Naminder is a locally trained pediatrician specializing in emergency medicine. She currently works at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in the emergency department and also serves as the Program Director for the nationally accredited pediatric emergency medicine residency program. She prides herself on being a born and raised Calgarian who was first introduced to the organization as a teenager exploring her interest in child development. She participated as a Camp Bonaventure and W.E.S.O.A.R! program volunteer before pursuing her medical degree and specialty training through the University of Calgary. Naminder is passionate about community service and engagement, particularly for causes addressing issues of equity and inclusivity. Her involvement with Between Friends left a lasting impact on her which led her to recently reconnect with the organization. She has been on the board of directors since 2019.

Sean Bower holds a position as Executive Director of Software, Head of Execution and Reporting for Shareworks by Morgan Stanley and also sits on the board of the Allardyce Bower Foundation which partners with charities and other non-profit organizations to meet its objective of encouraging the health, well-being and development of children through activity.  Sean was motivated to join Between Friends after leveraging Auticon, Canada’s first enterprise to deploy the unique abilities of people with autism as IT consultants for hiring needs in 2015 and meeting current Board Member Garth Johnson and getting exposure to the Between Friends organization.  After understanding what a huge impact supporting inclusivity of individuals both professionally and recreationally living with diverse abilities could mean to his community and seeing individuals flourish when provided the right opportunity, Sean volunteered to join the Board of Directors and is our newest member in 2022.

Taso is an Investment Banker with TD Securities Inc., with nearly two decades of experience in the financial sector. He provides strategic advice to clients on transactions across the North American energy landscape. Taso has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and is a CFA Charterholder. Through his volunteer experience with Camp Bonaventure, Taso was introduced to Between Friends and was inspired to pursue a formal role with the organization. While a new Board member as of 2023, Taso is excited to support the vision of Between Friends – to build and sustain an inclusive community where people with disabilities are able to reach their individual potential and are recognized as valued citizens. Outside of work, Taso’s young family keeps him busy and you can usually find him outdoors trying to keep up with his two daughters.

Cory is the Managing Partner and Mortgage Advisor at A Better Way Mortgages with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Cory has been involved with the Between Friends board for more than three years. He was first drawn to Between Friends when his daughter attended Camp Bonaventure. It was a life-changing experience for Alexia and her entire family. It became a safe place where she could be herself, be accepted and belong. She gained friendships, confidence and was able to have experiences that all children should be able to have such as going to camp. After witnessing the important work that Between Friends was doing, Cory decided to contribute at a higher level and became involved with the Board of Directors.

Gerry is the Manager, NGL & Crude Oil for Canlin Energy, a locally operated but globally owned Oil and Gas company. Gerry has over 30 years of experience in the marketing and operations of Natural Gas, Natural Gas Liquids, and Crude Oil in Alberta. He has a B.Sc. in Biology, as well as his Canadian Securities Course (CSC, Honours). Gerry has been on the board of directors for 21 years, and in that time has held almost every position on the board! His involvement with the organization stems from his being a parent of an atypical child (now an adult). Between Friends made a powerful impression on Gerry and his family 20+ years ago, and has had a positive impact on both of his children’s developments. A part-time musician and professional photographer on the side, Gerry keeps busy playing music and running Image Competitions across Canada, as well as being Team Captain for Team Canada – World Photographic Cup 2020!

Amber is a Talent Acquisition Specialist with Bird Construction. A graduate of Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, she has built a diverse skill set through her experience in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. In addition to her professional work, Amber shares her passion for wellness as a certified yoga teacher.

She has been a dedicated volunteer with Between Friends since 2011, contributing in a variety of roles including weekly WESOAR volunteering, event participation, and Resource Development support. “I’ve seen first-hand the impact Between Friends has on participants and their families, and I’m honoured and excited to join the board and become more involved with this incredible organization and community.”

With over 26 years of combined experience in Finance, Treasury, and IT at TC Energy, Ian has transitioned into a role as a financial advisor, serving numerous clients in Calgary. Holding a B.Comm with a Major in Management Information Systems and a minor in Economics, Ian has also completed his Canadian Securities Course (CSC) alongside various Project Management and IT certifications. During his academic tenure at the University of Calgary, Ian actively engaged with Between Friends, serving as a Program Lead, Camp Counsellor, and Camp Director. He fondly recalls his time with Between Friends as immensely fulfilling, attributing his leadership skills and appreciation for diverse teams to his experiences there. Recently joining the board in 2024, Ian is eager to contribute to an organization that has profoundly impacted both the community and his personal growth.

Rupi is a retired teacher and principal and has an adult son with a disability.  Raised in Calgary, she moved to Ontario after completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Calgary.  After three decades working with students of all ages, her family moved back to Calgary in 2020.  Her particular passion throughout her career has been advocating for students with special needs and she is excited to continue this advocacy in her capacity as a member of the Board of Between Friends.  She knows the importance of community for all people and is eager to help build a stronger community where all people with disabilities are welcomed and valued. 

Alexandra is a Supervisor at Baker Tilly Catalyst with over 4 years of experience in the audit and assurance sector of public accounts. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary and recently passed the CFE for her CPA designation. Alexandra became an active participant of Between Friends a few years back through the Friends in Motion program, which opened her eyes to how important it is to have an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe and happy in. This inspired her to become involved in the Board of Directors. 

Carolyn Simpson is a partner with the law firm Lawson Lundell LLP. She has been practicing as
a solicitor in the corporate commercial area for 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a
Bachelor of Education, a Juris Doctorate, and a Master of Business Administration. Before law,
Carolyn taught elementary and secondary school students, some of whom participated in the
(formerly) integrated occupational program, during which she concluded that more work needs
to be done to foster safe environments and provide equitable opportunities for young people with
disabilities to succeed. She is delighted to be involved in an organization dedicated to helping
people with disabilities thrive.