BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Richard Wagar
Director Of Brain Recovery
Founder and President of Vancouver Brain Injury Association, Richard originated all Vancouver Brain Injury Association Support Groups. A former executive coach, Richard now specializes in coaching brain injury rehabilitation and recovery.
Richard created the Neuroscience Of Happiness workshop and founded the Brain Recovery Fridays program in September 2015.
Kim Spracklin
Treasurer
Kim Spracklin volunteered at Brain Recovery Fridays from the very beginning in September 2015 until June 2018. She joined the VBIA Board and went on to serve as VBIA Treasurer in 2016 and 2017.
Kim rejoined the VBIA Board to ensure continuity and support the growth of Vancouver Brain Injury Association.
Michael Rowan
Founding Director
Founding Director Michael Rowan is a testament to self-improvement and rehabilitation from a cognitive disability. Michael was born with cerebral palsy. He also has epilepsy.
Fighting injustice for brain injury survivors was the germinating seed that grew to become today’s Vancouver Brain Injury Association.
TEAM MEMBERS
Sahra Rahim
Research and Administrative Assistant
Sahra is responsible to carry out and analyze the literature searches related to brain injury, and input these searches into the courses on Learning Management System.
Along with that Sahra is responsible to help in administrative and project management work.
Mikaela Johnson
Graphic Designer
Mikaela is an aspiring designer and illustrator studying at Capilano University.
Her biggest asset? Perseverance.
Her biggest weakness? Dark chocolate.
Mikaela is responsible for assisting with graphics for learning programs, advertisements, social media, and more.
Kiibati Adeojo
Webmaster
Kiibati is an aspiring content creator and indie game developer.
He spends most of his time studying new technology or creating content.
Kevin Zhang
Research Coordinator
Kevin is a UBC student enrolled in the Cognitive Systems program, specializing in Brain and Cognition. His interests include studying emergent patterns in social, news, and academic language during the COVID-19 pandemic and looking into how individuals react during times of prolonged crisis.
He previously served as an elected board member for the UBC Alma Mater Society, and has worked with various other public-facing nonprofits in pursuit of their mission statements.
In his spare time, he enjoys catching up on current events, going to the gym, hiking, and making music.
Natasha Nock
Social Media Manager
Natasha is proficient in event planning, project management and in creating social media video content. Natasha speaks Spanish as well as English.
Heather MacKay
Research & Bookkeeping Assistant
Heather is new to the VBIA team. She is passionate about studying neuroscience and providing support to those suffering from traumatic brain injury.
Heather is a current masters student with the department of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford, and will be starting a PhD in neuroscience in fall 2020.
Megan Pan
Volunteer Research Assistant
Megan is a UBC student specializing in Behavioural Neuroscience, and is very excited to work with the VBIA on the concussion diagnosis project.
Her interests include learning about psychiatric disorders and destigmatizing and raising awareness for mental health in the community.
She is currently involved with the Science Undergraduate Society as an Academic Experience Coordinator, and also works in the mentorship committee for the humanitarian organization UBC HOPE. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, going for walks, and biking.
Yixiao Chen
Technical Lead
Benjamin Spencer
Marketing Copywriter
Michelle
Research Director
Michelle is a recent UBC graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. She has experience with self-directed research and is excited to work with the VBIA on the Concussion Diagnosis Project.
She also volunteers at various hospitals and nursing homes with patients who have brain injuries, including her grandfather.
Her interests include playing the piano, painting, and hiking.
Emily Li
Volunteer Coordinator
Emily is a first-year student studying in the faculty of science at UBC. She is looking forward to being on the VBIA team! Emily volunteers at local hospitals where she interacts with patients who have brain injuries.
She is passionate about studying behavioral health and public health policy. During her spare time, she enjoys playing guitar, golfing, snowboarding, and watching movies with friends.
Kaho Furukawa
Graphic Designer
Kaho is an aspiring graphic designer studying at Capilano University.
She is responsible for assisting with graphics for advertisements and social media. It’s been an exciting journey for her to be a part of VBIA where she is able to utilize her asset to provide support to the community. Her interests include drawing, skateboarding, and playing the piano.