Our Team

Jessica Neville

Chief Executive Officer

Jessica leads with a longstanding commitment to advancing advocacy and inclusion for people and communities who face systemic barriers. She drives strategy to advance the organization’s mission, creating equitable, supportive environments that empower individuals of all abilities to thrive within their communities. Jessica partners closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership team, with a focus on developing collaborative, high-performing teams to deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

With over 25 years of leadership experience in education, public service, and the nonprofit sector, Jessica brings expertise in disability supports, special education, educational psychology, and inclusive leadership. She has a proven record of shaping policy, advancing accessibility, championing systems change, and building high-performing teams.

Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, has completed doctoral studies, and has extensive training in change management, special education and meaningful supports for individuals with disabilities. Her expertise is further strengthened through management and leadership development training at a variety of universities and institutions, including Harvard University.

Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the beautiful forests of British Columbia, continued learning, a broad range of music, and spending time with her family and pups.

Biljana Kuzmanovska

Chief Operating Officer

Biljana oversees organizational operations and drives strategic growth initiatives. In this role, she leads cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance organizational efficiency.

With over a decade of experience in human resources and operations, Biljana has previously held positions including Payroll Coordinator and HR Manager at NSDRC, where she progressed to Director of HR before assuming her current leadership role. She brings expertise in human resources management, strategic planning, and organizational development, with a track record of implementing transformative processes that improve employee engagement and operational performance.

Biljana earned her Bachelor of Arts in Translation and Literature from the University "Sts. Cyril and Methodius" in Skopje, Macedonia, and completed her Office Administration program with technology at BCIT.

Outside of work, Biljana enjoys walking and listening to podcasts. This helps her relax while also discovering new ideas. She likes to explore topics like personal growth and human behavior, making her walks both enjoyable and enriching.

Jennifer Hope

Director of Finance

Jennifer oversees financial operations ensuring the organization’s resources are managed effectively to support its mission. In this role, she partners with leadership and program managers to provide financial insight, analyze processes, and enable sustainable growth.

With over 14 years of experience in financial management, Jen has previously held positions at other non-profit organizations, including the North Vancouver School District. She brings expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and strategic planning. She has a strong track record of streamlining processes, improving transparency, and supporting mission-driven decision-making.

Jen earned her CPA designation in 2013 after completing her articling with an auditing firm and is a member in good standing with CPA Canada.

Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her family and reading (when her two elementary school-aged kids allow it)!

Lesley Pineda

Director of Community Inclusion

Lesley leads and supervises community inclusion programs for adults, youth, and children. In this role, she ensures the integrity of each program to best support participants and their families and identifies and develops new services to meet the needs of families in the community.

With 10 years of experience in working with families with children with neurodiverse needs, Lesley has previously held a position as a Behaviour Consultant. She brings expertise in applied behaviour analysis, early childhood intervention, and creating individualized behaviour program plans for individuals with neurodiverse needs.

Lesley earned her Master’s in Education in Special education with a concentration of Autism and Developmental Disorders in 2018 and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Lesley brings over 10 years of direct experience working with families across settings such as in homes, schools and in the community.

Outside of work, Lesley enjoys spending time with her son, dancing, and traveling.

Trisha Marinakis

Director, Community Housing & Inclusion Program

Trisha’s key responsibilities are supporting and encouraging independence for adults with disabilities in affordable, accessible, community housing. In this role Trisha ensures the residents are well cared for and feel safe and secure in their home, by qualified employees.

Trisha has almost 35 years’ experience working at the NSDRC. She has previously held positions as a Residential Care Attendant, Head Attendant providing direct support and in management roles as a Supervisor and Manager, all within the Independent Living Program.

Trisha has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University. Trisha oversees Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Medication Administration Training for all employees.

Outside of work Trisha enjoys being outdoors, hiking and running and spending time with her family and friends.