Shawn Marsolais
Founder, Director of Programs and Community Engagement
I am the Founder and Director of Programs and Community Engagement of Blind Beginnings, and a registered clinical counselor. Growing up with a visual impairment I was personally impacted by the limited support that was available to families raising children who are blind or partially sighted across BC. While in University I knew I wanted to work with youth; it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to do an internship at a school for the blind in England in 2000, that I discovered my passion to support children who are blind or partially sighted and their families. After returning from England, I worked as the Coordinator of Children’s Services at CNIB and discovered that BC families needed much more support in order for their blind children to reach their full potential. Wanting to do something about this I began the process of creating a non-profit to support BC’s children and youth who are blind and partially sighted and in 2008 Blind Beginnings was born.
One thing I’ve done that embodies the Blind Beginnings “Limitless” philosophy is:
Starting this non-profit is in itself an example of living by the No Limits philosophy, but since becoming a parent the ways I challenge myself are smaller scale. This year my examples of embodying the No Limits philosophy include trying kickboxing, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and registering for a Creative Writing class.
I invite you to connect with me about:
Counseling and support groups for children, youth, and parents
Current Blind Beginnings programs
Requests for programs in new regions of BC
Partnership opportunities
Blindness 101 training for your school or workplace
Media requests
Opportunities to join our Board or Committees
Lia Dicicco
Director of Administration and Finance
It is my passion and belief that all young people should have equitable rights to develop their talents and abilities to their fullest potential and make connections that help give them a sense of self and of success. This led me to join Blind Beginnings in 2019.
The last 13 years I have been working in a leadership capacity in the not-for-profit sector supporting young people. I bring this passion and over 20 years of experience as a management professional specializing in finance, administration, human resources and governance best practices to my role as Director of Finance and Administration.
In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, yoga, Zumba and spending time with my family and friends.
One thing I’ve done that embodies the Blind Beginnings “Limitless” philosophy is:
Competing in City Chase Vancouver, an urban adventure testing physical and mental limits - my personal highlight being jumping from a 7.5m diving tower.
Please connect with me about:
Fund Development & Donations
Administration and Facilities
Human Resources
Financial Reporting
Organizational Strategy
Our Board of Directors
Ways to support Blind Beginnings
Rob Mineault
Communications Coordinator
I have worked closely with the Disability community ever since I first joined an Assistive Technology retailer as their Marketing Manager in 2002. Seeing firsthand the powerful effect that Assistive Technology had on people’s lives sparked a passion for advocacy in me, which eventually brought me to Blind Beginnings in 2020.
I spend most of my work days performing a multitude of tasks for Blind Beginnings including maintaining the web site and social media channels, producing the Limitless Podcast, developing informational and marketing content, and assisting with various administrative tasks.
In my spare time I enjoy cycling, bad movies, and browsing streaming platform menus as I try to decide what to watch. I also co-host and produce a weekly Disability advocacy podcast called AT Banter*.
One thing that I’ve done that embodies the Blind Beginnings “Limitless” mindset:
Moving into a new apartment and starting a new career all in the same week during the height of a Pandemic lockdown.
Please connect with me about:
Media Relations | Communications
The Limitless Podcast
Marketing and Communications
Blind Beginnings Website
*Shameless plug: Find us anywhere you listen to podcasts!
AMAN Gill
Program Coordinator
I have been involved with Blind Beginnings on and off since its founding in 2008—volunteering for programs, working as a summer intern in 2019, and completing one of my student practicums in the fall of 2022. Growing up as a blind child in the South Asian community often led me to feel isolated and misunderstood. These feelings became the catalyst for my desire to become an advocate and support marginalized populations.
To further my goals, I completed my education in the fall of 2024 and am now a certified music therapist (MTA). I’m excited to be working with Blind Beginnings again and look forward to connecting with the BB community and creating meaningful experiences with everyone we serve.
One thing that I’ve done that embodies the Blind Beginnings “Limitless” mindset:
Relocating across the country with my guide dog to work as a camp counsellor for four months at a CNIB camp for blind and partially sighted individuals of all ages.
Please connect with me about:
Program Information
Camp Limitless
Memberships
Ishita Bhatia
Program Coordinator
Like many other blind and partially sighted individuals, I grew up often being the only person with a visual disability wherever I went. My family wanted to ensure that I would have a full and enriching life, so at a young age, I became involved in a number of extracurricular activities. One of these was volunteering, which continued into my early adult years. It was around this time I was introduced to Blind Beginnings and had the pleasure to join as a youth leader. In my various volunteering positions, I saw firsthand how supportive programming and connecting with others with varying degrees of vision can have a profoundly positive impact. Now, as one of the two Program Coordinators at the organization, I am consistently reminded that although I did not have the opportunity to take part in these activities when I was younger, supporting young blind and partially sighted individuals and their families is incredibly meaningful to me.
One thing that I’ve done that embodies the Blind Beginnings “Limitless” mindset:
Pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy. I am a strong believer in the importance of having medical professionals with lived experience to help foster a more inclusive system. I hope that my education and future work as a professional will help realize this goal.
