Who We Are

Gordon Matchett

Chief Executive Officer

Optimistic, sociable, and strategic, with over 25 years of experience in the not-for-profit and corporate sector, Gordon is responsible to the Board of Directors – and entire Take a Hike community – for the current operations and future direction of Take a Hike. Gordon’s strategic approach and ability to build strong relationships has nurtured the growth and success of the organization since he joined in 2016.

Having earned a Master of Business Administration, Gordon has held senior positions in several other charities as well as a major Canadian bank. Having accomplished so much in his career, he decided to take three years off to travel and reflect on life, pursuing his passion for self-improvement and becoming the best version of himself. After his travels Gordon returned to BC, doing some consulting work in social enterprise, and worked with the Dalai Lama Centre during the Dalai Lama’s visit to Vancouver in 2014.

Outside of work, Gordon likes to decompress and plan small trips in his free time from walks in Stanley Park, to kayaking and downhill skiing with those closest to him. Of course, if time allows for it, he would like nothing more than to take an extended vacation to Southeast Asia, visiting bustling cities and tropical island paradises for the food, marine life and freedom of riding scooters around the island. Ask Gordon about the overall operations of Take a Hike, who to contact for more insight into the organization, and anything travel related.

Larissa Hayes

Senior Director of Development

Larissa leads Take a Hike’s Development team where government relations, fundraising and marketing collaborate. Applying her passion for what the not-for-profit sector and philanthropy can achieve, she personally assists generous individuals and corporate donors in connecting their philanthropic goals with Take a Hike’s mission.

Larissa started her career in the federal government. After which, she began working (and found her inspiration) in charitable organizations serving missions from healthcare to social services, and she eventually found philanthropy and professional fundraising in 2014.

Her humorous, strategic, and data-driven personality coupled with her forward-thinking work style cultivates a comfortable environment where donors and co-workers alike feel empowered by their decisions. Larissa’s passion lies in helping others succeed by laying down the groundwork and leaning into people’s strengths to support their goals.

Outside of the office, she likes to knit, cook and travel with her husband to tropical island paradises like Phú Quốc Vietnam. Ask Larissa about the different ways to get involved with Take a Hike as well as the statistics and data behind supporting our program or her childhood obsession with and collection of Popples.

Nav Nagra

Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications

Strategic, detail-oriented, and just a little bit sarcastic, Nav has a passion for social justice and making a positive change in the world. As the Marketing and Communications Manager, Nav ensures Take a Hike’s messaging is consistent and conveys Take a Hike’s mission and work throughout our social media, website, and other communication mediums.

Nav’s affinity for the arts and insatiable hunger for knowledge led her through a unique career path, adding valuable experiences to her professional portfolio. While in university, she worked as a gallery curatorial assistant working directly with artists, creating artist catalogues, and promoting large shows through social media. After graduation, she joined the team of Room Magazine, a feminist literary magazine, gaining valuable insight about the nuances of communications while engaging different audiences though digital marketing. Nav then moved on to the non-profit sector starting at Vantage Point as the Education and Events Coordinator, moving up to Communications Manager and finally found her way to Take a Hike.

Outside of work, Nav likes re-charging her social battery whenever possible by spending quality time with friends. However, she is no stranger to a comfortable night indoors, pulling up a movie and engaging in some form of fiber arts. Nav’s dream is to eventually live in a swanky flat in the centre of London, England as a writer. Ask Nav about digital marketing, how to write amazing copy, and 1970’s punk rock.

Devni de Silva

Senior Director of Finance & Shared Services

Devni is hard-working, wise, and compassionate. She excels in supporting leaders by articulating complex financial issues in simple language. Devni is passionate about working with an organization that helps promote mental well-being in youth. As the Director of Finance and Shared Services, Devni’s responsibilities include financial strategy, and financial and risk management.

Devni is a Chartered Professional Accountant and has a Master of Science in Strategic Business Management. Devni started her career in banking, after which she started her accounting career at KPMG. After arriving in Canada in the year 2000, she went up the ranks at the University of British Columbia. Since 2020, she has been supporting the not-for-profit sector, an area that she has always held dear to her heart. She also serves as a board member for a few not-for-profits.

Outside of work, Devni enjoys walking, spending time with family, listening to music, and catching up on shows on Netflix. Ask Devni about financing, risk management, and Grey’s Anatomy.

Marnie Goldenberg

Senior Director, Programs

Strategic, caring, and goofy, Marnie is passionate about systems that work for all people and living things, and about community care. As the Senior Director of Programs, Marnie leads leaders and ensures that the youth we serve are supported in the best ways possible. Marnie juggles growth projects and make plans for the future.
Marnie attended law school with the plan to advocate for children and youth. Marnie has devoted the last 25 years to the charitable sector, most recently as the VP of Programs for Family Services of Greater Vancouver. Alongside program management, they’ve held senior roles and provided consulting services in organizational development, operations, stakeholder engagement, governance, and other systems. Marnie’s professional roles have often focused on vulnerable youth related homelessness services, legal advocacy in youth criminal justice, sexual health and wellness, and outdoor education.

Outside of work, Marnie enjoys going on hikes, swimming, cross-country skiing, and spending time with their teenage kids, wife, and their favourite housemate, Pekoe, the wonder dog! Marnie dreams of being on the Canadian Shield, paddling a canoe on a calm lake at dusk. Ask Marnie about the fabulous people who work with Take a Hike youth, delicious light-weight meals for the backcountry, and their favourite housemate.

Lenai Moore

Program Manager, Interior Region

Caring, compassionate, and adventurous, Lenai is passionate about mental health and wellness, caring for others, fostering meaningful relationships, and sharing her deep appreciation and love of the outdoors with others. As the Program Manager in the interior, Lenai provides support and guidance to staff located in the interior ensuring they are equipped with the tools they need to move forward together in alignment with the program model and practices of change.

Lenai’s has always been drawn to the social services sector, specifically the mental health field. Prior to Take a Hike, Lenai spent most of her working career post-University graduation with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Vernon. During her time with CMHA, Lenai had the opportunity to gain valuable insight and expertise working on various front-line multidisciplinary teams providing a diverse range of mental health-focused programming to her community of Vernon. This experience led her to follow her passion for providing leadership and program management to staff teams for the past 4 years before pursuing a new career opportunity with the Take a Hike Foundation.

Outside of work, Lenai loves stretching her social battery to its fullest potential. She loves spending time with her husband, family, and friends, often chasing adventures together or planning their next travels. When she craves some quiet time, she loves to try out new baking and cooking recipes to share with others. Lenai enjoys being outdoors all year round, in the summertime you’ll find her hiking or paddle boarding and skiing in the winter. As a travel lover, Lenai dreams of being somewhere tropical beach, feeling the warm sunshine on her face, making new memories, and sharing laughter with her loved ones. Ask Lenai about her favourite travel adventures, her love of Volleyball, and local hidden gems to explore in the Okanagan.