Dennis Nerpio - President & Founder
Dennis and his son (known as KillaB) are the inspiration and creative force behind SUPA Society. Through living the West Coast life style, Dennis’s love of surfing in Tofino spawned a unique and deep bonding experience with his son, as KillaB took to surfing quickly and naturally. Because of these special father-son bonding moments riding the waves of the Pacific Ocean together, the Nerpio’s decided they wanted to share this experience with other families. These amazing life moments blossomed into Surf’s UP for Autism in 2012. Since then, this giving and committed family’s dream to create an inclusive community opportunity has evolved, grown and now includes their other passions of snowboarding as well as KillaB’s love of skateboarding. Day to day, you will find the Nerpio family at nearby community skate parks, in the rolling Pacific waves of Tofino or shredding down the many local snow-covered mountains.
Michele Schilvock-Lannon - Consultant
Michele Shilvock is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst who has been working in the field of autism and family behaviour support for over 22 years. In addition to direct treatment design, delivery and coaching, she also provides community based training, school consultation and has been a speaker throughout BC. Having worked in both the private and public sectors with families Michele sees the benefits of providing opportunities for families within the autism community and this is what brought her to SUPA Society.
Michele has been involved with SUPA since its inception over 7 years ago, working closely with the SUPA team to create family focused events that offer unique opportunities for children on the autism spectrum to participate in. She brings her behaviour knowledge to the team by overseeing and supporting the volunteer participant support teams present at all our events.
Estuardo Ventura - Surf Instructor Leader & Tofino Ambassador
Estuardo’s passion for surfing has brought him to Tofino in 2005 where every day he lives the dream of playing on the beach and spreading his love for surfing to both locals and visitors from around the world. Through his widely successful surf school, he uses his 25 years of coaching and instructing experience to share his unique perspective of surfing with people from all walks of life. If you ever need to find Estuardo, he’s part fish so just look to the waters off of the beaches of Tofino. Estuardo is thrilled and honoured to be a part of SUPA Society and is excited to grow with everyone involved.
Dave Kruyt - Finance
Dave Kruyt is the newest SUPA Society board member. During a chance meeting with Dennis Nerpio, he was intrigued by the work of SUPA Society, and eager to join the organization. As a VP Finance and CFO for several companies, and experienced board member, Dave brings financial and governance expertise to the board.
Joanne Ma - Marketing and Community Relations
Joanne has been working with the autism community for over 15 years. Even after taking a leave as a behaviour consultant, Joanne continued her involvement by supporting families living with autism through various organizations. After starting up her own business in design, she has continued to give back to the community such as SUPA Society by volunteering her time and donating partial proceeds of the company to the autism community.
With her initial venture in a caused-based company, Joanne has maintained many significant relationships with local and global companies that can truly help benefit the growth of SUPA Society. She is extremely excited to bring that to the group and help in any way she can to increase the reach and impact SUPA Society has to offer.
Tracy Schjelderup - Event Coordinator
Tracy’s family has been fortunate to have participated in activities with SUPA over the past 7 years and have seen the positive impact it has, not only on the children but the families that deal with Autism as part of their ongoing lives.
As a parent of an autistic child, Tracy brings first-hand experience and perspective to SUPA. A professional event planner with her own company Harper & Harlow, Tracy provides event guidance and risk assessment that will help manage and grow future SUPA events with valuable recommendations on how to improve events, and operate them smoothly.
With deep experience volunteering with nonprofit organizations and fundraisers, Tracy also offers marketing expertise that provides SUPA strategic planning around building and growing their brand, and helping run things similar to a small businesses with planned design, social media engagement. Tracy’s family has been fortunate to have participated in activities with SUPA over the years and they look forward to continuing to be an integral part of SUPA’s amazing supportive community
Jason Bothe - Action Sports Marketing & SUPA Ambassador
Jason is the modern-day renaissance man, an urban legend of sorts. He is a musician, poet, painter, emcee, surfer, skateboarder, snowboarder and all round fantastic human being. Also known as Renee Renee, his witty banter will leave you falling off your chair with laughter. Spend a little time with Renee Renee and you’ll understand what so many of us have been fortunate enough to witness. Just be ready for the unexpected, because you won’t see the same person twice. Jason’s infectious and positive energy helps bring people together to make strong, memorable connections.
Jill Hamilton - SUPA Ambassador
Over the past 6 years, Jill has participated in many events with Supa Society and is thrilled to contribute in a greater capacity.
Jill has previously worked as a Behaviour Therapist supporting families living with Autism in their homes and also as an Education Assistant with the Vancouver School Board. Even though Jill has changed careers and now works as a Travel Advisor, she continues to foster relationships with families through SUPA Society’s events.
