Board Chair

Linda's involvement with GIFTS began in 1998 when she was working as the Special Education Teacher at the high school. Later she worked as the Human Resources Director and Assistant Superintendent at SD64. She joined the GIFTS Board in 2008. 

Vice Chair

Andrea is a former foster parent and special education teacher, and worked in College education programs for adults with disabilities. Her entire career has focused on working with people who don't have a voice, including people with disabilities, vulnerable youth, sex workers, and teen parents. She joined the Board in 2025.

Board Treasurer

​Louise is a mother, a wife, a volunteer and an educator. She is a founding member of GIFTS since 1998 as part of a team of innovative and dedicated advocates. Louise's lifelong work in the diverse ability field has been rewarding and fruitful, although she shares there still is a long road to travel in creating inclusive and welcoming communities for all.

Board Secretary

Renoir has lived experience with disability, specifically autism and ADHD, along with co-occurring multi-system conditions. Renoir has a background in plain language translation, technical writing, curriculum development, and food justice. She holds a degree in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She joined the Board in 2025. 

Board Member

Dorothy joined the Board in 2022 as part of supporting her daughter, who has FASD and is a GIFTS participant. She has a background in fundraising, with previous positions at SFU and UBC. She is a life long volunteer and has been on many Boards, including Options Youth Society, Van Dusen Gardens, and the Minerva Foundation for BC Women. 

Board Member

​When Ethel's son, who is a GIFTS participant, was born in 1972, authorities encouraged her to have him institutionalized. Instead she became a passionate advocate for folks with diverse abilities. In high school her son developed his own interpretive dance style, which led to him performing both locally and internationally. Ethel joined the Board in 2020, and encourages all parents to "look for possibilities."

Board Member

Gloria was one of the original founding Board members of GIFTS, in 1999. Her son Lucky was a much-beloved participant at GIFTS for many years. "I can remember the doctor telling me that we could put him in an institution, and I remember saying, 'Or we could take him home and love him!'" She is committed to supporting GIFTS in their mission to honour people with diverse abilities. 

Executive Director

Amanda Myers is marten clan, and a member of the Three Fires Midewiwin Confederacy. She is a jeweller and printmaker, an experienced organizational facilitator, organizer of the Saltsppring Health Advancement Network (SHAN), and the Executive Director of the Gulf Island Families Together Society (GIFTS).