Due to Covid-19 the Fraser River Indigenous Society offices open with appointments. We are modifying our programs during these times
FRASER RIVER
INDIGENOUS SOCIETY
family
development
programs
BUILDING STRONGER CONNECTIONS
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The Family Strengthening Program is a short-term intervention program. The service start date commences on the day of the foundation meeting.
The program is open to Indigenous families whose members reside in the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows area and are delivered in community or in a family home setting.
In-home support is utilized where risk is higher, or where barriers prevent the individual or family from participating in other programs.
FRIS employs 2 Family Strengthening workers that will be providing outreach services to families.
Family development
manager
Martina
nenasheff
Family Development Manager
Martina is originally from Eastern Europe; since 2003, she calls Canada her new home. She feels honored to be a part of the FRIS team. Grounded in restorative policy and practice framework, Martina is dedicated to continually analyze, address, and challenge the systems and structures that cause and contribute to the oppressive treatment of individuals, families, and the community she
serves.
Martina completed her Diploma in Human Service Work at the Okanagan College, then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Victoria and received Child Protection Certification through the Indigenous Perspective Society.
She brings in extensive experience from owning and operating a private business, followed by working with the at-risk population, as well as with children and youth with behavior complexities, disabilities, and neurodiverse needs. Her most recent appointment was a Social Work position with the Splatsin Stsmamlt Services.
Fun fact about Martina: She often cooks as if she has 10 teenage boys at home (which she doesn’t) and will definitely mispronounce words so badly it will make you laugh, thanks to being ESL.
Family Strengthening Workers
courtney
carmen
Sophia
Manuel
Family Strengthening Worker
Courtney’s educational background includes a Diploma in Social Services & and a Bachelor of Social Work, both received at the University of the Fraser Valley. She has been an active member of the Social Service community for over 8 years now and is passionate about creating a safe space for the people she works with. This ensures a positive relationship and promotes growth. She was born and raised in White Rock, BC, and still resides there. Fun Fact: If she’s not eating tacos or fish & chips at the beach, she’s actively playing baseball.
Family Strengthening Worker
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Sophia grew up in Abbotsford, BC and has an Indian-Canadian ethnic background. She moved to Vancouver in 2019 to attend her university program and was conferred a Bachelor of Arts degree by the University of British Columbia where she studied Psychology and African Studies.
Sophia has a background in housing support, working in emergency shelters for two years and supporting unhoused individuals across the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver. She has a heart for the Downtown Eastside community which bleeds into her love for promoting community in all her professional and personal environments. Through her work at FRIS, she strives to help strengthen our Indigenous communities by offering her specialization in Development Psychology and her background in support work to assist families in feeling abetted and grounded in their various cultural and spiritual identities.
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ACCESS SUPPORTED CONNECTIONS
Fraser River Indigenous Society is an innovative multi- service agency working at all levels to provide permanency to Indigenous Children and Youth for the purposes of achieving reunification, physical permanency and relational permanency when reunification is not possible.
Fraser River Indigenous Society has established itself and this program as a relevant key service organization for Urban First Nations, Métis and Inuit families and individuals. Our program aims to enhance the capacity of Indigenous families in the Maple Ridge/ Pitt Meadows area to care for their children in a self-determined way.
Family access
workers
Ashley
gauley
Access Program Assistant
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Hi! My name is Ashley, and I am a mother to a 5-year-old boy. I was born and raised in Maple Ridge, a lot of my time is spent outdoors, taking in the beauty of the mountains surrounding us. I enjoy taking the holistic approach to health and wellness by educating myself on how to fuel our mind, body & soul in the healthiest way possible. I am a spiritual being who recognizes we are all connected, and I strongly resonate with First Nations culture and values. I am very thankful to work for FRIS and provide support and resources to all indigenous people in the community. Fun fact: My favourite places to visit are on the traditional territory of Katzie First Nation including Pitt Lake and Golden Ears.
emily
schneider
Family Access Worker
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Emily was born and raised in Maple Ridge, BC. She received her Bachelor of Applied Psychology in Pre-Counselling and Psychosocial Rehabilitation in 2023 from Douglas College. Her previous work experience is in behaviour intervention with neurodiverse individuals and those with behavioural challenges. Her aspiration is to pursue a Master of Counselling Psychology degree to serve her community as a registered counsellor.
With a background in psychosocial rehabilitation, Emily values building relationships within the community and promoting a culturally relevant and safe place for growth and connection. Emily is grateful to be working with and contributing to the Indigenous community.
A fun fact about Emily is that she grew up as a dancer and still loves to choreograph, teach, and take dance classes.