What drew you to working at VBIS?

Before VBIS I worked in international conference and association management. Many of my clients worked in Neuroscience and I was fortunate to meet inspiring global researchers who are passionate about how the brain works. When the ED position at VBIS came up I saw an opportunity to have more personal interactions with brain injury survivors, which really appealed to me.⁠

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

Of course, the people! From the wonderful clients to the amazing volunteers to the superb team I am so lucky to work with, I love interacting with everyone I meet each day, and each day brings different situations and people that I get to know better.⁠

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

There’s such a stigma around brain injury and brain injury effects so many people in our community, from the survivor themselves to the family members, co-workers, friends, and beyond – it’s a ripple effect. I’d love to see a future where brain injury gets the much needed attention and funding it deserves.⁠

What is a fun fact about you?

I am learning to play the harp and I love it because even if you play the wrong notes, it’s virtually impossible to sound bad!⁠

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I was drawn to working with VBIS after growing up with my father who lives with a brain injury and then learning more about what that meant in university. I was also attracted to the values of compassion, accountability, and community, which I found listed on our website.⁠

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

I enjoy meeting people and walking beside them for a bit.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

The most important thing I learned working at VBIS is how to navigate various systems, supports, and services to help people living with brain injury meet their needs. This is something I keep learning about more and more. ⁠

What is a fun fact about you?

I was dragged by a school bus on the first day of grade 1. True story. 

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I came to VBIS in 2008 after just moving from Prince George to Victoria so that I could be closer to my sons.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The clients. Every day is different, even when you have the same clients. It’s never boring and I love watching them blossom.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

Patience. It’s an essential quality for anyone working in this field, though it’s impacted just about every aspect of my life.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love to travel!

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I have been involved with the brain injury community for more than 5 years in both research and outreach settings. After studying neuroscience in my Master’s degree and recently moving to Victoria, I was looking for a way to re-immerse myself within the community, which is when I came across VBIS. I was immediately enticed by the energy and sense of inclusion I felt as soon as I entered the building!

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

I really enjoy getting to know the clients and listening to each all of their stories. It is also so motivating to work with a team with a shared passion and a common goal.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

Working with VBIS has revealed the power of advocacy and empathy. Even though ABI can be seen as an ‘invisible’ disability, it is so important to realize that it is all around us.

 What is a fun fact about you?

One time I hiked 50km in one day!

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I began volunteering as a receptionist at VBIS back in 2020. Having a close family member with a brain injury and studying neuroscience, I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to get involved with an organization that does work so personally meaningful to me.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The people I’ve met! The wonderful clients, staff, researchers, and volunteers have all made a profound impact on my life. I continued to be inspired by the stories I learn from brain injury survivors every day.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

How unique and diverse brain injury is. From listening to client’s stories, I have gained a deep understanding of the intersecting challenges brain injury survivors face in their lives. Learning this has not only taught me how inspiring and resilient individuals are but has also broadened my own perspectives.

What is a fun fact about you?

In my free time I love to read and be outside!

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I really wanted to find somewhere where I can have a real impact on the lives of people in my community in my day-to-day work. VBIS does incredible work and I have already seen the impact it has on people!

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The best part about being here is the people! Folks have been so welcoming and friendly. It has been wonderful getting to know the staff and clients.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

The thing I probably have learned already (and need to remind myself) is to speak slower! I tend to speak very quickly when I am excited. 

What is a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that I have a leopard gecko named Scout! I spend a lot of time decorating her tank and adding things to climb on and hide in. 

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Invisible disabilities are highly stigmatized, particularly ones related to brain injury. We are all one unfortunate second away from needing the support VBIS gives, and as such, I am happy to assist in strengthening the organization’s position and resources.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

My teammates are exceptional, the ED is exceptional, and watching the organization blossom is a privilege.

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

I learn something new every month at VBIS, but looking back to when I first started, I was surprised at how much non-profit organizations rely on volunteers and was further surprised by the generosity of time and commitment our volunteers display.

What is a fun fact about you?

I failed my driver’s test four times! I’m from England. I blame it on the wrong side of the road thing.

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Having a brother, son, and nephews who all played hockey for years, I know first-hand the effects of concussion. The team at VBIS helped paint a picture for me of a real opportunity to help educate them and others like them.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Hearing clients and their families tell real stories of surviving and living with acquired brain injuries is heartwarming and truly inspiring. Playing a very small part to help improve awareness for this great organization is so fulfilling. My fellow board members are totally awesome too!

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

That brain injury, including concussion, is EVERYWHERE. We all have or know someone who has sustained a brain injury of some sort… This makes raising awareness, and ultimately raising funds, for VBIS integral to community success.

What is a fun fact about you?

In 1994, my family brought the BC Hockey League team, The Salsa, to the city when the Victoria Cougars moved to Prince George. The team name was inspired by the family’s ownership of Taco Time on Vancouver Island.

​What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

The passion and level of engagement that’s demonstrated by each of the Board members I had met. They made me feel inspired and excited to be a part of something magical in the work that VBIS does for the community. As someone with a very long history of concussions, I can completely appreciate the need to amplify the work that this board and organization is doing, and I’m super stoked to contribute what I can to help make this happen.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Getting an opportunity to work alongside pretty amazing and brilliant human beings! I know my time on the board has just started, but the time I’ve spent with the team so far – I’ve been nothing but absolutely impressed with how they have chosen to show up for VBIS.

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

How no two brain injuries can look the same and how personalized modalities of care can really change someone’s life after brain injury. That’s why it’s so important to hold space for people to share their stories – so that we feel seen, heard, included, and valued.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love paint-by-number canvases. I don’t know why it came to be, but I can lose all sense of time and feel so happy when it’s just me, a handful of acrylic paints, and a piece of art broken down by tiny little numbers. 

​What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

I have a 17yr old son who recently had two concussions last year from mountain bike competitions. My concern led me to want to understand more and how I can help. I did not know the purpose and resources VBIS offers until speaking with Gerald Hartwig, the President.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Working with an energetic and motivated Board that is focused on making a difference.

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

The tools available at VBIS for concussion patients that will help them with their recovery. Very few people know about this.

What is a fun fact about you?

Well, since it is no surprise since our last Board meeting, I bungy jumped nude (ok, back in 2000) as a bet to encourage a friend to stop smoking. She stopped and I lost😊.

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Life has shown me the formidable hurdles individuals with brain injuries and their families often face, including my own. When I heard about VBIS and the compelling stories of what it is like to live with a brain injury, it sparked an even fiercer commitment in me to raise awareness and provide support.  

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

The vibrant and positive energy in everyone on the team who truly want to make a difference, advocate and spread awareness about brain injuries.  

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

Gaining a deeper understanding of the causes, effects, and challenges associated with brain injuries. This increased awareness can be valuable for both personal growth and advocating for those affected by brain injuries.

What is a fun fact about you?

I came into the world on December 24th – couldn’t resist the holiday charm, I suppose. To top the humour, my younger brother clearly loved my birthday style so much that he had to show up to the same birthday party, only seven years later! 

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

In the course of my work as a physician the impact of brain injuries on individuals, their next of kin and their local community is always clearly apparent to me. Thankfully through personal connection I was able to join the board at VBIS.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

This is an exceptionally competent and very caring group of VBIS staff and volunteer directors who are working diligently and consistently to make other people’s lives better. What could be better than being a part of that? 

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

The massive difference that the services and programs offered by VBIS makes to the clients lives.

What is a fun fact about you?

As long as I am on the water I am happy. Frozen (snowboarding), or liquid (skiing and tubing) are equally good.