What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

I love to travel, anywhere where there is a beach, good food, wonderful people, relaxing book to read and where I can turn off from technology.  A recent milestone birthday I spent it in India and celebrated at the Taj Mahal and Fort Agra, it was an experience of a lifetime.

Christopher T. Sutton, MBA, was appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer at Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility on April 1, 2020. Christopher has over 20 years of cross-functional and progressive management and leadership experience, working with some of the largest organizations serving people with disabilities in the United States and Canada. Christopher’s career has spanned across the not-for-profit, public and start-up sectors where he has worked in various leadership capacities in business development, fundraising, government and stakeholder relations, marketing and communications, and sales.

Christopher holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Gallaudet University, and a Master of Business Administration from the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario, in addition to a number of professional certifications.

Christopher is a sought-after expert in issues related to accessibility, diversity and inclusion, and sits on several committees nationally and provincially.  As a member and founder of various consumer/industry working groups, Christopher has been successful in enhancing accessibility and inclusion for a broad range of audiences. In 2019, Christopher appeared before three parliamentary committees to advocate for the passage of Bill C-81: An Accessible Canada Act.

Christopher was born with a profound hearing loss and grew up using hearing aids; in 2008, to expand his communication options, he underwent surgery to obtain a cochlear implant. In his free time, Christopher volunteers with charities, mentors young adults, and assists smaller organizations with developing social enterprises. Christopher enjoys travelling, visiting beach destinations, biking, cooking, and reading.

Christopher was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador and has lived in Washington, DC, Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario, before moving to Vancouver, BC in March 2020.

What is your favourite thing about working at Wavefront Centre?

Being able to hear about all the amazing ways the staff here are able to help someone.

I have worked at the Wavefront Centre for over 15 years. Before I was a staff member, Wavefront touched my life in many ways – as a Child of Deaf Parents (CODA), I saw the many ways Wavefront helped my parents, and helped me to be able to enjoy my time as a kid. I have a varied background in administration, design and facility management and am grateful to be able to give back to a community I care so deeply for.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

I went to Australia for a year, and it was amazing!

I grew up with a sister who is hard of hearing, and who has worked at Wavefront Centre for longer than I have! Actually, my interest in audiology developed when I took over her Saturday receptionist duties when she became an audiologist at Wavefront Centre in 2013. My favourite part about working here is the diverse, inclusive, and passionate people, both staff and clients, that I learn new and valuable things from every day.

What is your favourite thing about working at Wavefront Centre?

My favourite thing about working for the Wavefront Centre is simply knowing that my work, as part of the team, helps people. I’ve always wanted to have a job that has a clear positive impact in the lives of the people around me and I hope I can continue to do this type of work for a very long time. 

Born and raised in several cities in the Lower Mainland I’ve always been interested in art and subcultures. I’ve tried my hand as a skateboarder, a graphic designer, a carpenter, a photographer, and even a forklift operator. After my time at the Wavefront Centre I hope to become an ASL interpreter and hopefully will be able to work with the Centre in that capacity.

What is your favourite food?

Chinese food

I hold a Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada accreditation. I joined Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility in 2007 and was appointed Controller in 2018. As Controller, I am responsible for overseeing the day to day financial operations, assisting the Interim Executive Director and the other department heads with budgeting processes, grant applications, resolving financial issues and preparing financial statements. I also have a mechanical engineering degree. When I’m not at work, I spend a lot of time watching and falling in love with my two little grandsons. I enjoy this rewarding journey watching them grow as they make their way through life with a smile and twinkle.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

I’m proud to work for a charitable organization that cares deeply about the people whom we serve.

I immigrated to Canada many years ago. I love living in a country that has a sense of social equality. I have been working in the accounting field for almost half of my life. However, working for a charitable organization has taught me that not everything is about making big profits, but more about sharing and caring for the wellbeing of others.

What is your favourite thing about working at Wavefront Centre?

Something that amazes me about Wavefront Centre is how we have grown and developed into a leading resource and model for accessibility in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

My background and experience is in the financial industry in various capacities; numbers have always been my forte. At Wavefront Centre I work in the accounting department with a great team and my job is to make sure that our invoices are processed on time. When I’m not in the office, I enjoy going to the movies and different types of events, as well as taking long walks and travelling.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

I’d have to say mine was 2 years ago when I went to Barcelona, Spain. I was there for about two weeks and it was by far the most amazing trip of my life!

