Shannon Crofton - Chief Executive Officer

For many who receive support from Aspire, Shannon has been there every step of the way. Shannon started with the organization in 1991 working at Pendleton House which provided respite for children at that time. Since then Shannon has worked in programs supporting individuals from childhood through every stage of adulthood, and has been instrumental in the growth of programs and supports offered by Aspire.

Shannon believes that the lifelong supports offered by Aspire is what makes the organization unique, but also ensures that individuals and families are encouraged to plan, learn, dream and grow. From supporting a child to learn new skills, to empowering people through Community Inclusion programs, Shannon is committed to ensuring that Aspire is there; providing diverse programs with the same goal – to encourage the people we support to live rich, fulfilled lives.

Shannon served as Acting Executive Director beginning in January 2020 and was appointed CEO in October of the same year. She has demonstrated unwavering leadership leading the organization through an unprecedented health crisis, while continuing to focus on delivering services that make Aspire a leader in the community living sector.

Kam Basi - Director of Human Resources

Sue Jones - Director, Respite and Quality Assurance

Trained as an early childhood educator, Sue joined Aspire Richmond in 1995 as a preschool teacher with Treehouse early Learning Centre.  Treehouse was her first experience working with children with additional support needs, and Sue realized immediately that this was her true career path.  She is passionate about connection with those we serve, encouraging their personal growth, choice, and decision making and supporting them to thrive and lead connected and happy lives.

Sue has first-hand experience about the importance and value of early intervention and lifelong supports for people with developmental disabilities.  Many children she taught in preschool are now in adult programs with Aspire.  These lifelong connections are greatly valued by Sue, the individuals and their families.

Sue was promoted from pre-school teacher to senior counsellor to program manager.  In 2007, she was appointed Director of Children’s Services and Quality Assurance.  In 2021, Sue became the Director of Respite Services and Quality Assurance.  A large part of this portfolio allows her to focus more on Aspire’s broad Occupational Health and Safety program and ensure that Aspire meets the requirements for accreditation by CARF to secure continued funding and ensure program excellence.

Carrie McLellan-Haqq - Director, Children's Services

Carrie has spent more than two decades helping families to access inclusive child care, while actively advocating for increased early intervention supports for children with developmental delays/disabilities.

Carrie began as a Supported Child Development Program (SCDP) Consultant with Developmental Disabilities Association in 1998 and in 2003 became the Program Manager. She joined the Aspire team in 2005 when the contract for SCDP was awarded to Aspire and continued in the role of Manager. In the fall of 2018, she was promoted to an Operations Director position, overseeing various Aspire Programs.

Educated as a Special Needs Early Childhood Educator (SNECE), Carrie has been part of SCDP since it was introduced by the Province in 1996; working in a City of Richmond purpose built child care centre as an additional teacher for children with increased support needs. Before that, she worked in other community living agencies as a key worker in residential and community inclusion programs for adults with developmental disabilities. In addition, she was a leader in numerous City of Richmond Community Centres in preschool and school age programs.

Carrie has participated on many regional SCDP committees over the years and was instrumental in the creation of the SCDP contract development for sub-contractors and facilitated training in 2006 through-out the province. She has worked to ensure that child care programs in Richmond receive the training and supports necessary to allow all children to belong and be included.

Carrie takes pride in watching children and their families grow and learn from the time they begin to receive early intervention services. She believes that the relationships developed during the early years form the backbone of supports for children and their families, ensuring that they will be well served over the course of their lives.

Justin Byers - Director, Community Support

Justin Byers has spent his entire professional life working in environments geared towards supporting those with diverse abilities. He began his career in the community living sector as a residential support worker, later serving in a leadership role as manager of multiple residences for adults in supported living environments.

More recently, Justin has spent several years on the funding side of support services in his role at BC Housing. In this role he oversaw contracts, funding and general operations for dozens of non-profit organizations throughout the Lower Mainland, many of which have a particular focus on providing safe, stable, and supported housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Justin studied Communications and Business Studies at SFU and has combined his education with experience working in the public sector, bringing a wide breadth of expertise to Aspire. Justin takes pride in helping organizations of all sizes build capacity, take on new challenges and create additional resources for those who benefit most from them.

Justin joined Aspire in March 2021 and is excited to be part of a team with a reputation as a leader in the community living sector. As Director he oversees Aspire’s Community Inclusion programs and is committed to ensuring that every individual in LIFE Day Services, Outreach and Employment Services is supported to achieve their dreams.

Noel Palma - Director, Finance

Noel joined Aspire Richmond in March 2022. He leads Aspire’s accounting and finance operations, with responsibility of helping steward the organization’s financial resources. He is responsible for financial forecasting, planning and reporting. He also ensures that policies and procedures are in place to mitigate risks, lend credibility to financial information, and improve operational efficiency. Noel also advocates for the individuals Aspire serves by assisting in contracts negotiations with different levels of government to secure proper funding.

In October 2018, Noel served as the manager of corporate services at Columbus Residence where he was responsible for setting up the society’s financial systems, introducing the organization to e-commerce such as online banking and B2B and B2C transactions. He developed tools for budgeting and forecasting, and reports for department managers. During his stay at Columbus, he helped the Society control costs and save, maintain a stable cash flow and grow its wealth.

Noel was first introduced to the non-profit sector when he joined Covenant House in December 2015 as their new senior accountant. He helped redesign the budgeting templates; drafted policies and procedures around cash management. He was also the key person for implementing direct EFT payment system.

Prior to joining the benevolent landscape, Noel was in a few private industries for about 10 years. In October 2011, Noel became the senior accountant at Glowbal Group where he helped the Group streamline some accounting procedures and mentor junior staff. Before coming to Canada in the Fall of 2010, he was working in the Philippines as a senior accountant for multinational pharmaceutical and business process outsourcing companies and in the hospitality industry. This is where he gained professional experience in developing accounting systems, winding up a business due to merger, writing policies and procedures, and negotiating with banks, vendors and other stakeholders.

Noel has more than 15 years of solid career in the area of accounting and finance. He has strong leadership, technology, analytical and communication skills. He is a CPA, CGA member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a graduate diploma in business administration. Noel is currently pursuing a masters degree in business administration.

Kami Davis - Manager, Technology

Kami has a Bachelor of Science degree focusing on computer information systems and business operations.  She began her career with Aspire in 2002 providing contracted support in the areas of graphic design, database development, and support with accreditation preparation.  In 2008, she was hired as the Manager of Administration.  As the technology needs of the organization grew, in 2021, her role was streamlined to the Manager of Technology with a focus on managing Aspire’s IT network, maintaining and developing the operational database: Sharevision, graphic design and accreditation support.

Kami takes pride in supporting the staff at Aspire to provide quality care to the people we support.  Documentation is an important component to service delivery and providing the tools necessary to create efficiencies for staff is what Kami is passionate about.  Her creative and artistic background comes alive in the print and media graphics used at Aspire.

Sue Street - Manager, Fund and Community Awareness