Zosia Ettenberg – Founder and Executive Director
Little Pieces Of Me:
- I know four languages: English, French, Polish and German.
- I have a service dog named Vanstone, who is the cutest! He loves celery.
- I have two sons who I am very proud of.
Hello, My name is Zosia Ettenberg and I live in Langley, BC. I had polio at 6 months of age which created a whole new set of challenges for me as well as opportunities. During my life, I have never let this slow me down! I used to be a Physiotherapist and graduated from McGill University with my Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.P.T.) degree in 1966. I worked for 25 years in the field becoming Director of Rehabilitation Services and eventually Director of Education and Quality Assurance at Langley Memorial Hospital in BC. Eventually I changed careers and went into the Financial Asset Management business.
I created and founded the Langley Pos-Abilities Society in 2010. Since then, I have been working hard towards achieving the society’s goals. I have been president; I have helped to launch a gas app in Langley; I was part of creating the “Day of Pos-Abilities” and I am a firm believer in the TOAD Program. I know that it can help to create a difference in the community. I play a huge part behind the scenes that most people don’t even see!
Going forward, I will be bringing ideas to the table and asking questions. I have learned that inspiration can be found anywhere, from anyone no matter how young or old. I will be working hard to bring our current goals to fruition. Life is exciting when you can learn no matter how old you are. I work as passionately for the Langley Pos-Abilities Society as when I first started it.
Colleen Loewen – Executive Director Assistant
My name is Colleen Loewen. My husband Glen and I will be married for 30 years in June 2024. We have a daughter Jamie (23) also volunteer for LPAS, a son Adrian (20.5) who just got married May 2024 to Emma (21), and a daughter Dana (16) grade 10 and loves drama.
I have been volunteering for Langley Pos-Abilities Society for about 13 years now, and I have been on the board since April of 2018. I was also the President as well as Treasurer in 2022.
I enjoy giving back to my community and getting to know those that live in it. I like to be a good example of giving back to the community to our three kids. I also like to see the expression on the students faces when we present the TOAD program to their schools, and they get that look of understanding of what it must be like for someone living with a physical challenge.
Having been on the board for six years now, I understand why it is important to commit to it for at least a year, as there are different events that happen throughout the year. It’s always exciting to get new members on the board and see their enthusiasm for helping and trying new things. I have been working very closely with Zosia these past 6 years. This last year I have become an Executive Directors Assistant as well as still doing the Treasurer position (until we can find someone else to take this over) and have seen a lot of changes and improvements to the Society.
I am excited to see what the future for Langley Pos-Abilities holds as we continue to do TOAD Programs, more Accessibility Audits, seeing how the AccessibilityMap.ca app grows, and as we continue to provide PAD items to our communities.
Taylor Danielson – President and Director of Technology
I currently serve as President and Director of Technology. With extensive experience in the field of accessibility, I am dedicated to improving community support and independence for individuals with disabilities.
My contributions at Langley Pos-Abilities include playing a role in the later development stages of our non-profit’s platform, AccessibilityMap.ca, by bringing it to smartphones via the Android and Apple App Stores. As the owner of a small business specializing in accessibility consultancy, I collaborate with organizations like Technology for Living and Kinova Robotics to enhance community outreach programs and the practical application of assistive technologies. My expertise focuses on the adoption and effective use of assistive technologies, ensuring these innovations significantly improve the lives of those they are designed to help.
Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy III, I bring personal, lived experience into our work at Langley Pos-Abilities. Looking ahead, my vision for the board involves identifying areas within our operations that can be streamlined and made more efficient by leveraging our IT infrastructure to enhancing our service delivery and impact.
Beyond my professional activities, I enjoy spending time with my two dogs, reading, and continually advancing the accessibility of my smart home. I am passionate about using my experience and perspective to promote a more inclusive and accessible future.
Moira Fricke – Vice President
My name is Moira Fricke. I am very excited to be involved in a non-profit society that shares my passion for embracing all people, who have diverse abilities, in our local community!
My entire career, over the past forty years, has been working with people who have diverse abilities. I began working in residential group homes, supporting people with development delays, when I was 18 years old. The rest of my career has been in the school system (both public and independent schools), working in various roles including: Education Assistant, Resource Teacher, Special Education Coordinator and Assistant Professor. Currently, I have the privilege of equipping future teachers with the vision and tools necessary for teaching the diverse learners in our 21st century classrooms. I look forward to using my experience and skills in serving Langley Pos-Abilities for many years to come!
Davin Venema – Secretary
Hello! I have been honoured to call myself Langley Pos-abilities’ secretary for nearly two years. I was drawn to Langley Pos-abilities out of a passion for making a positive impact in the community, and a strong desire to spread awareness about the challenges people living with disabilities face.
During my time as secretary, I have utilized all the skills required to keep important documents organized and accessible. I am responsible for scribing all meetings, properly filing minutes and more. I act as a volunteer for the society as well, working with our TOAD program, and assisting in planning events. I am running for re-election for the secretary position, and I hope I can keep serving this important society.
Sonia Dhillon – Director of PAD (Personal Assistive Devices) Program
Hello everyone, my name is Sonia Dhillon. It is a pleasure to introduce myself as the P.A.D Program director here at Langley Pos-Abilities.
