Yúustway
Health & Wellness

Samantha Clarke – Manager: Sam grew up on the Australian coast where the rest of her family still reside. She consolidated her Registered Nurse training in Australian operating rooms and then moved to Canada in 2016, working in long term care before transitioning into Community Care. This transition has been remarkable and one that is held close to her heart. She is passionate about her work with Squamish Nation and feels honored by the opportunities to learn more about the traditional culture of the community she serves.  Sam spends her free time rock climbing, ski touring and running the forest trails surrounding Squamish.

Dr. Preveena Dharmaraj – Family Physician: Dr. Preveena Dharmaraj is a Family Physician who lives and works on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. Preveena worked in eating disorder research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health before completing medical school at Queen’s University and residency at the St. Paul’s Family Medicine program at UBC. In addition to general family practice, she dedicates a portion of her practice to low-risk Obstetrics. Her special interest is in advocating for radicalized populations in women’s health and bringing an anti-oppression approach to healthcare.

Dr. Ray Chaboyer – Family Physician: Dr. Raymond Chaboyer is a Family Doctor of Cree background from northern Manitoba. Dr. Chaboyer grew up in polar bear country in Churchill, Manitoba and received his medical training at the University of Manitoba. He worked as an ER physician in Winnipeg and then as a fly-in physician into northern Manitoba Cree communities before coming to the North Shore to work as a family doctor. Dr. Chaboyer works out of his own practice as well as at the Tsleil-Waututh clinic and is honoured and proud to have been working out of the Yuustway clinic for the past year. Dr. Chaboyer has been happy to be caring for Squamish Nation patients for the past 16 years and is interested in learning more about the history of the Coast Salish people in BC. He is committed to providing excellent culturally informed care to Squamish Nation members. Dr. Chaboyer is the Chair of the Board of the North Shore Division of Family Practice and represents north shore family doctors in discussions with Vancouver Coastal Health and the Ministry of Health. He is also happy to be a spokesperson for the First Nations and Aboriginal Primary Care Network. Dr. Chaboyer enjoys an active lifestyle, is an avid hockey player and enjoys playing guitar with a special interest in classic rock and country music.

Dr. Georgia Kyba – Naturopathic Doctor: Dr. Georgia Kyba is Northern Tutchone from the Selkirk First Nation in the Yukon and grew up on Coast Salish territory. She graduated with a Naturopathic Doctorate degree from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon.

Dr Kyba has been working with Squamish Nation since 2008 in the Health Department. She also works with Tsleil-Waututh Health Clinic and is a member of the First Nations and Aboriginal Primary Care Network. She has work with First Nations Health Authority, as a member of the Health Professionals Roster, and with Seabird Island, as well as had a private clinic.

Dr Kyba is passionate about health and wellness and works with her patients on an individualized health plan.

Naturopathic Medicine is a natural form of health care with the goal to treat the body naturally whenever possible and promote health by focusing on the balance between mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical healing. Dr Kyba looks forward to helping you and your family achieve your optimal health and wellness on your healing journey.

Liz Grant – Public Health Nurse (Squamish Valley): As a Public Health Nurse, Liz has spent the last 15 years working with Squamish Nation families in the Squamish Valley.  Liz enjoys working with prenatal moms and their gorgeous mun mun, providing immunizations and health information, but her favourite role is advocating for families and promoting wellness through a holistic approach.  Born and raised on the Westcoast of BC, Liz has a deep appreciation for the Coast Salish and Squamish Nation culture and teachings. Although she has travelled & worked many places, Liz considers Squamish her home, and is proud mom of 2 young boys.  Liz is happiest spending time with her family, and exploring the outdoors ~ fuelled by dark chocolate, podcasts and music!

Karen Jorgenson – Public Health Nurse (North Shore): Karen Jorgensen is a Public Health Nurse working with Squamish Nation families on the North Shore. Karen grew up in a small town in southern Alberta. She began her career as a Registered Nurse after completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Alberta in Edmonton in 1993. She has worked in areas of Long-Term Care, Psychiatry, Postpartum/Newborn care, and Labour and Delivery in the hospital settings. After working in Texas for 10 years, Karen settled into Public Health Nursing in 2005.

Since October of 2019 when she began working with the Squamish Nation on the North Shore, Karen enjoys working closely with families and all age cohorts in both individual and group settings. She engages in Health Promotion and Prevention activities such as providing immunizations, postpartum and newborn support, health teaching, advocating, collaborating with other community service providers, and working with clients to work toward setting and achieving their health and wellness goals.  Karen has special interest and experience in women’s health and supporting clients and families with mental wellness.  Karen feels honoured to work and connect with members of the Squamish Nation.

Karen enjoys her family of three daughters and 4 grandchildren, spending time outdoors, attending art galleries/museums, reading fiction, and exploring.

Laura Tayler-Hanson – Public Health Nurse (North Shore): Laura Tayler-Hanson is one of the Public Health nurses working for the Squamish Nation for the past 2.5 years.   Laura grew up in a small town in Northwest BC and moved to the Lower Mainland to do her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UVIC.   Laura began her nursing career working in Campbell River at the hospital caring for palliative, pediatric and adult medical clients. While in nursing school, she fell in love with public health because of the focus on prevention, building community and working with clients to navigate their health journey in a way that best works for them.   After re-locating to North Vancouver in early 1999, Laura began working in Public Health full time with clients from birth to adulthood.  She also has experience working in sexual health clinics and sexual health education.  Laura loves working with the Squamish Nation community and collaborating with families across the lifespan to provide baby home visits, immunizations, prenatal and postpartum support, health teaching and planning, chronic disease support, contraception and working with other health and wellness professionals to collaborate on supporting community members in their health. In her free time, Laura loves chilling out with her 3 children and husband in nature and playing board games.  She loves reading, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Herla Dominelli – Medical Clinic Coordinator: I was born and raised in Guatemala City, Central America, and moved to Canada in 1983 with my parents and both brothers.  I have two daughters whom I am enormously proud of. I graduated high school in North Van, and attended Capilano University (college), and obtained my Medical Office Assistant certificate.  I have work in various medical settings, in family practice, urologist office, even with North Shore Eye Clinic as well at a dentist office.  Before making my big move to Squamish Nation Health I had worked with and ENT at a hearing Aid Clinic for nine years, where I was the main MOA, I came in to work as the Coordinator for Home and Community Care for 2 .5 years before making the move to Kal’numet Primary Care.   I look forward to being a part of this team and being able to contribute and assist in my position.

