About Us

Chawna studied Child Development and Child Psychology at Brigham Young University. In 1990 she founded a neighborhood mother’s support group which is still active with over 100 members today. With her great love of children, she helped establish Lift the Children with John. Chawna is a very active board member and manager with the John Volken Academy.

Darrell is the CEO of Graphically Speaking and previous to that worked in the R&D and manufacturing divisions of Rogers Cable and Telus. Darrell has spent the majority of his career in the technology sector focusing on web applications, e-commerce and internet protocols. He is a past President of the BC Marketing Association (BCAMA).

Bil practiced law in Vancouver until he joined United Furniture Warehouse in 1997.  In 2004 he transferred to the John Volken Foundation. Bil has been with the Advisory Board for Lift the Children since 2009 and has visited a number of Kenyan orphanages. He is the past President of The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vancouver.

Jon is the President and Founder of Elton Media an advertising agency in Vancouver.  Jon has worked his career in advertising and television production for the last 35 years.  He has been with Lift the Children since its inception and helped build a large dental school in Kampala with his friend Dr. Drew Cahoon.

Gordie is the CEO of Tri-Peak Developments which specializes in the re-development of commercial real estate projects. He is also involved in a variety of technology development projects and assists a variety of non-profit organizations.

Gabrielle is licensed with the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation. She currently works as an Orton-Gillingham Practitioner Interim, providing structured literacy support to individuals struggling to learn. Gabrielle has been with the Advisory Board of Lift the Children since 2009 and currently serves as the Vice President of Operations.

Jane is a Human Resources Specialist whose areas of focus are training and policy.  Jane has over fifteen years’ experience working in the public and private sectors. Jane is a people centered strategist and believes that change is possible when surrounded by a good team.

Marj has been a neuroscience high acuity staff nurse at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) since 1978. She is a strong advocate for access to quality health care in low and middle level income West African countries and was the spearhead of the non-profit Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation in 2002. Marj has been presented with numerous awards for her efforts in improving neuroscience and healthcare delivery in Africa. These awards include: the Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Award in 2006, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Alumni Global Citizenship Award in 2007, the Governor General’s Visit Medallion in 2013, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award in 2022.Marj joined the Advisory Committee for the Lift the Children in 2022.

Mary Kamau serves as the Country Director for Lift the Children, bringing exceptional leadership and a wealth of expertise to the organization. She holds a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Moi University. With over ten years of experience in child protection, Mary is also a certified trainer and professional mediator. In her role, she oversees the operations of Lift the Children across Africa, ensuring the highest standards of care and support for children in need. Mary’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable children and her strategic vision are pivotal in driving the organization’s mission to create brighter futures for the children under its care.

Terry serves as a Social Worker at Lift the Children, managing social work operations across the regions we support in Africa. With a degree in Development Studies and Information Technology from Maseno University, she brings eight years of expertise as a child protection professional. As one of our in-house trainers, Terry specializes in child psychology, data protection in child protection, project management, and case management. Her dual background in social work and IT enables her to oversee both the IT and marketing teams, ensuring a holistic and innovative approach to supporting vulnerable children. Terry’s multifaceted expertise enhances our organization’s ability to deliver effective care, strengthen child protection systems, and promote awareness of children’s rights and well-being.

Jay is the lead accountant for the John Volken Academy and facilitates all of the finances for Lift the Children. Jay oversees all of the accounting needs for the many charities and subsidiaries of the John Volken organization.

Grace is a dedicated and compassionate social worker for Lift the Children, based in Mombasa. With a degree in social work from Moi University, she has honed her skills in child protection and providing support to those in need. Grace’s work involves developing and implementing programs that improve the lives of children and families, advocating for their rights and welfare, and ensuring they have access to essential resources and support.

With over 10 years of experience in psychological counseling, Elizabeth is dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of children in our care. Her expertise lies in trauma-informed counseling, helping children navigate the effects of loss, abuse, and neglect. Elizabeth employs child-centered therapeutic approaches, including play therapy, art therapy, and group sessions, creating safe and nurturing spaces where children can express themselves and heal. She has a remarkable ability to connect with children, fostering trust and resilience while guiding them toward emotional recovery and personal growth. At Lift the Children, her passion for mental health and commitment to holistic care are invaluable in transforming the lives of those we serve.