As a passionate advocate for healthcare and community service, my journey with Langley Pos-Abilities has been nothing short of transformative. Starting as a Student Volunteer in 2021, I’ve had the privilege of growing within the organization, eventually serving as Director of Volunteers and now, leading the “Personal Assistive Devices” (P.A.D) program.
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree at the University of the Fraser Valley. My dedication to education and research extends to my aspirations in the medical field, where I aim to make meaningful contributions to women’s health and holistic wellness. Beyond my academic and volunteer pursuits, I find joy in hiking, watching documentaries, indulging in historical fiction, and celebrating the holidays—especially since I was born on Christmas Eve!
Langley Pos-Abilities is more than just a volunteer opportunity; it’s a treasure trove of genuine connections and impactful initiatives. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such inspiring individuals, and I encourage everyone to explore the enriching world of volunteering. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Nimrat Aulakh – Director of Accessibility Audits and AccessibilityMap.ca
Hello, my name is Nimrat Aulakh. I work as a Registered Nurse at the Seabird Island Indian Reserve and the Abbotsford Regional Hospital. Prior to this, I have worked as a youth support worker for four years, providing lifelong skills for at youth risk and those with special needs. After being diagnosed with a chronic illness four years ago, I realized that others in the South Asian community often did not receive enough support due to a lack of knowledge, stigma associated with the illness, language barrier or cultural stereotypes. I decided to facilitate support groups and provide one to one support in order to raise awareness. I am an Ambassador with the Multiple Sclerosis society of Canada and a member of the annual MS Walk Committee and the Biking Committee.
As a board member with Langley Pos-abilities, I am responsible for auditing facilities and suggesting changes to ensure they are accessible to people with disabilities. I am also actively working on the Accessibilitymap.ca app that maps accessible public buildings across the Lower mainland.
Zach Z. – Director of Marketing and Communications
I’m honoured to serve as the Director of Marketing & Communications at Pos-Abilities Society.
My non-profit journey began at 18 when I spearheaded a fundraising campaign for women impacted by violence while pursuing my communications degree. Since then, my decade-long marketing and communications career has also seen an involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility in the for-profit sector, bridging the gap between large corporations and non-profit organizations.
From steering marketing strategies for multi-national corporations to driving grassroots promotions for start-ups, I’ve honed my skills in elevating brand visibility and fostering community engagement. With my experience across diverse industries, I bring a unique perspective to amplify the voices of the disadvantaged. Crafting innovative campaigns with minimal resources to ignite profound impact is my definition of success.
Outside of work, you’ll often find me exploring the city on rainy nights, rowing, neck deep in a good book, or sketching away. My dedication to Pos-Abilities Society stems from a desire to shape an inclusive and equitable community for all and empower those in need.
Cynthia – Director of Social Media
My name is Cynthia. I am a recently joined board member and I am proud to be serving on a committee of such wonderful individuals for such a wonderful cause. I have always had a passion for helping others, and volunteering is one of the best ways that I can follow that passion. I value inclusion and accessibility for all. I value being a part of LPAS because it allows me to participate in ways that can help increase awareness of inclusion and accessibility in my local community, Langley. I have been a resident of Langley for almost all my life. I am looking forward to all that I will learn from my position as media director here at Langley Pos-Abilities.
Petrina Arnason – Director
Petrina was born in Wells, BC and spent her formative years in a variety of moves across Canada which culminated with a 5 acre hobby farm in south Langley. As a young adult she moved to Toronto to attend York University where she received an undergraduate degree in “Health and Environmental Studies”. She subsequently graduated with a “Masters in Environmental Studies” and Law Degree (JD) from Osgoode law school in 1994. After a varied career in the legal realm, she ultimately began a small business with her husband, Gunther.
Petrina was first elected to Council in 2014 and re-elected to Langley Township Council in 2018 where she served until November 2022. During that time, she served on the Seniors Advisory Committee and helped shape the Township’s award-winning Age Friendly Community designation and the more recent Dementia Friendly Community provincial designation. She has also worked with a number of other seniors’ serving groups including Triple A Senior Housing. She has passionately advocated for the development of more affordable senior housing options in the Township as well as other infrastructure changes and transportation options to support “aging in place”.
Gregory Udeh – Director of Volunteers
Greg lives in Langley and currently leads a team working on a new method for early cancer detection. Greg has been in the corporate world for up to 30 years, with experiences in the beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Greg has science and business degrees from Nigerian Universities.
Greg is passionate about making a difference, especially in people’s lives. Greg is married to Ebele, with 3 boys and a girl.
Sabrina Wang – Treasurer
Hello, my name is Sabrina and I have been the Treasurer for Langley Pos-Abilities since May 2024. As the Treasurer, I make sure financial statements are up to date and present financial reports to the rest of the board. Currently I’m studying business at Simon Fraser University, and I look forward to applying my skills towards the organization.
I’ve always felt a deep-rooted desire to serve my community, driven by a genuine passion for making a positive impact. I have volunteered at various organizations in the past and have always been driven in supporting and achieving their vision. I believe in the power of collective effort and am inspired by the resilience and spirit of my community members. This commitment to community service is not just an interest but a core part of who I am, and I am dedicated to continuing this work to foster a stronger, more supportive environment for everyone.