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 has been with the ASK Wellness Society since 2012, bearing witness to the substantial growth of its diverse programs. Since her arrival, she has worked with various teams, overseeing critical market housing and supportive housing operations. Housing has always been at the forefront of her professional career before joining ASK. She continues to be committed to providing excellence in housing and support services to the ASK Wellness Society program participant base. She has enhanced her role with ASK in taking on the position of Chief Operating Officer, further strengthening her commitment to ethical social work practice.

Collaboration with partnering agencies to build strong programs and healthy communities and maintaining her belief that all individuals have value and potential is essential to Kim’s practice.

Kim holds a Bachelor’s Degree in general studies and Bachelor of Social Work from Thompson Rivers University. She completed her Master’s Degree in Leadership and Administration at Gonzaga University.

Cher Doolan has been with ASK since 2008, watching and assisting the ASK Team grow from seven to over two hundred and sixty staff. As the Director of People Experience for the Society, she fills a multitude of roles. She is responsible to oversee human resources practices, direct the Society’s employment development department, provide leadership support and direction, and 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 looking 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 is the longest standing employee at the ASK Wellness Society and has been with ASK since 2002. Throughout this time, she has held a variety of positions. She has been instrumental in the organization’s development through the creation of the Property Services Department; in addition, she has been the administrative support through projects such as property renovations, the remodeling of two former hotels into low-income housing, and the completion of two new building projects.

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 certification as a Licensed Property Manager with the Real Estate Council of B.C.

Natascha Strauss joined ASK Wellness Society in late 2018, providing leadership to the Financial Administration of the Society as the Chief Financial Officer. With more than16 years of professional accounting experience, ranging in Business Planning, Audit, Corporate Recovery and Taxation, Natascha has been instrumental in guiding the financial policies and procedures of the Society.

Natascha has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Business (Commercial Law) 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 Wellness Society since 2010, starting as a Service Canada funded student to work the front intake desk. Over the term of her position, Kyra started helping the administration and finance departments, and by the end of her term was hired on as the administrative/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, Kyra 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 since 2014 and is a long-time 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 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 since 2011, beginning as an overnight tenant support worker. He later moved into roles within the Community Living Program, including a life-skills support worker, housing liaison, and program coordinator.

As the Director of Outreach and Clinical Supports, Jeremy’s role involves the oversight of all Outreach services, including Street Outreach, Overdose Prevention, SHOP program, Community Transition Team, and Drug Checking services. In addition, he is responsible for the oversight of the Community Living Program, which helps individuals living with developmental disabilities live independently in community.

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