Jim: Accessible Travel Specialist
Jim Ryan, once a pilot with West Jet and always an avid traveler, was injured on March 30, 2016 while swimming in Maui, Hawaii. A wave drove his head in the sand and he was instantly paralyzed. He spent 9 ½ months in hospital and in rehab. Jim is now a total quadriplegic without feeling or movement below his armpits.
While his injury has changed their lives substantially, Jim and his wife, Isabelle, continue to travel the world and are willing to share their experiences and knowledge with others who wish to travel.
Sharalyn: Administrative Travel Agent
Sharalyn has done her share of traveling and is a big fan of warm destinations. One of her most memorable trips was to Russia where she visited various orphanages and donated supplies.
This was a trip of a lifetime, as she had the opportunity to do what she loves most- giving of herself.
Sharalyn is an active Mom and businesswoman which keeps her busy when she's not helping us make your vacation fabulous!
Angela: Travel Intern
Angela has a serious love for travel and a passion for relaxing on the beach, listening to the crashing waves. After a car accident in 2002 that caused fibromyalgia, she has been living with chronic pain for over 17 years that has effected every part of her life, travel included. After years of letting this pain bring her down, Angela decided to take control of her life and began to adjust the way she traveled while living with this non-visible disability. She moved to Australia for a year, inspiring her to keep exploring. Now she has stamps on her passport for New Zealand, Fiji, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Mexico, Bermuda, parts of the U.S. and beyond. She also has experience with cruises, group tours, and some extreme adventures in several countries, and is more than happy to share her tips and help you create your dream vacation.
She lived in Calgary, Alberta for most of her life when she wasn’t abroad exploring, and after years of dreaming about it, has relocated to beautiful Vancouver Island where she lives in Nanaimo with her husband and their sweet dog Cooper.
Mary: Travel Intern
Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Mary Alexander has an education in Tourism and Leisure
management with knowledge of adaptive Tourism and Leisure services. She also has additional
training on disability services and inclusive leisure activities, which includes evaluating environments and
facilities to determine if the space is suitable for all to enjoy.
At the young age of 19, Mary learned what is needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle while caring for a father with cirrhosis. She gained a true understanding of what is needed for day to day activities such as: food programs, diet restrictions, activity level for healthy daily function, and leisure activities tailored around his specific requirements. Declining health in his later years lead Mary to additional learnings into health, wellness and the recovery process both physically and mentally.
Mary is excited to put her skills to work planning your next accessible vacation.
