Amanda Carrasco has been the owner of Harmony Homestay since 2009. She holds an MA in Business Leadership (Canada), Public Policy (USA), Law (UK) and an LLM (USA). She also has certificates in Restorative Justice from Simon Fraser University and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse from the United Nations. She is a certified Restorative Justice Practitioner with the Restorative Justice Council in the UK. She is a partner in a non-profit in California called Sharp Circle Inc. that provides mentorship as well as workshops on Restorative Justice and Conflict Resolution. She is passionate about building stronger and safer communities. Additionally, she is a mother, author and enthusiastic surfer.
Alissa Sponchia
My name is Alissa Sponchia, and I’m the Managing Director for Harmony Homestay. I’ve had the pleasure of working with this incredible team for several years. After graduating from a Youth and Childcare program, I spent many years supporting children and families, including managing a childcare center and working for an agency that supports children and young adults with autism and diverse abilities. While that work was rewarding, I needed a role that allowed me more time and flexibility for my own family—and that’s how I found my way to Harmony Homestay.
Though I love spending time outdoors, my husband and I spend most of our days in cold rinks, watching our two boys play hockey. Our vacations usually involve traveling from one tournament to the next, with Timbits and coffee in hand!
Harmony Homestay has allowed me to continue working with families and students in a supportive role, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such an amazing team. Each year, I grow and learn alongside our students, and it’s exciting to support them as they embark on this new chapter.
Stacey Gokool
I started as a host for Harmony Homestay in 2016 and later took on the roles of Mentor and Student Director. With over 20 years of experience working with youth, and the insights I’ve gained from raising my two children, I have a deeper understanding of the needs of the young people I work with. My passion for social science and behavior fuels my curiosity, especially when it comes to true crime and mysteries.
I’m happiest when surrounded by family and friends, though I cherish solo time with a good book whenever I get the chance. Our Halloween-loving family enjoys entertaining the neighborhood with L’Ouija, our 12-foot skeleton, who stays dressed up year-round for various celebrations and holidays.
DIANE VANDERHAVEN
Hi, my name is Diane Vanderhaven and this is my 4th year as a Harmony Homestay mentor. I have also expanded into Short-Term Group Director as well as many other administrative duties. As a previous homestay parent (my first student was 18 years ago and still lives in Vancouver) I am excited to be on the Harmony Homestay team helping to make students dreams come true and helping them to navigate any challenges that arise.
I have always enjoyed working with children and youth, first as a Sparks and Brownie leader and then as President of a Synchronized Swimming club. I have a background in the bookkeeping field as well as working with individuals with mobility and mental health challenges. I enjoy spending my downtime near the water, be it the ocean or lake, watching fish be caught and catching a few rays. I also enjoy exploring our great Province of BC, its wonderful landscape and all it has to offer.
Jen Coombs
Hi, my name is Jen Coombes. I am the Financial Coordinator for Harmony Homestay and a Student Mentor. My goal is to support an accurate, transparent dialogue with our team, our clients, our host families, and most importantly, our students. It is the same goal, whether I am invoicing, arranging host payments or meeting a student for coffee to discuss how their term is going.
I am a past homestay student myself, who passionately studied a second language as a college student. It is a delight to find myself utilizing over 15 years of administrative support experience to assist our students as they explore, develop global relationships, communication skills and a Canadian educational experience.
Kelly Graves
Hello, I’m Kelly Graves, one of Harmony Homestay’s student mentors. I love the opportunity to
meet, support, and work with each amazing student as they navigate new experiences here in
Canada. My goal is to make their stay memorable by providing great support and ensuring they
feel safe while forming friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Before joining Harmony Homestay, I worked in the medical field as a MOA and later transitioned
into property management. While these career paths were different, working with young adults
has been the most rewarding experience for me.
Gitika Sharma
Hi there! I’m excited to introduce myself as an international student mentor with Harmony Homestay. I’m dedicated to supporting students from around the globe as they navigate their journey in Canada.
With extensive experience working with children in cadet and scout programs, I’ve developed a passion for fostering their health, well-being, and personal growth. I believe every student deserves a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive and create lasting memories. My goal is to make their stay enriching, fun, and adventurous.
Outside of mentoring, I love chasing the breathtaking Northern Lights, which never fail to inspire me. I’m also an avid singer, finding joy in expressing myself through music.