Cowichan Hospice Staff
Meet the Team
Monika Kawka
Executive Director
Monika Kawka (pronounced Kaaf-ka) brings to Cowichan Hospice a deep background in organizational development and a heartfelt commitment to compassionate, community-centered care. Her leadership journey spans British Columbia, Europe, and India, where she helped shape inclusive, engaging, and innovative workplace cultures. Monika believes hospice care is about the power of presence, and the dignity of being fully seen and heard at every stage of life. Outside of work, she finds joy in wandering near and far, soaking in the beauty of nature and capturing fleeting moments through her contemplative lens.
Allyson Foster
Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Allyson’s work with volunteers is grounded in the belief that meaningful service is built on reciprocal care – to give support, volunteers must also receive it. She strives to create a compassionate, inclusive environment where volunteers feel seen, valued, and prepared. Her enthusiasm for volunteer engagement was sparked during her time at Literacy Central Vancouver Island, where she was continually inspired by the knowledge and generosity that the volunteer tutors and bookstore assistants brought to their roles. One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is helping people build their skills so their volunteer experience is both enriching and impactful. She is honoured to support and champion the essential contributions our volunteers make to grief support and hospice care.
Lisa Chileen
Community Palliative Services Coordinator
As the Palliative Community Coordinator, Lisa meets with people in their homes for the purpose of heart connection and provides emotional support to the person dying and their family. In her own words, “The spirit in me will journey with the spirit in you.” She served as a Certified Mandt instructor for over five years at Clements Centre, developing personal relationships and workplace cultures that provide emotional, psychological and physical safety which allows individuals to say, “In this place, and with these people, I feel safe.” Lisa helped advocate for and develop a Death and Dying course during her time teaching the Community Support Worker program at Sprott Shaw Community College. Her proudest accomplishment is being asked to join the Cowichan Hospice team.
Nigel Keatley
Office Coordinator
Before relocating to Canada from the UK, Nigel supported clients affected by long-term mental health issues as they attempted to transition back to independent living. This initial experience in the non-profit sector was a radical change for him in employment and perspective, a life-altering choice in which he felt his work was meaningful and worthwhile. As the Office Coordinator, Nigel is the first point of contact between Cowichan Hospice and individuals seeking compassionate care, and he connects clients with the most appropriate coordinators and support – work that he sees as life-affirming and fundamentally humane. He brings with him six years of experience as the General Manager of a resort and marina, where he honed his interpersonal/customer service and administration expertise, and developed a deep understanding of the needs and dynamics of a small team.
Kacey Nicholson
Communication & Development Coordinator
Originally from the Gatineau Hills in Quebec, Kacey has lived on Vancouver Island since the early 2000s. Her personal experiences, including an early loss, shaped her empathy and deepened her understanding of grief and caregiving. Kacey has been involved in volunteering and fundraising since childhood, driven by a desire to support others and make a positive impact. Joining Cowichan Hospice is a meaningful step in both her personal and professional path, allowing her to contribute to a team dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care and support for those who are grieving.
Maureen McKay
Hospice House Support Services Coordinator
Maureen joined Cowichan Hospice in early 2024, fulfilling her long-time dream of living on Vancouver Island. In her role she focuses on offering emotional support to folks, with the aim to assist people to live with comfort and dignity at the end of life, to honour each person’s needs and wishes; while also supporting their loved ones through their own journey. Another privilege for her is to guide a team of amazing volunteers who hold this same intention. Outside of work, she enjoys the forests, the ocean, exploring the Island, and curling up with her cats and a good mystery.
Tina Schoen
Grief Services Coordinator
Tina has called Vancouver Island home since 1983, living on the rugged west coast for 17 years before migrating to Cowichan area. In 2007, she experienced firsthand the profound difference hospice services can make when her father received end-of-life care at Penticton Hospice. After a long time working with non-profits supporting women and children impacted by family violence, she joined Cowichan Hospice in 2021 as Volunteer Coordinator. Currently in her Grief Services Coordinator role, she connects with those wanting grief support, supports volunteers who provide grief support, facilitates grief groups, and helps grow programs to serve community needs. Grief deserves space, time, and compassionate listening. Whether through one-to-one support, groups, or community programs, her role is to walk alongside people who are grieving and to foster connections that bring people together. Time spent by water is always time well spent, and Tina finds her greatest sense of peace on the beaches of Pacific Rim National Park. For her, the ocean is a timeless companion, a place to carry both joys and sorrows, always offering calm and perspective
Sanja Duggan
Bookkeeper
Having been raised in an accounting family, Sanja spent many years working in an accounting office where she learned immensely valuable information and skills. Her relationships with the accountants in her life, together with her spirit of enquiry and commitment to learning have empowered Sanja to become an extraordinary bookkeeper with Cowichan Hospice. She also had the honor of working in an addiction treatment centre, where she witnessed the healing that takes place as people come together in community to hold space and honour one another. This experience opened her heart and mind to living more fully present with herself and others in her everyday life. To Sanja, providing compassionate care means listening with an open heart full of gentle kindness and honouring and accepting people’s words as their heart’s truth.
Niambi Cadiz
Communication & Development Assistant
Niambi’s primary role at Cowichan Hospice is spreading the word about the comfort and care available to our community through our free services. With a background in marketing, events, and communications, Niambi chose this role in order to focus on work that is truly meaningful to her. Because hospice support has been there for people in her life, she is honored to be part of a team that provides such compassionate care. Niambi is a new mom and we look forward to having her back with us after her maternity leave!
Robin Rushton
Programs Assistant
Robin brings a deep commitment to creating safe, caring relationships with peers, colleagues, and clients in her role as Programs Assistant at Cowichan Hospice. Her rich and varied background as a lifelong learner and dedicated volunteer has equipped her with extensive experience in managing active schedules, coordinating events, engaging communities, and facilitating meaningful conversations. With personal and professional roots in education and counselling, Robin’s approach is both informed and compassionate. She understands that laughter can be a powerful balm—capable of easing pain and gently healing trauma. As a seasoned griever, hospice-trained volunteer, and now staff member, Robin is devoted to normalizing conversations around death and dying. Her work helps individuals navigate grief and loss with courage, connection, and a sense of meaning.