Deirdre Syms
Interim Executive Director

Deirdre is thrilled to be leading the incredible team and building amazing programs for the BC Epilepsy Society. She has lived with epilepsy since she was a child and is passionate about finding ways to safely live life on her own terms and helping others to do the same. Along with counselling and over 20 years of business experience, she is currently working on her MSc in Applied Neuroscience. She loves her family, reading, music and dancing and is convinced that she has the best job in the entire world! Deirdre can be contacted at (778) 533-0790 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Jas Lachar, MSW, RSW
Support Services Coordinator

Jas is a registered social worker and has a Masters in Social Work. She has worked with the BC Epilepsy Society since 2014. Her favourite part of her role with the BC Epilepsy Society is being able to provide information through the Partners in Teaching workshops and facilitating the Online Peer Group. Jas is passionate about mental health care and supporting individuals in accessing and developing their internal resources and building resiliency. Outside of work, Jas enjoys watching documentaries and being out in nature with her dog, Bruno. Jas can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Christine Jamieson
Impact Speaker

Christine is passionate about sharing her epilepsy journey. She is currently working with the BC Epilepsy Society as an Impact Speaker and hosts Partners in Teaching workshops at schools on epilepsy awareness and seizure first aid, facilitates the Epilepsy Friends Forever (EFF) program for children and youth living with epilepsy and writes articles on the Christine’s Corner section of the website. She holds the titles of Miss BC 2018 and Miss Canada 2019 and loves spending time outside and with her many pets. Christine can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Paul Naswell
Film & Media Specialist

Bringing a unique and creative style, Paul is always looking for new and innovative ways to bring attention to epilepsy and raise epilepsy awareness through film and media production. He started his creative process 6 years ago through developing in the film industry and this job is the best of both worlds as gets to do something he loves and work towards helping people living with epilepsy! Paul can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ronda Foden
Bookkeeper

Ronda has worked as a bookkeeper for non-profit organizations for the past 5 years and is thrilled to be part of the BC Epilepsy Society team. She finds joy in helping those around her and loves work that involves improving the lives of others. Ronda values her job with BC Epilepsy and appreciates working with the wonderful staff and board members. On her days off, she spends time with her family enjoying the natural beauty of British Columbia.

Chris Lal
Epilepsy Peer Support Lead

Chris is a passionate advocate for healthy living. He enjoys working with people and supporting them to achieve their goals. Chris holds diplomas in Social Service Work and Recreation Leadership from Langara College and is a certified Personal Trainer with BCRPA. Chris was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1999 and is an inspiration to so many. As a dedicated volunteer, and peer support facilitator, he has worked with the BC Epilepsy Society since 2002. Chris can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..