I am an organized, responsible  and hard working person person who really enjoys travelling to places with different cultures, because it forces you to think about your own.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

A trip to Cancun so many years ago.

At the age of two and a half years old, I was diagnosed with a severe sensorineural hearing loss in both ears and have been wearing hearing aids ever since. When I say I understand, I really mean I understand. I have faced similar struggles on a daily basis and find inspiration by serving others. I have had the good fortune to work with the audiology, communications and counselling departments over my long tenure at Wavefront Centre. Each client shares their struggles and gains knowledge to overcome challenges with communicating with colleagues, family, and friends. I love learning about new technologies and services that are available to pave a gentler road in the world of accessibility and connectivity.

What is your favourite thing about working at Wavefront Centre?

I work with great people! I cannot do my job without the amazing support from everyone I work with. Not only are they great at what they do, they are genuinely super nice people!

I have worked as an Audiologist for almost 25 years; over 15 of these years have been with Wavefront Centre. When I am not working, my favorite escape is to be hiking to remote glacier lakes or stand-up paddling in the ocean.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

My favourite trip was when my husband and I went to China in 2014. My parents and I moved from China to North America when I was 9 years old and we regularly go back to visit. The trip in 2014 was the first time that my husband had ever visited China. He got to meet all my extended family and I enjoyed introducing all sorts of local food to him. It was wonderful to share my culture with him and at the same time see it differently from his perspective.

I joined the Wavefront Centre family in 2016 and have never looked back. I am so fortunate to work with colleagues who are passionate about helping people and supportive of each other. At the same time, we are not afraid of being silly sometimes and having a laugh together. Outside of work, I enjoy eating good food, traveling to interesting places, perfecting my ukulele skills, and just creating memories with my family and friends.

What is your favourite food?

Impossible question! I love food and am notoriously NOT a picky eater, which I credit to my time living in a dorm room.

I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta but am proud to call myself a Vancouverite since moving to this beautiful city in 2010. The best part of my job as an audiologist is when clients and their families tell me how much better they can communicate after coming to Wavefront. I enjoy getting to know people from all walks of life and hearing their stories – I look forward to meeting you too!

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Camping in Iceland

I graduated from the program of Audiology and Speech Sciences at the University of British Columbia in 2011. I worked at BC children’s hospital and Miracle Ear Canada for 7 years prior to joining the Wavefront Centre in 2018.

I am certified in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy and have been providing treatment for tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance.

As a Clinical Instructor with UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, I provide training to audiology students.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading on diverse subjects, birding, and doing outdoor sports.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Camping – Green Lake, Beautiful B.C.

I LOVE to Camp, especially off the grid – the less modern technology, the better.

I grew up with a profound hearing loss – my daughter was 21 years old when I heard her voice for the first time with the aid of a Cochlear implant. Since then, I love to be in nature and listen to the sounds of water, birds chirping and raindrops falling. Time away from technology leaves me refreshed, rejuvenated and grateful for the gift of hearing. At Wavefront Centre, I’m fortunate to work with the Audiology Drop-in Program. I clean hearing aids, troubleshoot and do minor repairs. I love client work and find myself inspired each day by clients’ stories of living with hearing loss.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

I went to Australia for a year, and it was amazing!

I grew up with a sister who is hard of hearing, and who has worked at Wavefront Centre for longer than I have! Actually, my interest in audiology developed when I took over her Saturday receptionist duties when she became an audiologist at Wavefront Centre in 2013. My favourite part about working here is the diverse, inclusive, and passionate people, both staff and clients, that I learn new and valuable things from every day.

What is your favourite thing about working at Wavefront Centre?

My favourite thing about working at Wavefront Centre is having the ability to connect with clients and my colleagues on a personal level.

