Sarah has been a volunteer for Nordic VISAS for 10+ years. It has matched her enthusiasm with working with individuals with developmental delay, as this is part of her occupation as a Physiotherapist with Island Health. She has worked with Para-Nordic athletes at the national and international level; volunteering as a Coach and physiotherapist in Regional and National training camps, and National competitions.
In 2019, Sarah was lucky to volunteer for the World Championships Para-Nordic Ski competition in Prince George, BC, and enjoyed working with Athletes from around the world. She has a particular interest in accessibility for individuals who use wheelchairs for mobility. In her spare time, she loves to read, listen to music, and play Ultimate Frisbee.
I've been involved with skiing for over 50 years, initially learning on Cable-binding Alpine gear and "3-pin" Nordic equipment. After moving to Courtenay in 1993, I focused more on Nordic skiing, primarily to teach my two children, and for five years was an Instructor/Co-Ordinator of the Jackrabbit Program.
Through the years I've volunteered with different organizations, and after retiring in 2016 I renewed my focus on Nordic skiing for my winter exercise.
When I was asked to join VISAS as a Nordic Instructor I was excited to be able to work with young and old students to promote the benefits of being outdoors in a beautiful Park setting and having fun on the snow, and these past 4 years of Instruction have been extremely rewarding
Jody joined the nordic VISAS team in 2019. Jody grew up in Alberta, cross country skiing from an early age in the river valley and mountain trails throughout the province as a means to survive the freezing winters.
Living in the Comox Valley since 2009, she has been actively involved in the Jackrabbits Strathcona Nordics program with her two daughters and has also been a coach with the Wood Gundy Nordic ski program.
Off the nordic trails Jody can be found teaching yoga or enjoying the many other outdoor pursuits Vancouver Island has to offer with her husband, daughters or sweet dog Pippa who also loves the snow.
I started Nordic skiing at Mount Washington in 1982, starting with classic and then adding skate technique.
I had a rewarding 30 year career working with children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families, and retired as Executive Director of the CV Child Development Association.
Children and their families are wonderful teachers and I have learned so much from them, I look forward to my first season as a VISAS Instructor and continuing to learn.
Off the mountain I enjoy kayaking, swimming, and gardening.
Rachel Gallagher picked up classic and skate technique with the McGill Nordic Ski Team when Montreal winters proved too snowy for trail running.
Trained as an occupational therapist in the United States, she decided to settle with her family on Vancouver Island.
She's excited to get out on the trails this ski season!