Our Onsite Supervisors

HARLEEN ATHWAL (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2013
Lower Mainland

We asked Harleen…

Why CAN? 
CAN is an incredible & inclusive organization that has allowed me to meet so many wonderful participants, families, volunteers & staff. I started as a volunteer and have had so much fun over the years that I wanted to work for CAN. I love getting to see all the participants having fun, learning new skills, making friends & life long memories!

What’s your day job/studies?
I am a family service social worker.

Ask me about….
my favourite dessert to make/eat.

JOEY BALZER (He/Him/His)
Joined CAN in 2015
Lower Mainland

We asked Joey….

Why CAN? 
I have chosen to work for the Canucks Autism Network because of its dedication to providing sports & rec programs for individuals on spectrum & their families.

What’s your day job/studies?
My life outside of the Canucks Autism Network is filled with working as an Education Assistant, coaching high school basketball & competing in Olympic weightlifting.

Ask me about….
how my experiences in community recreation led me to join Canucks Autism Network.

KATHRYN BOSE / “KATIE” (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2011
Lower Mainland

We asked Katie….

Why CAN? 
Initially I joined CAN because I wanted to learn more about working with kids on the spectrum.

What’s your day job/studies?
I am a certified dental assistant in a pediatric dental office. Recently, I decided to return to school and am studying to be a registered nurse.

Ask me about….
The time I used the jaws of life.

MORGAN BUITINGA (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2015
Lower Mainland

We asked Morgan…

Why CAN? 
Growing up, most of my free time was spent in sports and it has definitely shaped who I am today. I have always loved sports and believe that all children have a right to access rec programs. I moved to BC from Ontario in 2015 and wanted to find an organization targeted for those on the spectrum. Prior to moving, I was the head coach and league organizer for A League of Our Own’s autism division in London, ON. Working for CAN is my little pocket of joy where I get to use my athletic and academic background to support a meaningful, inclusive & fun experience for our participants!

What’s your day job/studies?
I have a Masters of Education in Special Education specializing in Autism & Developmental Disabilities and am a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. Outside of CAN, I work as a Behavioural Consultant supporting kids between the ages of 2-12 at home.

Ask me about….
My flocks of pets.

DANICA BROWN (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2014
Lower Mainland

We asked Danica…

Why CAN?
CAN is such a supportive & collaborative organization! There are so many learning opportunities for volunteers & staff and so many different programs for participants. Kids are able to participate in sports, rec & social activities in a fully supportive, encouraging and FUN environment. The staff have such outgoing attitudes and come from a variety of career backgrounds, so there is always so much to learn from each other. CAN has allowed me to grow as a person and gain experience with children on the spectrum, being able to make an positive impact in their lives and them in mine.

What’s your day job/studies?
I have a BSci in Biology with a Pre-Med focus. Currently studying for the MCAT and applying to medical school, aspiring to be a pediatrician and/or cardiologist.

Ask me about….
Anything medical related or about my upcoming wedding.

SHANNON CORBEIL (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2014
Lower Mainland

We asked Shannon….

Why CAN? 
I love being a part of an organization that truly embodies inclusion and celebrates diversity. The values that drive CAN programs are why I love to here.

What’s your day job/studies?
I am a recent Therapeutic Recreation graduate currently practicing Recreation Therapy at Canuck Place.

Ask me about….
where I want to travel next or the last record I bought!

SAMANTHA HANLEY
Joined CAN in 2017
Lower Mainland

We asked Samantha….

Why CAN? 
I love working with children on the spectrum. It brings me joy to help them achieve their goals, make friends and learn new skills.

What’s your day job/studies?
I am a behaviour consultant. I work with children primarily ages 0-6 who have been diagnosed with autism. I co-own a behaviour consulting business in Kelowna.

Ask me about….
my cat and my dog.

CARLY HERMAN (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2008
Lower Mainland

We asked Carly….

