Murray Bond
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.
Susan Ottewelll
Vice Chair
Susan is an educator and lifelong equestrian with a commitment to service in the local community. She brings previous experience with other non profit societies in the areas of fundraising and community awareness of the organization and is passionate about efforts that build awareness in the community and contribute to the continued functioning of the society.
Cheryl Thorsteinson
Treasurer
Cheryl is new to the Board this year as Treasurer and has a backgrounding accounting. As A long time resident of Richmond, giving back to the community is important to Cheryl
Melanie Hanson
Secretary
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 to the RTRA Board. She is a former long-term Director and past President of 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.
Sarah Kocaba
Board Member
Bio coming soon…
Jan Cartwright
Board Member
Jan is long time program volunteer at RTRA and a horse lover.
Lesley Purcell
Board Member
Bio coming soon…
Sher Edmonds
Board Member
Sher is a program volunteer at RTRA as well as a board member. She enjoys working with young people and with horses. She is currently an Education Assistant with the Burnaby School District. She is very happy to be a part of the RTRA community.
Become a Board Member
RTRA is looking to add members to our board for the upcoming term!
- Our AGM is in September of each year
- Board member term of 2 years
- Help with planning & fundraising
- Program management
- Community promotion
Please contact our Executive Director if you are interested in joining the RTRA Board!
Honorary Lifetime Members of RTRA
Frances Clark
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, be strong in our convictions, and 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 Atkinson
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 sidewalker in our original location and found his passion in helping the children in the lessons. Vic joined our board of directors as our treasurer in 2010. He remained in this position until 2018 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.
Our Community Partners & Sponsors
