President

Keelan Tisshaw

Keelan has been a Director since 2000, and was Vice President from 2006 to 2011. He is the President of Momentum Holdings Ltd. From being an adolescent camp counsellor with orthopedically challenged children to a strong, consistent supporter of community charitable organizations, he brings a high level of organizational and marketing expertise to the Board deliberations. Keelan is the chair of the Fund Raising Committee.

Vice President

Dr. Urs Ribary

Dr. Urs Ribary is the BC Leadership Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience in Childhood Health and Development, the Director of the Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Institute, Professor in Psychology at SFU, and a Faculty member in Pediatrics and Psychiatry at UBC. He is a pioneer and expert in human brain imaging, especially in imaging the brain’s communication dynamics and alterations in cognitive disabilities and patients with neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including traumatic brain injuries. Urs brings valuable experience and clinical expertise to the board.

Secretary

Richard Bullock

Richard joined the Board in 2010. He is a private management consultant and has an interest, experience and expertise in systems and procedures, governance, financial and strategic planning. His broad organizational background is invaluable to the Board proceedings in his responsibility as Chair.

Treasurer

Peter Tyszewicz

Peter joined the board in 2016. With broad executive and leadership experience in manufacturing, automotive and renewable energy, his operations and business insights are great assets for the Foundation operations. Peter has a Mechanical engineering degree from Queen’s University and an MBA from the University of Detroit-Mercy. When not leading his current organization or interacting with the Laurel Foundation, he is likely pursuing his other passion skiing with his family at Whistler.

Directors

Colin Tisshaw

Colin has over 45 years of successful clinical, teaching and administrative experience in schools, school boards, 5 universities, non profit agencies and Boards of Directors. In these roles he has developed and managed leading edge clinical and administrative programs that have set high standards in service and efficiency. His wealth of experience is a significant asset to the board.

Tom Hill

Tom is an IT Director for Western Canada’s Leading Food Grocer. He is a results focused, visionary and organized problem solver who believes “There is no problem that can’t be solved”. Tom Graduated from Simon Fraser University with a degree in Computing Science and has 30 plus years as a successful IT Solutions Architecture, Project Manager and IT Director. In his off time you can find Tom woodworking in his basement workshop.

Dr. Grace Iarocci

Dr. Grace Iarocci is the psychology professor at Simon Fraser University, and the Director of the Autism and Developmental Disorders Lab. She is also a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar and a faculty mentor of the Autism Research Training Program (ART). Grace works closely with government and community agencies in British Columbia to disseminate research information on ASD and influence policy on ASD and other developmental disabilities. Grace brings a high level of clinical and professional expertise to the Board.

Executive Director

Chantelle Tisshaw

Chantelle is the Executive Director reporting to the Board of the Directors. She was active in the management of charitable foundation operations for autism and special needs programs in Montreal for several years, before accepting the position at The Laurel Foundation. She brings strong organizational, marketing strengths and experience to the post.

Members at Large

Hugh Parsons, MD, FRCSC, DABO

Dr. Hugh M. Parsons is a member of Retina Surgical Associates in British Columbia Hugh, received his retinal Fellowship in 1989.He is currently the chief of surgery at the Surrey Memorial Hospital and Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Parsons had pioneered the establishment of volunteer medical training in the Philippines for 5 years and currently Mongolia making 4 to 5 professional visits a year. This project entails head/neck surgery, thoracic surgery, other specialties and ophthalmology training. The project was started in 2015, is ongoing and he and his team are working closely with the Mongolian Ministry of Health to establish National ophthalmological standards. The Laurel Foundation is proud to support his magnificent voluntary professional work.