Research, infrastructure, and co-created action for stronger communities.
We design and support systems that help communities understand themselves, collaborate effectively, and act with evidence. Our work bridges lived experience, community practice, and data to support more responsive, equitable, and sustainable outcomes.
What the Society advances
TrueNetwork Community Solutions Society works at the intersection of community knowledge, participatory research, digital infrastructure, and collaborative innovation. We support nonprofit organizations, governments, municipalities, and community partners through evidence-informed planning, co-creation, participatory evaluation, and community development.
Leadership grounded in community and public benefit.
Our board brings together leadership, experience, and a shared commitment to strengthening communities through collaboration and innovation.
Maryam Rasouli
Maryam Rasouli is a Machine Learning and Computer Vision Engineer with experience in both research and industry, passionate about building systems that solve real-world problems. Alongside her professional work, she has spent over a decade leading a nonprofit initiative, bringing together volunteers and fostering meaningful relationships. She is deeply committed to community building—creating spaces where people feel connected, supported, and empowered. Combining a technical mindset with a people-first approach, she strives to create lasting impact through both technology and community engagement.
Bita Ramezannia
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I am passionate about helping people better understand themselves, their emotions, and their relationships. I am especially interested in approaches that combine human connection, innovation, and new ways of thinking to support individual and community well-being. I value collaboration, fresh ideas, and meaningful change, and I am glad to contribute to TrueNetwork’s work in creating innovative, community-based solutions with real social impact.
Farhad Farhangfar
Farhad Farhangfar is a curious Community Builder, Asset Based Community Development steward, and co-founder of the Dementia Co-Creation Academy which is his latest community initiative that brings seniors, people living with dementia, and care partners together for co-creation, through joyful group activities, participatory art and recreation.
Executive leadership driving impact and strategic direction.
Our executives bring together leadership, experience, and a shared commitment to advancing our mission through innovation, accountability, and community focus.
MohammadJavad Noori
MohammadJavad Nouri holds a PhD in Urban Planning and brings over a decade of experience in community and regional planning, along with more than five years of university teaching. His work spans academia, nonprofits, and public policy, with a focus on addressing system fragmentation by linking knowledge, data, and action. He has led and contributed to initiatives in aging, dementia, climate equity, and community development across British Columbia. As Executive Director of TrueNetwork Community Solutions Society, he leads the design of community intelligence systems through applied research, digital infrastructure, and collaborative innovation to support more coordinated, evidence-informed, and resilient communities.
Dedicated advisors supporting community impact through guidance and engagement.
Our Volunteer Advisory Circle brings together committed individuals who contribute their experience, insight, and community perspective to support our mission. Through their guidance, they help strengthen collaboration, inform meaningful initiatives, and create lasting impact.
Farinaz Rikhtehgaran
Farinaz is a community engagement and program development professional with a background in Urban Planning and Gerontology and over five years of experience working across the non-profit, research, and community sectors. She currently serves as Director of Programs at BEST Mobility, where she leads community-based initiatives focused on mobility, engagement, and sustainable transportation across British Columbia. Farinaz has worked closely with municipalities, health authorities, transportation agencies, universities, and non-profit organizations to build partnerships, support strategic initiatives, and strengthen community connections. Her work has included collaboration with older adults and seniors-serving organizations through research, programming, and advocacy initiatives. She brings experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, facilitation, relationship building, and community development, and is pleased to support TrueNetwork Society through advisory support related to community engagement, partnerships, and sector connections.
Kishore Seetharaman
Kishore Seetharaman is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Gerontology, at Simon Fraser University, Canada. His interdisciplinary background integrates perspectives from the fields of gerontology, environmental psychology, and architectural design. His areas of research include aging, dementia, disability, built environment, and design. His current research explores urban accessibility and dementia-inclusivity through an inclusive-universal design approach. His research employs qualitative research methods to explore the role of the outdoor environment in shaping the out-of-home activity of people aging with different types of disabilities.
Dedicated individuals driving impact through community engagement.
Our volunteers are at the heart of our work, contributing their time, skills, and passion to support our mission. Together, they help strengthen communities, foster collaboration, and create meaningful, lasting impact.
