Our Team

Stephanie joined Plan Institute in 2012 to coordinate the education and awareness program of the Registered Disabilities Savings Plan, a savings vehicle developed and campaigned for by PLAN to assist Canadians with disabilities on their long-term financial stability. She has since moved into the role of Executive Director of Plan Institute. Stephanie has a Bachelors degree in Political Science and a Masters degree in Human Security and Peace-building, and has spent 15 years working with nonprofit organizations on disability issues, as well as working internationally on community integration initiatives. Stephanie has a strong belief in the right to full and equal citizenship for all those within the community, and is thrilled to be a part of the Plan Institute team.

Rachael joined Plan Institute in September 2021. Previously, she worked for a small non-profit in the UK developing communication tools for people with disabilities and also held a grant writing role at a feminist multi-service charity based in Toronto. With a background in publishing, she strongly believes that accessible information can empower individuals to live in safety and security.

Jessika joined PLAN and Plan Institute in 2010 and is currently Plan Institute’s Director of Finance. Jessika deeply believes in inclusive and supportive communities that allow everyone to be themselves and contribute their gifts.

Jessika oversees Plan Institute’s finances, manages organizational budgeting and provides financial reports to our auditors, Board of Directors, membership, funders, and government bodies.

Yaya started out as Plan Institute’s Accounting Administrator in 2012, and has since become the main Accountant. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Diploma from BCIT in Accounting. She loves working with people, travelling and is teaching herself how to bake.

Alissa proudly joined Plan Institute in 2023. She has a creative work background but decided to pivot her career and received a Master of Business Administration in 2022 from the Schulich School of Business at York University. Having previously worked and volunteered at non-profits, Alissa is dedicated to using her career to empower and lift others.

Liss is a neurodivergent nonbinary person who has had lifelong mental health related disabilities and is currently their wife’s caregiver. They graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Psychology from SFU and were provided with their first professional disability-centered experience through the university’s cooperative education program in 2017. Through the various personal and professional experiences with disability Liss has had, their passion for impacting meaningful change and supporting an intersectional and holistic approach to disability management and services has only grown stronger.

Liss is the Program Manager at Plan Institute, where their work includes managing PI’s free national Disability Planning Helpline Service; managing the Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning workshops; supporting the Access RDSP program in collaboration with Disability Alliance BC (DABC) and BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS); and assisting with the Disability Without Poverty movement wherever possible. Liss is also on the Board of Directors for DABC as Treasurer and has completed two terms as Health Mentor for the UBC Interprofessional Health Mentors Program.

Shireen joined Plan Institute in May 2024. Through their lived experience as a disabled person of colour, they have developed a passion for understanding health and wellness through a social justice lens. They graduated from Simon Fraser University with a degree in Molecular Biology and have since worked in various non-profit organizations that support underserved communities in accessing healthcare, educational resources, and inclusive recreational programming. As well as being passionate about community and equity, Shireen also loves to express themselves through visual art and is an avid painter!

Sahra joined Plan Institute in September 2024 with a deep passion for creating positive change in the community. With a background in project management, she has dedicated her career to empowering marginalized communities. Sahra believes in fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in every project she leads. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and exploring new adventures, always seeking meaningful connections with both nature and people.

Khair joined Plan Institute in January 2022 with a desire to make positive impacts with his community footprint. Khair has a Bachelors degree in Engineering and after years working in project management on large-scale industrial mega-projects, he decided to transition to more value-driven work in the non-profit sector. Khair strongly believes in the merits of financial literacy and future planning and is excited to bring his experience and passion to his role as Plan Institute’s Program Coordinator.