Our Team

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Laura was forced to sell her Trek bike when she no longer felt safe cycling due to her declining sight. It has never crossed her mind that the simple pleasure of riding a bike would become inaccessible, but she wasn’t yet aware of the resources and support available for the blind community. Then, a fellow attendee at a leadership program opened a whole new world to her, introducing her to an amazing community of blind cyclists and their allies. That led to an inclusive event that inspired her to stretch beyond what she thought was possible, while also allowing her to build new friendships. Fast forward to 2024, and Laura became a proud member of the inaugural EyeRide Executive and Organizing Committee, shaping a new chapter of pedaling with impact.

While what she sees is an out-of-focus picture, her vision is clear: creating a positive impact on the lives of others by raising awareness of vision loss, advocating for eye health, and promoting vibrant living in the blind and vision loss community. For her, EyeRide breaks down barriers while building up our community strength and purpose.

Email Mitchell Kamiel

Mitch’s passion for cycling is deeply ingrained, having represented Canada and clinched gold on international stages. Introduced to tandem cycling via the TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club, he found solace in the sense of community and achievement it offered, forging enduring friendships along the way.

With previous involvement in cycling fundraisers for the vision loss community, Mitch felt compelled to continue his work, thus bringing his talents – both on and off the bike – into EyeRide. Mitch has the important role of matching Stokers and Captains, and ensures new Captains are onboarded. Riding alongside his closest companions, he perceives the fundraiser as a powerful tool for dismantling barriers and fostering inclusivity, allowing others to share in the joy of a sport he holds dear.

After a lengthy career in the Ontario Public Service, Michael is enjoying retired life by spending time with his lovely wife Cecile and their very energetic dog Cluny. Michael is extremely active in the Toronto blind and visually impaired community. In addition to serving on the EyeRide Committee, he participates in blind curling and is an active Lions Club member. Last but not least, he serves as a member of the executive committee of TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club. Michael has a passion for cycling and is thrilled to be part of our team.

Warren first became involved with tandem cycling after attending an event with friend and fellow EyeRide Committee member Dr. Ginny Duff in 2019. While he had sponsored Ginny in previous tandem cycling fundraisers, he had never participated himself. That same evening, he met Mitchell Kamiel, who was a persuasive advocate for tandem teams. Warren put up his hand to volunteer, and in his words, “it’s been quite the ride ever since (pun intended).”

As a child, Warren’s bike brought him freedom, fun and a means of transportation. Captaining a tandem with partially sighted para-athletes has brought him a deep understanding of the beautiful, resilient and inspirational vision loss community. The friendships, laughs and fun he has had with the community both on and off the bike are enormously rewarding and demonstrate how much better it is when individuals help one another.

Warren is excited to continue participating both on the bike and behind the scenes for the perfect one-day ride.

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Ginny is a dedicated psychiatrist practicing at Unity Health Toronto, where she also serves as a Lecturer at the University of Toronto. In her psychiatric practice, she specializes in supporting individuals navigating vision loss, drawing from her own experiences with visual impairment.

Alongside her professional endeavours, Ginny is the Board Secretary at BALANCE for Blind Adults, further demonstrating her commitment to empowering those with visual challenges. Beyond her professional roles, Ginny leads an active lifestyle, indulging her passions for downhill skiing, sailing and cycling. Her multifaceted interests reflect a vibrant spirit and a determination to live life to the fullest despite any obstacles she may face.

Stan is a retired accountant who has been passionate about fitness his entire life, having participated in numerous marathons and international sporting events. He believes in giving back to the community and has been active with numerous charities including the Royal Life Saving Society, the Ontario Racewalking Association and the Red Cross (as a former instructor).

Stan was introduced to EyeRide through his good friend Mitchell Kamiel, and he immediately saw the opportunity to use his technology and business background to make a difference. Stan jokes that he is one decibel short of being completely Deaf, so he greatly admires the inclusive nature of the EyeRide community.

With a background in the military, Aaron supports EyeRide by managing the Race Roster platform used for event registrations and donations. He first got involved through his dad Mitchell, who is part of the organization. What started as a simple offer to help out has turned into a meaningful way to contribute behind the scenes and stay connected to a cause that’s making a real difference.

Aaron takes care of the technical side of things and makes sure everything runs smoothly for participants and donors alike. He enjoys the clear purpose behind the work, the sense of collaboration among the team, and the chance to play a small role in making the event successful. For him, it’s about supporting something worthwhile with people he respects.

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Michael is a tandem cycling enthusiast, endurance junkie, and has been heavily involved in leading or co-chairing cycling events for the vision loss community. With a wealth of experience, Michael was chosen to co-lead the inaugural EyeRide in 2024.

His fever for EyeRide’s mission, which centres on supporting small-yet-mighty charities that promote physical and mental wellness for individuals with vision loss, reflects the profound impact these organizations have had on him. Thrilled to contribute to a team “composed of passionate individuals who are true movers and shakers” (his words), Michael embodies dedication and enthusiasm for fostering positive change.

Jackie is a former broadcast journalist, currently working as Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO and Board Liaison at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. Fuelled by a passion of making the world a more equitable place for individuals with disabilities, Jackie was introduced to working with the vision loss community in 2019. From that point forward, she was inspired by the tireless advocacy of blind and partially-sighted youth toward a brighter future. Alongside a few of these individuals, Jackie began a podcast series highlighting the lives of individuals with visible and invisible disabilities, calling for greater activism and understanding from able-bodied folks.

Living with a complex invisible physical disability herself, Jackie feels connection, meaning and purpose in the EyeRide Community. She no longer remembers how to ride a bike, so she lives vicariously through all participants on EyeRide day and contributes her efforts via written word, instead.  

Email Chris Spinney

Chris joined TRAILBLAZERS in 1999 as a captain where he met his wife, Lynda. As the club’s operations manager, he keeps the bikes and bike sheds in shape and also provides specialized training on how to optimally ride a tandem bike. Most importantly, he makes sure the two riders — the blind adult, or “Stoker,” and sighted volunteer, or “Captain” — fit the bike together. He also oversees the setup of event sites including the EyeRide route, ensuring all logistics are in place and helps with the functioning of the fundraiser and the club.

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Lynda’s lifelong passion for cycling took a challenging turn when she became legally blind at 16, retaining only 10% of her vision. In her mid-40s, a solitary ride ended abruptly when she collided with a parked car, seemingly closing the door on cycling forever. However, a suggestion from a co-worker led her to join the TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club in 1999, altering the course of her story.

Finding camaraderie and a sense of belonging became the driving force behind Lynda’s deep involvement with TRAILBLAZERS. She attributes the club to a significant boost in her self-esteem, marking a transformative journey. For her, exercise stands as the key to maintaining vitality and youthful energy. Now well into her retirement years, Lynda intends to remain an active part of TRAILBLAZERS and the broader blind community for the foreseeable future.

Email John Tomasino

John’s journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. A former actor, teacher and triathlete helping to shape his multifaceted identity, his deep-seated love for tandem cycling propelled him to join the EyeRide Committee, a decision rooted in his unwavering passion for the sport.

Driven by a profound sense of purpose, John recognizes the significance of planning and organizing rides that empower the blind community. He sees it as a means to demonstrate the formidable strength and invaluable contributions of the blind community within society. Moreover, he finds fulfillment in knowing that the fundraiser channels support towards small-yet-mighty organizations that make a large impact for people with vision loss, amplifying their impact and fostering inclusivity.