About Us
Who are we?
The Learning Disabilities Association Fraser South has been serving the communities of Surrey, Delta, White Rock, and Langley since 1979. We are a not-for-profit organization governed by a body of dedicated volunteers (elected annually) and consist of professionals and parents who have a strong connection with learning disabilities.
Our Mission:
To advance the education, employment, social development, legal rights, and general well-being of people with learning disabilities. We are committed to creating a society in which people with learning disabilities are able to reach their full potential.
Our Vision:
Is to reduce the drop-out rate and school-avoidance of children and youth with learning disabilities by providing appropriate support, resources, and programming.
Meet the Board
President - Charles Creighton
Charles has been a technology entrepreneur and executive for over 25 years, throughout which he has maintained a focus on working with social ventures and non-profits. His introduction to social ventures came while completing his MBA at UC Berkeley, where he created a for-credit speakers series on social ventures aimed at his marketing and finance-focused classmates. Back in Vancouver, he helped build Artspoints Rewards, a loyalty program for the arts aimed at filling empty seats in ballet, opera, and theatre performances across Canada. As Artspoints' VP Strategy & Development, he was integral to their gaining venture funding from VanCity Credit Union. Charles also served as Vice President of the Board of Directors of Douglas Park Community Centre for 3 years, where he helped negotiate a new operating agreement with the Vancouver Park Board. In 2019 Charles was awarded the Chartered Director (C.Dir) designation for completing the required course work and Board simulations at the Directors College, McMaster University. Charles has had the pleasure of serving as President of the Board of Directors of the LDAFS since being elected to the Board in 2019.
Vice-President – Brenda Smith
Brenda Smith RN, MSN is an occupational health nurse consultant providing medical case management services for various workplace settings within the province of British Columbia. Brenda has a keen interest in providing children with learning challenges, and the opportunity to achieve their optimal level of functioning. Brenda has been a member of the LDAFS Board of Directors since 2019.
Treasurer - Avril Glass
Secretary - Sandra Ciparis
For over 20 years, Sandra has worked in health, safety and wellness in a multitude of industries including government, finance, and manufacturing. She has experience in occupational health and safety, human resources management, strategic planning and wellness.
Sandra loves to learn new things and in known to be a jack of all trades; her garage and craft room are filled with the tools and equipment to prove it. With that, Sandra knows that using the right tools is key in a journey of learning and is dedicated in supporting the LDAFS and the services it provides.