Bahar Dehnadi, BA, MPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Bahar is an intersectional feminist, advocate, and equity-driven leader, and has dedicated her career to advancing gender justice and supporting women, children and gender-diverse people impacted by violence. Her introduction to the sector began by working frontline, witnessing firsthand the impact that transition house programs can have on helping women and children in times of extreme crisis. Bahar’s professional experience includes various roles within the non-profit sector at the Canadian Red Cross, BC Housing, BC Family Maintenance Agency and SPARC BC. Through her BA in Political Science at UBC and her MPA at UVic, Bahar combines her learnings with a leadership philosophy that centers […]
Bahar Dehnadi, BA, MPA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bahar is an intersectional feminist, advocate, and equity-driven leader, and has dedicated her career to advancing gender justice and supporting women, children and gender-diverse people impacted by violence. Her introduction to the sector began by working frontline, witnessing firsthand the impact that transition house programs can have on helping women and children in times of extreme crisis. Bahar’s professional experience includes various roles within the non-profit sector at the Canadian Red Cross, BC Housing, BC Family Maintenance Agency and SPARC BC. Through her BA in Political Science at UBC and her MPA at UVic, Bahar combines her learnings with a leadership philosophy that centers on creating safe, accessible spaces for clients, staff, and volunteers through consistent application of trauma-informed principles and intersectional feminist analysis. Bahar’s values deeply align with VWTH’s mission, and she is excited about the opportunity to build upon the exceptional foundation that has been established.
Parm Kroad, BSW
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Parm has worked in the social services field for most of her career, joining VWTH in 1982, to support abused women and their children. She moved into a leadership role shortly after, and currently serves as the Deputy Director. Her 40+ years of commitment, experience and leadership has been invaluable in the development of new programs such as Third Stage Supportive Housing, the Regional Domestic Violence Unit and now, Second Stage Housing. She is an active member on many working committees, locally and provincially run, working collaboratively in the development of services. Parm’s commitment to working with ‘women for change’ compelled her to continue her dedication with this agency.
Lorelle Posten, BBA, MSc, CPA/CA
FINANCE DIRECTOR – ON LEAVE
Lorelle is a Chartered Professional Accountant with experience in business, government and third sector organizations in Canada, the US and the UK. She holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Social Policy from the London School of Economics as well as undergraduate degrees in Business and Economics. In addition to over twenty years professional experience in finance and accounting, program management, strategic planning and capacity building in non-profit agencies, Lorelle continues her strong commitment to volunteering in the non-profit sector and has served on many boards as a Treasurer, Director and Chair. Lorelle joined VWTH senior leadership in 2011, and is grateful to support its mission and work.
Kayla Polet, CPA, BBA
INTERIM FINANCE DIRECTOR
Kayla is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a strong background in financial leadership, team development, and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and has spent the last decade in progressively senior roles in accounting and financial management. She began her career in public practice, working with large publicly traded technology companies on complex assurance engagements, and later held senior finance roles within the BC government before joining VWTH in 2024. Kayla currently serves as a Director and Vice President on two boards in the social services sector, contributing leadership in governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning in her community. She is proud to support VWTH’s mission to advocate for women and children impacted by intimate partner violence and brings a strong commitment to sustainable, transparent financial stewardship.
Susan K.E. Howard, BGS
DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Susan is honoured to work with the incredible team at VWTH in support of women and children impacted by intimate partner violence and abuse. Trained as a classical ballet dancer in the professional division of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Susan turned her passion for the arts to non-profit income development and has non-profit leadership experience with diverse organizations in communities across Canada in fund and community development, marketing, communications and board and executive management. A graduate of SFU with a degree in business and liberal studies, she has a particular interest in integrated fund development and communications programs. When not working, Susan enjoys yoga, fitness, cooking, reading and attending performances and concerts. In addition to her work with VWTH, Susan consults on a project basis for BC non-profit organizations.