I have been working in medical clinics for over 11 years, beginning at an optometrist clinic and later at a private hearing clinic. After four years at the hearing clinic, I had the opportunity to work at a pediatric ophthalmologist clinic, which – let’s be honest – was quite loud! A short time later, Wavefront Centre had a posting for their Client Services Coordinator. I had wanted to be a part of this organization for a long time, they saw my passion, and I have been here ever since!

What is your favourite thing about working at Wavefront Centre?

My favourite thing about working for the Wavefront Centre is simply knowing that my work, as part of the team, helps people. I’ve always wanted to have a job that has a clear positive impact in the lives of the people around me and I hope I can continue to do this type of work for a very long time. 

Born and raised in several cities in the Lower Mainland I’ve always been interested in art and subcultures. I’ve tried my hand as a skateboarder, a graphic designer, a carpenter, a photographer, and even a forklift operator. After my time at the Wavefront Centre I hope to become an ASL interpreter and hopefully will be able to work with the Centre in that capacity.

What is the most inspiring part of your job?

The most inspiring part of my job is having the skillset to provide clients and their families with the gift of sound. I still get goosebumps when I witness families reconnect on a deeper level once our services are introduced. It’s incredible!

Wavefront Centre has been my second home since 2009, when I was hired as the Saturday receptionist. During this time, I experienced a drastic change in my own hearing and Wavefront Centre supported me in a number of ways in order to cope with the communication challenges I was facing, particularly in the post-secondary environment. This experience really confirmed my decision to become an audiologist and I rejoined the organization in that capacity in 2013.

I have a keen interest in educational accessibility and received an advocate award recognizing my dedication from the Canadian Association for Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 2016.

In my spare time, you can find me volunteering for the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, on the soccer field, riding my bike, running (hopefully at an impressive pace), or spending time with my family.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Peru

I started my audiology career in the East Kootenay, providing comprehensive hearing health care in remote areas of BC. A few years later I moved back home, striving to continue empowering those who come through the agency. When I am not in the clinic, I can be found on a yoga mat, behind a camera, or on a trail.

What is your favourite thing about working at Wavefront Centre?

Working at Wavefront has given me the skills to help people to hear better. Our clients are some of the best people I have ever met. I am also thankful for the wonderful people I get to work with.

I grew up in North Vancouver and moved to Vancouver Island where I worked and raised my children for almost 20 years. I moved back to the mainland to be closer to my large family and to find more opportunities for my children. Best decision I’ve ever made.

What is your favourite food?

Anything cooked by my nonna or freshly grown from her garden.

My journey at Wavefront Centre began when I was 16 years old and had the opportunity to do a work experience placement at the Tri-Cities office. I was incredibly blessed to be able to witness Wavefront Centre helping people in real time and 2 years later, I had the privilege of being brought onto the team in an official capacity. I am currently a psychology student at SFU and continue to be inspired every week at work. When I’m not at work or school, you can find me buried nose-deep in a book.

What is your favourite thing about working at Wavefront Centre?

Our fantastic team and the non-profit, no-sales-pressure environment.

I joined the Wavefront Centre in 2005 where I am a clinical audiologist and manager of our Willow location.  As a Clinical Instructor with the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Science, I contribute to training the next generation of clinicians.  I am also a board member of the College of Speech and Hearing of BC, which ensures that speech and hearing services are provided safely, effectively, and ethically to the public.  I have a strong interest in technology and enjoy using my technological expertise to provide the best in hearing aid and assistive technology solutions for each individual.

What is your favourite food? 

Pretty much anything my husband creates. He loves to watch the Food Network and knows how to elevate just about anything.

I have a unique and difficult-to-hear kind of name – not great for someone who works in a hearing clinic. But that’s because my parents were thrilled to have me! You will find our receptionists explaining daily: “Her name is Praise as in “PRAISE the Lord!”.” Prior to Wavefront, I was responsible for school-aged students through Vancouver Coastal Health and worked at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Fast forward 16 years, with a husband and two kids in tow, I have enjoyed serving my clients in English and Cantonese; it’s been rewarding to help them find access to communication that they may not have thought possible. Borrowing from artist FatBoySlim, I want to “praise you”, Wavefront!

What is your favourite food?

I don’t have a favourite food but my favourite TYPE of food would have to be breakfast food.  There are just endless options, sweet AND savoury!

