Meet the Crew

Crew Members

Tony Anderson

Position: Senior Master, Pacific Grace
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 1981
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I enjoy helping to provide a challenging experience for young people where they can explore being themselves, feel safe and grow."

Dave Phillips

Position: First Mate, Pacific Grace
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2025

Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.?: "I enjoy belonging to a community of mariners who are committed to empowering the lives of young people through faith, hope, love and adventure!"

Annika Lassen

Position: Bosun, Pacific Grace
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2022

Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I get to experience and witness the life changing effects of the sea, adventure, and true connection between people and with nature."

Vanessa McRae

Position: Watch Officer, Pacific Grace
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2023
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "Because I get to be surrounded by wonderful people while exploring some of the most beautiful places in the world."

Ellody Wright

Position: Watch Officer, Pacific Grace
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2025
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I enjoy being a being around such amazing people, meeting new people and watching connections form, and lifelong memories be made while being in some of the most unreal places in BC."

Heather Allan

Position: Cook, Pacific Grace
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2025
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "One of the things that inspires me about SALTS is the authenticity and sincerity of the staff and crew’s drive for community building. There is a sense of belonging here that is so rarely found elsewhere - and sharing that connection with young people is such an incredible opportunity."

Tristan Hedley

Position: Master, Pacific Swift
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2008
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "Exploring an amazing coastline with an amazing group of people."

Brock McNeill

Position: First Mate, Pacific Swift
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2019
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I love to engage young people and encourage them to grow in all aspects of their lives."

Daphne Vegter

Position: Bosun, Pacific Swift
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2023
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "To be a part of an amazing group of people, and explore God's extraordinary creation."

Ashley Higginson

Position: Cook, Pacific Swift
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2025
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "As a life-long learner, I am so thrilled to work for a company that delights in providing hands-on lessons. I love SALTS because the community's support leaves a lasting imprint on the soul."

Emily Kelly-Bodie

Position: Watch Officer, Pacific Swift
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2025
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I love being a part of something bigger, and at SALTS it's all about working together as a team to create memorable moments for the community."

Shoreside Staff

Loren Hagerty

Position: Executive Director
Linked In Profile
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 2006
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "Young people are the future, and they need mentorship from caring adults. The SALTS program provides an ideal environment for youth development and the exploration of God's beautiful creation, which points us toward Him."

David Eggert

Position: Boat Donations Manager and Relief Captain
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 1985
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "Because it changes lives!"

Patrick Sharman

Position: Shop Foreman
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 1993
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "Being able to put my talents to use for a Christ centred ministry."

John Andrachuk

Position: Boat Sales Manager and Relief Captain
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 1999
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I love the chance to build and encourage a community through our beautiful boats and coastline."

Sam Vaale

Position: Operations Manager and Relief Captain
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2009
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I love the opportunity to explore God's creation in such a unique setting."

Glynis Gittens

Position: Registration Coordinator
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 2013
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I am very excited to use my gift for administration in service, and to know that we are changing lives with every sailing."

Sherilyn Thomson

Position: Admin Manager
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 2015
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "There are so many reasons! One of my favourites is hearing from past trainees and their parents about how the SALTS experience truly changed their lives."

Chris Barritt

Position: Shoreside Support Manager
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 2017
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I like helping to give young people an opportunity to learn about their own value, the value of others, and the value of adventure."

Tina Bergum

Position: Communications and Development Manager
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 2019
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? “I like that the work we do has a tangible impact on people’s lives!"

Marita Atwood

Position: Finance Manager
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 2019
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I value being part of a team that provides opportunities for young people to discover and develop their God given potential in our beautiful natural environment.”

Takayo Kono

Position: Finance Clerk
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 2023
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I love SALTS because it provides life-changing experiences in a beautiful nature of the West Coast and great opportunities for youth development. I am so glad to be able to use my skills here and be a part of this wonderful team."

Amanda Fisher

Position: Communications and Admin Coordinator
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 2024
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I am excited to work for an organization that cares for, encourages, and values young people as the future leaders that they are."

Dana Way

Position: Booking Manager
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 2022
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "Using my gifts and skills to support a Christ-following organization that provides transformational experiences for youth in one of the most beautiful places on Earth."

Board of Directors

A dedicated group of volunteers provides policy governance oversight to our Executive Director. They are:

Krista Chase, Bookkeeper and Martial Arts Instructor
Dan Cumming, Sales/Marketing Manager - Board Secretary
Sarah Krzymowski, Accountant - Board Treasurer
Sarah Meyer, Yoga Teacher, Former SALTS Crew Member - Board Vice-Chairperson
Jason Nassichuk, Naval Architect
Derek Rand, Retired Accountant - Board Chairperson
Cayla Welle, Registered Nurse, Former SALTS Crew Member
Chris Yue, Entrepreneur, Project Manager