Monica Gärtner has worked in the private sector, and currently works in the government sector.  While working full-time for 20 years Monica enjoys traveling to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Caribbean, England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia and United States. She encourages people to live their dream and explore the world of traveling to enhance their lives. Monica  also is involved in formation/hip hop dance, writing a screen play, and taking on-line acting classes.

Denis Vaillancourt has run his own low-voltage business in Vancouver in 2003. His business experience has made him a valued member on the board of CIDT (a non-profit skating company) and council at Fairview Baptist Church, where he is an active member. Denis likes playing music, traveling and gardening and has lived and worked in Europe (France and Italy) and Asia (Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore). His connection with CATS began as an MC and musician at fund raising events 5 years ago. Denis is involved on various committees such as fundraising, finance and communication.

Nicole Whitford holds a BA in Anthropology and has worked for the past 5 years as Office Manager for a local wheelchair repair company (Wheelin Mobility). I have worked with clients in the disabled community and the Downtown East-side community to help repair their mobility equipment. She has  volunteered extensively with Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) giving presentations about life with a service dog. Her experience with people with disabilities and with other non- profit organizations will bring new ideas and solutions to CATS as people with disabilities continue to navigate the barriers of traveling.

Ann Marie Davison has a PhD in genetics and has been teaching at Kwantlen Polytechnic University since 1995. She was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, and has recently been involved in publishing research about this condition. She has a very well-stocked craft room and loves making greeting cards. She has taken her mobility scooter to several countries including Jamaica, Australia, Singapore, Germany and France. She and her husband Mark are looking forward to more traveling adventures.

IN MEMORIAM

The CATS Board misses our Secretary-Treasurer, Nancy Lear

Nancy had Muscular Dystrophy. Nancy served on the CATS Board until her passing in December, 2021. She worked part-time as the Community Coordinator for the Individualized Funding Resource Centre Society. Nancy held a B.A. in English from Memorial University of Newfoundland and was studying the Career Development Practitioner program at Simon Fraser University, part-time, in pursuit of her continued passion to help others. She was an avid square dancer with the Wheelin’ 8s, she volunteered at the Neil Squire Society and with her local Muscular Dystrophy Chapter. She enjoyed exploring her surroundings, travelling and shopping. It was a pleasure to work with Nancy, and CATS is at a loss without her.