Why CAN? 
I am very passionate about inclusion, and the value of diversity in our community. I love working with CAN as I have the opportunity to help individuals and families have positive sports and recreation experiences, and contribute to increasing awareness and training to further inclusion across the province.

What’s your day job/studies?
I am a teacher with my M.Ed. in Inclusive Education. I currently work as a Provincial Teacher with SET-BC, and in this role I collaborate with schools , and school districts, across B.C. to utilize technology in supporting the inclusion of students with diverse abilities.

Ask me about….
My National Park adventures!

SHADI HORTAMANI (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2017
Lower Mainland

We asked Shadi….

Why CAN? 
As someone who strives to help and serve others, I find CAN’s mission, vision, and values in line with those of my own. Working with CAN has afforded me the opportunity to reach many families and individuals on the spectrum.

What’s your day job/studies?
After 9 years of practicing as a Behaviour Interventionist/Assistant Behaviour Analyst, I am going back to school this fall to complete a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at UBC. With this new skillset I hope to create tools that would increase productivity and efficiency for those serving the population with ASD through automation.

Ask me about….
My hiking/camping adventures, school, my reading list, and my cat!

KELSEY HUM (She/Her/Hers)
Lower Mainland

JULIE HUYNH
Lower Mainland

CHELSEA KINGMA (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2016
Lower Mainland

We asked Chelsea….

Why CAN? 
I love all of the kiddos and families I get to work with and I absolutely love all of my colleagues!

What’s your day job/studies?
I am autism behavioral Interventionist and I am in school for my BSW (Bachelor of Social Work).

Ask me about….
My pets.

GARY LAI (He/Him/His)
Joined CAN in 2014
Lower Mainland

We asked Gary….

Why CAN? 
I chose to work for CAN back in 2014 to gain more knowledge about autism and working with individuals with disabilities.

What’s your day job/studies?
I am currently studying social work at UBC. I enjoy playing sports, cooking, and reading.

Ask me about….
The time a horse fell on me.

JORDAN LEE (He/Him/His)
Joined CAN in 2014
Lower Mainland

We asked Jordan….

Why CAN?
So I can help make a difference in our participants’ lives and help them find success. I want to help give parents a small break where they don’t have to worry about their child.

What’s your day job/studies?
I am an EA at a high school and a basketball coach.

Ask me about….
Anything!

NISH LAL / ” Neeeeeeeeesh” (He/Him/His)
Joined CAN in 2008
Lower Mainland

We asked Neeeeeesh….

Why CAN? 
Because it’s fun and it’s so amazing being able to have such a positive impact in the community.

What’s your day job/studies?
Special Education Assistant for the Vancouver School Board since Sep 2000. I graduated with an Art History Major and Cultural Anthropology Minor.

Ask me about….
My wonderful baby maze! My wonderful wife, Sandy! But also ask me anything. If you need to complain or are sad, I’m all ears. If you need ideas for stuff, I’m your man! I believe there’s nothing we can’t do together.

KARA LLOYD (She/Her/Hers)
Lower Mainland

We asked Kara….

Why CAN? 
Initially, I chose CAN because they were in need of swim coaches, but it quickly became so much more than that. CAN is an organization that is full of opportunity & possibility. I love watching & supporting participants with trying new activities & overcoming their fears. Everyday is different with CAN & I am always learning something new. CAN is highly supportive not only towards their participants, but staff & volunteers as well.

What’s your day job/studies?
In addition to CAN, I work as a lifeguard/assistant headguard. I am also in school completing my Bachelor of Education.

Ask me about….
my trip to Uganda!

CHRISTIANE LOPEZ (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2014
Lower Mainland

We asked Christiane….

Why CAN? 
It was a chance to challenge myself outside of a classroom. Best. Decision. Ever.

What’s your day job/studies?
Educational Assistant

Ask me about….
My Trevor Linden experience.

ALLICIA LUCK (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2014
Lower Mainland

We asked Allicia….