Please connect with me about:
Program Information
Memberships
Beverley Barker
Team Lead, Early Childhood Visual Impairment Consultant
My entire career has been focused on enhancing and strengthening the quality of life of families and children, and I have a unique perspective in that I have been involved in both direct service and overall management of these services.
Knowing the importance of the first five years in impacting the trajectory of a person’s life, my passion is ensuring that children and their families have the support, resources and services they need during this critical time to reach their full potential. To me, this means ensuring access to high quality and engaging programs that offer parent support and education as well as connecting parents to relevant information and resources in a timely manner.
Most recently, I worked with Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada as an Early Intervention Specialist providing consultation and support to families with children experiencing vision loss. It is rewarding work, and I am thrilled to continue my journey on this path with Blind Beginnings. As the Team Lead, Early Childhood Visual Impairment Consultant, I will be guiding the early intervention vision services team and providing direct service to families residing in the Okanagan, Kootenay and south/central regions.
Leisure time includes walking my dogs, reading, paddle boarding, travelling, and going on as many adventures as possible with family and friends.
One thing that I’ve recently done that embodies the Blind Beginnings “Limitless” mindset:
Competing in a family challenge on “Micheal and Kelly Live” at Walt Disney World. My entire family competed in a sports challenge with a family from Orlando and we won!
Please connect with me about:
Early Beginnings and Early Intervention Resources and Services
Family Programs
Community Discovery activities in the Okanagan
Claudia Hernandez
Early Childhood Visual Impairment Consultant
I've always been deeply immersed in community work, from volunteering with various organizations to working at a summer camp. One of the most impactful roles I've held was coordinating transplant donations back in Mexico. In this role, I had the responsibility of supporting families through the journey of having a loved one undergo a transplant or become a donor.
My passion for working with families also extends to my love for working with children. When I moved to Canada, I decided to start a career as an Early Childhood Educator with a specialization in Special Needs. As an educator, I have focused on creating an inclusive learning environment while understanding that each child has a unique perspective on their world.
In my free time, I enjoy road trips, going to the movies, and checking out local cafes. One of my favorite things to do is watch the view from my balcony on a nice sunny day with my doggy.
One thing that I’ve recently done that embodies the Blind Beginnings “Limitless” mindset:
Moving to Canada and beginning a fresh chapter in my life.
Please connect with me about:
Early Beginnings and Early Intervention Resources and Services
Family Programs
Farzaneh Pourkhojasteh
Early Childhood Visual Impairment Consultant
I bring many years of experience working with children and families. I am passionate about helping families and have dedicated my career to support children’s growth and development, empowering families and children to embrace their unique journey, celebrate their strengths, and realize their potential. I value the importance of early intervention and know how it can have a long-term impact on children, empowering them to overcome challenges and build a strong foundation for their future. I am grateful to be a part of Blind Beginnings and honored to serve families in BC, contributing to the organization’s mission of promoting a “limitless mindset”.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends or taking walks with my dog.
One thing that I’ve recently done that embodies the Blind Beginnings “Limitless” mindset:
My decision to move to Canada with my husband and toddler son. It was a journey that taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of fostering a positive outlook, even in the midst of the unknown.
Please connect with me about:
Family Programs
Early Beginnings and Early Intervention Resources and Services
Olena Ardatova-Hallwood
Fundraising and Event Assistant
Before joining Blind Beginnings in 2024, I had experience in the area of my passion - events and programs. These were mainly focused on sports and athletics, specifically kids' empowerment programs and initiatives. During my coordination of the school intake and training for a District Triathlon race, I met Shawn, the Founder of Blind Beginnings. I was drawn to Blind Beginnings’ mission to provide support and services to children who are blind or partially sighted.
My position at Blind Beginnings is fundraising initiatives and events that help to spread the word about us and get help get more funding for the programs we run. As a proud Ukrainian, I love the logo of Blind Beginnings which reminds me of home showing the best colors.
In my spare time, I enjoy bike riding with my family or running to beat my half marathon PB. I enjoy singing and teaching my younger kid Ukrainian. To broaden my horizons, I love to volunteer at events for the chance to meet new people and see things from different perspectives.
One thing that I’ve recently done that embodies the Blind Beginnings “Limitless” mindset:
Making a 40 km Panorama Ridge hike at the Garibaldi Lake 3 weeks after coming to Canada in 2023.
Please connect with me about:
Volunteering
Donation-related inquiries
Family Programs
Randi Poitras
Care Coordinator
I grew up in a small town as one of the only kids with any kind of visual impairment and it was only as a teen that I was able to make connections at summer camps with people my own age who had different levels of vision. This is also how I got involved with Blind Beginnings, first as a participant, then volunteer and Youth Leader, Youth Mentor, alumni and now as a part-time Administration Assistant. My role at Blind Beginnings is to support all of our team with a variety of tasks, whether it's prepping for a program or just doing daily office things.
On the weekends, I'm a long time hula dancer, avid consumer of books and enjoy a variety of arts and crafts. Occasionally you'll also find me on our Limitless podcast. Feel free to connect with me for any of your questions in either English or French.
One thing that I’ve done that embodies the Blind Beginnings “Limitless” mindset:
Returning to school after nearly 10 years and taking both a certificate of Medical Office Administration at Douglas College and a Diploma of General Education at Langara College.
Please connect with me about:
Administration