President

Troy, founder of CRIS continues as our steadfast, level-headed leader and visionary. By observing what he does with his time you’ll soon see that Troy’s mountain man exterior is just camouflage for the big softy inside. His humanitarian nature shines through in his career as a Firefighter as well as in his voluntary job at CRIS. Once you experience a ‘Troy Hike’ that pushes your every limit, you may think that he is some sort of sadist… but when you conquer the mountain and witness the view from the summit, you will understand his motives and appreciate the grunt work that it takes to get there.

Vice President

Clayton first came to us many years ago as a participant. Since then he has grown into a kind compassionate, well-spoken board member, advocate and young man. We are thankful to have him working with us and grateful that he is always willing and ready for ANY Adaptive Adventure. A true pioneer.

Vice President

Auto Sales Associate. Past program coordinator, summer student, and trip leader. CRIS was his launch into the wilderness. Eric’s most memorable experience was sleeping on his water bladder in a mountain tent on his first CRIS mountain expedition.

Treasurer

Involved since CRIS’ first steps as well as teaching them to the Founder/President, Lynda has been (and is) a quiet and vital member of CRIS. We are lucky enough to have this lovely woman to make sure all things treasury related are dealt with in a timely and accurate fashion. On top of all of that she also assists on the adaptive winter activities.

Occupational Therapist, past Executive Director for CRIS, past summer student and trip leader. Enjoys the outdoors and the impact on community programs. One of her favourite events SMA Camp.

Secretary

Reid Lobson

Executive Director

Meet Nicole Chirkoff, our Executive Director with a flair for adventure and a heart rooted in the Okanagan Valley. Her love for the outdoors started as a teen in an outdoor education class, where she experienced the BC backcountry for the first time. Discovering rock climbing, glacier travel, and ocean kayaking were incredibly exhilarating experiences, ones that set her on a mission to ensure everyone has the opportunity to bask in the glory of the Canadian backcountry.Armed with a degree in International Relations and Immigration Law, Nicole blends her knack for navigating complex systems with an infectious passion for nature. She’s all about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for unforgettable outdoor experiences.When she’s not steering our organization toward greatness, Nicole is out learning to sail, dreaming of charting a course for the perfect backcountry ski spots. Her leadership and adventure keeps us all inspired and ready for the next great outdoor escapade.

Director of Operations

Danielle, our Director of Operations at CRIS, brings a rich blend of sport and outdoor recreation experience to her role. As a former Canadian National team athlete in field hockey and a kinesiology graduate, Danielle plays a pivotal role in shaping our programs by leveraging her background as an athlete and coach to lead programs and train staff and volunteers. Her leadership fosters an environment that supports and uplifts both individuals and teams. Under Danielle’s guidance, CRIS continues to innovate and grow all of our programs, including Adaptive Adventures, Adaptive Rentals, and Accessible Wilderness Expeditions. Danielle’s love for sport and outdoor recreation carries beyond her hobbies of running, skiing, and hiking with her son on her back, this passion ensures our programming not only engages but also empowers people to stay active for life.

Manager of Development and Growth

Originally from Northern BC, Briann came to the Okanagan and CRIS with a wild spirit, wanderlust, and a love for adventure and traveling (and the occasional shenanigan). She began as a client, but was quickly recruited as CRIS’ Community Liaison in December 2020. She brings an education from the UK in the non-profit sector, a history of advocacy, as well as her lived experience as a person with a disability, and a daughter of a person with a disability. Briann is always down for trying something new and is a master at adapting anything. She loves both the water and the snow and always keeps her humour even when things go sideways. Don’t tell her she can’t do something, because she will do it. 

Adaptive Adventures Program & Community Manager

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Tine grew up in Germany before completing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in Germany and a Master’s in Environmental Sciences in France. Tine fell in love with the Okanagan after working on a farm between degrees, encouraging her to return after graduating. In 2020, Tine started volunteering with Elevation Outdoors and found a true passion for working with others. In 2021/2022, she received an online certification from the University of Toronto in Project Management. We are grateful to have Tine as the mastermind for organizing and coordinating CRIS Trips. When she isn’t working or making tasty baked goods for the office, she spends her time climbing, hiking, kayaking, camping, and working on DIY projects!

AWE Program Manager

A Recreation Therapist and outdoor enthusiast, Laura has called BC home for ten years. Growing up in small town Ontario is where Laura’s passion for nature, wildlife and sustainability began. Her work in health care, as well as BC/Y Easter Seals, has inspired her holistic, person-centred approach to helping others. Laura finds happiness in supporting people with barriers and making imagination become reality! As Manager of the AWE program, Laura believes in the importance of being connected with nature, and that everyone should be given the opportunity to experience the role that nature plays in fostering that connection with one’s self, others and the environment. When not planning the next AWEsome adventure, you can find her outside mountain biking, skiing, gardening or hiking with her dog.

Equipment & Maintenance Coordinator

Rob brings an infectious enthusiasm to our team as the man who does it all. With a knack for problem solving, he is the go-to expert for fixing and maintaining our adaptive equipment, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Not only does Rob handle the technical side of things with skill and precision, but he also plays a crucial role in training new staff, sharing his knowledge and keeping morale high. His dedication to safety makes him our go-to guy for all safety-related matters, helping to create a secure environment for everyone. Rob is also deeply committed to helping our clients experience the joys of outdoor recreation. Whether he’s ensuring equipment is in top condition or inspiring others with his enthusiasm, Rob’s positive energy and dedication make him an invaluable part of our team.

Adaptive Adventures Program Coordinator