Board of Directors

Chair

Jody Ross Vassallo 

Jody Ross-Vassallo is the founder and Chair of Life Quest Society. With extensive experience in counseling, adult education, coaching and leadership development, she is dedicated to empowering individuals through recovery, personal growth, and lifelong learning. A certified Addiction Counsellor and Professional Coach, Jody brings a collaborative, strengths-based approach to leadership and envisions Life Quest as a bridge connecting education, peer support, and community transformation. 

Vice-Chair

Darcy McCarthy-Anderson 

Darcy M-Anderson Has worked in the addiction/recovery field for 17 years. With extensive experience in addiction treatment, recovery services, and program leadership. With a strong background in trauma-informed care, crisis management, and team development, Darcy has overseen residential treatment and detox programs, managed unionized teams, and supported accreditation, policy development, and service excellence. Darcy is committed to compassionate, ethical, and effective care that empowers individuals, with a strong  passion for believing in others. 

Member-at-Large

Garry Grams, 

PhD, CCC 

Garry brings more than forty years of experience as a behavioural consultant, family therapist, counsellor, and clinical supervisor in family medicine, mental health, and addiction. This extensive background strengthens the board’s capacity to identify, train, support, and supervise Peer Support Workers with lived experience in the addiction and mental health sectors.

Member-at-Large

Grant Gayman