Staff Team

Adriana joined the Kinbrace staff team in 2006. Her main role is to welcome new residents into the community by providing orientation, advocacy, and accompaniment.

She lives in Port Moody with her husband Paco and their two adult children, Marcelo and Sofia. Adriana's whole family has been part of the Kinbrace community since 2004.

Alex is passionate about work rooted in welcome, belonging, refugee protection, and systems change. With over a decade of leadership experience across refugee-serving organizations in Canada and abroad, she has advised on refugee programs and policy at local and national levels, and holds a Masters in International Social Development with a specialization in Forced Migration Studies. Alex is committed to helping carry forward Kinbrace’s work of welcome and mutual transformation. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new places with her partner, young daughter, and dog.

Allison joined the Kinbrace team in 2024 as Refugee Protection Coordinator. Prior to Kinbrace, Allison worked in Southeast Asia for 12 years with a focus on anti-human trafficking, migration, and forced displacement. Allison completed her BA with a double-major in International Relations and Psychology, and an MSc in Behavioural Science with the goal to support effective and people-centered program design in these sectors. When not working you can find her reading, running (slowly) with friends, or hanging out with her husband.

Amanda joined the Kinbrace team in 2023. Her role involves overseeing and collaborating with the Settlement Team, which provides guidance and support to refugee claimant residents in their settlement journey. Amanda has previous experience working in forced displacement, including in advocacy, policy, and various roles at a local settlement organization. She holds a Master of Laws in International Migration and Refugee Law and Policy. In her free time, Amanda enjoys crocheting, watching baseball, running, and exploring nature with her friends and family.

Ebenezer has been a part of the Kinbrace community since May 2019. He serves as the administrator, providing support in the areas of finance, human resources, and records management. Ebenezer has degrees in business and theology. He also has several years of experience working with various organizations. He is currently pursuing an advanced master's degree at Regent College. When he is not at Kinbrace, he and his wife are hanging out together doing fun activities in Vancouver.

Habiba is a Community Support at Kinbrace Community Society. She brings her lived experience as a former resident into her work with refugee claimants. She is interested in social work, education, and how people navigate change in difficult and uncertain situations. She has worked with a non-profit supporting women who have experienced trauma, and also has experience in a healthcare setting supporting patients. Outside of work, Habiba often turns to journaling and novels. Poetry and Afghan dance are also part of how she stays connected to expression and identity. She enjoys being in spaces where she can be around people and connect naturally.

Bio Coming Soon

Laura joined the Kinbrace team in 2019. She brings extensive fundraising experience specializing in Major Gifts and Community Fundraising. Laura lives locally with her family in East Vancouver and is passionate about this community. She enjoys baking, building new relationships, travels and spending time outdoors.

Loren is one of the co-founders of Kinbrace and lived with his family in the transformational housing community from 1998-2017. In his role as Acting Executive Director, Loren works with the Board of Directors to promote the values and strategic vision of Kinbrace while resourcing its mission to support refugee claimants regionally and nationally. Loren lives with his partner Tama and their two young-adult children Abigail and Oliver in New Westminster.

Masi started working with refugee claimants in 2014 with UNHCR and later continued this work with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Her journey eventually led to Kinbrace, where she currently supports Farsi-speaking residents with their settlement needs, offering guidance, resources and support as they navigate the refugee protection journey. Among Kinbrace’s core values, “trust” and “welcome” resonate with her the most—they reflect the kind of environment she strives to create for those who arrive at Kinbrace seeking safety and belonging. Outside of work, Masi loves spending time in nature, baking, and being with her family.

Milad joined Kinbrace as a Settlement Coordinator, supporting refugee claimant residents as they navigate settlement, access services, and build community in Canada. He brings lived experience of forced migration, alongside experience in refugee advocacy, newcomer support, and community leadership. Milad holds a Master of Arts in Social Justice and Human Rights and has completed studies in forced migration through the University of Oxford’s Refugee Studies Centre. Outside of work, he enjoys community storytelling, writing, and connecting with people from different backgrounds.

Sara has lived experience as a refugee claimant and joined Kinbrace in 2024, bringing global expertise supporting survivors of torture and advocating for forcibly displaced people. She has led nationwide advocacy to end the incarceration of migrants and asylum seekers in provincial jails and contributed to legal research on immigration detention. She is passionate about creating safety and belonging for refugee claimants. Outside of work, she treasures time with family and friends and enjoys hiking.

Sophia joined the Kinbrace team in 2020, having recently returned to her home base of East Vancouver from the UK where she worked on issues of immigration detention. Her role is to coordinate the Ready Tours and lead the My Refugee Claim public legal education and information project. Sophia is passionate about access to justice. She holds a BA in International Studies and an MSc in Human Rights. When she is not working, you can often find Sophia sitting somewhere on Commercial Drive with a coffee and a book, or out for a neighbourhood walk with her family.

Stephanie joined Kinbrace in June 2024 as the administrator. Originally from Brazil, Stephanie moved to Vancouver to pursue her Master's in Theology at Regent College, following her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations. In her role, she manages key administrative functions, including overseeing financial processes, supporting human resources, and maintaining important records. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys relaxing at the beach, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and immersing herself in Brazilian music.