Meet The Team
Andy Owens
AIM Instructor
Everyone knows Andy Owens! Andy is the face of our Alliston location. In 2009, when I gave a short presentation at an ORCKA AGM, Andy said he would like to be involved with the adaptive paddling program. He has worked with us ever since.
As a retired outdoor education teacher at Banting Memorial High School, Alliston, Andy is well-known and respected in the New Tecumseth community. In addition, he is an ORCKA canoe instructor and offers certification programs.
Michael Dawthorne
Consultant
Michael Dawthorne has a son with multiple disabilities and has a strong commitment to making activities accessible. He serves on numerous other organizational boards and committees at regional, provincial, and national levels.
He has provided outdoor education and programming to youth for over a dozen years, including running introductory canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding sessions. He is also a PADI certified Rescue SCUBA diver. He currently works as a member of Senior Management at a national accessibility not-for-profit organization. He lives just west of London, ON with his partner, son, dog and bunny.
Michelle Tierney
Admin Support
Michelle is eager to take action and wants to help the community by making a difference in the lives of others. Her goal is to assist in providing opportunities to improve the quality of life for all individuals. She currently volunteers her time to Abilities in Motion by providing administrative support to the organization.
Volunteering allows her to share her passion for caring for others. Through volunteering, she is able to learn lessons and values that are different from those she learned in her corporate life. While volunteering her time to Abilities in Motion, she is able to submerge herself into the lives of others and learn from them.
"No matter the differences in each one of us, we all come together to help one another".
Gwen Willmott
Treasurer | Board Member
Gwen joined AIM in 2019 as Treasurer.
“I joined AIM, because I think everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy kayaking in a fun safe environment.”
Kian Merrikh
Board Member
Kian is thrilled to serve as an Abilities In Motion Board Member! With a background in accessibility, human rights, and building inclusive spaces, he's driven to make a positive difference in people's lives. He consults with Untapped Accessibility, brings international consulting experience, and runs his own practice as a trained Systemic Coach. Outside work, Kian enjoys spending time outdoors, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking, and photographing nature. He also volunteers, pouring his passion into community efforts that create positive impact.
Sharon O'Leary
Adaptive Program Head | Fundraiser | Board Member
Sharon O'Leary has been a passionate volunteer and worker within the not-for-profit sector with a passion to get individuals with disabilities access to recreational opportunities including kayaking, canoeing, and scuba diving.
She has a background working with Special Olympics UK and Ontario, Hutton House, and Peacekeeper Park. She is an experienced fundraiser and grant reviewer for Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Ian is one of our kayak instructors and on the water leads. He has been with AIM London since 2019. He also helps with keeping our paddling equipment ready for use. Ian enjoys many outdoor activities and sports but loves getting out on the water for group paddles most.
Ian McIntyre
Instructor
Chanelle Zimmer
Site Coordinator
Chanelle is a student studying life sciences at McMaster University who has a passion for the outdoors, helping others, and maximizing life's experiences. Fluent in American Sign Language, she grew up with a brother who is Deaf Blind which has opened up her perspective and shaped her commitment and passion for helping individuals of all abilities to access and experience a barrier free lifestyle.
With a love for nature and a drive to empower others, Chanelle is thrilled to be part of the AIM team to bring safety and smiles all season long.
Marketing
Ryan Shorten
Ryan joined AIM in February 2025 in a voluntary and advisory capacity. As an avid outdoor enthusiast as well as a supporter of community based organizations that 'make a difference', Ryan was drawn to AIM's Mission of lowering barriers of accessibility to on-water recreational activities to individuals with disabilities.
Ryan brings years of experience in working and volunteering with non-profit organizations He's excited to add his experience to the Alliston team and will be focused on marketing and community partnerships. He's currently obtaining his ORCKA certification as a Basic Level1-4 Instructor.
Jacqueline Kinahan
Disability Advocate | Board Member
Quadriplegic due to spinal cord injury but don’t be fooled by that word. I love to paddle. Prior to my injury, I was employed by Hydro One and BC Hydro as an electrical operator, operating both high voltage power grids and large hydroelectric generating stations.
Since 2014 I volunteer as a member of the Condominium Board of a self-managed high rise. I have held various positions in communications, finance, and policy & procedures. My other volunteer work includes peer counseling for Spinal Cord Injury Ontario and in previous years on Hudson’s Hope Ski Hill development committee.
I have always enjoyed the outdoors but sometimes find myself being a spectator more often than a participant. AIM has changed that for me. I am hooked on kayaking and am motivating everyone I know to either try it and/or become a volunteer. Nature has an uplifting way of healing your spirit and spending time on and by the water, seeing new people embrace the experience has been wonderful for me. I want to be involved with AIM.
Ashley Pitcher
Secretary | Board Member
Michelle Goodman
Secretary
Michelle is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and supporting teams so they can thrive! With a background in aquatics and recreation, she spent several years working as an Aquatics Leader focusing on safe, welcoming, and accessible programming for all participants. She now works as a Board Assistant for a local charity where she continues to champion inclusion while supporting the Leadership Team behind the scenes.
Michelle is a lifelong learner who enjoys diving into new challenges, and she’s excited to be a part of this mission-driven team, to bring her love of organization, people, and purpose to the work of Abilities in Motion.