Our Team
Deirdre Syms, PLP, CPHR, MSc (Applied Neuroscience), AKC
Executive Director
Deirdre is thrilled to be leading the incredible team and building amazing programs for the BC Epilepsy Society. She has lived with epilepsy since she was a child and is passionate about finding ways to safely live life on her own terms and helping others to do the same. Along with counselling and over 20 years of business experience, she has completed her MSc in Applied Neuroscience. She loves her family, reading, music and dancing and is convinced that she has the best job in the entire world! Deirdre can be contacted at (778) 533-0790 or at deirdre@bcepilepsy.com.
Queena Wong
Admin Support Coordinator
Queena is the Administrative Support Coordinator at the BC Epilepsy Society, supporting administration, communications, and organizational initiatives. She is passionate about helping others and advancing the Society’s mission of increasing epilepsy awareness and connecting individuals and families with valuable resources and support. Outside of work, Queena enjoys travelling, exploring new foods, and discovering different cultures and experiences. Queena can be contacted at queena@bcepilepsy.com.
Esther Mkilania
Admin Support Coordinator
Esther is an Administrative Support Coordinator at the BC Epilepsy Society, supporting daily administration, program management, and the participant intake process. She is passionate about helping others and advancing the Society’s mission of increasing epilepsy awareness while connecting individuals and families with valuable resources and support. Outside of work, Esther is a creative writer who enjoys crafting children’s literature, poetry, and exploring digital design. Esther can be contacted at (236) 334 7087 or at esther@bcepilepsy.com.
Ronda Foden
Bookkeeper
Ronda has worked as a bookkeeper for non-profit organizations for the past 5 years and is thrilled to be part of the BC Epilepsy Society team. She finds joy in helping those around her and loves work that involves improving the lives of others. Ronda values her job with BC Epilepsy and appreciates working with the wonderful staff and board members. On her days off, she spends time with her family enjoying the natural beauty of British Columbia.
Jacquoline Martin
Community Partners Coordinator
Jacquoline is a Vancouver-based epilepsy and mental health advocate dedicated to promoting accessibility, inclusion, and community awareness across Canada. Drawing from her own experience living with epilepsy, she has become a passionate public speaker and supporter of individuals and families affected by neurological and mental health challenges. As the Community Partners Coordinator for the BC Epilepsy Society, Jacquoline works closely with communities to expand education, outreach, and support services. Her leadership and volunteer contributions have earned her several honours, including the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Recognized for her commitment to advocacy and empowerment, she was also named among the WXN Top 100 Women. In 2025, Jacquoline brought her message of resilience and inclusion to an international stage in the United States through pageantry, continuing to inspire others through advocacy and service. Jacquoline can be contacted at jacquoline@bcepilepsy.com.
Chris Lal
Epilepsy Peer Support Lead
Chris is a passionate advocate for healthy living. He enjoys working with people and supporting them to achieve their goals. Chris holds diplomas in Social Service Work and Recreation Leadership from Langara College and is a certified Personal Trainer with BCRPA. Chris was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1999 and is an inspiration to so many. As a dedicated volunteer, and peer support facilitator, he has worked with the BC Epilepsy Society since 2002. Chris can be contacted at peer_support@bcepilepsy.com.