About Us

The Developmental Disabilities Association is a community living agency that provides over 50 community-based programs and services to children, adults and their families with developmental disabilities in Vancouver and Richmond. We create extended networks of support, investing in individual needs, and always striving for an inclusive and safe community. Over 1600 individuals and families in the Vancouver and Richmond area are served by the Developmental Disabilities Association every year. Our mission is to enable people with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential.

About Our Bloggers
Born and raised in Vancouver (minus her 4-year soujourn in Grand Forks), Alanna Hendren has been the Executive Director for the Developmental Disabilities Association since 1997.  She’s been recognized for her contribution to the community living and social services sector with multiple awards from the ministry and from different associations. She holds a BA from Simon Fraser University and is a Certified Association Executive. When she’s not working, she’s busy enjoying the company of her two adult children, Talya and Clayton, or going for a long walk with her dog Chloe. Alanna is a voracious reader and is currently working on her book about the history of the female spirituality.

Tanya Cheung loves to love and is committed to making the world a better place with her savvy marketing skills. She holds a Business degree in marketing and economics from Simon Fraser University. Prior to joining DDA, Tanya worked in several diverse industries including publishing, manufacturing, and hospitality. It was her experience volunteering with the Women in Leadership Foundation to develop their marketing and public relations strategies where her affinity working with non profit organizations sparked. Nothing is more gratifying than doing what you do best in an environment that is meaningful and life changing. When Tanya is not using her right brain at work, she loves baking for her biggest fan, her husband.

Disclaimer: Blog entries with a specific author name attached to them are the opinions of individual staff and do not reflect the opinions of DDA as a whole. For more information, visit the Developmental Disabilities Association website.