Our Team
Danna Garcia Wigueras
Executive Director
Danna’s journey at South Granville Seniors Centre began in December 2018 as the Spanish Outreach Coordinator. What started as a part-time role quickly became a calling, fueled by the joy, resilience, and warmth of the seniors she served.
With a background in Education, International Business, and Business Management, Danna has always been passionate about creating meaningful programs. She previously ran her own educational business dedicated to helping children with special needs, mentored students at all levels, and organized summer camps. These experiences sharpened her ability to develop inclusive programs and foster a sense of belonging—skills that became invaluable as she moved into leadership at the Centre.
After completing her studies, Danna was promoted to Programs and Volunteer Coordinator, then Programs Manager, learning from exceptional mentors along the way. When the opportunity arose to step into the Executive Director role, she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. After a thoughtful selection process, the Board entrusted her with leading the Centre into its next chapter.
Danna’s vision is clear: to create a welcoming, inclusive space where seniors feel valued, connected, and supported. She is committed to honoring the Centre’s rich history while fostering an environment filled with compassion, growth, and community. “I want people to be eager to come here every day of the week,” she says—because for her, South Granville Seniors Centre is more than just a workplace; it’s a second home.
Gina Chaves
officemanager@southgranvilleseniors.ca
Gina was already familiar with the Centre having been a volunteer here in 2019 and 2021. Gina studied Accounting in Colombia and Business Management with an emphasis on Human Resources here in Vancouver. She has more than 15 years of experience in the field of accounting. Gina has lived in Maple Ridge with her husband and daughter. She enjoys outdoor activities and that is why her favorite season is Summer. She also loves to cook and prepares a variety of recipes for her family. She is happy to be part of this community, loves working and sharing with Seniors, and feels strongly committed to the Center.
Office Manager
Jennifer Nordquist
community@southgranvilleseniors.ca
Jenn has worn many hats since first discovering the South Granville Seniors Centre at the local Vancouver Public Library. With 20 years of experience as a caregiver and Licensed Practical Nurse, she initially joined the Centre as a kitchen volunteer before becoming the Volunteer Coordinator and later expanding her role to support program development. Over the past two years, Jenn has been dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels safe and valued.
Now focused on securing the Centre’s financial future, Jenn is actively pursuing grant opportunities and enhancing partnerships with community organizations. Jenn is passionate about securing resources that enhance the well-being of our seniors, immigrants, and underserved populations through accessible, inclusive, and impactful programs. A true team player, she believes in the power of collaboration and a simple smile to uplift those around her. She welcomes ideas from the community on fundraising initiatives—because building a strong, healthy community takes a collective effort!
Though no longer working in the office, Jenn is accessible and encourages everyone to reach out via email to share their thoughts and ideas.
Grants Coordinator
Trisha Ssebanakitta
programs@southgranvilleseniors.ca
Trisha came to South Granville Seniors Centre through her interest in community-based work and her background in Sociology. Her connection to working with seniors is shaped by personal experience caring for a family member, which gave her a practical understanding of the importance of patience, dignity, and everyday support.
As Program Coordinator, Trisha supports the planning and coordination of programs and events that encourage social connection, learning, and participation. She works alongside with instructors and community partners to help ensure programs are accessible, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of the Centre’s members. Her approach is thoughtful and people-centred, with an emphasis on creating spaces where seniors feel comfortable and included.
Outside of her role at the Centre, Trisha was involved in community work through the Uganda North American Association (UNAA), supporting initiatives focused on connection and community engagement. She values collaboration, open communication, and the small moments that help make the Centre a place where seniors feel respected and supported.
Programs Coordinator
spanishcoordinator@southgranvilleseniors.ca
Betty is a trained Graphic Designer who spent several years working in some of Mexico’s most influential print media. This experience shaped her human-centered perspective by revealing the personal stories behind the news. While she built a solid career in editorial design for newspapers and magazines, she eventually discovered that her true calling was supporting and serving others.
Her search for new opportunities and a better life for her family led her to Canada, where she earned a degree in Hospitality Management. There, she found that helping people brought her both deep joy and a renewed sense of purpose. During the pandemic, she began working as a caregiver, a role she continues to embrace with dedication, responsibility, sensitivity, and empathy.
Betty’s journey with South Granville Seniors Centre began in 2019 as a volunteer. In March 2025, she officially joined the team as Spanish Outreach Program Coordinator, a role she considers one of the greatest gifts in her life. She deeply cherishes her work at the Centre and the meaningful connections she shares with the Latino seniors she serves, whom she proudly considers part of her Canadian family.
Spanish Outreach Programs Coordinator
Beatriz Cerecedo
volunteer@southgranvilleseniors.ca
With a background in business management, marketing, and event planning, Karen has extensive experience coordinating and leading diverse teams across different backgrounds, ages, and cultures. Her passion lies in bringing together invaluable volunteers and fostering a strong, supportive community where seniors feel engaged, valued, and connected.
Karen truly loves working at SGSC because she never had the chance to spend time with her own grandparents. Being part of this community allows her to experience the warmth and wisdom of the community, learn from their incredible life stories, and share special moments with them. Their kindness and knowledge inspire Karen every day, making this role deeply fulfilling.
At SGSC, Karen is focused on bringing in volunteers who help with fundraising events, assist with the setup of programs and events, actively participate in activities, and help ensure members have access to enriching experiences that promote well-being, social connection, and lifelong learning. She feels honored to contribute to a space where everybody can thrive and feel supported.
Volunteer & Community Development coordinator
Karen Pineda
Rhianon Imhof
office@southgranvilleseniors.ca
Rhianon first came to South Granville Senior Centre in 2022 to volunteer on reception as she wanted to be involved in, and give back to, the local community. She really loved volunteering at the Centre and, in 2025, joined the staff as an Office Assistant supporting the Office Manager with the day to day administration required to keep things running smoothly. In her role Rhianon hopes to help SGSC thrive and grow to meet the changing needs of the community.
When not at the Centre she can usually be found volunteering for one of the many arts festivals that Vancouver has to offer, enjoying walks along the waterfront or trying to make headway on her book reading list.
Office Assistant