Meet the Crew

Crew Members

Portrait of a smiling bearded man wearing a navy blue SALTS polo shirt outdoors

Tony Anderson

Senior Master, Pacific Grace

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 1981

“I enjoy helping to provide a challenging experience for young people where they can explore being themselves, feel safe and grow.”

Smiling bearded man wearing a navy Sailors Pacific Craft Crew polo shirt and baseball cap in front of a brick wall

Dave Phillips

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2025

“I enjoy belonging to a community of mariners who are committed to empowering the lives of young people through faith, hope, love and adventure!”

First Mate, Pacific Grace
Smiling person with purple hair wearing a navy Salts Crew polo shirt in front of a brick wall

Kate Bootsma

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2025

“I love the community centred around adventure, learning, and belonging. Exploring God's creation is always an awesome experience as well!”

Bosun, Pacific Grace
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Emily Kelly-Bodie

Watch Officer, Pacific Grace

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2025

“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.”

Portrait of a smiling person in a navy polo shirt standing in front of a brick wall

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2025

“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.”

Cook, Pacific Grace

Heather Allan

Smiling young man wearing a gray fleece jacket in front of a brick wall

Tristan Hedley

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2025

“I love exploring an amazing coastline with an amazing group of people.”

Master, Pacific Swift
Smiling bearded man in a dark green polo shirt standing in front of a brick wall

Joshua Verstoep

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2026

“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.”

First Mate, Pacific Swift
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Daphne Vegter

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2023

“I’m grateful to be a part of an amazing group of people, and explore God's extraordinary creation.”

Bosun, Pacific Swift
Smiling woman with a long braid wearing a navy Salts Patrol Crew polo shirt in front of a brick wall

Breanna Butler

Watch Officer, Pacific Swift

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2025

“I enjoy sharing the great outdoors with a passionate community of people.”

Portrait of a smiling woman with curly brown hair wearing a green polo shirt in front of a brick wall

Sierra Grant

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2026

“I enjoy working with a great group of people while being out in nature!”

Cook, Pacific Swift
Smiling young woman in a green polo shirt standing in front of a brick wall

Emma Nellis

Watch Officer, Pacific Swift/Pacific Grace

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2025

“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

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Sarah Meyer

Acting Executive Director

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2004

“SALTS is a community built around growth and belonging. I’ve experienced firsthand how transformative the program is, first as a trainee and later as crew, and I’m deeply committed to helping that impact grow so more young people can discover who they are and what they might be capable of.”

Smiling man in a navy SALTS quarter-zip sweater posing in front of a brick wall

David Eggert

Boat Donations Manager and Relief Captain

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 1985

“Because it changes lives!”

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Patrick Sharman

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 1993

“Being able to put my talents to use for a Christ centred ministry.”

Shop Foreman
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John Andrachuk

Boat Sales Manager and Relief Captain

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 1999

“I love the chance to build and encourage a community through our beautiful boats and coastline.”

Bearded man wearing a black flat cap and gray T-shirt in front of a brick wall

Sam Vaale

Operations Manager and Relief Captain

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2009

“I love the opportunity to explore God's creation in such a unique setting.”

Portrait of a smiling SAILS Shoreside staff member wearing a black polo shirt in front of a brick wall

Glynis Gittens

Registration Coordinator

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2013

“I am very excited to use my gift for administration in service, and to know that we are changing lives with every sailing.”

Smiling woman wearing glasses and a black SALTS Shoreside Staff shirt in front of a brick wall

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2015

“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.”

Admin Manager

Sherilyn Thomson

Portrait of a smiling man wearing glasses and a black Salty's jacket in front of a brick wall

Chris Barritt

Shoreside Support Manager

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2017

“I like helping to give young people an opportunity to learn about their own value, the value of others, and the value of adventure.”

Smiling woman wearing glasses in front of a brick wall

Tina Bergum

Communications and Development Manager

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2019

“I like that the work we do has a tangible impact on people’s lives!”

Portrait of a woman in a purple fleece jacket standing in front of a brick wall

Svetlana Benger

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2025

“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.”

Finance Manager
Smiling woman wearing a black SALTS ShoreSide staff shirt in front of a brick wall

Takayo Kono

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2023

“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.”

Finance Coordinator
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Amanda Fisher

Communications and Admin Coordinator

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2024

“I am excited to work for an organization that cares for, encourages, and values young people as the future leaders that they are.”

Smiling woman wearing a black St. Luke's Shorebird Staff polo shirt in front of a brick wall

Dana Way

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2024

“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.”

Booking Manager
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Madeline Anderson

Communications and Admin Coordinator

Joined the S.A.L.T.S Crew: 2026

“I like working at SALTS because of the genuine care and support we offer young people, meeting them exactly where they are. It’s been incredibly meaningful to see how God has worked in our lives and to share that hope and encouragement with others through this community.”

Board of Directors

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

  • Dan Cumming, Sales/Marketing Manager - Board Chairperson

  • Sarah Krzymowski, Accountant - Board Treasurer

  • Jason Nassichuk, Naval Architect

  • Derek Rand, Retired Accountant

  • Steve Sundby, Coach and Consultant

  • Cayla Welle, Registered Nurse, Former SALTS Crew Member - Board Secretary

Young people in life jackets aboard a sailing ship at sea, leaning on the deck beside ropes and sails
Young people in life jackets aboard a sailing ship at sea, leaning on the deck beside ropes and sails