I was born and raised in East Van, and I still live there. I grew up in the Greek community here in the Lower Mainland and I am still very involved with the community – I even speak Greek fairly fluently.  I grew up speaking English and Greek and I now have the pleasure of learning American Sign Language!  I am now starting Level 2 ASL at VCC! I have been the Client Services Coordinator at the Willow and Broadway Hearing Clinic Location for just under 4 years.  I am the first person you talk to when you call and the first person you see when you walk in. I am looking forward to welcoming you to our small but very busy clinic!

What is your favourite thing about working at Wavefront Centre?

Seeing the progress that Wavefront is making in becoming a centre of excellence:)

Working as a registered Sign Language Interpreter is my passion. I love going to work everyday and really enjoy the people I get to work with. I have a husband, who I have lots of fun with, and 2 little girls, who are the lights of my life.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Kenya – Beyond beautiful and seeing so many of the animals in the wild was amazing

I became a Registered Sign Language Interpreter in 2006. I love the field and the people I work with and for.  In my spare time, my husband and I spend our time outdoors hiking the local mountains and kayaking.

What is your favourite food?

BBQ Chicken

I’m a CODA (Child of Deaf Adult) , which means both of my parents are deaf; I grew up in an ASL environment. I love to get crafty both in and out of work, and being a part of the Social Committee allows me to have fun and get creative for work gatherings.

What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

It is hard to choose just one as I’ve been to several countries that I loved going to. But, I’d say Iceland because I saw beautiful lights dancing across the night sky!

I am fully immersed in Deaf world as I was born deaf myself to deaf parents and deaf siblings. I also grew up and graduated from Indiana School for the Deaf in USA. I also received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Gallaudet University. My partner is also deaf; he and I share a CODA (Child of Deaf Adult) son. I moved to Vancouver, BC in 2017. In my free time, I own and run my art business where I sell my paintings and artwork.

What is your favourite food?

Fish and chips

I am hard of hearing and grew up in Portugal Cove, Newfoundland until settling in Vancouver in 2008. I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree at the University of Victoria in Community Development through the School of Public Administration. I see the potential for positive change regarding inclusion and diversity within Wavefront Centre and have made considerable contributions regarding accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. I also hope to make significant strides politically – changing policies and procedures for access to affect change with the communities that I continue to serve.

What is your favourite food?

Ahi Tuna Poke

 I have worked in many Deaf and Hard of Hearing non-profit organizations over the course of 27 years and I had the pleasure of beginning my work at Wavefront Centre in 2008. I later left for Alberta to complete my Masters in Social Work at University of Calgary.  In 2020, I returned to Wavefront Centre to join the Counselling Services team. I am pleased to be living back in Vancouver with my partner; we love to travel around the world and being with our family of 4 kids and 2500 indigenous relatives from Bella Bella, B.C.. I am well known in the Deaf community and I’m always available to volunteer and have been for 31 years. It’s good to be back at Wavefront Centre to continue to serve Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to thrive and succeed with communication accessibility.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan

I have an extensive background in disability management and rehabilitation and am passionate about helping people with disabilities. It has been a great and rewarding adventure!

At Wavefront Centre I assist hard of hearing clients find sustainable employment, as an Employment Placement Specialist. I am also hard of hearing and working with clients with same disability makes me feel that I am not alone. It is about courage, determination and overcoming challenges like adversity, stigma and prejudice. Outside of work and household chores, you can find me hiking, trekking mountains and running. I love the outdoors and I’m ready to beat Forrest Gump in running. Run Joy Run….

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Last 2018, I went to the Netherlands with my hard-of-hearing friends to attend the international summer camp for the deaf and hard-of-hearing young adults ages 18 to 35. It was an amazing, memorable experience learning about the deaf and hard-of-hearing international community and making new friends from around the world.

I was born profoundly deaf and I got my cochlear implant on my right ear when I was three years old. I grew up in the Philippines and I moved to Canada when I started university ten years ago. I have worked and volunteered in various fields, ranging from retail logistics to youth community service. One of my most exciting experiences was teaching the deaf and hard-of-hearing children. My vision is to create an inclusive community that is accessible for everyone. During my free time, I enjoy learning languages including American Sign Language (ASL), cooking new recipes, swimming and relaxing on the beach during summer.

