Our Vision
Communities where all abilities are embraced and valued.
Mission
VOI provides personalized opportunities for people with diverse abilities to thrive.
Visions of Independence believes in the ability of all people. We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to share their unique gifts and talents. We believe that when we can provide individuals with intellectual disabilities a safe environment and the opportunity to explore their interests and dreams, we can change their lives and their communities.
Our goal is to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities get the encouragement and support they need to discover their own visions of independence.
We are open and respectful
We are transparent
We value people’s strengths, abilities and knowledge
We think outside the box
We value people’s experiences and perspective
VOI’s History
In 2000, the Manitoba Government announced the closure of the Pelican Lake Institution. Under the advisement of the Pelican Lake Transition Team, Adult Family Services, and the Association of Community Living Manitoba, a small community group came together to help ease the transition of individuals leaving this institution. This passionate group of community members had a vision of something more – communities where individuals could receive the individual, holistic support they needed to be active within the community. With this dream, Visions of Independence was born.
Since then, VOI has expanded its services and work. We are a community of families, friends, educators, and community members who value the individuality of all people.
Staff / Board of Directors

Georgia Couturier
President
Georgia Couturier
President
Georgia Couturier is a Crown Attorney with the Manitoba Prosecution Service. She graduated from the University of Victoria in 2006 with a degree in Political Science and Sociology. Before returning to university to complete her law degree, Georgia worked as an Account Manager in the Finance Industry. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2012 with a Juris Doctor and has worked with the Manitoba Prosecution Service since that date. Georgia loves spending time in nature and enjoys outdoor adventures such as hiking the Chilkoot Trail in the Yukon or sea kayaking in the Saguenay Fjord in Quebec. Georgia is excited to be involved with Visions of Independence.


Johnathan Bevan
Vice President
Johnathan Bevan
Vice President
Johnathan has worked to support individuals labelled with an intellectual disability since 2000. He currently works for New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults, and Families. He is also a part-time instructor in Red River College’s Disability and Community Support Program. Johnathan holds a B.A. in Theatre and Film from the University of Winnipeg and has created and performed in works locally and internationally. He is currently working on completing his Interdisciplinary Master’s in Disability Studies at the University of Manitoba. Outside of work, he likes to go on adventures with his partner and three kids as often as possible. He also regularly trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at CFC.


David Ross
Treasurer
David Ross
Treasurer
David Ross is a senior accountant at the Exchange Group Chartered Professional Accountants specializing in municipal and not-for-profit accounting. He graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Business and Administration in 2011 and a Bachelor of Economics in 2012 receiving his Chartered Accountant designation in 2015. In his spare time, David enjoys spending time with his family and playing hockey. He also enjoys watching movies and almost any televised sport.


Ailish Griffin
Secretary
Ailish Griffin
Secretary
Ailish Griffin is a lawyer with the firm Tapper Cuddy LLP, practicing in the area of child protection and family law. She graduated with a Law Degree from Robson Hall in 2012 and a Bachelors of Arts in 2009 from the University of Manitoba. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and playing various sports including hockey and ringette. Ailish is excited for the opportunity to be a part of the board at VOI.


Meghan Ross
Member at Large
Meghan Ross
Member at Large
Meghan Ross is a lawyer with Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP, practicing in civil litigation and labor and employment law. In her free time, Meghan enjoys playing various sports, especially ringette, hockey, and soccer. Meghan is excited and honored to be welcomed as a new board member for VOI.


Cathy Bator
Member at Large
Cathy Bator
Member at Large
Cathy Bator is a Crown Attorney with Manitoba Justice. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2006, a Bachelor of Social Work in 2009, and completed law school in 2012, all at the University of Manitoba. In her spare time, Cathy loves travelling, cooking, and reading. Cathy is very excited to be on the Visions of Independence Board.


Jim Wagner
Member at Large
Jim Wagner
Member at Large
Jim Wagner has been a practicing architect for over 25 years. He currently works for the federal government restoring historic buildings. Jim is past president of the Manitoba Association of Architects and a director of the national architects’ professional exam ExAC. Jim’s previous board experience includes a Winnipeg child care center and the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation.


Jarrod Boscow
Member at Large
Jarrod Boscow
Member at Large
Jarrod Boscow is a professional engineer with the KGS Group, where he specializes in the design and management of municipal infrastructure projects. Jarrod is an avid and year-round cyclist, and amateur photographer. He has two young children, and so he tends to look confused when asked about his “spare time.”


