Our Volunteers
Lifeline's Team
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Marieke van Asten, originally from the Netherlands, made Dominica her home out of a heartfelt wish to make a difference in a hands-on and meaningful way. She first joined Lifeline Dominica to support administrative work, training, and new community projects, where her practical skills and caring nature found a natural fit. With over 35 years of professional experience, including ten years as an executive assistant with the international branch of a cooperative bank, Marieke brings a calm, organised, and creative touch to everything she does. Through her own initiative, Breadfruit House Dominica Foundation, she continues to turn compassion into action, helping children express their feelings, build confidence, and reconnect with joy through art and storytelling. |
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Loik Charles, Lifeline intern, is a visually impaired 29-year-old Dominican. In 2013, he graduated from Saint Mary’s Academy, Dominica, where he received two awards including the National Youth Council’s esteemed Challenge Award given in recognition of outstanding contributions in the social / economic / professional sector despite disability, and the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development’s, Special Recognition Award for CSEC.
He then attended Dominica State College where he graduated in 2016 with an associate degree in Information Technology. He then attended the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, USA, where he graduated in May of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Business Marketing. Loik is now back in Dominica seeking employment in social work and business. He is also discovering ways to be a more impactful citizen while living with a disability. He is an advocate for the global community of human rights fighters and dedicates many hours volunteering with Non-Government Organizations such as Lifeline Ministries and the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities. - Read More About Loik's Successes |
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Kate is a graduate of Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance. Originally from Zambia and now living in Dominica, she is deeply devoted to supporting vulnerable women in the community. Known for her empathy, patience, and hands-on approach, Kate believes that even small acts of kindness can create meaningful change. She is passionate about offering care, encouragement, and hope to those who need it most.
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Vanessa Lissa Winston is a key player and skills trainer with Lifeline. Whilst still on her journey, she describes herself as follows:
"I traveled a long way in my search to be free from domestic violence and all the ills that come with it. I ended up at the doors of Lifeline Ministries about 10 years ago. In doing so I found mentors and support for myself and my four children; this encouraged me in my determination to serve God and give my family a better life. Since then, over the years, I have been able to work with Lifeline to motivate and inspire others to recover from Gender Based Violence and to see God meet their needs. I enjoy being part of a team that positively impacts the lives of others. As I grow, I am blessed to have the Lifeline team mentor and support me to this day." Several years ago Vanessa was instrumental in assisting a rape victim and took another step to being a committed advocate for those who dare to break the silence. She speaks out against victim blaming and is committed to the organization she leads, Dominica Association of Arts and Crafts Producers; she was instrumental in getting this organization to join the NGO Coalition for the Protection of Children. Unfortunately, after Hurricane Maria, Vanessa's house was destroyed. See the following fundraiser to help her rebuild her home: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-vanessa-rebuild-her-home |