Mirtha Alvarenga – Medical Office Coordinator: I was born in Cordoba, Argentina, our family immigrated to Canada in the 70’s. lived in Sudbury Ontario where I married and had two beautiful daughters. After my daughters were both in school, I decided to go back to school and enrolled in a Medical Administration course. It was quite difficult searching for a medical position while living in a mining community. I moved with my daughters to North Vancouver in the year 2000 where I began working with Vancouver Coastal Health. Love living in North Vancouver. I moved to Langley for a while, I worked for an agency that primarily worked with the community, I then discovered how much I enjoyed being part of the community, and moving back to North Vancouver I  searched for a similar type of agency, which brought me to Yuustway Health & Wellness, I am enjoying learning more about the services being offered and being part of the community.  My family and grandkids are my blessings and enjoy my time immensely with them. I also enjoy my walks by the ocean and walks by the Capilano River.

Rosa Romero – Medical Office Coordinator: Rosa grew up in a small town in southern Peru. She moved to Canada in 1997 and has called North Shore home ever since. After graduating from the MOA program in 2004, she worked in various medical clinics and private practices in the lower mainland. Most recently, Rosa has worked at the local VCH Primary Care Clinic with an outreach team that focuses on community care, participation, local power, barrier removal, and change through collective action. Rosa is honoured to have the opportunity to work with members of Squamish Nation and continue to serve in her community. At home, Rosa loves spending time with her two daughters and her dog Cookie or escaping to the forest to hike, run and explore.

Chitralekha (Chitra) Raut – Health and Wellness Social Worker (KPC):

Namasté (nah-mas-tay – My soul honors your soul) and Haathh Skwayel!

Following her Social Work education in 2004 and licensing, she has worked in rural as well as urban settings supporting population in earthquake-affected areas in India. Chitralekha was born and raised in India and came to Canada in 2007. After practicing in the role of Social Worker with provincial Government in Newfoundland in Canada and living in Texas for a while, she joined Squamish Nation in 2017 with Ayas Men Men Children and Family Services. Chitralekha joined Yuustway in 2021.

She takes her role as an advocate for members needing assistance in navigating resources, programs and services and collaborating for these services within or outside of Squamish Nation.

Chitralekha is passionate about helping people to identify and acknowledge their strengths and areas they struggle in resolving their issues in a sustainable manner. She is grateful to The Creator and Mother Earth for connecting with the Squamish Nation. She visualizes adapting a comprehensive approach for Squamish Community in her role of Health and Wellness Social Worker with Kal’numet Primary Care team.

Chitralekha lives in North Shore and has a busy life with her 2 young sons outside work.  Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, and connecting with nature, within and outside. She enjoys being home with family and close friends. Chitralekha lives through the cultural teachings and traditions received from her family and is helping to pass them on to her children when possible.

Clare Robinson – Primary Care Nurse: Clare was born and raised on the traditional land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation (Melbourne, Australia) and now calls Squamish home. She is a registered nurse and midwife in Australia and worked in Health Benefits in the Squamish Valley for 3 years while she transferred her nursing over to Canada. Her passion is reducing the health gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people, and she has been part of a large research paper that showed how continuity of midwifery care for First Nations families improves satisfaction and breastfeeding rates. Clare loves her new role at Kal’numet and is looking forward to getting to know more community members. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, whitewater kayaking, roller-skating, and beading.

Gladys Florence Williams – Resident Elder/Patient Advocate: Hello, my name is Gladys Florence Williams, Sulseelsemat, and a proud Member of the Squamish Nation. I was born and raised in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island and taught by my grandmother Thiqulwit. My work life has been as a Certified Medical Assistant/ Office Nurse for 25 years in Washington State. The last 5 years I have worked part time for Native Courtworkers and Counseling Association as a Database Analyst. I am a devoted fan of the Seattle Seahawks and ATP Tennis. Other pastimes are gardening, reading and crafts. I am looking forward to my new journey as an employee of the Kal’numet Primary Care, Squamish Nation.

Eugene Harry – Knowledge Keeper: Eugene Harry is our first Knowledge Keeper to join the KPC Primary Care team. Eugene is a Squamish Minister, Knowledge Keeper, Language and Culture keeper, Kindergarten teacher and spiritual advisor. Eugene now lives on Mission reserve with his wife Wendy Lewis (Harry). Eugene is offering cultural supports to patients and our staff members in the form of one-to-one talks with anyone seeking support in areas such as grief and loss, domestic concerns and spiritual guidance. Candle, cedar and sage brushings, crafts, and group talking circles.

PHNs provide community-based health services and information/education, with the focus on disease prevention and health promotion.  

Services include:

• Pre- and post-natal education and care
• Child health clinics and immunization
• Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention and health information
• Pregnancy testing
• Contraception and information
• Flu vaccine clinics
• Communicable disease control (including TB skin tests and adult immunizations)
• Diabetes awareness and prevention
• School and childcare facilities support and education
• Advocacy, referrals and liaison services for community members and families.