FNDC & DYT

(Deaf) Mom of 2 Deaf daughters and grandmother of 2 Deaf teens. I’m Hester Hussey, a proud Burnaby resident for over 54 years, though I grew up in Clearwater, BC. I love going on walks, creating art, gardening, and watching curling on TV with my husband, Dave. We’ve been married for 54 years and still live in the home we bought as newlyweds—our backyard is our happy place, with breathtaking mountain views. I was the only Deaf person in my family growing up. My parents and brothers communicated with me using home signs, gestures, and writing on a board. It wasn’t until my Deaf daughters were born that my family truly embraced ASL. I attended Jericho Hill School for the Deaf, living on campus and visiting home on breaks. Raising my Deaf daughters was a completely different experience than what my parents went through with me. They had access to a community, language, and resources that I never had. That’s why FNDC is so important to me—I want every Deaf child and their family to get the support they deserve. Over the years, I’ve worked as a preschool teacher, ASL instructor, family mentor, and residential educator. But my greatest joy is watching families grow and thrive together.

(Hearing) Mom of Deaf daughter & Grandmother of Deaf teen I'm Colleen Peterson, and my journey with the Deaf community spans over 41 years—as a mother, a preschool teacher, and now as a proud grandmother. My family is my heart: my amazing husband, our daughter and son, three wonderful granddaughters, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and my daughter’s ex-partner, who is the father of my middle granddaughter. These are my people, and I love them dearly. I joined FNDC’s board in 1998 when resources for families with Deaf children over the age of five were practically nonexistent. Since then, we’ve made incredible progress, but there are still critical gaps—especially in education and equal access. I remain committed to advocating for these issues because my Deaf children and their community deserve better. That’s why, at 70, I’m still here, working alongside FNDC/DYT. FNDC was a lifeline for my family, and it continues to be one for so many others across BC. It’s where families find support, connections, and lifelong friendships. It has been an absolute privilege to serve as Chairperson and President of this incredible organization, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.

(Hearing) Mom of a Deaf son I was born and raised in Vancouver—and I never left! In fact, I still live just blocks from where I grew up. I work as a teacher on-call at an independent school, which gives me the flexibility to travel and, most importantly, be a grandma! I love spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, boating, and baking. I’m also lucky to be married to an amazing man, and together we have a blended family that keeps life full and exciting: my son (31, Deaf), my daughter (30) and her husband (32), my stepson (21), my stepdaughter (19), and our wonderful 5-year-old grandson. When my eldest son was born profoundly Deaf, he was the very first Deaf person I had ever met. Our journey started at the Provincial School for the Deaf in Burnaby, but as he grew, we navigated multiple school transitions—first to our local elementary school, then finally to a private school where we were able to secure qualified interpreting support. After high school, he went on to Gallaudet University, earning a Business degree, and now works in real estate development. Seeing him thrive has been one of my greatest joys, and now, watching him raise his own son is even more rewarding. FNDC was everything for our family. It was our main source of information, connection, and fun as we raised our Deaf son. The workshops helped us navigate the complex Deaf education system, and through FNDC, we learned ASL so we could fully communicate with him and be part of the Deaf community. My son met lifelong friends through DYT, and through these programs, he was able to explore and embrace his identity as a Deaf person. Our entire family formed friendships that have made this journey not just easier—but truly joyful. My hope is that one day, every Deaf child and their family will have the resources and education they need to reach for the stars. Thank you, FNDC, for making our lives better.

(Hearing) Mom of a Deaf daughter Hi! I’m Joy, a hearing parent to a Deaf daughter who is about to graduate high school. I was born in the Philippines, spent my childhood in Saudi Arabia, and immigrated to Canada as a teen in 1996, along with my parents and siblings. My daughter, Teanna, identifies as culturally Deaf. Her first language is ASL, and she uses one cochlear implant. She is passionate about supporting neurodiverse children and adults and aspires for a career doing so. She is an avid dancer, choreographer, and rock climber. Our life in Vancouver is busy, but we love our downtime—binge-watching K-dramas, trying new restaurants, and spending time with our close-knit family. My education and career backgrounds are in Hospitality Management. I work as an Early Childhood Educator and am also in university pursuing a degree in Linguistics. I value self-care and "me time"! I initially joined FNDC’s board to be an informed and involved parent. Attending FNDC camps throughout her childhood gave Teanna a sense of belonging and a strong Deaf identity, and I want to offer my skills to an organization that has supported my journey in parenting a Deaf child! I had no connection to the Deaf Community prior. My hope is that all Deaf and Hard of Hearing children will grow up in a world that values and celebrates their multiple diversities, and they are recognized as capable and extraordinary people.

(Hearing) Mom of a Deaf daughter I’m Leigh Chan, a hearing parent to a Hard of Hearing daughter. I was born in Nelson, BC, and grew up in the Lower Mainland. Today, I work as a Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI), a career path I never imagined for myself—until my daughter was born. Before she came into our lives, I had no connection to the Deaf community. But from day one, we knew that learning ASL as a family was essential. That journey not only deepened our bond but also inspired me to become a sign language interpreter. Living life alongside my daughter has given me firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs of navigating the world with a Hard of Hearing family member. It fuels my passion for advocating for language access and strengthening connections within the Deaf community. I’m honoured to be part of FNDC, working toward a future where all Deaf and Hard of Hearing children have the support and opportunities they deserve.

