Who We Are

Nanaimo Disability Resource Center (NDRC), founded in 1990, supports seniors and people with disabilities by promoting and supporting their independence. Our mission is to create accessible, inclusive programs that remove barriers—whether physical, attitudinal, technological, or communication-related. With many staff and volunteers who have lived experience, our work is grounded in genuine understanding. We offer four key programs designed to help individuals overcome challenges and live more independently.

Our Team

We invite you to meet the people who make our work possible and ensure our community feels seen, valued, and supported.

  • Belinda Pyle

    Executive Director. Interim

    Belinda grew up in the charming farming community of Dunnville, Ontario, and has enjoyed living across Canada. After 30 wonderful years raising her children in Quebec, she moved to Nanaimo to join her family, many of whom are long-time residents of the Island. With a deep passion for the non-profit sector, Belinda has worked as a management consultant and served as the Executive Director of a private family foundation. She holds a BA in Human Relations from Concordia University and a post-graduate certificate as a Mental Health Specialist. Embracing Island life, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and pickleball, and looks forward to contributing to her vibrant community.

    236-312-7172

  • Allison Frame

    Program Manager, Information & Resource Referral 

    Allison joined the team in 2018 as the Computer School Coordinator. Over time, she developed a deep passion for the Information and Resource sector, dedicating herself to learning about the disability application process in our country and province through specialized training. Today, she supports over 80 individuals each month by answering questions, connecting them with community resources, and assisting with applications for programs like CPPD, PWD, and other essential forms. Known as the go-to person for resources, Allison has built an extensive knowledge base of services available in Nanaimo for a wide range of needs. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment have made her a strong pillar of NDRC, profoundly impacting the lives of many.

    236-312-7140

  • Marie Little

    Program Manager, Parking Permit Program

    Marie joined NDRC in 2019 on a part-time basis while completing her Bachelor of Business Administration. Starting as a one-on-one instructor and public relations assistant, she quickly expanded her role to become the Computer School Administrator, resident IT tech, website developer, and Newsletter Editor. Marie was promoted in January 2025 to the role of Permit Parking manager. Her multifaceted skills and commitment continue to strongly contribute to NDRC’s success.

    236-312-7173

  • Viswanathan S

    Program Manager, Computer & Technology School

    Vishwa joined CaTS (Computer and Technology School) in January 2025 as the Program Manager, bringing his passion for making technology easy, fun, and accessible. With an MBA and a Bachelor’s in Computer Applications, he is the primary manager of the organization’s day-to-day technology needs. Whether it’s troubleshooting devices or teaching new skills, Vishwa is here to help all of our clients feel confident with technology. Outside of work, he enjoys photography and traveling.

    236-312-7172

  • Gail Cammidge

    Accounting Assistant & Payroll Administrator

    Gail has spent over 40 years in Accounting, Payroll and Bookkeeping Management positions. Her career began in northern BC and moved to southern BC when she sustained a spinal cord injury. She now works in the nonprofit sector for NDRC and absolutely loves it and what they do. When not at work you will find her spending time with her beloved family and dog, in her art studio creating paintings, sculpting and carving, or in the garden.

    250-758-5547

Our Board Members

Our Board of Directors brings a wealth of experience, community commitment, and a shared dedication to dignity and inclusion. 

  • Janet Shute

    Board Chair

    Janet worked in health care administration for over 35, with the majority of her career focused on supporting Boards and governance. She was the Manager, Partnerships & External Engagement for Island Health for several years prior to her retirement in 2021. Janet was born and raised in Vancouver and moved to Vancouver Island over 30 years ago. She was previously a Board member with the Nanaimo SPCA. After retirement she started volunteering at NDRC in the parking permit program in January 2023 and joined the NDRC Board in June 2023. Janet became President of the Board in June 2025. When she isn't volunteering Janet enjoys travelling and spending time with family and friends.

  • Shaorong Li

    Secretary

    Shaorong has over 25 years of experience in salmon genetics and genomics research and data stewardship. She enjoys giving back through volunteer work. In her spare time, she loves hiking, swimming, golfing, and traveling.

  • Angelina Passarelli

    Board Member

    Angelina is a Certified Recreation Therapist with a specialty in Geriatrics. Additionally, she has ten years experience within the financial sector and hospitality industry. When she’s not at work you can find her spending time with family and friends, going for nature walks with her dog and embracing all this community has to offer.

  • Edna Smorong

    Board Member

    Edna hails from Ontario and worked as a Correctional Officer for 20 years. She moved to the Island in 2007 to be near her family. Edna enjoys watching hockey and curling, and loves to read a good book.

  • Bill McKay – Vice Chair

    Board Member

    Bill grew up in North Vancouver and started his career in British Columbia’s marine industry. He received certification as Captain in 1983 and worked on tugs and ferries until 2000 when he moved ashore into operations. Bill became a Nanaimo councillor and then mayor from 2014-2018. He held a number of positions for Branch 256 Legion in Nanaimo for over six years, before joining the board of the NDRC.

  • William Pilling

    Board Member

    Will was born in Squamish and moved to Nanaimo with his family when he was five years old. He graduated in 2024 from Vancouver Island University with a major in accounting and is actively pursuing his CPA accreditation. He is currently employed as a Senior Accountant at Clark Pacific Excavating. Will was recently married and participates in competitive powerlifting. As a member of the autism community, Will is dedicated to being a role model and inspiring others in his community.

  • Rosa Bonavoglia

    Board Member

    Rosa was a director of the IT department at Action des Femme et Handicap from 1984 to 1990. After traveling abroad she joined her husband’s company, Magnus Security Services and was responsible for payroll and the normal fiduciary running of the company. The company was sold in 1998 and she joined the Centre Action and soon became coordinator of members and activity promotions. Rosa is married with three children and enjoys spending time with family and friends, sailing, playing games and reading.

  • Neil Bell-Irving

    Board Treasurer; Chair, Finance Committee

    Neil Bell-Irving has over nine years of experience in the accounting field and graduated from Vancouver Island University in 2021 with a major in accounting. He currently serves as Controller at a real estate office in Langford, British Columbia, where he lives with his wife. Born and raised in North Vancouver, Neil has lived on Vancouver Island for more than 20 years. He is an active community volunteer and serves as treasurer on the councils of multiple strata corporations. Neil has also volunteered with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for the past five years, assisting community members through the NDRC, and values giving back to his community.