Stephanie Howell (she/her/hers) has worked in the non-profit sector for over 20 years, both on the front line and in administration. Before joining SCY, she worked as a consultant in research, program, and policy writing. She has a degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria. After living in Northern BC for many years, Stephanie and her family have now made Vancouver home.

Ildikó has a background in Psychology, Environmental Studies and Community Planning, and comes to SCY with years of child and youth engagement and leadership experience as a researcher, support worker, mentor, and outdoor educator. Ildi is driven by a passion for human rights, sustainability, and social justice, and a desire to better understand how children’s changing social, cultural, and physical environments affect their health, well-being, and resilience. She integrates participatory planning methods with social and environmental justice education in community-based work and research.

Margie (she/her/hers) has been passionate about advancing young people’s rights for as long as she can remember, dating back at least to age 9 when she rallied her classmates to petition for changes at their elementary school. She has a particular interest in child-inclusive design, and a background working with youth in educational contexts, including 3 years on staff at a democratic free school. She has led classes, workshops and discussion groups on children’s rights for youth and adults. Outside of work she enjoys exploring Vancouver on her bike and is always planning her next outdoor adventure.

Suzette Narbonne was called to the Manitoba bar in 1989 and began her career in The Pas with Legal Aid Manitoba. As counsel she travelled to isolated First Nations communities, conducting free legal advice clinics and litigating for her clients in criminal and family law cases– often in makeshift courts convened in band offices, recreation centres and hydro halls.

Since 1995, she has practiced law in BC.Suzette joined the Child and Youth Legal Centre at its inception in 2017, where she is managing lawyer. She has helped to shape the vision of child representation in BC. She has mentored many lawyers through the CBA, has served as a Governor for the Law Foundation of BC, as a Bencher of the Law Society of BC and as the Chair of the Legal Services Society. She currently serves on the executive of the children’s law section of the CBABC.

Alicia Hubbard (she/her/hers) graduated with distinction from the University of Victoria in 2004, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Alicia studied law at the University of British Columbia, where she obtained a Juris Doctor degree with a specialization in Law and Social Justice in 2011.

While in law school, Alicia completed an internship with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. After completing law school, Alicia worked for West Coast Prison Justice Society advocating for prisoners in B.C. with regard to health care, human rights, and liberty issues.

In 2012, Alicia began articling at Verdurmen & Company in Salmon Arm, B.C. She was called to the bar in 2013 and continued practicing law in Salmon Arm and surrounding communities, primarily in the areas of child protection, criminal defence, and family law.  Alicia has represented clients in the Provincial Court of British Columbia and the Supreme Court of British Columbia.  Alicia began representing children at the Child and Youth Legal Centre in June 2018.

Michael Zimmerman began his legal career in New Brunswick. In 2014 he moved to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, where he oversaw the operations of provincial family justice services and the development and implementation of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer Program. Michael also directed the development/amendment of the following statutes: Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, Judicature Act, Maintenance Enforcement Act, Family Law Act, Adoption Act, Child Protection Act, Child and Youth Advocate Act as well as the corresponding reform of impacted policies and programs.

In 2020 Michael moved from Prince Edward Island to Bowen Island. He is a Family Law Lawyer and works as the Managing Lawyer (Roster) with the Child and Youth Legal Centre. Michael is currently the Communications Officer for the CBA Child and Youth Law Section and Co-Chair of the CBABC Children’s Law Section.

Adrienne Edmunds joined the Child and Youth Legal Centre in 2021 after spending more than a decade litigating in child protection. Prior to that Adrienne was a Crown Prosecutor, and was also Counsel in Aboriginal Law Services for Justice Canada in the Prairie Region. She has been called to the bars of Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British Columbia.

Adrienne received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Family and Social Relations from the University of Guelph with a focus was lifespan development and family systems, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of British Columbia with a focus on Aboriginal and International Law. Adrienne received her Master of Laws in Family Law from Osgoode Hall with a focus on child protection.

A woman of Labrador Inuit heritage, Adrienne has spent her career working among Indigenous issues, communities, and families – including regularly providing justice services to remote First Nations reserves and Inuit communities. Adrienne was a long-standing Bencher for the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, where she served on the Access to Justice and Indigenous Education and Action Committees. She has regularly presented across Canada and abroad on leadership development, non-formal education, Indigenous legal issues, gender equality, and child protection.

Adrienne is passionate about ensuring kids feel seen and heard as they move through intimidating court processes, and empowering kids to exercise voice and choice in shaping their own lives, and the world around them.

Zoe (she/her/hers) is an aspiring community planner working at the intersections of community building, emancipatory justice, and child and youth advocacy. She is passionate about addressing urban inequalities and generating responsive decision-making that builds engaged, resilient, and healthy communities for children and youth. Zoe has a particular interest in food systems, affordable housing, and Indigenous planning, and hopes to explore these avenues further in her work at SCY.

