Silver Threads Service Staff
Sarah Beihse – Operations Director
Debbie Erb – Victoria Centre Administrator
Paige Driedger – Outreach and Reception
Adrianna Balic – Outreach
Deanna Austin – Saanich Centre Administrator
Candice Ho – Food Services Coordinator
Louise Thauvette – Program Coordinator
Caroline Covil – Saanich Casual Reception, Program Facilitator
Tracy Ryan, Executive Director
Tracy joined the staff team in September 2013 and assumed the role of Executive Director in May 2014. Being part of an island based charity, connected to direct service delivery and the opportunity to work with a strong Board of Directors is important.
Her past employment; includes the YM-YWCA and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation along with work with the Municipality of Saanich and Thrifty Foods, have given her a broad range of experience on which to draw from. Her vision is to address community needs for seniors and be an innovative service provider with strong organizational and financial best practices.
Sarah Beihse, Operations Director
Sarah draws on nearly two decades of experience in program leadership, volunteer engagement, and human resources across both community-serving organizations and the health sector. Known for her collaborative spirit and strategic problem solving, she has led large teams, launched award-winning initiatives, and built meaningful community partnerships.
While she has celebrated many milestones, Sarah is most proud of her work that supports well-being or makes life a little bit easier. A life-long learner, Sarah holds an undergraduate degree and post graduate certificates from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Outside of work, you’ll often find her swimming, exploring Vancouver Island, enjoying family time or deep into a game of Scrabble.
Debbie Erb, Victoria Centre Administrator
Debbie has worked at Silver Threads for 25 years in a variety of areas including Meals on Wheels, and both Sidney and Victoria Centres. For 5 years she worked for CNIB gaining experience in fundraising, administration and services for the visually impaired. In 2022, we were lucky to welcome her back to the Victoria Centre.
A common theme in her employment has been working with seniors; it gives her great pleasure to make their day enjoyable. Outside of work, she has been happily married for 45 years, is mom to two and grandmother to seven and enjoys kayaking, hiking, riding motorcycles and travelling.
Paige Driedger – Outreach and Reception
Paige holds a diploma in psychology and experience supporting individuals with mental health and addictions. She worked as both an activity coordinator and a support worker—roles that strengthened her commitment to meaningful, person-centered care.
She first connected with Silver Threads through her passion for yoga, teaching gentle classes at the Centres. With over five years of experience leading classes across various community centres and studios, yoga continues to be a central part of her life and work.
Paige strongly values the role of leisure and creative expression in supporting overall quality of life. Whether she’s exploring forest trails, paddling along the coast, listening to music, or painting, she sees these activities as essential to staying grounded, inspired, and connected.
Adrianna Balic, Outreach
Adrianna has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in social justice from UVIC. She has resided in Victoria for the past 5 years, where she has explored different roles in the social services field through working as a support worker at the women’s shelter as well as volunteering at peer support and crisis lines.
Adrianna also has experience working with youth in schools and in the research setting, and is passionate about exploring intergenerational and inclusive spaces.
In Adrianna’s spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors playing tennis, volleyball, and going for runs at Beacon Hill Park. She is also learning how to sew and work with different art styles, and likes to volunteer at community events at the art gallery in her spare time.
Anne Nelson, Saanich Centre Director
Anne is a Post Graduate in Recreation Therapy. As a Recreation Therapist who has worked in residential and community based organizations in Canada and Australia, she is committed to providing quality programs and services that provide a purpose to seniors.
At Silver Threads, she actively engages with all who come to the centre and creates a sense of community for them. Outside of work she is often peddling her bike on local trails.
Deanna Austin, Saanich Centre Administrator
Dee brings a diverse background with extensive experience in government, business, and childcare and bring excellent customer service skills and administrative knowledge to the organization. She has worked with all ages, including older adults in residential settings.
Her warmth and enthusiasm will create a welcoming environment for participants at the Victoria Centre evening programs.
Candice Ho, Food Services Coordinator
Candice is trained in the Culinary Arts and has studied at Camosun College. She has honed her skills in the food and service industry for many years in front of house, serving and food preparation positions in a variety of restaurant and residential settings.
A hard worker, she is passionate about what she does and being innovative about new and exciting ideas for baking and meals. Her experience working with seniors and customer service approach is an asset.
Outside of work, Candice is an avid golfer and loves to travel.
Louise Thauvette, Program Coordinator
Louise is a social worker who has worked in social services, primarily in the areas of violence against women and supporting international students with housing. She brings with her extensive experience in program administration, group facilitation, and inter-personal skills.
Louise places great value on remaining active and challenging ourselves as we age. She is involved in a myriad of activities including paddling outrigger canoes, singing in a francophone choir, growing her own food, yoga and meditation. She is always looking for new opportunities to learn and enrich her life.
She looks forward to connecting with members; learning, growing and laughing together.
Caroline Covil, Saanich Casual Reception, Program Facilitator
Caroline has a Bachelor of Social Work and has been employed in the social services field for many years, beginning in the Yukon Territory. Some of the roles she has served in have been as a Case Manager and Branch Supervisor and she has demonstrated a commitment to supporting others in their wellbeing, quality of life and social justice.
Caroline’s interests include music, visual art, boating, tennis, reading, and riding her e-bike around beautiful Victoria, in addition to spending time with family and friends, and being out in nature, the arts, and travelling.