Meet the Team
Melissa Kwan
PROGRAM MANAGER
Melissa has a diverse background in immigration, housing and culture sectors. As a UBC Global Resource Systems alumna, she has a passion for immigration research and public history projects and brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as the Program Manager. As someone born and raised in Vancouver, with cultural roots in Hong Kong, she understands the unique challenges that newcomers face. Her dedication to meeting the settlement needs of clients is her priority. Melissa takes pride in continuously improving programs to meet the evolving needs of the immigrant community. She has coordinated several public history projects, including the National Geographic project and an educational project on Chinese Canadian Immigration. Melissa is fluent in English and Cantonese.
Email: melissak@helpinghouse.org
Leticia Sturlini
PROGRAM MANAGER
As the MHHS Program Manager, Leticia is responsible for tracking program-related data, monitoring deliverables and providing a broad range of administrative functions related to program delivery and operations. Leticia brings her professional background in public policy, sustainable development, monitoring programs, data management and administrative services to MHHS. She is passionate about community development, process improvement and data analysis. Leticia has worked in rural sustainable development and has a Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Medicine from Brazil and a Post Degree Diploma in Applied Planning from Langara College. Leticia is excited to help newcomers successfully integrate and thrive in Canada. Leticia can communicate in English and Portuguese.
Email: admin@helpinghouse.org and 
leticias@helpinghouse.org
Dorothy Piano
COMMUNICATIONS, RECEPTION, & ADMIN ASSISTANT
Dorothy Piano has over 11 years of experience in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) working in telecommunications and technology. Dorothy obtained her degree in Information Technology from STI in the Philippines and has a Diploma in Community Support Worker from Drake Medox College in Vancouver. Dorothy has been working with Google G-Suite supporting clients in ICT Community. As a Communications, Admin & Settlement Assistant, Dorothy Piano handles all clients' inquiries about MHHS Services and directs clients to the appropriate settlement worker. Dorothy assists in contributing to the organization's communications strategies including advertising our programs and services through various social media platforms and our website in order to better reach newcomers and the community. When she is not at work, she enjoys photography, painting, reading books, and video/vlog editing. She believes in compassion for person's with diversabilities and resilience to overcome fear. Dorothy can communicate in English and Filipino.
Email: info@helpinghouse.org and communications@helpinghouse.org
 Shannon HaIRCC SETTLEMENT WORKER As an IRCC Settlement Worker, Mr. Shannon Ha is responsible for serving IRCC eligible clients which includes 1 on 1 needs assessment, providing referrals, assistance with immigration applications, employment services, workshops, group activities and more. As an immigrant from South Korea, Shannon brings positive energy and much enthusiasm to the MHHS community. Shannon is very empathetic, organized and always eager to learn about the experience of immigrants and refugees in Canada. Shannon holds a Diploma in Social Service Worker from Langara College; he is able to assist you in both Korean and English. Email: shannonha@helpinghouse.org |
Kulwinder Kaur
IRCC SETTLEMENT WORKER
As an IRCC Settlement Worker, Kulwinder is responsible for providing newcomers with a range of settlement and orientation services. As an immigrant from the province of Punjab, India. Kulwinder brings enthusiasm and energy to Multicultural Helping House Society and its clients. Having years of experience as an educator and entrepreneur in the service industry. Kulwinder has a natural ability to effectively connect with people through her empathy and excellent communication skills, she is dedicated to serving diverse communities. Kulwinder holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education and Home Science. Kulwinder also has a certification in Mental Health and Personal Support Worker. Kulwinder can assist you in English, Punjabi and Hindi.
Email: kulwinderk@helpinghouse.org
Teresita Mejia
IRCC SETTLEMENT WORKER
As an IRCC Settlement Worker, Teresita is available to help newcomers make decisions and find their personalized paths to success. Originating from the Philippines as an Independent Skilled immigrant, she brings with her a wealth of experience guiding others on their new journey to Canada. She has over ten years of experience teaching and counseling and providing services to support newcomers successfully settle and integrate in Canadian society. Teresita is passionate about multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. She believes that Canada is a beautiful place to live because of the diverse members and their contribution to Canadian society. Teresita has a Master's Degree in Education, with a major in Guidance and Counseling and a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from the Philippines. In Canada, she had been trained to be a Multicultural Services Worker, took a Native Studies course at the University of Saskatchewan and received many more certificates related to assisting immigrants. Teresita is able to help you in English, Tagalog, and two other Filipino dialects.
