Our Team
Mike Waters
Executive Director
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Liz Gagel
Head Instructor
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Lauren Colborne
Program Coordinator
Coordinator of Volunteers
Lauren moved from Mississauga, ON to Victoria, BC in 2014 to study Psychology at the University of Victoria. In 2017, she discovered VTRA and started volunteering as a Horse Handler and Sidewalker. Lauren grew up riding hunter/jumper in Ontario and was excited to find an opportunity to support others in their equine activities.
Upon completion of her B.A (Hons) in Psychology, she joined the staff as Coordinator of Volunteers. Lauren has since also taken on the Program Coordinator role and enjoys program planning and scheduling and exercising Trigger!
Jess Game
Instructor
Born and raised in Victoria, B.C. Jess has been riding and working with horses for 23 years. VTRA’s mission and community captured Jess’s heart in September of 2004 and she has been involved with the organization ever since. Over the years, Jess has held the role of Sidewalker, Horse Handler, Assistant Instructor, Administrative Volunteer, Coordinator of Volunteers and Instructor. In 2011, Jess completed her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Gender Studies and a minor in Social Justice Studies from the University of Victoria. With dreams of making equine activities accessible for all, Jess became a PATH International Certified Instructor in September 2016. In 2021, Jess transitioned back into a full time role with VTRA, and is looking forward to growing alongside the organization and its community for many years to come. When she’s not covered in hay, Jess loves camping in Honeymoon Bay, fishing in Port Renfrew and spending time with friends and family. She is owned by a black cat named Baloo who is ironically, allergic to horses.