VASS operates with an active board filled with passionate skiers & boarders who all offer a wide range of skills that creates a powerful and effective team. It is a pleasure to introduce you to them:
Anne Bethune
President
Anne has been a long term volunteer with VASS since 1986 and began her role as VASS President in 2005. In addition to her front line teaching and behind the scenes leadership with VASS, Anne is a certified Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Level III instructor and Level 2 Course Conductor. Her experiences as an adaptive sailing instructor and ski instructor and her professional career as an occupational therapist makes Anne uniquely qualified for her leadership within VASS. She is a proud mother of three boys/men and has a thriving home-based business in both health and jewelry creation.
Ewa Holender
Vice President
Ewa grew up skiing in Europe and worked with people with disabilities as a sports instructor, mentor and teacher, alongside a day job as a lawyer specializing in charity and philanthropy law, several stints as a ski rep and a sabbatical getting her CASI Level 2 qualification in Whistler. VASS was the perfect opportunity to combine her love of the mountains with a passion for making a difference, and this lead Ewa to sign up as a volunteer instructor the moment she moved to Vancouver. She worked for four years as the Director of Education & Outreach at the Rick Hansen Foundation, helping make Canadian schools accessible and inclusive, and providing opportunities for people with disabilities to share their stories. She now works as a lawyer for First Nations in BC. Ewa joined the VASS board in 2013.
Tom Gillespie
Treasurer
Tom Gillespie, CPA, CA, is a Partner at Clearline CPA, whose practice primarily focuses on the provision of audit and review engagement services to various private businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Originally from Ontario, he obtained his accounting designation while articling as an auditor at a mid-sized firm in Ottawa. Subsequently, Tom moved to Bermuda in 2007 where he joined an international accounting firm in their investments and banking audit department. He has lived and worked in the Vancouver metro area since returning to Canada in 2011. Tom performs consulting and volunteer work for the CPA profession at both the provincial and national levels. Outside of the office, he enjoys golfing, skiing, and travelling with his family and friends.
Sandy Millar
Director at Large
Sandy is a Managing Partner with EQUA Specialty Risk Partners, where he specializes in insurance and risk management programs for clients primarily in the sports, recreation and hospitality sectors. As a Level IV CSIA course conductor and Level II CSCF member, Sandy comes to VASS with over 25 years of ski industry experience. His volunteer experience includes serving three terms as a director of CSIA-BC, with two terms as Chair. When not skiing with his family, Sandy is also an avid rugby player, cyclist and musician.
Bryce Eyton
Director at Large
Jack Hughes
Director at Large 
Jack’s passion for skiing blossomed during his upbringing in Quebec, and he continues to enjoy all the opportunities for West Coast skiing. He has been an enthusiastic member of the VASS community since 2011, where he’s come to appreciate the profound enjoyment of skiing while concurrently making a meaningful impact on someone’s life by instructing. Jack has actively engaged in various aspects of VASS, including his role as a Sunday program coordinator, contributing to the training of new instructors through CADS, and participating in the training committee. He is dedicated to achieving CADS level 3 certification, while his work as an IT Trainer finds a perfect complement in his mountain adventures
Liisa O’Hara
Director at Large
Liisa’s deep-rooted passion for skiing cultivated during her formative years, making it a natural inclination for her to assist others in embarking on their skiing journey. Over a span of seven years, she progressed from a dedicated VASS volunteer to serving as a Program Coordinator and subsequently as a valued Board Member. Following a brief hiatus to start a family, Liisa has eagerly returned to the VASS family. She complements her role with her extensive marketing expertise, unwavering commitment to aiding others, and a profound sense of pride in VASS’s mission
Tom Mooney
Director at Large
Tom has been a steadfast presence at VASS over the past few years. He successfully achieved his CADS Level 1 certification and is committed to advancing to CADS Level 2. His deep connection to VASS stems from his daughter’s 12-year journey as a student in the Saturday morning program. The Campbell family has remained deeply engaged in fostering inclusion and advocating for those with disabilities for a quarter of a century. Tom brings his technical acumen from his role as a technician at NCR Canada, and harmoniously contributes his musical talents as the third clarinetist with the North Vancouver Community Band
Jim Neal
Director at Large
Jim became a valued member of VASS in 2019 when he embarked on his journey as an instructor, earning his well-deserved CADS Level 2 certification. He first discovered his passion for skiing in Ontario and later deepened his connection to the mountains during a memorable high school ski trip to Austria. He enjoys nothing more than sharing his profound love for the sport and the great outdoors with fellow enthusiasts. After dedicating 36 years to a successful career spanning Marketing, Sales, and IT with Ford of Canada and a local Ford dealership, Jim now relishes his retirement. In this new phase of life, he finds immense joy in spending quality time with his family, and indulges in activities such as skiing, golfing, hiking, kayaking, and exploring the world through travel. Jim has also been contributing his coaching expertise to minor hockey in North Vancouver since 2007.
Amelia Gillies
Director at Large
Amelia Gillies grew up in Australia and started her career working with people with cognitive and physical disabilities. After moving to Canada, Amelia quickly found her home at VASS when she joined as a ski instructor in 2019. After completing her CADS Level 2 in 2020/2021, Amelia joined the board of VASS in 2021. Amelia brings her passion for accessibility and inclusion to her position at VASS. You’ll find Amelia on the mountains, skiing in the winter and hiking with her dog in the summer.
Mark Davison
Director at Large
Mark, a native of Rossland, BC, developed a passion for skiing at an early age. His connection with Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports (VASS) began during the 2002 DSABC Challenge Cup at Whistler, where, thanks to the support of two volunteers and a sit-ski, he had the opportunity to ski alongside his wife for the first time. Captivated by this experience, Mark joined the VASS Sit-Ski Program at Mt Seymour and has been an active volunteer for the past 19 years. During this time, he assumed the role of lead coordinator, acquiring Level 2 CADS and CSIA training.
Inspired by the remarkable VASS students and their families, Mark decided to contribute further by joining the VASS Board in 2023. In addition to his personal experiences, Mark’s dedication is fueled by the invaluable insights provided by his amazing wife, offering unique perspectives on navigating life with a disability and successful advocacy for universal access. His commitment lies in expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities to partake in the joy of skiing.
Bryanna Moroney
Human Resources
Accomplished HR professional with a proven track record of partnering with business leaders to drive HR initiatives that align with organizational goals. Skilled in strategic HR planning, performance management, organizational development, and employee relations. Proficient in aligning HR initiatives with business objectives to drive organizational success. Experienced in leading diverse HR functions in fast-paced environments. Adept at building effective relationships across all levels of the organization.