OUR TEAM
Binners’ Project includes a core group of binner members, a Steering Committee, and 22 staff members, including 17 binners.
Binners' Project is a project on the MakeWay's Shared Platform.
Binners' Project is a project on the MakeWay's Shared Platform.
CORE STAFF
Sean Miles (he/him) – Director
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Sean has been with Binners’ Project since 2021 and has over 15 years experience working in social services - both in frontline and leadership roles - with a focus on mental health and addictions. Along the way he has gained valuable insight into running a social enterprise through his work at Starworks Packaging & Assembly and has spent time working in the DTES as the Manager of the East Hastings WorkBC office.
Sean is passionate about respectfully supporting the DTES and was the Chair of the Board for Exchange Inner City until early 2024 and is part for the facilitation team for the CCRN. Sean is a firm believer in working from a trauma-informed lens and is deeply committed to the important work of actualizing truth and reconciliation. |
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Nadine brings over a decade of experience in operations management and strengths-based facilitation. She is dedicated to supporting community-led initiatives that challenge systemic barriers and create meaningful opportunities for those most impacted. Nadine works to create pathways for individuals to develop skills, access income opportunities, and participate in the local economy. Her work focuses on supporting individuals in developing their strengths, amplifying the work and voices of binners, and encouraging sustainable, people-centered solutions. |
Nadine Leitch (she/her) - Manager, Social Enterprise Programs
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Flora Poole (she/her) – Manager, Community Programs
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Originally from England, but raised in New Zealand, Flora now happily identifies Vancouver as home. Flora has spent much of her time engaging with local market communities across Metro Vancouver, and it was this interest along with the focus in community-led programming that drew her to Binners’ Project.
While new to the non-profit world, Flora brings with her various experience in community engagement and interpersonal management. In her role she will be working with binners to help develop community programs that legitimize their work and role in our circular economy. Flora completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and History from Quinnipiac University, Connecticut while playing Division I Rugby. Off the rugby field Flora loves to experience the outdoors by hiking and skiing. |
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Mark is a passionate advocate for social change and environmental sustainability. Mark graduated from SFU with a BA in Criminology and a Certificate in Legal Studies. He worked for two years at the Evelyn Saller Centre and looks forward to learning and growing in the non-profit space. He believes in the Binners’ Project as a community-driven initiative that seeks to empower and foster dignity through meaningful and equitable work while also moving towards a sustainable future. He seeks to support those marginalized by our society and help push for positive change wherever possible. |
Mark Szakun (he/him) - Coordinator, Social Enterprise
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Sabrina Qistina (she/they) - Coordinator, Development & Communications
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Sabrina joined the Binners’ Project in February 2025 with a background in communications across nonprofit, government, and grassroots sectors. Hailing from Malaysia and new to the DTES, she is passionate about developing opportunities for communities on the margins, and will support the team in sharing the stories and successes of binners. She’s inspired by the Project’s commitment to dignified labour and community-led solutions. Sabrina holds a BA in Human Geography from UBC, having researched post-fire landscapes in Southeast Asia with a particular focus on integrating local knowledge from on-the-ground fire stewards. Her past work includes strategy and campaign roles with Raleigh International, Parliament of Malaysia, Architects of Diversity, Centre of Orang Asli Concerns, District of North Vancouver and UBC. |
BINNER STAFF TEAM
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STEERING COMMITTEE
Binners' Project's Steering Committee consists of:
Alona Puehse, Jessica Borich, Lani Brunn, Laura Potter, Steven Atkinson, and Wes Regan
Learn more about the Steering Committee.
Alona Puehse, Jessica Borich, Lani Brunn, Laura Potter, Steven Atkinson, and Wes Regan
Learn more about the Steering Committee.
