Co-Directors
Bowen Tang, M.E.D.
Current Occupation: Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Degree of Hearing Loss: severely profound, bilateral
Assistive Technology used: hearing aid (R), cochlear implant (L)
Motto to live by: “You’ve always had the power” – Glinda, from movie Wizard of Oz
Joy Gong, M.Ed.
Current Occupation: Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Degree of Hearing Loss: severely profound, bilateral
Assistive Technology used: hearing aid (R), cochlear implant (L)
Motto to live by: “Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” — Mario Andretti
BC Buddies Coordinator, Lower Mainland
VACANT
Program Coordinator, Okanagan Region
Jessica Niemela, B.Sc.
Current Occupation: Registered Nurse/2nd Audiology Student
Degree of Hearing Loss: moderate-severe, bilateral
Assistive Technology used: hearing aids (R & L)
Motto to live by: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Workshop Coordinator
Nicole Leung, B.Sc. in Nursing
Current Occupation: Registered Nurse in Acute Medical-Surgical Neuroscience
Degree of Hearing Loss: mild to profound, bilateral
Assistive Technology used: hearing aids (R & L), Roger pen, electronic stethoscope
Motto to live by: “Every adventure requires a first step. Trite, but true, even here“– Cheshire Cat, Alice in the Wonderland
Young Adult Social Co-Coordinator
Tasha Cox, Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation
Current Occupation: Activity Worker
Degree of Hearing Loss: moderate conductive hearing loss in both ears
Assistive Technology used: hearing aids (R & L)
Motto to live by: “Always end the day with a smile”
Young Adult Social Co-Coordinator
Rianna Mulligan
Current Occupation: Prep Cook and Junior Contract Staff at Deaf Youth Today
Degree of Hearing Loss: profound hearing loss in both ears
Assistive Technology used: cochlear implants (R & L)
Motto to live by: “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live” — Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Technical Writer
Monique Les, M.A. in Criminology
Current Occupation: Stay at Home Mom to two beautiful girls (4 and 2)
Degree of Hearing Loss: Profound, Bilateral
Assistive Technology used: Hearing aid (L), Cochlear Implant (R), Bed Shaker for waking up at night with the baby
Motto to live by: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” – Judy Garland
Event Volunteers
Allison Lui, B.Sc. (on educational leave)
Current Occupation: Student, and Child & Youth Worker
Degree of Hearing Loss: mild to moderate, bilateral
Assistive Technology used: hearing aids (R & L)
Motto to live by: “Step by step, get your education, learning never stop.” — My Grandfather