Julie-Ann Hunter is the Executive Director of the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society (VYES), where she provides strategic leadership for VYES’s continuum of programs that support youth and families across prevention, early intervention, and crisis response. With more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Julie-Ann brings a combination of frontline expertise, clinical knowledge, and executive leadership to her role. She is a Registered Social Worker and holds a Master of Business Administration specializing in social enterprise.
She is actively engaged in regional efforts to strengthen systems of care for youth and currently serves as co-chair of the Collaborative to Prevent Youth Homelessness in Victoria, working alongside partners to improve long-term outcomes for young people.
Grounded in values of equity, collaboration, and innovation, Julie-Ann is passionate about ensuring young people are heard, valued, and empowered to shape their futures.
Kisae Petersen serves as Operations Director and has been with VYES for more than three years. She provides leadership and support to the organization’s program managers and oversees key areas including financial management, fund development, facilities, and information technology.
Prior to joining VYES, Kisae held senior leadership roles in the nonprofit sector on Salt Spring Island, including with Islanders Working Against Violence and the Salt Spring Island Foundation, where she worked in gender-based violence, affordable housing, and community services.
A lifelong volunteer, Kisae has served on numerous nonprofit boards and is currently Treasurer of the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and animal companions, being in nature, and tending to her garden.
Mary Grace Cortez is a dedicated human resources professional with more than ten years of experience across core HR functions. She brings a compassionate, people-first approach to her work, grounded in a strong understanding of leadership and human behaviour.
Megs holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Post-Degree Diploma in Business Administration – Human Resources Management and Leadership from Camosun College.
As Human Resources Coordinator at VYES, Megs supports recruitment, onboarding, employee training, performance management, volunteer coordination, and a range of administrative functions. She is passionate about fostering inclusive and supportive workplace cultures that empower employees, strengthen teams, and enable organizations to create meaningful impact in the community.
Thea Pichurski brings 28 years of experience in social services and a deep commitment to supporting youth and building strong, responsive teams. She has been with the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society for 19 years, beginning as a frontline staff member at the Kiwanis Emergency Youth Shelter (KEYS) and growing into her current leadership role.
Over the course of her career, Thea has developed extensive expertise in program leadership, staff development, and creating environments where youth feel safe, respected, and valued. She leads with integrity and empathy and is dedicated to ensuring KEYS provides consistent, compassionate care to young people in times of crisis.
Qionna Fyfe is the Program Manager of Specialized Youth Detox at the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society (VYES), where she leads a dedicated team supporting youth who are taking important steps toward stabilization and recovery. With over 20 years of experience in recovery-focused service delivery, Qionna brings deep expertise and a compassionate, youth-centred approach to her work. Grounded in harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and relationship-based care, she is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where young people feel respected, understood, and empowered as they begin their recovery journey.
Cheryl Fikowski brings more than 30 years of experience working in child and youth services, including 12 years supporting high-risk youth and over a decade with the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society.
After spending most of her career working directly with young people, Cheryl recently transitioned into her role as Youth Services Manager. Her frontline experience provides her with a deep understanding of the challenges youth face and the supports they need to succeed. In her leadership role, Cheryl focuses on supporting her team, strengthening programs, and ensuring that every young person feels safe, heard, and supported.
