Our Team
Staff
Liz Brant, MBA
Liz Brant became Seva Canada’s Executive Director in 2023.
She is a non-profit and healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience in fund development, strategy, operations, governance and people management. She is passionate about building community in the organizations she serves, which have included arts, social services, international development and healthcare.
Liz was first introduced to Seva Canada by serving as Development Director from 2012-2016, and she has remained a steadfast supporter
and advocate ever since.
Prior to rejoining Seva, Liz was Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, where through her leadership she supported care for BC’s highest risk pregnancies (including during the most tumultuous days of the COVID-19 pandemic). During this time, she also earned an MBA degree from the UBC Sauder School of Business.
Liz keeps busy by chasing her two young kids around various playgrounds, libraries, beaches and campsites throughout BC. When she has time, she also makes aesthetically questionable pottery.
Ken Bassett, MD
Ken Bassett, Seva Canada’s Program Director, Research is a Professor of Medicine at the University of British Columbia and directs a research program in international and epidemiologic ophthalmology in the Department of Ophthalmology.
Ken travels extensively to and works closely with Seva program partners in Tanzania, India, Tibet and Nepal primarily helping them to build sustainable programs and to conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation. He has helped the program partners to design and conduct research themselves and to share their findings at government and academic meetings as well as publish articles in the scientific literature. He continues to practice medicine and has a Doctorate of Medicine from University of British Columbia and PhD in Medical Anthropology from McGill University.
When Ken isn’t travelling to Seva’s programs around the world, he can be found hiking and running with his two daughters or spending time tinkering on his boat.
Deanne Berman
Deanne Berman has been the Marketing & Communications Director of Seva Canada since 2011.
Deanne has over 26 years of experience in marketing, communications and branding. Prior to her work at Seva, Deanne was a Senior Marketing Communications Manager at TELUS launching TELUS TV, Satellite TV and Optik TV. She also had the great pleasure of working on the tourism brand for Canada at the Canadian Tourism Commission just prior to the Vancouver Olympics. Deanne was also a part of the team that launched Bell in BC and Alberta.
Deanne has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Western Ontario and an Honours Diploma in Marketing Communications from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
In her spare time Deanne enjoys travelling, listening to podcasts and keeping local takeout restaurants in business.
Ellie Burnham, MA
Ellie is Seva Canada’s Donor Relations and Marketing Coordinator. With 6 years in the nonprofit sector working with both international and community organizations, she brings warm donor service, international development experience, and creative spirit to her position.
She completed her Masters in International Studies in 2023 and enjoys keeping up with international affairs.
When not working, Ellie can be found practicing dance, trying new hobbies, and hanging out at home with her two rescued street dogs.
Ashley Holm, MA
Ashley Holm is Seva Canada’s Donor Relations and Operations Manager. She has been with the organization since 2022.
Ashley is passionate about people & processes, and has over 20 years’ experience working in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining Seva, Ashley worked in Performing Arts & Entertainment in many areas including operations, ticketing, guest services, and event management.
She completed her MA in Leadership from Royal Roads University in 2023.
In her spare time she can be found hanging out with her dog, listening to a podcast, running, or enjoying a cup of tea.
Katie Judson, MPH
Katie Judson has been Seva Canada’s Program Director, Operations since 2022.
Katie has many years of public health experience including healthcare system management, healthcare policy, and global health program development. Prior to her work at Seva Canada, she worked for MultiCare Health System, California Health Care Safety Net Institute,and Seva Foundation. During her time with the Foundation, she collaborated closely with Seva Canada staff on shared programs and research projects. She has also served as a Seva Canada board member.
Katie has a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. She also works as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Puget Sound teaching courses in public health and research science.
Katie lives in Washington with her husband, Brendan, and their ancient cat Fiona. She loves to backpack, bird watch, cook, and is a self-proclaimed Trekkie.
Erika Kinast, MA
Erika joined the Seva team in 2024 as the organization’s Philanthropy Manager focusing on major and planned giving.
Erika is a passionate community advocate with over a decade of experience building relationships that fuel positive outcomes in health, education, migration, and civil society development programs. Prior to joining Seva, Erika was the Fund Development Director of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada’s BC/Yukon Office, and the Development Director of Skateistan International in Berlin, Germany.
Erika has a BA in English Literature from Simon Fraser University, and a MA in Linguistics, Literature, and Cultural Studies from the Freie Universitaet, Berlin.
Outside of working hours, she can be found on wheels (motorcycles, bicycles, skateboards) or engrossed in a podcast, book or TV series.
Priya Reddy, MBA
Priya Reddy has been a program consultant with Seva Canada since 2021.
Priya has an MBA and is a Hubert Humphry Fellow and Fullbright Scholar. She is working for Seva Canada as a researcher. Priya has designed and managed projects involving eye screenings and the eradication of childhood blindness for more than 2 million children worldwide. She has also provided consulting services for eye hospitals across the globe to enhance their eye care services through training, capacity building, and resource management.
