John Tolentino is a Registered Social Worker, counsellor, educator, and community organizer based in Vancouver, BC. He is the Founder and President of the BC Filipino Therapist Association and has dedicated his career to advancing mental health equity, culturally responsive care, and community capacity-building.

His work spans post-secondary education, private practice, community mental health, and nonprofit leadership. John's clinical and scholarly interests include Filipino mental health, migration, grief and loss, complex trauma, identity development, and decolonizing approaches to care. He is also a doctoral student in Educational Leadership at Western University.

As President, John provides strategic leadership, community engagement, partnership development, and organizational stewardship for the Association.

Ric supports the development of community-based programming, educational initiatives, and collaborative projects. He brings valuable experience in mental health practice and group facilitation and has played a key role in supporting culturally grounded healing initiatives within Filipino communities.

As Vice-President, Ric works closely with members and community partners to identify emerging needs and create meaningful opportunities for engagement.

Terrence serves as Treasurer of the BC Filipino Therapist Association and supports the financial stewardship and sustainability of the organization. He brings a strong commitment to community service and helps ensure that the Association continues to grow responsibly while remaining grounded in its mission and values. 

As Treasurer, Terrence oversees financial planning, budgeting, and accountability processes that support the Association's programs, partnerships, and future development. 

Esther supports member engagement and community connection within the Association. She leads the development and maintenance of the BCFTA Internal Member Directory, helping facilitate professional networking, peer consultation, and referral pathways among members.

Esther is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where practitioners can connect, collaborate, and support one another throughout their professional journeys.

Lauren leads the Association's communications and digital presence. She supports member engagement through social media, community outreach, and public awareness initiatives that highlight the work of Filipino mental health professionals across British Columbia.

Her work helps strengthen visibility, promote connection, and share important mental health resources with both members and the broader community.

Eliezer supports membership growth and outreach efforts across the province. He works to connect with Filipino mental health professionals, students, and allied helping practitioners interested in joining the Association.

His focus is on strengthening membership pathways and helping build a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable professional network.

Chantal Esperanza serves as Director-at-Large with a focus on supporting the Association’s internal processes, grant coordination, and administrative systems. She contributes to the operational backbone of BCFTA by helping strengthen documentation, workflows, funding applications, and organizational follow-through.

In this role, Chantal supports the Association’s capacity to remain organized, accountable, and responsive as it continues to grow. Her work helps ensure that BCFTA’s programs, partnerships, and member initiatives are supported by clear and sustainable administrative practices.