Board of Directors

Saima, who has an adult son with autism, found her unique challenges and needs in the early 2000s shaping her personal and professional journey. She took on roles as an interventionist and consultant for families and individuals affected by autism. Additionally, she connected with organizations that offer support, information, and resources to those with disabilities. Having been involved with numerous such groups, she was thrilled to become a board member of the Plan Institute in 2023.

Saima is a firm advocate for parents to comprehend and learn their child’s thought processes, communication styles, and adapting these insights into their everyday learning, play, and academic activities. She disseminates this knowledge through workshops, webinars, and discussion forums and feels honored to have Qasim, who has guided her on a journey of persistence, continuous learning, and a fulfilling career.

During her leisure time, she enjoys reading and discovering the parks, trails, and waterfalls of the stunning Vancouver Island with her husband and two sons.

Alison works as a Helpline Advisor and RDSP Level 2 Facilitator for Plan Institute. She has also written articles, co-designed workshops, and trained staff for the organization. She has had her Certified Financial Planning Designation since 2004 and brings experience from both the banking and brokerage areas of the Financial Industry. Her education is through the University of British Columbia, Capilano University, and the Canadian Securities Institute.

Alison has always been a strong believer in building financial security through education and planning and the peace of mind this can bring. From the start, she has been impressed by how Plan Institute applies these principles throughout all of their offerings, making significant changes in people’s lives. She would welcome the opportunity to be a part of the organization’s board.

Alison chooses to give back by coordinating at Vancouver Adaptive Ski Sports and training with BC Guide Dogs.

Cynthia works as Program Manager and Outreach Coordinator at Disability Alliance BC’s Access RDSP Program in partnership with Plan Institute and the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS). She holds an MA in English Literature from the University of British Columbia with special interest in Asian Diasporic Literature and intergenerational trauma. She sits on the Transitions Advisory Committee and is a member of the Disability Tax Fairness Alliance.

Nicoleta has extensive experience in strategic partnership and fundraising in the education, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors, as well as international program and project management experience in Asia, Europe, and Africa. She has worked for over 15 years in roles advancing equitable and inclusive communities and is humbled to be able to contribute to Plan’s mission as a board member.

Jack’s career working with people with intellectual disabilities spans forty years. Retired since March 2023, he most recently led strategic planning and key initiatives, including employment and housing, as VP of Strategic Initiatives at Community Living BC.

Prior to this he worked at PLAN, where he collaborated with Al Etmanski and Vickie Cammack to establish the Registered Disability Savings Plan and provincial exemptions for the assets and income from people’s RDSPs.

Jack started his career at the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion where he worked in a variety of positions over 20 years, including nine years as Executive Director.

Jack is married with his partner of 40 years, Catherine, with whom he has two adult children, Gabrielle and Sebastien. He enjoys cooking, reading, writing, cycling, gardening and wine and whiskey in no particular order.