The ASK Wellness Society

Bob Hughes has worked in the social services field for the past 25 years in a variety of capacities. Previously, he worked as an addiction’s counselor/consultant for seven years. He was the team leader for a stimulant abuser program called Meth Kickers in Kamloops and provided workshops and forums around community mobilization for addiction issues. He has presented to various organizations and conferences including an International Harm Reduction conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bob also worked with the Interior Health Authority developing a Youth Addictions program for the Shuswap region.

His other work experiences include the development of a Crisis Response program in Victoria for at-risk youth. This was created in response to the death of Reena Virk and was to help prevent youth from entering the sex trade. Bob has also worked for the BCGEU as a Staff Representative conducting workplace investigations and dispute resolution.

Bob holds a bachelor’s degree from Simon Fraser University in the field of Communications and Psychology, has a diploma in Brief Systemic Family Therapy, and completed his Master’s Degree in Health Leadership at Royal Roads University in 2014.

Kim Galloway has been with ASK for six years and started as a Housing Outreach Worker. With the increased need for housing supports and expanded rental subsidy program, she moved into a role of Program Coordinator to oversee the market housing team and HPS Housing Program.

In the last year her responsibilities evolved, and she took on the role of Director of Housing. As Director of Housing she is involved with the overall function of all housing programs and maintaining relationships with community partners.
Housing has been at the forefront of her professional career for the past ten years. Prior to her work at ASK, she worked with parolees on community release. Prior to her social work years, she spent several years as the Fundraising Co-Ordinator with the Kamloops Art Gallery.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies, a Bachelor of Social Work and is currently in her second year of a Master’s in Education with a focus on Administration and Leadership.

Cher Doolan has been with ASK for 13 years watching and assisting the ASK Team grow from seven to over two hundred and sixty staff. As the Director of Human Resources for the region, she fills a multitude of roles. She is responsible to oversee human resources practices, provide leadership support and direction and to promote a healthy and supportive workplace culture. Cher has also taken the lead to oversee the ASK Cultural Advisory Committee to implement the objectives and actions to embed cultural safety throughout the organization.

Her other work experiences include supporting multiple law firms with management and paralegal services. Cher also fills her time volunteering to support her community through Dying with Dignity Canada and the Ruff Start Rescue Society.

Cher holds a Business Administration Certificate from Bow Valley College and a Certificate in Management and Leadership from the Justice Institute of British Columbia.

Rebecca Doyle has been with ASK for sixteen years and has held a variety of positions. She has been instrumental in the organization’s development through the creation of the Property Services Department, as well, she has been the administrative support through projects such as renovations to several properties and the remodeling of two former hotels into low income housing.

Her background is administrative support as well as bookkeeping. She works part-time in community as a property manager for a private landlord and is experienced in property management. She is active in community volunteering for sports functions with her family.

Rebecca’s education includes a Certificate in Management and Leadership with the Justice Institute of British Columbia; a certification as a Housing Professional through Chartered Institute of Housing Canada; and finally she is currently working towards a Bachelor of Business Administration with Thompson Rivers University.

Natascha Strauss joined the ASK team in December of 2018 as the Director of Finance continues to support the Finance team and the organization.

Previously, Natascha has supported the financial management of Mental Health and Substance Use Services programs supporting the organizations through major growth and restructuring.

Natascha has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor a Business from the University of South Australia and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Kyra Matheson has been at ASK for eight years starting as a Service Canada funded student to work our front intake desk. Over the term of her position, she started helping administration and finance and by the end of her term was hired on as the admin/finance assistant and rent supplement coordinator. Over the years she discovered her passion for accounting and worked her way into the Finance Department full time.

Prior to ASK she worked as a Care Aid in Kamloops and has volunteered extensively with community partners and various ASK events.

She holds an Accounting Certificate from Thompson Rivers University and a Care Aid Certificate from Thompson Rivers University.

Keri has been with ASK for four years and a longtime resident of Merritt. Keri has had the opportunity to work in a vast array of positions within ASK Merritt including CLBC Community Inclusion, Housing Outreach, and Adult Addiction Supporting Housing (AASH). Most importantly, Keri was involved in the Merritt AASH program from its earliest development stage through to its implementation. With her leadership skills, the AASH program continues to be very successful. Keri took on the new role as Director of Merritt Operations in 2018. With this new role she has been excited to be a part of building relationships with other Merritt partners in order to provide wrap-around support services to community members. She also provides clinical support to the Merritt team and currently plays a pivotal role in the Juniper House initiative.

Keri’s past work experiences include the coordination of the Merritt Extreme Weather Response and the provision of recreation programming for those living in an extended care facility.

Keri holds diplomas in Events and Convention Management from the University College of the Caribou and a Medical Transcription Diploma.

Jeremy has been with the ASK Wellness Society for nine years. Beginning as an overnight tenant support worker, he later moved into roles within the Community Living program, including working as a life-skills support worker, housing liaison, and program coordinator.

As Director of Outreach and Clinical Supports, his role involves the oversight of all outreach services, including Street Outreach, Overdose Prevention Site, the SHOP program, Community Transition Team, and Community Drug Checking services. In addition, he is responsible for the oversight of the Community Integration program, which assists individuals living with developmental disabilities live independently in community.

Jeremy has a Batchelor’s Degree in Social Work from Thomson Rivers University.