What is your favourite food?

Anything potatoes except sweet potatoes

I am a strong supporter of seniors and Deaf-Blind persons in our shared community and honoured to be their ally. At Wavefront Centre, I feel empowered by working with Deaf and Deaf-blind seniors to improve their lives. I am proudly Deaf and use American Sign Language.

If you could interview anyone (dead or alive) who it be, and why?

Helen Keller. Braving limitations, Helen devoted her life to uplifting humanity as an activist, teacher and author. If I could communicate with Helen, I would ask her about her mum, Katherine & teacher, Anne. Katherine wanted to educate her daughter and Anne did that well. These wonderful women transformed the Deaf and the DeafBlind world forever. 

Working with the Deaf community has been an enriching journey since the 1980s. After learning ASL, I volunteered with the Self Reliant Centre for the Deaf at the YMCA in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Whenever I wasn’t working with the media, I spent my free time with my friends who were Deaf. This amazing experience took me to Cheju Island in South Korea – my first Hard of Hearing Camp and also hiking with the YMCA’s Seniors Deaf Club in the foothills of the Himalayas, in Nepal. The highlight of my volunteer experience was attending the Deaf Way II conference in Gallaudet University (GU) in 2002. The Malaysia delegation had the privilege to meet Dr. King Jordan, the first Deaf president of GU. And, working at Wavefront Centre I get to indulge in my passion daily, sign language! 🙂           

What is your favourite food?

Ice Cream & Pasta

I am Deaf and legally blind was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. I have a passion for running and I’ve been involved in the Deaflympics for track and field in Rome and also in the Pan American Games for the blind. Now, after several ankle injuries, I’ve decided to retire from running. 

I’ve  worked in a variety of settings, including as an American Sign Language (ASL) instructor.  I’ve also worked in the community as a support worker and peer support worker, promoting independence for people with developmental disabilities or supporting mental health.  At my job here at Wavefront Centre,  I get to use my passion for working in the DeafBlind field as the DeafBlind program coordinator in hopes of improving accessibility for the DeafBlind community. In my free time, I enjoy nature, meeting new people and socializing, watching movies and travelling whenever there is an opportunity.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Living in the Netherlands for 6 weeks for my Masters program!

Being a DeafBlind intervenor is a passion of mine and I truly enjoy the diversity within this field. I have been fortunate to gain a practical and academic education in Canada and abroad, but I always learn the most from those I work with directly. I often find myself discussing the many challenges and hopes with the Deafblind community for the future here in BC. In my free time I enjoy cooking and hiking with my husband and friends.

What is your favourite food?

Sushi or Ramen!

I was born hard of hearing and have lived in Vancouver almost all of my life. I’m honored to be part of this organization, as a manager overseeing the Communication Devices Program. It’s also an awesome opportunity for me to connect with the Deaf-Blind, Deaf, and Hard Of Hearing communities personally and help find the right products to suit their needs on a daily basis. Outside of that, I’m a digital marketer, artistic director, and recent freelance software developer. As a brand new dev, my end goal is to study machine learning because I want to contribute to solving the world’s problems to improve our planet for our future generations.

When I’m not at work, I’m either on fun adventures with my adopted border collie named Nasa, dancing, gym training, video gaming, or reading books. And just any nerd activities you can think of.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Italy was fantastic – The food, wine, culture, people we met… can’t wait to go back!

I am a researcher who thrives when exploring ways to create knowledge that helps mobilize community action. I am curious by nature and very interested in ways to promote healthy communities! Drawing from my educational background in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studies, and Population and Public Health, I’d like to explore ways that people and organizations build bridges and relationships with one another to collectively support healthier societies that are accessible to all. At Wavefront Centre, I’m so excited to be part of the development of its new research program and look forward to seeing it grow!

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

I love going to Switzerland; I’ve travelled there several times! 

I am an associate professor of Audiology at the University of British Columbia, where I conduct research and teach classes to future audiologists about hearing aids and hearing in aging. I have worked closely with Wavefront staff for 14 years and now I’m pleased to be part of the newly-established research program.