Meet The Team

Growing up in a small town in Newfoundland, Theoren moved to Vancouver to attend the University of British Columbia, where he obtained his BASc in Engineering Physics and competed as a varsity swimmer. He currently works as a Lead Mechanical Engineer for a technology design company in Toronto, and is working towards acquiring his CFA. His interests outside of work include travelling, camping, spending time with friends and family, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Theoren travelled to Honduras in 2016 with the Memorial University of Newfoundland water brigade. He quickly understood the importance of the work of Global Brigades, and how much it empowered the members of so many communities in Honduras. He returned in 2017 in order to continue helping those in the country, and was able to go back to Cuscateca to see the progress that the community and the citizens had made since he was there the summer prior. After working on his professional career for a number of years and through COVID, Theoren has joined the Board of Directors to help grow the organization and inspire the next generation of brigaders to begin helping individuals and communities in Honduras and other countries around the world.

Sydney Waddington holds a BSc (Hons) in Neurobiology-Psychology from the University of Victoria and is a committed advocate for health equity, as demonstrated by her various philanthropic and professional roles with health organizations. In these positions, Syd promotes collaboration and the application of leading practices, firmly believing in the power of an organized and adaptable team.

In 2018, Syd had the privilege of participating in a one-year overseas volunteer placement, which taught her the purposeful impact of a strong and benevolent global community—an experience that continues to inspire her work in championing Global Brigades Canada’s mission.

In her downtime, Syd enjoys connecting with nature through running and ocean swimming, exploring new disciplines like philosophy and the arts, and immersing herself in other cultures through travel and learning new languages.

Fiona is a graduate of the University of Waterloo (BSc. Biomedical Sciences & Dip. French) and Western University (MMASc. Global Health Systems). After being introduced to Global Brigades by a friend in her second year, she became a member of Waterloo’s medical chapter and participated in different events to learn and educate others about health inequities and sustainable development as a general member. Her three years in the UW medical chapter culminated in a brigade to Panama in 2022 where she was able to gain firsthand experience of developing health systems. GB overall fueled a passion in her to further explore the concept of global health, influencing her pursuit of a graduate degree and current career paths.

As the Project Coordinator Lead, Fiona uses her experience and endless enthusiasm to support Global Brigades Canada in managing diverse projects to support the student chapters and board members. She is excited to be able to continue working with an organization that has meant a lot to her professional and personal growth.

Outside of Global Brigades, Fiona works in educational and mentorship roles, including as a tutor, teaching assistant, and childcare staff. In her free time, she enjoys watching YouTube, creative writing, and biking.

Julia first got to know about Global brigades at a society fair at Dalhousie University in 2019, where GB’s mission and holistic model sparked her interest in becoming part of this student-led movement.

After participating in her first Medical Brigade in Guatemala, Julia decided to start a public health chapter on her campus. In 2023, she assumed the role of Campus Chairperson, where she assisted new volunteers in creating their campus’s first Dental Chapter, as well as organizing and hosting the East Coast Student Leadership Conference of that same year.

She says that some of the aspects that make Global Brigades such a great organization are the excellent partnership between GB and their country communities and staff, their transparency regarding the use of resources and donations, and the long-lasting impact each brigade has on both their partner communities and their student volunteers.

Julia graduated with a double major in Psychology and Biology and currently works as a research assistant in a psychology lab. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, painting, and going indoor climbing with friends.

Kate graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in 2024, specializing in Global and Population Health. She began volunteering with Global Brigades in September 2020, participating in two TeleBrigades and leading an in-person medical brigade to Honduras in 2023 as Chapter President. Throughout her time at Queen’s, she served as Chapter Co-President for three years, demonstrating her dedication to promoting sustainable and holistic health practices.

In 2024, Kate became a Student Board Member on the Global Brigades Canada Board of Directors, where she co-heads the Finance Subcommittee. Her passion for sustainable health practices and her leadership experience make her a valuable contributor to the organization. As a future health professional, Kate is interested in building meaningful relationships with communities, taking on leadership roles in health organizations, and continuing her involvement in global health projects. She is dedicated to addressing health disparities and mentoring future leaders in the field.

Mark Wong is a graduate in medical sciences from the University of Alberta. Originally from the Philippines, he witnessed healthcare inequalities firsthand and strongly resonates with Global Brigades’ mission to address these gaps sustainably and effectively. Global Brigades’ programs offer long-term solutions tailored to the needs of communities, driven by their unique holistic model.

Mark’s journey with Global Brigades began in 2022 when he co-founded the University of Alberta’s first-ever brigade, the Medical Brigades. Inspired by this experience and the holistic approach of Global Brigades, he assumed the role of Campus Chairperson in 2023. In this capacity, he facilitated the creation of two additional successful chapters: the Business Brigades and the Dental Brigades, where he served as a co-lead. He was also a member of the Student Leadership Conference committee and presented on the importance of ethical volunteering in 2024. Mark is grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing as [role here] on the Board of Directors and is excited about the future of Global Brigades Canada.

Professionally, Mark works at the Kurata Lab, researching potassium channels associated with severe epileptic encephalopathy. He also contributes to Global Brigades Canada in various roles, including Alumni Relations Coordinator, Onboarding Officer, and Educational Program Designer.

Looking ahead, Mark aims to pursue a diverse career in healthcare. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys graphic arts, hiking, running, and bouldering.

Taru graduated with a BSc in Health Science from Western University in 2021, where she developed a strong passion for public health and healthcare, aligning with Global Brigades Canada’s vision of empowering communities through equal access to quality healthcare and essential resources. Her journey with Global Brigades Canada began in 2019 when she volunteered for a medical and dental brigade in Honduras. Following this, she served as a social media ambassador at Western University, contributing to the expansion of the university chapter’s online presence. Throughout the pandemic, Taru continued her engagement with GBC through a medical tele-brigade, gaining valuable experience and establishing meaningful connections. Early 2024, Taru joined the GBC team as the Social Media Manager. Inspired by GBC’s mission, she is dedicated to empowering communities to achieve their health objectives. Through strategic social media initiatives, Taru aims to raise awareness and inspire others to support GBC partner communities, encouraging participation in the impactful volunteer experiences she has embraced as a volunteer and now as a team member. She ensures that every interaction reflects GBC’s values and strengthens our online presence. Outside of work, Taru enjoys cycling, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Yoorim is an undergraduate student at The University of Toronto, pursuing a double major in Cell & Systems Molecular Biology and Human Biology, along with a minor in Finnish Language Studies. Her journey with Global Brigades began in the summer of 2022. She participated in the Medical Brigade in Honduras, organized by The University of Toronto Global Brigades Student Chapter. The immersive volunteering experience profoundly impacted her to identify her new passion. It broadened her perspective, exposing her to diverse cultures and socio-economic realities.

Motivated by the experience in Honduras, Yoorim has continued her involvement with Global Brigades for the past two years, merging her artistic passion and leadership skills by taking on roles such as Director of Marketing and Design, and Campus Chairperson within The University of Toronto Global Brigades Student Chapter.

She has joined the Boards of Directors to enrich with diverse insights from the student body and deepen her commitment by advocating for the significance of collective actions locally and globally through the holistic model of Global Brigades.