Board of Directors

BOARD CHAIR

John McCulloch has a law degree from Cambridge University and provides international consulting services to the airline industry. John volunteers with several not-for-profits focusing on live theatre, plastic pollution, and working with families of those with developmental disabilities. John has served as Chair of PASS since its inception in 2019. His adult son Charlie has autism.

FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Allison Arai obtained her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia and has her Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant designation. Allison manages and operates an established family business with three locations in British Columbia and one in the United States. She is one of five founding mothers of PALS Autism Society, the first independent school program for children with autism in British Columbia. Allison is a proud mother of two sons, the eldest who has autism.

DIRECTOR

Douglas Cochran is a semi-retired lawyer providing adjudication services for provincial, governmental and non-governmental organizations. Douglas serves on the board at PASS in addition to a number of other non-profits. He is also a developing writer and artist, but favourite of all are his roles as father and grandfather.

DIRECTOR

Karin Terado holds a B.Ed. and M.A. from the University of Toronto and is a certified Orton-Gillingham therapeutic tutor. She has senior-level management experience in service provision for adults living with physical disabilities, particularly in the area of housing, childcare research, and project development. Karin also taught at PALS Autism School prior to her tenure at PASS. As Head of Adult Programs from its inception to her retirement in 2021, Karin was instrumental in establishing PASS Daily and its social enterprise and housing programs. She is committed to strengthening government and community connections and supporting PASS to enhance and expand its services to families in British Columbia.

FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Katy Harandi is a mother of two, one of whom has autism, and is one of the co-founders of PALS. Since 1995, she has devoted her time toward helping her daughter overcome many of the challenges with this condition. She was the YWCA Women of Distinction nominee and recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Katy is a member of the Vancouver Board of Trade Women’s Leadership Circle and of the Sauder School of Business Women’s Leadership Council. She sits on the Board of the Adam’s Apples Foundation and the Stanford University Alumni Club in BC. She received her B.A. degree from Stanford University and holds an MBA from UBC’s Sauder School of Business.

TREASURER

Kelly Kerr holds a degree in Commerce from the University of British Columbia and became a Chartered Accountant in 1982. After working with KMPG, Kelly left to run a family business in electrical contracting for over 15 years. Kelly is a Founding Member of PASS and serves on the Housing Committee and Finance Committee. Kelly’s son, Douglas, has attended PASS Daily since 2011.

DIRECTOR

Sandy Tanaka is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA) who brings experience in finance, IT and strategic planning to the PASS board. Sandy is currently the Assistant Dean & Director of Finance and IT at the University of British Columbia, Sauder School of Business and is also the Treasurer and board Director of the Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre. She is active in community service and in 2015 she received the Graeme A.G. Stamp Community Project Award for her work with the Canadian Health Association.

DIRECTOR

Michele Thom is a busy mother of three and has a child with autism. She worked in real estate development and finance for 20 years before staying home to raise her children while advocating and volunteering at their public and private schools. Michele was instrumental in starting a special education school based on the science of neuroplasticity. She currently sits on the PASS Board and the PASS Housing Committee. Michele loves spending time with her family and grandchildren, and has a passion for her dogs, hiking and travelling. She lives in Vancouver with her husband and son.

DIRECTOR

Rebecca Catley holds a BA (Hons) from Queen’s University and is president of RC Communication Strategy Ltd. She was previously QuadReal Property Group’s Vice President, Corporate Communications, and held prior senior marketing and PR positions that involved corporate mergers, international events and major asset acquisitions in North America. A parent of two adult children, one with autism, she has volunteered for multiple organizations that support accessibility in our community.

DIRECTOR

Allan Copping holds a CPA, CA designation and is the CFO of Westland Insurance Group. He has worked in senior business management roles in real estate and other industries over the course of his career. Allan’s past volunteer roles include the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre (now Ocean Wise Conservation Association) and the Canadian Red Cross. He and his wife live in Vancouver with their adult son who has developmental disabilities. Allan and his son are active with cycling on their tandem bike, dog walking, pilates and enjoying concerts, shows and eating out.

DIRECTOR

Allison Annesley is an urban planner specializing in stakeholder engagement, policy development and strategic communications to advance sustainability. She is currently leading a CMHC Solutions Lab to support inclusive housing. As a municipal sustainability planner, Allison led outcomes-based performance measurement and reporting. A LEED Accredited Professional, Allison is also a former VP with Efficiency Capital, a building energy-efficiency retrofit provider. Volunteer work has included policy development for the Autism Alliance of Canada, and serving as Board Vice Chair for TREC Renewable Energy Co-op. As a parent, Allison advocates for innovative solutions to improve quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.