By Paige Martin
SHOAL welcomes two wonderful new Community Connectors to the team. The Community Connector Program is a participant-led, collaborative approach that focuses on getting to know each person, understanding what matters most to them, and exploring meaningful support together.
Looking beyond medical care, the program uses social prescribing to connect older adults with local support services that enhance their overall well-being, including social groups, recreational activities, food programs, transportation, and volunteer opportunities. Andrea and Lisa take the time to understand what matters most, then connect each person with the right people and programs.
Andrea Swallow
Andrea Swallow brings years of experience supporting a diverse population through her work in the Saanich School District and as National Peer Visitor Coordinator with The Amputee Coalition of Canada. She is deeply committed to collaboration, connection, and creating spaces where people feel heard and valued.
Beacon’s work is personal for Andrea. Years ago, her dad found community at SHOAL through shared interests like woodworking and lapidary, experiences that brought meaning and joy to his days. Today, Andrea helps foster that same sense of belonging for others, inspired by the wisdom, humour, and presence older adults bring to life’s smaller moments.
Outside of work, Andrea enjoys biking, exploring forest trails and shorelines, and spending time with her family.
Lisa Tschannen
Lisa Tschannen brings a diverse background in healthcare, coaching, education, and entrepreneurship. A collaborator at heart, Lisa is motivated by working alongside others to explore what’s meaningful and possible.
Her work focuses on inclusion, recreation, and supporting people to follow paths shaped by their own interests and strengths. Through the Social Prescribing program, she enjoys getting to know participants, celebrating their successes, and connecting them to activities and supports that build wellbeing and community.
New to the Saanich Peninsula, Lisa feels grateful to have landed in a place that already feels like home.
If you see Andrea or Lisa at the SHOAL Centre, don’t hesitate to say hello, they’d be happy to connect. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, find more information below.