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."
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
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!"
Kate Bootsma
Position: Bosun, Pacific Grace
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2025
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2025
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I love the community centred around adventure, learning, and belonging. Exploring God's creation is always an awesome experience as well!"
Emily Kelly-Bodie
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 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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Joshua Verstoep
Position: First Mate, Pacific Swift
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2026
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I love this opportunity to come together with all kinds of people and sail these ships through some of the most beautiful waters in the world."
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2026
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I love this opportunity to come together with all kinds of people and sail these ships through some of the most beautiful waters in the world."
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."
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."
Breanna Butler
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 enjoy sharing the great outdoors with a passionate community of people."
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2025
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I enjoy sharing the great outdoors with a passionate community of people."
Sierra Grant
Position: Cook, Pacific Swift
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2026
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "Working with a great group of people while being out in nature!"
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2026
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "Working with a great group of people while being out in nature!"
Emma Nellis
Position: Watch Officer, Pacific Swift/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 working for SALTS because it’s great seeing the trainees gain confidence and enjoy being out on the water. I also love being part of a team that shares the same passion for sailing and teaching.”
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. crew: 2025
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? “I enjoy working for SALTS because it’s great seeing the trainees gain confidence and enjoy being out on the water. I also love being part of a team that shares the same passion for sailing and teaching.”
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. I love hearing from participants (and their parents and teachers) how the program altered the course of their lives for the better!"
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. I love hearing from participants (and their parents and teachers) how the program altered the course of their lives for the better!"
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!"
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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!"
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!"
Svetlana Benger
Position: Finance Manager
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 2025
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I enjoy being part of the S.A.L.T.S. team and supporting the important work we do. It’s great to work with kind people and see the impact across BC."
Joined the S.A.L.T.S. team: 2025
Why do you like to work at S.A.L.T.S.? "I enjoy being part of the S.A.L.T.S. team and supporting the important work we do. It’s great to work with kind people and see the impact across BC."
Takayo Kono
Position: Finance Coordinator
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."
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."
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."
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:
- Dan Cumming, Sales/Marketing Manager - Board Vice-Chairperson
- Sarah Krzymowski, Accountant - Board Treasurer
- Sarah Meyer, Yoga Teacher, Former SALTS Crew Member - Board Chairperson
- Jason Nassichuk, Naval Architect
- Steve Sundby, Coach and Consultant
- Cayla Welle, Registered Nurse, Former SALTS Crew Member - Board Secretary
- Chris Yue, Entrepreneur, Project Manager