Candy has had a long-standing connection with the Evermore Centre, having served on its Board of Directors for several terms, where her passion for family support and community development flourished. In October 2023, her dedication to helping families led her to join the staff, making her transition from volunteer leadership to staff member a natural next step in her commitment to the centre's mission.

Candy's journey is deeply intertwined with her professional work. Having built her own family through adoption and a PSI (Person of Sufficient Interest) placement, she brings both a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to her role. With years of hands-on experience working with children and families, she understands the challenges and joys of building a family through adoption, fostering, and other supportive placements. Her background allows her to connect with families personally, providing the compassion, understanding, and insight they need as they navigate their adoption journeys.

At the Evermore Centre, Candy is an essential part of the team. She is responsible for overseeing the Domestic Adoption Orientation (DAO) program, where she provides crucial information and resources for prospective adoptive parents. Through this program, Candy helps families better understand the adoption process, offering support and guidance from the beginning. She also leads workshops and other program opportunities to educate and empower families in their adoption journeys. Additionally, Candy co-facilitates the PRIDE Review Session, an essential aspect of the adoption process, where she works alongside families to review their progress and ensure they are on track to move forward with the adoption process.

Samantha is a dedicated and passionate student currently enrolled in the Indigenous Social Work Program at the First Nations University of Canada. With a strong foundation in academic knowledge and personal lived experience, she has developed a deep understanding of the critical importance of cultural connection for Indigenous children and families. Her commitment to enhancing the lives of Indigenous peoples is reflected in her mission to bridge gaps in social services, ensuring that all families—especially those navigating different forms of permanency, such as Persons of Sufficient Interest (PSI), Kinship, and pre-and post-adoption—are granted full access to their cultural heritage and rights to Indigenous identity.

Samantha’s work is driven by her belief that cultural continuity is central to Indigenous communities' healing, resilience, and well-being. She recognizes the profound impact that cultural disconnection can have, particularly on children and families who experience different forms of permanency. Through her educational journey and past experiences, Samantha has gained the skills to work alongside families, advocating for their right to remain connected to their heritage, traditions, and community.

Additionally, Samantha leads the development and implementation of Indigenous programming in partnership with various organizations, community groups, elders, and knowledge keepers. This collaborative approach seeks to create large-scale access to cultural teachings passed down through generations. By facilitating these partnerships, Samantha is committed to promoting cultural pride, spiritual healing, and sharing traditional knowledge, ensuring that Indigenous children and families are empowered to embrace their identities and cultural values.