(Deaf) Dad of a Deaf daughter I’m Dan Braun, a third-generation Deaf person, and ASL is my first language. Growing up, I attended both mainstream schools and schools for the Deaf, which gave me firsthand experience of how important language access is. I’m a Millwright (Red Seal Industrial Mechanic) and currently work as a Product Manager at Racksteel Material Handling. My wife and I live in Surrey, BC, with our two kids—one hearing, one Deaf. I joined FNDC’s board because I want Deaf children to have the same opportunities I had. The Deaf Youth Today programs are life-changing, giving Deaf kids the language foundation and confidence they need to succeed. I’m proud to be part of an organization that empowers the next generation of Deaf leaders.

(Hearing) Mom of Deaf son I’m Pauline Anderson, originally from the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland. My family and I made Vancouver our home in 2010. My husband, John, and I have four wonderful children: Izzy, Angus (who is Deaf), Tara, and TJ. When we first arrived in Canada, FNDC became an essential part of our journey. I watched Angus grow from an eager camper to an LIT, then a DYT counselor. FNDC showed us the power of community and ASL-rich programs, giving him confidence and belonging. Now, he’s studying at RIT in Rochester, NY. Since 2019, I’ve been an active FNDC board member, focusing on fundraising. My background is in healthcare—I worked as a chemotherapy nurse in Scotland, where I helped establish a tertiary care center. I also stay involved with my children’s school community as Chair of the Parent Committee. I love the outdoors, fun vacations with my family, and getting lost in a good book. But most of all, I love giving back to an organization that has given so much to us.

(Hearing) Dad of a Deaf son I’m Yasuaki (Yasu) Shigemitsu. I was born and raised in Japan, but life’s journey has taken me from there to the US, and now to Metro Vancouver, Canada. By day, I’m a Financial Researcher, digging into market trends, but outside of work, I’m an outdoor enthusiast—camping and sea kayaking are my passions, and I chase them in every season. When my son was born Deaf, our world shifted in ways I never expected. Before that, I had no connection to the Deaf community. My wife and I felt completely lost at first, unsure how to support him or where to turn. Then we found the Family Network for Deaf Children (FNDC), and everything changed. Through their workshops, events, and DYT programs, we discovered an amazing community of parents and Deaf youth. It was a lifeline—especially since we were also adjusting to life as new immigrants in Canada. Those early years can be so overwhelming, and I’d like to support others the way we were supported. It’d be my pleasure to help new families find the same community that made such a difference for us.

(Deaf) Mom of 2 Deaf children I’m Celeste Taylor-Sage, and my family of five—two Deaf parents, three amazing kids and we live on Vancouver Island. We love our rural life, but it can sometimes feel isolating, with fewer opportunities to connect with the Deaf community and attend programs and events. That’s why I joined FNDC’s board. I’ve seen firsthand how FNDC’s programs bring families together across BC—whether it’s in the Lower Mainland, the North, or the Kootenays. While schools often separate Deaf children into different programs across various districts, FNDC creates spaces where they can truly belong. FNDC’s ASL camps and programs allow our Deaf children to connect, build their cultural identity, and experience the power of a strong, supportive community. I’m passionate about ensuring families on Vancouver Island have access to the same rich experiences, and I’m honored to be part of FNDC, helping make that happen. I’m excited about what’s ahead and how we can continue making a difference together!

(Deaf) Mom of 3 Deaf daughters I’m Monika Lane, and I was born Deaf in Poland. My older brother is also Deaf, and we both attended one of Poland’s five Deaf schools, living in the dorms during the week. My parents used home signs with us and slowly learned ASL from us over time. In 1990, we immigrated to Canada, which was challenging—my parents had to learn two new languages at once. But we remained deeply involved in the Deaf community, shaping who I am today. I now live in Parksville, BC, with my husband, Tim (a Deaf ASL instructor at UVic), and our three Deaf daughters. ASL is at the heart of our family. I work in healthcare as a Health Care Aide and as an ASL instructor, and I’m passionate about advocating for Deaf children’s education and language rights. For over seven years, I’ve fought for better interpreter support and accessibility. FNDC is making a real difference in creating a future where Deaf children don’t have to fight for the resources they deserve.

(Deaf) Dad of a Deaf daughter I’m George Christian Vasquez, but most people know me as CV. I was born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles, experiencing the city’s energy during defining moments like the Rodney King Riots. Life has since taken me from California to Washington State, and now, I proudly call beautiful British Columbia home. By day, I work in healthcare, helping to provide specialized services across the province. But when the weekend rolls around, it’s all about family time—whether that means soaking up the sun on a getaway or just enjoying the little moments with my loved ones. I grew up in an ASL-rich household, even though my parents were hearing. They embraced American Sign Language so they could fully communicate with me and my two Deaf siblings. My older brother, who is hearing, is also an exceptional signer. Having that strong foundation at home made all the difference, and attending a Deaf school gave me the chance to thrive in both sports and academics. Today, I share life with my amazing Deaf partner, and together, we’re raising our 15-month-old daughter, Idalia—who is already picking up multiple sign languages, thanks to her Deaf grandmother from Poland! She’s definitely keeping us on our toes, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. My passion for supporting Deaf kids is what brought me to FNDC. I want to make sure Idalia and all Deaf children have the best opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive. FNDC is all about building a strong, fun, and supportive community—one where Deaf kids can truly be themselves. And if that means celebrating every milestone with a big high-five, you can count me in!