News

Ashley M.

My interest in healthcare began at a young age and led me to pursue a career as a Primary Care Paramedic before becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). After working as an RRT in critical care for seven years, I made the transition to join the Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program (PROP) in 2026.

What drew me to PROP was the opportunity to support individuals and families in their homes and communities while helping them maintain independence, comfort, and quality of life.

Originally from Saskatchewan, I have loved calling British Columbia home and look forward to connecting with members throughout this beautiful province while making a positive difference in the lives of members and their support networks.

Outside of work, I enjoy fitness and staying active, travelling, spending time outdoors, especially near the water, and making memories with my partner, family, friends, and our much-loved dog

Mahshid G.

Mahshid Gharaati is the Financial Controller at Technology for Living (TFL) in Vancouver, with over 15 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, and process improvement. She holds a master’s degree in accounting and joined TFL in August 2025.

She is passionate about working in the non-profit sector. Her experience with Invictus Games 2025 further strengthened her commitment to purpose-driven work.

Outside of work, Mahshid is an abstract artist inspired by nature and enjoys camping and exploring the outdoors.

Chetna S.

I joined Technology for Living in 2024 as part of the Member Services team. I am passionate about the healthcare sector, and my experience at TFL has given me valuable insight into behind-the-scenes work that improves member care. I graduated from Columbia College with an Associate of Science degree in 2024 and have a background in healthcare administration and community-based work. I feel truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful programs at TFL and make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Red S.

I started my journey with TFL back in October 2024 as a part-time Finance Support Clerk. I was new to Canada back then and was studying Post-Degree Diploma in Accounting. As someone new to the country, it took a bit of time (and patience!) to land a role that really clicked with me, so I’m super grateful TFL gave me that chance. What was supposed to be a 3-month contract turned into something much longer (over a year!), and I’ve honestly had such a great time along the way even just being in the office twice a week. I am truly amazed and inspired in the wonderful and very inclusive work environment that the organization has to offer. Thankfully, in January 2026, they’ve given me the opportunity to work with the organization full-time. Now, I’m incredibly grateful to step into a role as a Junior Accountant. I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to an organization that is deeply committed to helping its members live their lives to the fullest.

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Nelson Vokey

I was born in Newfoundland, raised in Ontario and moved to Penticton, BC in 1985.  Married now for 39 years; I am a husband to a beautiful woman, 2 wonderful daughters and 1 busy fabulous grandson.  As well 2 small might dogs.

I have worked since teenage years till the incident that brought on a spinal cord injury and left me quadriplegic 4 years ago.  Throughout the years I have acquired many skills; to name a few:  I worked in Hospitality and Service industry; Residential Care Worker, Counsellor, Facilitator, Life Skills Worker, Pastor in our local church and did many ministry outreaches.  I was heavily involved in entertainment as a Director, Actor and Singer.  I worked in labour jobs such as a sub-contractor, electrical, maintenance, painting, shipping and receiving and even did some Security roles. In my community and workplaces, I was involved in committees and serviced on Boards in various capacities.

SCI did not alter how I look on life.  I am passionate about making a difference in people’s lives

Kamil Shafizadeh

I got my engineering degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 1990 with the focus on speech synthesizer hardware design and software programming.

From 1990 to 2002, designed and developed quite a few adaptive hardware and software products such as Braille notetakers, Braille OCR, electronic magnifiers, tactile speaking maps and Braille displays. Founded two start-ups and led the hardware and software development in two mid-size companies.

Led the training for adaptive software and hardware at Humanware from 2002 to 2007 then joined RBC Royal Bank in 2007 and since then have been leading the Digital Accessibility Development team at RBC.

Served as a judge for the 2025 Simon Cox Student Design Competition.

I am a keen follower of accessibility and accommodation product innovations, conferences, hackathons as well as related standards and legislations.

I volunteer for adaptive sports, hiking, cycling, participating in adaptive arts, documentary movies and classical plays and music. I also participate in community building, intergenerational activities and other public discourses.

