George Szwender, President and CEO

George Szwender’s passion for helping people with mobility limitations inspired him to create Angel Accessibility Solutions back in 1994. In his past role as an accessibility consultant, George was directly involved in proving the cost-benefits of early ceiling lifts for a variety of health care organizations. It was then that he saw the amazing opportunity that new ceiling lift technologies offered in preventing patient handling injuries and improving people’s independence.

Today George is responsible for leading the management team and setting the strategic direction for Angel.  His work frequently takes him to client and partner sites, engaging with staff and patients at all levels. His extensive experience in sales, management and operations with public and private companies in the health care, recreation and tourism fields has helped propel the company’s success.

Outside of work, George is an avid adventurer and sportsman, having skied to the South Pole in 2008 and hiked Akshayuk Pass on Baffin Island with blind cross-country skier Ross Watson in 2005 – who he also guided at the 1988 Innsbruck Paralympics. He has competed in many triathlons over 12 years, including the Ironman Canada 2009 and the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon from 2005-09. He races in cross-country skiing, enjoys telemark skiing, and plays hockey. He also kayaks, scuba dives and is an avid photographer.

Tom Doylend, Product Manager

Tom is the product guru at Angel, having worked in all aspects of ceiling lift system development, design and installation over the past 10 years. His background in aerospace manufacturing and construction have given him a gift for resolving client process issues, as well as mechanical, electrical and structural challenges.

Today Tom puts that gift to work as the person responsible for improving Angel’s line of ceiling lifts, and coming up with new ideas for future products. He also manages the company’s Courtenay office and warehouse.

When he’s not at Angel, Tom plays a mean blues guitar, sings in the church choir, and plays with his grandkids every chance he gets.

Kim Francis, Sales & Service Manager

Kim has special insight into our client’s challenges, because she’s a registered care aid and teacher’s assistant. Prior to joining Angel she frequently used ceiling lifts to help clients at the homes and care facilities she worked in. Her empathy for the staff and patients that work in these facilities – and the obstacles they face daily — is one of the reasons why she decided to join Angel.

As manager of sales and service at Angel, Kim’s responsibility is to lead the team that makes onsite calls at our client’s home and care facilities. Some of those calls include servicing systems and equipment Angel didn’t sell – from people who are desperate for a solution to their problem. Whether it’s a training program for a ceiling lift, a warranty repair on a stair glide, or a rescue from a bathtub lift, vertical platform lift or home elevator, Kim’s team handles it all.

Rick Silva, Project Manager

Rick is Angel’s “go-to guy” for helping Architects, Builders and Client Project Managers with designing and specifying systems for care facilities. Rick has two decades of experience in building, which gives him a solid understanding of what architects need and want.

Rick leads the project management team at Angel, a highly efficient office that handles dozens of projects each year.

Charlene MacMillan, BC Interior Territory Manager

Charlene is responsible for managing all the accounts in the Interior region of British Columbia. She works closely with clients and partners to ensure all our accounts run smoothly. Charlene has a degree from the University of Waterloo in Applied Health and Therapeutic Recreation.

Charlene’s accomplishments include the development of the “Stay Well Program” at St Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton On. Stay Well is a physical maintenance program designed to help the elderly increase their current level of physical function and independence. This background, combined with her past experience as a massage therapist, gives her a practical knowledge of her client’s challenges and how to resolve them.

Denette da Silva, Business Manager

Denette da Silva brings 25 years plus of accounting and administrative expertise to Angel Accessibility Solutions Ltd with an Associates Degree in Accounting.

Originally hired as a part time bookkeeper, throughout the past ten years the position has grown to Business Manager, being responsible for all accounting, legal and administrative functions.

In her spare time Denette is a part time caregiver for her grandson, enjoys gardening and riding her Harley.

Ron LeRoux, Marketing & Public Relations Director

Ron LeRoux has over 25 years experience in sales working for one of Canada’s largest apparel manufacturers. He leads Angel’s new business development efforts. Ron is actively involved in fundraising for local charities and community groups.

Patrick Sheridan, Customer Care & Service Coordinator

If you’re a regular client, you’ve probably spoken with Patrick. He’s the friendly voice handling inquiries about installation, maintenance and parts replacement. Patrick has over 12 years experience in the industrial manufacturing sector, where he was responsible for planning, communicating and preparing preventative maintenance on forestry equipment. He has a unique ability to translate complex technical issues into language that our customers and partners can easily understand. Patrick is an avid curler in his spare time.