Why CAN? 
I got into working for CAN at the encouragement of a university professor who said it would be good learning experience! I already had some experience with kids on the autism spectrum, so it sounded like a super fun opportunity to learn, grow, and meet some fun kiddos!

What’s your day job/studies?
I am a Grade 1 teacher!

Ask me about….
rabbits!

JESSICA MCDONALD (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2016
Lower Mainland

We asked Jessica….

Why CAN? 
To develop my personal skill set by supporting individuals on the autism spectrum in a fun and inclusive environment!

What’s your day job/studies?
I’m currently in school for a Bachelors in Criminology with a Minor in Anthropology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Ask me about….
my pets! I love talking about my four legged friends.

KENDALL MCSWEENEY (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2015
Lower Mainland

We asked Kendall….

Why CAN? 
CAN is an organization that I have seen repeatedly go above and beyond to support people to participate in their programs and it is a pleasure to be a part of that process. The community that is created as a result is one of warmth, positivity, and gratitude.

What’s your day job/studies?
I am a social worker, working with adults in a health care setting.

Ask me about….
my time backpacking in Europe.

KELSEY OLSEN (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2016
Lower Mainland

We asked Kelsey….

Why CAN? 
Working with kids, youth, & adults is my jam! I lived an active lifestyle throughout my childhood & teenage years (I still do, of course!) so I jumped at the opportunity to work with CAN. I really like that CAN values creating an inclusive & safe space for individuals with diverse abilities. I am always learning new things while at programs, which I absolutely love! Being able to come to programs, have lots of fun & interact with a great group of participants, staff & volunteers always puts a smile on my face!

What’s your day job/studies?
I am working on my Masters degree in Physical Therapy.

Ask me about….
My favourite animal!

NIKITA PLANZ (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2018
Lower Mainland

We asked Nikita….

Why CAN? 
CAN is an awesome way to give back to my community! Programs are as much fun for me as they are for participants!

What’s your day job/studies?
I am a fourth year Ecology and Evolutionary Biology major at UBC Okanagan.

Ask me about….
my garden or mushrooms…

KAITLIN STERNDALE-BENNET  (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2017
Lower Mainland

We asked Kaitlin…

Why CAN? 
Recreation and sport have added tremendous value to my life. I feel those opportunities should be available to everyone. With CAN I can help provide inclusion and build the capacity in the community to better serve everyone!

What’s your day job/studies?
I’m a Girl Friday at a local school.

Ask me about….
my ridiculously awesome dodgeball uniforms!

JOHN TORRENUEVA (He/Him/His)
Joined CAN in 2016
Lower Mainland

We asked John…

Why CAN? 
To be able to move around and have fun with participants and hopefully create an experience that will want them to come back week after week.

What’s your day job/studies?
Currently studying to be a registered massage therapist

Ask me about….
anything Disney.

AIMEE WU (She/Her/Hers)
Joined CAN in 2012
Lower Mainland

We asked Aimee…

Why CAN?
When I was 16, I saw a CAN poster seeking volunteers on a high school bulletin board. I wanted to gain experience working with children with disabilities in a rec setting, so I thought CAN would be the perfect opportunity! I volunteered for nearly 2 years, then began working as a Support Worker and Coach. CAN programs and events are super fun and incredibly rewarding! Seeing the positive impact that we have on children on the autism spectrum and their families brings me so much joy. I feel extremely grateful to be a part of such an incredible, inspiring, inclusive organization and to have met so many amazing children, families, staff and volunteers along the way!

What’s your day job/studies?
In addition to CAN, I currently work as an Education Assistant for the Vancouver School Board and a Program Assistant and Special Events Worker for the City of Vancouver. I have a Recreation Leadership Diploma Program at Langara College, Hospitality and Tourism Management Certificate from the University of California – Riverside and Bachelor’s in Therapeutic Recreation from Douglas College.

Ask me about….
How my husband and I met, when I worked at Disney World, my family, the Vancouver Canucks or music.