drawing, or even helping them with assignments! I learn a lot from them and I appreciate their kindness to each other and to us, the staff.
In university, I study Information Technology, and I have several hobbies such as crochet, dancing, doing puzzles, traveling, and watching movies and shows!
Fun fact about me: I’ve had many different pets, including dogs of different breeds, a cat, a tortoise, 2 rabbits, and 5 ducks!
Ashna Chand
Activity Worker - Connections Kids Club
Ashna Chand
Childcare Activity Worker
Hello, my name is Ashna Chand. I currently work at Tait Elementary and have a graduate’s certificate in Criminology from KPU and will be going back to school in September to get my certificate in EDAS at KPU to hopefully run my own daycare in the future. I have two sisters, one older and one younger. In my spare time I love listening to music and spending time with my family and friends. My all time favourite thing is to drive around in my car or go to car shows to look at my dream car a Nissan GTR R35
Alia Yahya
Activity Worker - Connections Kids Club
Alia Yahya
Childcare Activity Worker
Hi! My name is Alia, and I am a student at SFU pursuing Education. I come from a small island in Africa called Zanzibar. A fun fact about myself is that I love to swim and travel. I have been to at least ten countries so far and hope to travel around the globe one day! Another of my favourite things is to go on long walks by the beach while watching the sunset with my friends.
Anna Rioux
Team Lead - Caulfield Connections Kids Club
Anna Rioux
Team Lead - Caulfield Connections Kids Club
Hi everyone! My name is Anna and I am a team leader at Caulfield Elementary School in West Vancouver! I am originally from Victoria, but recently completed my undergrad at UBC in psychology, focusing mostly on child development. I am hoping to do my Masters in Early Childhood Education in the near future. In my free time I love fashion, music, singing, and personal fitness!