News

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.

John Nguyen

John N.



Alex Y.

Krysten P.

I’ve been working as a Respiratory Therapist since 2009 with a focus on sleep medicine and community care. Working with the PROP team was a dream of mine since moving to BC in 2018 and I was honored and excited to join the team in 2021. My work with PROP has been some of the most rewarding work in my career as a respiratory therapist. I look forward to growing my skills with the team and meeting more of PROP’s inspirational members across this beautiful province as I do.

Michael B.

Michael (Mike) was born in Sapporo, Japan and moved to Canada at a young age. After graduating from Thompson Rivers University with a diploma in Respiratory Therapy he worked in acute care at the Royal Columbian Hospital for 7 years before joining the PROP Team. Mike has also worked in smaller community hospitals such as Lion’s Gate Hospital and Peach Arch Hospital giving him different experiences and perspective of optimizing Respiratory care. Mike and his lovely wife, Adonica, have a large Bernedoodle named Kiwee that keeps them active and constantly at the dog park. Mike has a passion for education and enjoys sharing his Respiratory knowledge with others; coupled with his critical care experiences makes Mike a valued Respiratory Therapist at PROP.

Monica Gartner

Monica Gärtner was born with a rare bone disease Osteogenesis Imperfecta where her bones break easily. She has had hundreds of fractures. Despite her challenges in the spring of 2023, Monica’s journey took a dramatic turn when she faced a life-threatening ordeal with both her lungs collapsing, she almost died. Due to her traumatic experience she received the Courage to Come Back Award in 2024 sponsored by Coast Mental Health. Monica was nominated for the Woman of Distinction award in 2025 for her creation of the Canadian Assisted Travel Society. She is an actor, freelance writer, speaker, and a published author of Overcoming the Impossible: A Life of Trials and Triumphs.

Linda McGowan

Jane Stillwell

Alex Carey

Sahar S.

I’m originally from Iran and moved to Canada in late 2025. With a background in Chemical Engineering, I’ve always loved learning and exploring new ideas, and my studies helped shape the analytical and detail-oriented approach I now bring to my work in finance.
Teaching has been a big part of my life and has really shaped who I am. I still teach English today, which is one of the reasons TFL’s mission of supporting people resonates with me so much. I also really enjoy the warm and welcoming environment here.
Outside of work, I’m a nature lover and enjoy exploring beautiful British Columbia through hiking, swimming, yoga, and long walks. I also love meaningful conversations and discovering new perspectives.

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Vancouver BC, V5X 4N6

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