Our Board of Directors
OUR NFTRA Board of Directors
What do Directors do?
Legally, they have the responsibility to act responsibly and ethically, to protect and care for NFTRA’s best interests and well-being (above all other interests or considerations), and to be accountable legally and democratically to the members. Each Director is elected by the entire membership at the AGM.
Terms are for two years. All nominees must be a NFTRA member in good standing for at least two months prior to the AGM.
Board members with unique skill sets provide us with a well-rounded Board of Directors. Here are some skills that our board would benefit by:
- Human Resource Management
- Technology
- Community Relations
- Marketing
- Previous Board Experience
- Equine Health
- Rider Needs
If you have any questions and are interested in applying, please complete the NFTR Board Of Directors Nomination package form) and email to board@nftra.ca, attention the NFTRA Director Nomination Subcommittee.
2025- 2026 Board Meeting Dates
Board Meetings will be Virtual or In-Person, depending on weather conditions!
Monthly Meetings are generally held in the evening from 7 – 9pm.
NFTRA Annual General Meeting is typically held at the end of April. Location to be determined.
All our welcome but only Members can vote. If you would like to attend a meeting email board@nftra.ca.
2025-2027 Board of Directors for North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association
Pictured above from left to right: Michelle Ashley: Chair, Linda-Ann Bowling: Director, Lisa Parker: Secretary, April Kaulig: Treasurer, Linda Loomer: Vice Chair.
Michelle Ashley –Chair
Joined the NFTRA Board in May 2023
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE ON OTHER BOARDS:
10 Years+, as a director for an Employee-Owned Environmental Consulting Company. Currently still an active board member.
DESCRIBE THE SKILL SET YOU BRING TO THE BOARD:
I’ve been lucky to have horses as an integral part of my life since I was very young. I currently own two beautiful horses (London and Miami) and until recently have been active as a competitor in three-day eventing and dressage.
Professional skills as an environmental scientist transfer well to being on NFTRA Board. These include:
Project and budget management; Team leadership; Strategic planning; Problem solving
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE ON THE NFTRA BOARD:
My love of Horses combined with wanting to actively support the local community.
Linda Loomer – Vice Chair
Joined the NFTRA Board in May 2023, volunteer in other positions for 5 years
DESCRIBE THE SKILL SET YOU BRING TO THE BOARD:
I have owned horses, a thoroughbred and a warm blood; my daughter was an equestrian.
Project management, community engagement, marketing/canvassing, external partner relations and event planning are skills that I bring to the Board as Vice Chair.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE ON THE NFTRA BOARD:
A belief in the power of the program and an admiration for the volunteers who make it all happen. I am a strong advocate for the best for our horses.
April Kaulig – Treasurer
Joined the NFTRA Board in May 2022
DESCRIBE THE SKILL SET YOU BRING TO THE BOARD:
I was an accounting coordinator for 32 years. I bring good Organizational and supervising skills along with Budget Management skills.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE ON THE NFTRA BOARD?
To support the NFTRA to ensure the program continues to thrive and to assist with financial decisions that the Board makes.
Lisa Parker – Secretary
Previous Experience: 5 years as a Director on the NFTRA board
DESCRIBE THE SKILL SET YOU BRING TO THE BOARD:
I have been a dedicated volunteer with the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association for over 25 years. With a professional background in logistics management, I bring strong organizational and coordination skills to my role as Secretary. Previously I served on the Board for five years as a Director, bringing valuable experience and insight to my current position.
My connection to the program is also deeply personal—I have four autistic sisters and have seen firsthand how therapeutic riding can enrich the lives of individuals with diverse abilities. I am passionate about creating inclusive opportunities through equine-assisted therapy.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE ON THE NFTRA BOARD:
To support the ongoing growth of NFTRA and to ensure the program will continue for many decades to come.
Linda-Ann Bowling - Director
New Board Member 2025 and new to being on a Board.
DESCRIBE THE SKILL SET YOU BRING TO THE BOARD:
Business Owner for over 35 years; Organizational Development Consultant and Leadership Coach; Business and Personal Coaching with Horses. A lot of experience helping organizations build their people infrastructure, change management, project management, business process re-engineering, and of course, years of experience with horses; hands-on healer for emotional healing of horses. Certified Essential Oils Coach; HeartMath Certified Practitioner and Mentor and Trauma-Informed Practitioner
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE ON THE NFTRA BOARD? I am semi-retired, and I want to give back to the community, particularly when the horses are involved. They deserve the best TLC we can give them. I also want to help the organization grow and become more self-sustaining.
604 462 7786
Manager@nftra.ca
12591 209th Street
Maple Ridge, BC V2X 4N2
PO Box 31601
Meadowvale Shopping Centre
Pitt Meadows, BC, V3Y 2G7
Copyright 2025 North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association