Zoha Meisami
Zoha Meisami is an urban planner who approaches cities as living systems shaped by people, relationships, and shared experiences. Her work reflects a long-standing interest in how neighborhoods influence identity, belonging, and community well-being. Through professional practice, collaborative projects, and continuous self-directed learning in areas such as environmental psychology and systems thinking, she has developed a thoughtful and human-centered perspective on urban development. Zoha values harmony, participation, and the gradual growth of communities, and she is committed to supporting resilient, inclusive environments where people and places can evolve together in meaningful ways.
Sarah Emad
My name is Sarah, and I am currently completing Grade 12. I am passionate about helping others and being involved in my community. I enjoy working with people and creating positive and supportive environments. I have almost one year of volunteer experience supporting seniors living with dementia through creative activities, social engagement, and social media assistance. I am responsible, caring, and motivated to make a positive difference in others’ lives.
Mana Eshraghi
My name is Mana, and I am a student studying Visual Arts at the University of British Columbia. I practice in various art mediums, including drawing, painting, photography and design. I am specifically interested in how art can connect people and attract communities. As a result of this interest, I hope to pursue a career in architecture or design, as it is a manifestation of the intersection of art and community. Furthermore , I love staying active and enjoy long-distance running, climbing, and weightlifting. My passion for running led me to complete my first marathon, which taught me a lot about resilience, discipline and consistency. I have been volunteering with Dementia Co-creation Academy for the past two years. In this timeframe, I had the chance to work with seniors and to be part of this amazing community. Through volunteering with DCCA, I had the opportunity to bring ideas to life, including the Memory Blanket project, a participatory piece created in collaboration with seniors and community members.
Matin Visheh
My name is Matin Visheh, and I work as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) based in Vancouver, Canada. I truly value connecting with people of all ages, especially children and older adults, as these relationships have always been meaningful and inspiring to me. In my work with children, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and trusting environment where they can learn and grow through play, exploration, and everyday interactions, while developing their social and emotional skills. I have over 2.5 years of experience working in childcare settings with children aged 1 to 5 years old, and I am currently working in a daycare center. Alongside my professional role, my volunteer work with DCCA has been a deeply meaningful experience. It has given me the opportunity to support individuals living with dementia and their families, while strengthening my communication skills, empathy, and understanding of community care. This experience has further deepened my appreciation for the importance of human connection and social support in enhancing quality of life.
Asma Akrami
My name is Asma. I am an artist and a Fine Arts student with a strong interest in different forms of art, from sculpture and ceramics to painting and drawing. I believe art is a meaningful way to create connections, express emotions, and bring people together. I have always been passionate about teaching and sharing my knowledge with others through creativity and art. Through my volunteer experience with Dementia Co-Creation Academy, I gained experience working with older adults, including people living with dementia, and learned how art can create connection and meaningful moments. At Palette Art Studio, I assist with teaching and work with children of different ages, supporting their creativity and self-expression. I am also a pianist who enjoys teaching and connecting with people through music and art.
Narges Aghahosseini
Narges Aghahosseini is a visual artist, ceramic artist, and arts educator with over 20 years of experience in visual arts, ceramics, and creative education. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Fine Arts and has worked as an educator, artist, and studio owner throughout her career. Narges is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect, learn, and express themselves through the arts. She believes that art is a universal language that can foster belonging, strengthen community connections, support emotional well-being, and create pathways for healing, dialogue, and shared understanding. As a lead facilitator of co-creative arts and ceramics initiatives, Narges has collaborated with the Dementia Co-Creation Academy (DCCA) as a community partner, designing and facilitating inclusive arts experiences for older adults living with dementia, their care partners, children, youth, artists, and community members. Through collaborative creative processes, she helps participants share stories, build relationships, and discover new ways of connecting with themselves and others. Her vision is to weave art into the many layers of social life, recognizing creativity as a powerful force for community-building, personal expression, and collective well-being. Through her work, she strives to create inspiring spaces where art becomes a catalyst for connection, compassion, and positive social change.
Pedram Mo
Pedram Mo is a multi-instrumental film and video game composer. He has worked on a range of projects including drama, thriller, and horror, and continues to hone his craft through further education. He recently graduated from Vancouver Community College’s music program and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree at York University in Music Composition. Pedram’s signature style blends ambient electronic soundscapes with expressive acoustic instrumentation, drawing from both classical orchestration and experimental production techniques to create immersive, emotionally charged music. As a volunteer and community arts collaborator with the Dementia Co-Creation Academy (DCCA), Pedram composed an original musical piece inspired by the stories and experiences of people living with dementia. During co-creative arts workshops, he shared live piano music while supporting participants and their care partners as they created artwork and reflected on personal memories and stories. These experiences deepened his appreciation for music as a tool for connection, expression, and community-building, and reinforced his belief in the power of the arts to bring people together across generations and life experiences.