Cayce C.

Hi, I’m Cayce Chobotiuk, and I joined the team in 2024. I work as a Logistics and Operations Clerk for TfL, where I assist the Logistics team with shipping and receiving equipment for our members. I also play a role in keeping the office running efficiently and step in to support the Peer Team whenever needed. Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with my cats, listening to music, and spending time with friends. I’m excited about growing my career with TfL and contributing to the team.

Malik G.

I graduated from the Biomedical Engineering Technology program at BCIT in May of 2023. Since October of 2024, I’ve been with Technology For Living and I am quite honored and thankful to be a part of the organization. It’s a very rewarding experience being able to provide the assistance and services that we do to promote the independence of our members. In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games, buying collectibles and playing sports.

Elysse L.

I am so thrilled to have joined the amazing team of RTs at PROP, and the special group of people who make up Technology for Living. After graduating from the Respiratory Therapy program, I found myself in the hustle and bustle of hospital life amidst a global pandemic at St Paul’s Hospital. I learned more than I could have imagined there but knew my love of working with people would lead me elsewhere in life. Stepping into my role with PROP has been an incredible and fulfilling journey so far, and I feel inspired daily by the wonderful members we serve around the province. I’m so excited to see how I can help the program continue to shine, and for all that lies ahead with PROP and TFL.

Dr. Jeremy Road

Dr. Road received his MD degree in 1977 from the University of Saskatchewan.  He has practiced medicine in British Columbia since 1985 and worked as a respirologist at VGH and UBC, as well as GF Strong and George Pearson Centre.

He has actively participated in the growth of assisted breathing for the treatment of sleep apnea and those with reduced strength of breathing.  He was the medical director of the Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program (PROP) from its inception to 2022.

He is currently a professor Emeritus at UBC and has published multiple papers in   medical journals in an effort to improve health outcomes, including quality of life in long term ventilator assisted individuals.

He has been inspired by the members of PROP in the way the human spirit is exemplified so well in them and is delighted to be able to help with the ongoing efforts of the program.

Vivian Garcia

Vivian Garcia is full of ideas, she is fiercely independent and she was born to advocate. Vivian broke her spine in 1988. Vivian’s vehicle for advocacy upgraded upon a chance encounter. She was wheeling on the road with her young son skipping along the nearby sidewalk when she met a city employee who stopped to ask her where her normal route was. He basically said, if the city knew her way, they would make curb cuts for her to travel safely. That unknown man, cut a path that showed her how to move forward. You just have to talk to the right person and have a conversation! In time, change will be done. Over the years, Vivian has been involved with helping those who wish to make change to move forward with input from her many ideas, plus their time, skills, research and the money that comes magically from investors and donors into the mix.

Over the past year, Vivian was involved in Technology for Living Seniors and with the Simon Cox Awards. She has hosted the SCI BC Surrey Bean There monthly coffee group since 2015. During Covid 19 Vivian sat as a member on the Corporation of the City of New Westminster’s Covid 19: Seniors and Peoples with Disabilities Task Force.

As a new member to the Board of Directors, Vivian brings her ideas, experience and sense of humour to the table. Outside of advocating, she is involved in research, she cooks, she gardens, she plays and she has a dog that fills her days.

 

Robin W.

Robin Whyte is a passionate individual hailing from the beautiful city of Victoria, BC. She is a true Vancouver Island specialist, deeply connected to the region. Notably, Robin achieved certification as a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility professional, reflecting a commitment to enhancing accessibility for all. Despite facing the challenges of MS and using a small mobility scooter for getting around, her zest for life shines through a love of travel and a remarkable quality of life. Robin is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Amidst it all, Robin’s heart belongs to her cherished family and friends.

103–366 East Kent Ave. South
Vancouver BC, V5X 4N6

PROP: 1-866-326-1245
TIL: 604-326-0175

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