Email:
Rey Blasco
IRCC SETTLEMENT WORKER
Born and raised in the Philippines, Rey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Philippines as well as a Diploma in Employment Counseling with certification in Job Club Facilitation which he obtained in Canada. As IRCC Settlement Worker, Rey brings his people skills, over 6 years of settlement work experience in Canada and well as his lived experience of immigrating to Canada. Rey brings over 6 years of experience to his role including experience working in Employment and Settlement Outreach programs, with vulnerable and abused Foreign Workers, with refugees, International Students and newly landed immigrants. Rey can communicate with you in Tagalog and English.
Email: reynaldob@helpinghouse.org
Christine Ortiz
IRCC SETTLEMENT WORKER
As an IRCC Settlement worker, Christine strives to provide newcomers with the resources and services needed to succeed in Canada. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Christine grew up in a Filipino household and is no stranger to the challenges newcomers may face when settling in Canada. Christine holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a certificate in Social Justice from Simon Fraser University, which strengthens her competency in identifying social inequalities. She is a strong believer in equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. After years of working in the customer service industry and with youth, Christine is a patient, detail-oriented individual who can help newcomers build their confidence by assisting them with their settlement concerns. Christine can communicate with you in Filipino and English.
Email: christineo@helpinghouse.org
Maria Lourdes "Malou" Capacio
WOMEN'S & SENIOR OUTREACH COORDINATOR
As Women's Outreach and Seniors Coordinator, Maria Lourdes (Malou) is committed and happy to serve people from different backgrounds in the community. As an immigrant from the province of Bukidnon, Philippines, Malou moved to Canada over 9 years ago as a Temporary Foreign Worker under the Live-in Caregiver Program. Having years of experience working in a diverse family background as a Nanny, Malou is passionate in caring and helping others through exceptional service. Malou leads youth through a variety of Mental Health and Wellness enrichment activities. Malou holds a Bachelor's degree of Secondary Education with a major in Physical Education, Health, and Music. Malou obtained her certificate in Personal Support Worker and Mental Health at Discovery Community College. Malou can assist you in English and Filipino.
Email: malouc@helpinghouse.org
 Flordeliza DoriaBCSIS SPECIALIST Flordeliza Doria was born and raised in northern Luzon, Philippines and moved to Canada over 20 years ago, as a Temporary Foreign Worker under the Caregiver Program. Flordeliza is an experienced social service worker with a nursing background. As an experienced BC Settlement & Integration Specialist, with experience in helping clients access a variety of settlement services including crisis management, Flordeliza has strong expertise in assisting ethno-cultural minorities, and is passionate and dedicated in serving others. Compassionate and caring, for Flordeliza, the reward is seeing a positive change in someone's settlement experience; she is not here to be served but to serve. Flordeliza can assist you in English, Filipino and Japanese. Email: flordelizad@helpinghouse.org |
 Eric RosalesBCSIS SPECIALIST As the BCSIS Specialist, Eric Rosales is dedicated and committed to serve Youth and Seniors in the community. With over ten years of experience working with various vulnerable population groups, Eric contributes to MHHS by sharing his knowledge through leading the community, using a variety of enrichment activities to ensure healthy living and socially connected youth and seniors. A father of two lovely daughters, Eric values trust, acceptance, family, friends, and community. With a strong background in theology and education, Eric has been exposed to various belief systems and different ways of learning. Eric obtained his certificate in Community Counselling Skills Program at Vancouver Community College in October 2019. Eric is fluent in Tagalog, and can speak English and other Filipino dialects. Email: ericr@helpinghouse.org |
 Lanie PanchoBCSIS SPECIALIST As a BCSIS Specialist, Lanie Pancho is willing to help newcomers to get settled easily in Canada. Over 5 years working abroad as a registered nurse, Lanie has understanding and knowledge of other cultures and beliefs from multi diverse people. She finished Community Service Worker in Academy of Learning Career College, located in Vancouver. She is dedicated, friendly and passionate in her job. According to her,” doing what you love is what makes you happy and contended in life”. She can speak basic Arabic since she worked in the Middles East for 4 years. Email: laniep@helpinghouse.org |
John Calivoso
MHHS YOUTH COORDINATOR
In 2015, John arrived in Canada from the Philippines and became an active member of the community. During this time, he participated in various neighbourhood house programs and volunteered as a Youth Ambassador for the school's Engaged Immigrant Youth Program. It was through this experience that John found inspiration and pursued a Social Services diploma from CDI College. After working in the social services sector for five years, he learned that people possess incredible strengths and resiliency. He enjoys playing games and supporting young people to achieve their goals, while also providing them the necessary skills to prepare for adulthood. With fluency in three languages - Ilokano, Tagalog, and English, John is excited to lend his expertise and help in any way he can..
Email: johnc@helpinghouse.org