Our Board of Directors

Erendira Torres Pina

Chair

Erendira worked for 7 years as a teacher in Mexico.  She moved to Richmond in 2005 and is the mother of two boys.  Eren is currently a Home Educator and very strong advocate parent for her children’s education.  She is an enthusiastic volunteer and always willing to give back to her community.

Murray Bond

Vice Chair

Murray spent a long career as a professional engineer and marketing consultant with BC Hydro. He has helped to develop many energy programs and has been a director on several boards and associations. Murray and his family own a horse who is leased to developing riders and sharing their home with a son who has autism.

Pennie Kapaclio

Treasurer

Bio coming soon…

Heather Biggar – Secretary

Dr. Kim Steele – Board Member

Dr. Steele grew up on a farm in Langley.  She soon realized that horses would become her lifelong passion, shaping her decision to go to vet school.  She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010.  Dr. Steele enjoys getting involved in community programs and has been on the RTRA board of directors since 2015.

Melanie Hanson – Board Member

Melanie is a strategic operational leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in research, healthcare and technology environments. Melanie brings a diverse set of skills and experiences onto the RTRA Board. She is a former long term Director and past President with the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) Board and a parent of a horse loving RTRA client. She is looking forward to utilizing her expertise in strategic planning, communications, grant writing, facilities management, finance and logistics to support the continued growth of this beloved organization. Melanie and her family live in Vancouver.

Karen Mori – Board Member

Bio coming soon…

Janice Cartwright – Board Member

Bio coming soon…

Christina Davey – Board Member

Bio coming soon…

Honorary Lifetime Members of RTRA

Frances ClarkFrances

Founder and 1st Honorary Lifetime Member of RTRA

Frances Clark was a fantastic advocate, successful fundraiser and a feisty and caring person to have on your side.  It is these characteristics that made her such a successful Chair of the RTRA Board of Directors for 18 years.  Without Frances all these years, RTRA wouldn’t be where it is or what it is today.  Frances taught us to stand up for what we believe in, to be strong in our conviction and to share our passion for the programs at RTRA and how they benefit children and youth with disabilities.

We honour Frances by making her the first Honorary Member of the Richmond Therapeutic Riding Association.

Vic AtkinsonScreenshot 2018-11-06 11.05.40

2nd Honorary Lifetime Member of RTRA

Vic Atkinson is a kind hearted gentleman who started volunteering at RTRA in 1998.  Growing up with a love of horses this was the perfect place for Vic to volunteer.  Vic was a side walker in our original location and found his passion helping the children in the lessons.  Vic joined our board of directors as our treasurer in 2010.  He remained in this position until 2018 when he retired from RTRA after 20 years of service.

We honour Vic by making him the second Honorary Member of the Richmond Therapeutic Riding Association.

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