Silver Threads Service Staff
Erica Loenen – Operations Director
Debbie Erb – Victoria Centre Administrator
Sandy Firth – Bookkeeper
Paige Driedger – Outreach and Reception
Jessica Yeske – Saanich Centre Administrator
Candice Ho – Food Services Coordinator
Louise Thauvette – Program Coordinator
Caroline Covil – Saanich Casual Reception
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.
Erica Loenen, Operations Director
Erica joined our team in 2021 and has brought knowledge and experience in a diverse range of areas including kinesiology, office administration, and recreation program leadership. She holds her bachelor’s degree in exercise and wellness, and has experience working with local non-profit organizations, community centres, and recreation facilities.
Erica is passionate about health and wellness, and about offering a warm and inviting space where others are free to engage and explore movement, mindfulness, and community-building. Outside of work, Erica enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, as well as jogging, hiking, and spending time with her family and her dog.
Debbie Erb, Victoria Receptionist
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.
Sandy Firth, Bookkeeper
Sandy is an experienced Payroll and Accounting clerk, bookkeeper with an educational background that includes BA’s in Hospitality and Advance Business. Her recent employment has been with the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, the Backpackers Inn and various other clients.
Her knowledge of finance and strong service focus bring strength to both the Board Finance Committee and the staff team.
When Sandy isn’t working she enjoys kickboxing, tai chi and solving puzzles. She enjoys spending time with her granddaughter and lives by the words “live each moment like it’s your last.”
Paige Driedger – Outreach and Reception
Paige’s bio coming soon.
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.
Jessica Yeske, Saanich Centre Administrator
Jessica has prior experience in senior recreation programs, having worked at retirement communities in Victoria. Her joy lies in building connections and cultivating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Jessica is passionate about promoting socialization, exercise and recreation for older adults, firmly believing in the profound impact these activities have on enhancing overall quality of life.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Jessica enjoys traveling, baking, and going on hikes with her Mini Australian Shepherd, Ollie.
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
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.