Manveet Lail

Executive Director

Manveet joined Stroke Recovery BC in early 2025 and came to this role with proven skills in building and executing strategies to drive growth, with nearly two decades of marketing management experience and a proven track record of building high-performing teams, brand management, business-to-business marketing, digital advertising, working with agencies, collaborating with cross-functional departments, and working closely with stakeholders to achieve objectives and performance KPIs. Manveet also has over 15 years of experience in community volunteering roles such as Vice President, Board of Directors at Sunset Community Centre; Board of Directors at Green Thumb Theatre; and Marketing Chair, Board of Directors at Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society.

Manveet is honored to be part of the Stroke Recovery BC family. Her grandma was a stroke survivor with aphasia and is dedicated to supporting, learning from, and advocating for stroke survivors throughout the province.

Cassandra Popowich

Program Instructor

Cassandra Popowich is a teacher originally from Calgary who now lives in Castlegar, BC, with her husband and three children. She has experience teaching languages in the K-12 system, running a special needs program at a small college, and volunteering as a coach and PR Coordinator with Special Olympics.

Cassandra works as a Program Instructor in Castlegar with Stroke Recovery BC. She brings her past experiences working with individuals of diverse cognitive and physical abilities to the program. With a love for teaching, Cassandra is patient, warm and welcoming with participants in the Stroke Recovery Program. She shares local resources and stroke-specific information with stroke survivors and their caregivers to help them create a community and feel educated.

Eliza Ko

Program Instructor

Eliza Ko is the Program Instructor for the Richmond English group (in person) as well as Chinese BC Wide group (virtual).  She joined SRABC since Jan 2018.  She really enjoys interacting with the stroke survivors and their caregivers and encouraging them to see there is life after stroke.  Eliza studied computer science at UBC and worked in the IT field for many years. She took a break from “work” after she had kids,  as raising 2 boys is more than full time work!  As a Program Instructor, her reward is not in the money, but rather in the people she is blessed to have walked with in their journey after stroke.

Eliza is married to her husband Vincent and has 2 boys aged 20 and 23 years old.  In her spare time, she enjoys meeting up with friends over meals, playing pickleball, and watching Chinese dramas!

Joanne Patterson

Program Instructor

Joanne Patterson is the program instructor for both the in-person and virtual Vancouver Stroke Recovery Programs. Joanne’s nursing experience at GF Strong Rehabilitation Center highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating every milestone along the stroke recovery journey. Joanne brings a “never give up” mindset to her work with stroke survivors. Joanne joined SRABC in 2011. She is dedicated to helping stroke survivors rebuild a life full of joy one day at a time. Joanne enjoys spending time with family and friends and has recently become an enthusiastic gardener.

Kris Weatherman

Program Instructor

Kris Weatherman is the program instructor for Kamloops, a retired RN with a clinical background in Public Health Nursing and a passion for teaching, leadership, and community connections. Kris has facilitated the in-person program in Kamloops since 2023, supporting participants in their healing and recovery journeys.

Laurie McFarlane

Program Instructor

Laurie McFarlane is a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) who graduated from Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in 2008 as a Communication Disorder Technician (CDT).

In 2015, Laurie relocated to White Rock, British Columbia, where she currently works as a Program Instructor with Stroke Recovery B.C. In this role, she facilitates both in-person and virtual programs designed to support stroke recovery and communication participation. Laurie also co-facilitates the Aphasia Peer Connect program in partnership with Elaina McCarron, SLP, creating meaningful opportunities for connection, conversation, and support for people living with aphasia.

Laurie has been a member of Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) since 2008 and brings a warm, person-centred approach to all aspects of her work.

Meenakshi Sodhi

Program Instructor

Meenakshi completed her Computer Engineering studies in India before moving to Canada, where she pursued a Healthcare Assistant diploma to further her interest in supporting individuals in the community. She also volunteered as a Recreation Aide in a retirement home, gaining valuable experience working with older adults and supporting their social and emotional well-being.

In 2022, Meenakshi began working with the Stroke Recovery Association of BC. She currently serves as a Program Instructor for the South Asian Stroke Recovery Program, where she facilitates virtual Program designed to support stroke recovery and encourage communication, connection, and participation among stroke survivors.

Sandra Hamade

Program Instructor

Sandra Hamade’s support provides a wide range of programs at Stroke Recovery BC, helping with program coordination, participant registration, volunteer engagement, and community outreach. With a background in healthcare administration and government-supported projects, she is passionate about creating organized, accessible programs that make a meaningful impact.

Sue Pearson

Program Instructor

Sue has been working with stroke survivors since 2018. She has a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and is an Internationally Certified Professional Coach (PCC). Sue was a Community Developer for many years in the health care system (Vancouver Coastal Health, Island Health), where she designed and led collaborative projects linking health care with community agencies to help create a more integrated system of care.

Wende Winn

Program Instructor

Wende Winn has dedicated her career to supporting and coaching people of all ages—from children and youth in special education within the Vernon and Shuswap school districts to adults navigating change and new beginnings. She later worked as a consultant and career practitioner with WCG, facilitating workshops and coaching clients through employment and career transitions, empowering individuals to pursue further education and new opportunities. Drawing on her experience as a yoga instructor, Wende believes in the healing power of movement, mindfulness, and community. She enjoys hiking, walking her dog, and embracing the outdoors. Wende is passionate about fostering connection and resilience within the Salmon Arm (Shuswap) stroke recovery community.