Bern Muller – Executive Director
Bern holds a Masters Degree from James Cook University in Australia and a Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of Victoria, BC. His vision of dignity and care for the most vulnerable members of our community inspires his work at the New Hope Centre. Bern has worked for the Salvation Army since 2022.

Aaron Whitehead – Manager–Community Residential Facility (CRF)
Local to Nanaimo, Aaron holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Vancouver Island University. In his spare time he enjoys building and painting miniatures, or hiking in the great outdoors. Aaron became impassioned with the field when he began working as a support worker for the Salvation Army in 2018. His experiences in the field of Social Services have motivated him to continue that work in new capacities during the years since.

Jaime Baruta – Manager — Emergency Shelter and Housing
Born and raised in Nanaimo, Jaime holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. When Jaime isn’t working at the New Hope Centre or counselling clients in her private practice, she is playing with her small rescue dog, Tony.  She also likes reading non-fiction, and spending time with family and friends. Jaime has been motivated to work in a helping capacity in Mental Health and Addiction since her early days of school. Jaime is always excited to be part of further educational opportunities and specializes in Mindfulness Self-Compassion, and she utilizes both a professional and personal capacity. New to The Salvation Army, Jaime is excited by new opportunities to support our vulnerable populations with compassion, empathy, and hope.

Philippe Lavoie – Foods Manager
Philippe brings almost 40 years of food service experience to the team; in a demanding fast moving environment that’s quite an accomplishment. Philippe is a graduate of the Camosun College Culinary Arts program as well as holding a Diploma in Hospitality Studies from the University of Guelph. Philippe has worked and lived in five different provinces and now calls Vancouver Island his home. “I saw something in the people managing and working  at the New Hope Center” is a line you will hear from Philippe. He gives 100% every day to help the community we serve. Philippe has worked  at the Salvation Army since March 2020.

Ray Gourlay – Chaplain
Ray received a BA of Christian Studies from Briercrest College and worked in church ministry for several years before joining New Hope Centre as Chaplain in early 2025. He is passionate about music and worship and meaningful conversations about faith and life. He was raised in the mid-Island where he and his wife, Rebecca, now live with their two elementary-age children and their Golden Retriever, Hazel.