Mehdi Heidari
I hold a Master’s degree in Philosophy and have always been interested in understanding people, human experiences, and the ways individuals find meaning and connection throughout life. My academic background has encouraged me to think deeply about topics such as identity, memory, relationships, and the importance of community. These interests have naturally drawn me toward volunteer work and community-based initiatives that support the well-being and dignity of others. Outside of my professional and academic interests, I am passionate about photography. I enjoy using visual storytelling to capture meaningful moments, preserve memories, and highlight the experiences of individuals and communities. Volunteering in the dementia community has been a particularly rewarding experience, as it allows me to combine my interest in people, storytelling, and community engagement. I value the opportunity to connect with individuals and families, learn from their experiences, and contribute in ways that promote awareness, understanding, and social connection. Being part of a supportive community and working alongside others toward a shared purpose is something I find both meaningful and inspiring.
Zohreh Pezhman
I have dedicated my education and professional career to working with children and youth across a wide range of ages, from the early years through adolescence. Throughout my career, I have designed, implemented, and supervised educational, recreational, and developmental programs that support children’s learning, well-being, and growth. I am passionate about creating inclusive, engaging, and meaningful experiences that help individuals build confidence, develop new skills, and reach their full potential. Outside of my professional work, one of my long-standing passions is baking. What began as a personal interest gradually led me to explore Bread Therapy, an approach that uses the process of bread making to promote relaxation, mindfulness, creativity, and social connection. Through my experience working with people of different ages and abilities, I have seen how hands-on sensory activities such as kneading dough can be both therapeutic and meaningful. This is especially true for older adults and individuals living with dementia, as familiar activities can help stimulate memories, encourage engagement, foster a sense of accomplishment, and create opportunities for social interaction. I am excited to combine my professional background, volunteer work, and personal interests to support the well-being and quality of life of others through meaningful community experiences.
Mani Heidari
I am a 14-year-old student who has been involved in volunteering and community service from a young age. My interest in dementia awareness began when my family lost my grandfather to dementia. Since I was about eight years old, I have participated alongside my parents in programs that support older adults and promote awareness about dementia. Over the years, I have taken part in fundraising events in DCCA programs that bring people together in support of an important cause. One of my main interests is volleyball, and I have been able to connect this passion with community involvement. Through my school, friends, coaches, and volleyball teammates, I have helped organize fundraising and awareness initiatives to support dementia-related causes. I have also enjoyed playing guitar for seniors and participating in activities that create meaningful connections between generations. I believe that being actively involved in the community allows me to make a greater impact, and I enjoy finding ways to combine my interests with opportunities to help others. Whether through sports, music, or volunteer work, I hope to raise awareness, bring people together, and make a positive contribution to my community.
Hamid Azarnoush and Zahra Mottaghi
My name is Zahra Mottaghi, also known as Soody, and I am a computer programmer. My passion for volunteering began when my father, who had Alzheimer’s, attended programs at the Co-Creation Academy. He loved those sessions, including dancing, singing, creating art, and participating in fun activities. After he passed away, I continued volunteering, especially in group arts and crafts programs for seniors, as it gives me a deep sense of purpose and connection. Together with my skills in creativity and technology, I enjoy designing engaging art projects that bring joy and connection to the group. I hope to share my love for crafting while ensuring that each senior feels valued and inspired through creativity. My husband, Hamid, is a mechanical engineer who brings a practical and artistic touch to our projects. He works with me on the wooden elements of our crafts, using his skills to create sturdy and beautiful pieces. His attention to detail and craftsmanship ensures that each wooden project is functional, inspiring, and safe. Together, we bring a blend of creativity, precision, and passion to every arts and crafts project, hoping to enrich the lives of everyone we work with.
Let’s build stronger community systems together.
Whether you are a nonprofit, municipality, community partner, policymaker, or researcher, the Society is designed to support collaborative, evidence-informed action.