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Meet Our Team

At Delta Stroke Recovery, we're more than a team.  We're a family of dedicated staff and volunteers who share a deep commitment to supporting Delta's stroke survivors and their families.  Each member of our team has joined us because of a personal conviction that every stroke survivor deserves hope, strong social connections, and ongoing opportunities to advance their recovery.

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Our Board

Steve Joyce, President

Susan McAlpine, Vice President

Steve Scott, Treasurer

Katrina Van Poederooyen, Secretary

Dawn Sillett, Director

Cyndi Buchner, Director

Rosemarie Hurst, Director

Ryan Horn, Director

Ailsa Howard, Director​

Shelagh Jackson, Director

Susan Hallat, Director​

Mary Lou Jennings, Director

Meet Our Staff & Therapists

Speech Language Pathologist

Shari Linde

M.Sc., RSLP, S-LP(C)

Shari has been working as a speech-language pathologist since 1994. She specializes in the communication difficulties of adults and children who have neurological damage, developmental disabilities, psychiatric conditions, or autism. She also has extensive experience addressing swallowing impairments.

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Shari is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the University of British Columbia. She is also on the Registry of Autism Service Providers, with designations as a speech-language pathologist and behaviour consultant. Shari was on the board of directors for Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) from 2020-2023

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Shari leads Speech Language Pathology on Tuesdays in South Delta.

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Aphasia Communication Therapist

Laurie McFarlane

SLPA

    Laurie graduated in 2008 as a Communication Disorder Technician (CDT). She worked with children and adults for Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech at Harbourview Hospital in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia for many years.  This experience ignited her passion for working with those who have post-stroke speech disorders.

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    Laurie has been a community branch Program Instructor for After Stroke BC since 2015.  In 2020, she took on joint-leadership of the BC-wide Aphasia Peer Connect (APC) program. Laurie has been a member of Speech, Audiology Canada (SAC) since 2008.

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    Laurie leads the virtual Aphasia Communication Group on Thursdays. 

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    Physical Fitness Instructor

    Rachel has her Bachelors in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia focusing on leisure access and barrier removal for persons with disabilities. She is currently completing her Graduate Diploma in Applied Health Science at the University of Western Ontario, as well as, her Bachelors in Recreation Therapy.

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    In addition, Rachel is a BCRPA certified trainer, boxing coach, and first-degree black belt. She has over nine years of experience, working with all levels and ages regardless of barriers, abilities, including Parkinsons Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, hearing impairments, and mobility concerns. 

     

    Rachel leads FAME and our all-abilities Fitness session on Tuesdays in South Delta. 

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    Physical Fitness Instructor

    Yolanda Lumase

    ACE CPT

    Yolanda is a recognized Fitness Leader with over 7 years of experience as a certified Personal Trainer specializing in Older Adults.  She also specializes in strength training, functional movement, weight management, and mindset coaching. Yolanda has a dynamic, results-driven approach that integrates physical fitness with mental resilience.  

     

    Over the years, Yolanda has worked with diverse populations – from teens to working executives to seniors -- and those new to fitness.  She creates an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.


    Yolanda enjoys doing HYROX, spending time with her granddaughter, and traveling with family and friends.  She also works as a Group Fitness Instructor with the City of Delta.

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    Yolanda leads the all-abilities Fitness session on Wednesdays in North Delta.

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    Program Coordinator

    Sandra Gaudette

    Program Coordinator

    Sandra’s career has been built on creating meaningful connections, delivering exceptional service, and helping individuals feel supported, valued, and understood.  Her background spans corporate travel, hospitality management, and fundraising, giving her a unique blend of professionalism, compassion, and organizational expertise.

     

    In her career, Sandra has successfully managed corporate programs, coordinated high-end travel experiences for hundreds of guests, and built long-standing client relationships through trust, communication, and attention to detail. In the non-profit sector, Sandra played a key role in community outreach and fund development, helping increase awareness, donor engagement, and financial support for programs serving women, children, and youth experiencing violence. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life has been central to her success throughout her career.

     

    Known for her warm personality, strong work ethic, and dedication to service excellence, Sandra is passionate about creating positive experiences and making a lasting impact both professionally and within her community. She looks forward to building strong relationships and good energy with the team at the Delta Stroke Recovery Society.

     

    Sandra has been training since the start of May, and is ready to step fully into her role. She will oversee programs, scheduling, volunteers, wayfinding, communications, and administration for DSRS.  Susan will now move into her new role as DSRS Board Vice President, and she looks forward to supporting DSRS from her new home on Vancouver Island.

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    Join The Team

    We invite you to reach out to any of our team members to learn more about our work and how you can get involved. Each story of recovery starts with a community that cares—join us in making a difference.

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