Glenn Jones
Member at Large
Glenn Jones
Member at Large
Glenn Jones is a lawyer with The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, focusing mainly on corporate commercial matters. Glenn has a family member living in a VOI home and has seen first-hand the life-changing positive difference that VOI makes. Glenn had the privilege of serving on VOI's board of directors for several years, including as President, before taking a step back in 2014 to let others lead the way. Glenn returned in 2019 and is excited to contribute in his new role as a general member of the board. In his free time Glenn is usually off fishing (summer AND winter), playing hockey, renovating something, or cheering on his partner's three kids at their various sporting activities.

Alec Zebrun
Member at Large
Alec Zebrun
Member at Large
Staff / Management Team

Jennifer Hagedorn
Executive Director
Jennifer Hagedorn
Executive Director
Jennifer joined as a member of the senior team at VOI in September of 2011. She has extensive experience in senior management in the not for profit sector. Jennifer is experienced in leadership, team building, conflict resolution, policy development, operational and strategic planning as well as fund-raising. Jennifer brings the “big picture” vision to VOI. She is very passionate about non-profit work and has dedicated her career to this sector.


Irene Boyse
Director of Services - Portage la Prairie
Irene Boyse
Director of Services - Portage la Prairie
Irene has been with VOI since 2003. She was hired to open the first house in Portage la Prairie. Irene has watched the Portage district expand to several homes and a day program. Irene supervises the day to day operations in Portage as Director of Services. She has remained dedicated to VOI and has enjoyed watching its many successes and evolution in a new positive direction.


Shannon Harley
Director of Advocacy, Training and Development
Shannon Harley
Director of Advocacy, Training and Development
Shannon started with VOI in December 2007 in the position of Assistant Manager in a Winnipeg home. She quickly moved into the Residential Coordinator position and then to Residential Supervisor of all Winnipeg homes. Currently she is the Director of Services supervising and supporting Individuals and staff in the homes and Day Program in Winnipeg. Before coming to VOI, she supported Individuals in her home and worked as a Child Development Worker for Children's Special Services. Since becoming a part of the VOI team, she has been fortunate to know many wonderfully determined people, and has learned more about living life to the fullest and overcoming obstacles to do so. She remains committed to ensuring individualized care and support to each Individual supported by Visions.


Ven Block
Director of Operations
Ven Block
Director of Operations
Ven joined Visions in June 2013. Ven began his journey with Community Living as a full time volunteer in a Day Centre in A L’Arche community in B.C., which was followed several years later with 7 years of experience working in a Residence with several young adults in Winnipeg. When he left the field to pursue a Certified General Accountant designation, he continued on the Board of Directors for 6 years as treasurer and chairperson. After a period of time away, Ven is enjoying his return to this non-profit sector in the capacity of Finance Director.


Scott Morden
Director of Services - Winnipeg
Scott Morden
Director of Services - Winnipeg
Scott Morden has worked in the Disability Services field since 2001. He brings vast experience in both service delivery as well as administration. He's worked in multiple regions and is excited to use that experience at VOI. He has also served on the Abilities Manitoba Board of Director's. Scott is interested in Leadership, Employee Development and effecting positive change for the people we support. Away from work Scott and his wife Diana have 2 daughters that keep them very busy.


Terra Huston
Director of Services - Carman
Terra Huston
Director of Services - Carman
Terra joined the VOI team in April of 2018 when Rainbow Residence in Carman amalgamated with VOI. She had been the general manager in Carman for several years responsible for all operations. Terra has her Disability and Community Support diploma from Red River college and has been working in the field most of her career. She has extensive experience in community support, leadership, and community relations. Terra is just starting a new role as Director of Services and is very excited to be supervising and supporting individuals and staff within the VOI regions. Outside of work Terra lives with her husband and two sons on their cattle farm at Stephenfield.


Laura Hancock
HR Manager
Laura Hancock
HR Manager
Laura joined VOI in November 2017 as a Human Resource Generalist for Portage and Winnipeg. She has 12 years of work experience in retail and 3 years of HR experience in corporate organization. She enjoys working in the community in which she grew up.
She has gained a variety of experience in management, leadership, policy developent, organizational culture, employee relations, recruitment and selection training & development.
