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:
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.

PICTURE names: from left to right, sitting Lisa Parker, April Kaulig, Linda-Ann Bowling, Denise van Straaten-Urquhart; standing left to right Jessica Marando and Amanda Dougan.
Board Member since 2025.
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.
Joined the NFTRA Board in 2026
NUMBER OF YEARS EXPERIENCE ON OTHER BOARDS:
To date I have no experience on other boards and am looking forward to learning.
DESCRIBE THE SKILL SET YOU BRING TO THE BOARD:
I worked for a company for almost 20 years. My role was Account Executive, which was mostly sales/training background. I looked after all of BC for the brand by supporting various retailers such as Hudson’s Bay, Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, Holt Renfrew.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE ON THE NFTRA BOARD:
I retired in 2024 and wanted to do something completely different. I joined NFTRA in Ocober 2025. Currently, I volunteer 2-3x a week at the barn, as a sidewalker, lead , groom and tack (assist). I fell in love with the program, kids, horses, etc. I also found myself interested in how the organization ran and how it all works. I am new to the horse / horse therapy / non-profit world.
Joined the NFTRA Board in 2026
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE ON OTHER BOARDS:
2+ years MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, Director at Large)
RMMHA Tournament Director (Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association)
1+ years Endless Pawsabilities Rescue Society, Foster Mom
DESCRIBE THE SKILL SET YOU BRING TO THE BOARD:
I come to the board with diverse experience in business and project management specializing in Finance and Insurance. As a mother of two graduatesI have served my community in many roles including directing sports tournaments, managing sports and school committees, and community events.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE ON THE NFTRA BOARD:
After retiring from a successful career in finance and insurance I have been fortunate to be able to focus on causes close to her heart. I am a lifelong equestrian and lover of animals. I am excited for the opportunity to give back to the community and serve the membership.
Joined the NFTRA Board in 2026
NUMBER OF YEARS EXPERIENCE ON OTHER BOARDS:
While I have had no previous board experience, I have worked in both private and public sector where some organizations were governed by a Board of Directors.
DESCRIBE THE SKILL SET YOU BRING TO THE BOARD:
I have extensive work experience in Human Resources, Labour Relations and Management. These skills will hopefully assist NFTRA in strategic and practical ways. I have also spent the last 10 years boarding and riding horses.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE ON THE NFTRA BOARD:
I have gotten to know the employees and volunteers, and would like to do what I can to give back to help the program, horses and staff as best I can!
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.
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.
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