Zoe has experience working at the community-level and with local government in outreach, engagement, and policy development. Zoe is graduating from a Master of Community and Regional Planning at the University of British Columbia, with a specialization in social planning and policy for inclusive communities. Zoe also holds a BA in sociology and psychology from the University of British Columbia Okanagan

Therese Narbonne received her Masters of Education, at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON.  She has a background in management, program planning and evaluation, data management and child development.  During her time as an educator and administrator, Therese participated in various committees and initiatives to support and promote indigenous or vulnerable student populations. Her goal was for students who attended public school to see themselves represented in the staff and school environment.  Therese is passionate about safeguarding children and youth’s wellness and amplifying their voice. During her two-year term as President of the Board of Directors of the Phoenix Centre for Children and Youth, in Renfrew County, she established the role of a youth director.  Therese’s experience in the BC legal system has been as an office assistant and in various contractual roles for SCY.  Therese is excited to be a part of the dynamic Children and Youth Legal Centre team. 

In her spare time, Therese’s mental wellness activities include traveling, running, cross country skiing, designing clothing, volunteering, gardening, acting, zooming with family, trail walking with her dog, and being bossed by her cats.

I studied in a legal assistant program and worked at a law firm for almost 2 years. I joined the Society to advocate for the children, that they have a voice and can be heard. As I have my own child, I want her voice to be heard and to live in a society that protects her rights to grow up in a safe and healthy environment. My interests mostly focus on making memories with my daughter, doing things like watching movies together, going for a walk, and travelling if we can.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Prabhraj has a diploma in Legal Administration and has experience working in a Law Firm. She joined the Child and Youth Legal Centre because she passionately believes in the rights of young persons and vulnerable groups. In the past she has volunteered with various non-profit organizations, including shelter homes for children dealing with substance abuse.
Outside of work she really enjoys cooking, gardening and travelling with her partner.

I have over 5 years of experience in Accounting and Finance providing bookkeeping services to both for-profit and non-profit organizations. I am very excited to join SCY and be able to contribute to a team that is dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth in BC. In my free time, I enjoy going to the park with my family and friends, biking, and watching cooking shows.

Mina (she/her/hers) comes to SCY with a background in sustainable community development and program administration. She has years of experience supporting young people in different settings. Her participation ranges from tutoring youth and children in the sciences, program administration at BC Children’s, and working on implementing safe drinking water and hygiene stations in schools of remote communities.

Mina holds a BSc from Queen’s University. She has a passion for accessible sustainability and community projects. These are pillars that guide her purpose both broadly, and in her work at SCY. When she’s not working, she can be found hiking, backpacking, skiing, or exploring everything else BC has to offer.

Alice is a former lawyer and teacher who is passionate about advocating for children and youth. Her experiences working in both fields have given her a unique perspective on the challenges facing young people today, and she joins SCY in hopes of finding ways to support them. Alice believes that every young person should be given the chance to reach their full potential and she is committed to making a positive impact in their lives.

Outside work, Alice enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and particularly likes saying hello to spring in Vancouver each year.

Sara is a graphic designer and small business owner, interested in community engagement and advocacy against gender-based violence. In her spare time, you can find her running, playing rugby, or teaching ceramic workshops out of her Chinatown studio.

Emily (she/her) is a student at the University of Victoria studying Geography and Environmental Studies. With a passion for sustainability, she strives to understand the relationship between human societies and the natural world. She envisions a future where environmental sustainability is at the forefront of decision-making processes, and she is determined to play an integral role in making that vision a reality. Outside of work, Emily enjoys playing soccer with her friends, going on long walks, and learning American Sign Language.

Naomi (she/her) comes to SCY with 2 years of experience facilitating consent based sexual education on behalf of VCH, in high schools across Vancouver. She firmly believes and strives towards creating and upholding safe spaces for both children and youth. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, singing, playing with her dog, and hitting the gym.

Jessica (she/her) comes to SCY for a second summer while pursuing an Honours Specialization in Political Science at the University of Western Ontario. Jessica is passionate about youth rights and is one of two drafters of the Student Press Freedom Act, first-of-its-kind legislation that protects student’s expression rights in BC public schools. She is currently advocating for its passage. Beyond her work as a journalist, Jessica plays varsity field hockey, enjoys reading, and loves the outdoors!

Chantal joined SCY with a background in sports and recreation program/event planning and community development. She has experience working with children and seniors in various settings creating spaces for them to be involved in their community. With a passion for being active, Chantal has worked with various schools to offer students the opportunity to participate in sporting activities.

Chantal has a BA in Political Science and Sociology and has a passion for meeting the needs of communities. Outside of work, Chantal enjoys running, biking and swimming as she trains for her next triathlon, exploring the islands around Vancouver by bike, and spending time with her cat!