Our Team

Meet the Plan Institute team. Click on our images to learn more or to connect!

Stephanie Debisschop

Executive Director
she/her
Stephanie Debisschop
Executive Director
she/her

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.

Team member Rachael

Rachael Plant

Director of Grants and Programs
she/her
Rachael Plant
Director of Grants and Programs
she/her

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.

Yaya Wang

Accountant
she/her
Yaya Wang
Accountant
she/her

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.

A photo of Ebony Rosa, Program Manager

Ebony Rosa

Program Manager
she/her
Ebony Rosa
Program Manager
she/her

Ebony joined Plan Institute in April 2026. Her previous work experience includes supporting survivors of sexualized violence and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the workplace. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a Master’s degree in Public Health. Ebony believes in building engaged and empowered communities through trust-based collaboration and is looking forward to supporting PI’s programs and initiatives. In her free time, she can be found watching the Great British Bake Off and chasing after her two kids and dog, Jasper.

Solana Vannus

Program Coordinator
she/her
Solana Vannus
Program Coordinator
she/her
Solana joined Plan Institute in August of 2025. She brings a background in supporting and caring for individuals in the disability community, including six years as a family liaison and mental health support worker. Her education consists of certification in mental health and addictions, an Associate’s degree in Arts and Science, and a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University. Solana believes deeply in building community and uplifting the voices of those who need to be heard. In her free time, you can find her reading an audiobook or petting her beloved cat, Petunia.

Ivy Edad

Communications Manager
they/she
Ivy Edad
Communications Manager
they/she
Joining Plan Institute in August 2025, Ivy is a passionate writer and community organizer. They are dedicated to advocating for disabled and queer communities. Their professional communications background includes work with the Vancouver Pride Festival, the Vancouver Mural Festival, and ACCESSFest.
Drawing from their lived experience as an immigrant, a queer person, and a person with a disability, Ivy creates communication strategies that center and uplift equity-deserving communities. In their free time, they enjoy poetry, tarot reading, and astrology.
A picture of Administrator Hannah Sullivan Facknitz

Hannah Sullivan Facknitz

Administrator
she/they
Hannah Sullivan Facknitz
Administrator
she/they

Hannah joined Plan Institute in 2025 after a hodge-podge career doing anything and everything. They’ve worked as a graphic designer, teacher, historian, writer, artist, and even once was the curator of a small antique textile museum. They joined Plan Institute as our new Administrator after more than 15 years working in the disability community. Living in the intersections of disability, queerness, and migration, Hannah is a settler born in Appalachia who’s called Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh lands home for half a decade now. Outside of work, you’ll find them curled up with their dog Oliver reading, writing, and crocheting while hockey’s on.

A picture of Program Manager Liss Cairns

Liss Cairns (currently on leave)

Program Manager
they/them
Liss Cairns (currently on leave)
Program Manager
they/them

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.

A picture of Khair Hamzah

Khair Hamzah (currently on leave)

Program Coordinator
he/him
Khair Hamzah (currently on leave)
Program Coordinator
he/him