Meet Our Team
Katherine McParland
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Katherine McParland is the founder and manager of the A Way Home Kamloops movement to end youth homelessness. This issue is close to Katherine's heart as a youth who grew up in the foster care system, and experienced extensive periods of homelessness. She has found purpose in this First Voice truth to create change. Katherine was appointed to the Federal government's Advisory Committee on Homelessness.
Provincially, Katherine co-chairs the BC Network to End Youth Homelessness and is helping to lead the development of a provincial plan to end youth homelessness. These experiences have supported Katherine's integration of learning as a Masters of Social Work Leadership student at University of Calgary. Most recently Katherine has started a practicum at the B.C. Representative of Children and Youth to ensure youth voice is heard in the development of a provincial plan to end youth homelessness.
Kira Cheeseborough
PEER NAVIGATOR
Kira Cheeseborough is a Youth Advisor and Peer Support Worker for A Way Home Kamloops. Kira has led the development of an Education Peer Navigation program for youth who have experienced homelessness at Thompson Rivers University. Kira is also the Chair of Youth Against Youth Homelessness.
Kira has been award both the ACE-WIL and the CEWIL Student of the Year 2018 award for her work within A Way Home Kamloops, bringing to life the Peer Navigation program.
Marlo Hodge
YOUTH HOUSING FIRST SUPPORT WORKER
Marlo is a new Kamloopsian and TRU student studying Human Services!
She is currently exploring and finding all the fun activities and adventures surrounding Kamloops.
Hiking, kayaking, skiing, and spending time with a good book are the things she most enjoys!
Jill Coulter
YOUTH HOUSING FIRST SUPPORT WORKER
Jill has recently achieved her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Thompson Rivers University, and completed her final practicum at A Way Home Kamloops where she developed her skills in youth work. Jill has prior experience in developing and facilitating sexualized violence prevention & response education as well as conducting research, and she is passionate about social justice. When she’s not at work, Jill enjoys cooking new recipes, roadtrips around Beautiful BC, and getting outside for hiking, cycling, and camping adventures. While Jill does not own any pets, she loves meeting your furry friends and is always up to hear stories or watch a cat video!
Deidre Sellars
YOUTH HOUSING FIRST SUPPORT WORKER
"Weytk,
My name is Deidre Sellars and I am new to A Way Home Kamloops as a Youth Housing First Support Worker. I’m currently in my final year of the Bachelor of Social Work program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and have completed the Child Welfare Specialization. My hopes in completing this specialization are to assist youth and families that I work with to navigate various systems they may work alongside. I’ve also completed the Human Services Diploma and Education Assistant/ Community Support Certificate through Thompson Rivers University; I also have a background as a Health Care Assistant. Going into my education I had a focus of wanting to work with youth and had the pleasure of doing a Practicum Placement with A Way Home in 2016. Alongside completing my degree I am also completing the Aboriginal Studies Certificate through TRU to better understand history and Indigenous peoples resiliencies and challenges. In the recent past I have worked in assisting vulnerable populations at risk of or experiencing homelessness: maintain their housing, connect to community health supports, life skills, and harm reduction efforts. I look forward to working with A Way Home Kamloops and the amazing youth.
Kukstemc"
