A Way Home Kamloops has a new Executive Director – the organization’s second since the passing of its founder, Katherine McParland.

Tangie Genshorek officially took over on Sept. 1, after serving as the interim since the end of July.

“I also helped in January, February when he first lost Katherine. I first stepped in and helped the society as they were transitioning so this felt like a really good fit for me and the board felt like it was a good fit as well so I’m really proud to serve the organization,” she told NL News. “I’m looking forward to doing that for many years.”

“I’ve really always identified with Katherine’s vision for A Way Home. It is emotional but I’m also just really happy to be able to serve and support the youth in Kamloops. It is a passion of mine and yeah, I’m just happy to be able to be there.”

Genshorek, who has been with A Way Kamloops since the beginning, replaces Sadie Hunter who was the executive director for six months between February and July. She adds it is emotional to be following in the footsteps of Katherine McParland.

“What I want to see continue is that we include people with lived experience in all of the decisions that we make and all of the projects are designed to make sure that young people’s real needs are addressed in ways that they have identified,” Genshorek said.

“I know that was the root of Katherine’s vision as she was a former youth in care herself. That is why she started the work.”