who we are.

“One of the best days of my life was the day my son Luke spelled openly for us. To hear his thoughts for the first time when he was 19 years old was beyond belief. To discover his wisdom, sensitivity, caring, and humour has been incredible. 

But it was disheartening to think about the years before he could communicate with us. The wasted opportunity for a real education, the frustration he must have felt for being misjudged and underestimated, and my own shame for also not seeing his true potential.

Luke wants to advocate for others like him, and while we've tried to spread the word about spelling to schools and government agencies, there has been some interest but very little action. Which is why we've decided to take matters into our own hands and start this non-profit society to help other non-speakers, spelling practitioners, and their supporters.

As president of Spellingway, my goal is to support Luke and his peers by providing a community and resources to assist their spelling journey and to help them access opportunities and break down the barriers that they currently face.”

​

Dave works at Thompson Rivers University in the Admissions for Open Learning department, helping new students navigate the application process. Dave’s education includes two diplomas: the first one in Forestry, and a second as a Library Technician. Dave has a varied work history including construction, fire safety, life raft inspections/repairs, library technician (including law library support), and university admissions. Dave’s passion is outdoors—spending time at his recreational property just outside Kamloops. If he has to be indoors, Dave can be seen reading books during his downtime… up to 40 books per year. Dave is also “on board” with supporting Luke with any therapy, research or technology that will further Luke’s autonomy and happiness. Dave loves campfires, smoking meat, and alone time (self-proclaimed introvert!).

“Keeping the momentum going is what matters most to me. I am glad we are diving into a communication foundation that can and will change so many lives of nonspeakers. Creating Spellingway is a privilege and a dream.”

Luke is 21, an autistic nonspeaker who found his voice at 19. He is a self-professed max-chill hippie at heart. He aspires to become a poet. Since becoming an open Speller, Luke has completed his first university course; written 15 poems—4 of which are published in Mentoring Minds’ Volume 1 & Volume 2 “Pointed Poetry” books (available on Amazon); collaborated with his mom on their journey story in their book "Hopenstone"(available on Amazon); participated in a Spellers Webinar sponsored by Aide Canada; was interviewed in a podcast called “Encouraging Nonspeakers: How Luke found his voice”; and worked with the University of Calgary Ethereal Team on research projects involving the potential use of virtual / eye-gaze letterboards. He was also a cast member in the CBC Gem TV Show “The Assembly” and he has been interviewed by CFJC-TV television and CBC radio. Follow Luke’s journey and learn more at thisisluke.ca. Luke loves writing poetry, his morning Nespresso coffee, a really good steak, and spending time in nature with the wisdom of the trees.

“Why I am a part of Spellingway: When we discovered that my nephew Luke was ‘in there’ the whole time, learning, listening, forming opinions (and great poetry!), but unable to join the conversation, I could only think of how isolating that would be. I appreciate Spellingway and its mission to curtail this isolation and allow Luke and others like him to come together and be heard. I am very proud of Luke, Sandra & Dave and their desire to find solutions for a group of underestimated people, and I want to help.”

​

Betty graduated from the University of Waterloo in Ontario with Bachelor of Math (with honours) and is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA). She recently retired from a long and successful career with Save-on Foods corporate head office, wearing many hats over the 28 years (Branch accounting, Internal Auditor, Manager of implementation of a financial system, Financial Analyst—Pharmacy, POS, Self-checkout, Merchandising system, Merchandising & Operations Support, Change Management). Betty enjoys working part-time as a bookkeeper for her local church in Abbotsford. Her downtime involves reading, reading, and more reading… with breaks in between to walk her two dogs: Bailey and Arrow. Betty loves jigsaw puzzles, cooking, food, and has a penchant for a good caramel corn.

“i serve as Treasurer for Spellingway because I deeply believe in its mission and the people behind it. The founders are dear friends, and Luke’s leadership is truly inspiring. I am committed to supporting Spellingway’s work and helping ensure its financial health so the organization can continue to grow, build community, and support nonspeaking autistic individuals. Giving back to a mission I trust and care about is incredibly meaningful to me.”

Heather studied Science and Math at the University of the Fraser Valley; and also completed a Nursing Unit Clerk Diploma. She worked in a variety of hospitals and gained a deep appreciation for people and community relationships. While residing in Prince George, she gained experience in project management and marketing as a Management Director. She is currently an Accounting Clerk, working at Kamloops Christian School. Heather has an amazing energy and passion for helping people, and going above-and-beyond helping with many school events including raffles, fundraising dinners, PAC projects, and any other extracurricular activity. In her downtime she often volunteers for her church, or you can find her rinkside (curling) or in the stadium (shot-put) cheering on her only son’s athletic pursuits. Heather loves tea, playing with her Cricut machine, gelato, travel, and paddle boarding.

“This society was inspired by our love for Luke. Some of Luke’s first spelled words were to help others so ‘no one would have to go through what I went through’—the trauma of being trapped in his own mind. He is kind, gentle, gracious, and has an intelligence that transcends… he has a way of getting to the heart of life, helping us all to “pause”, listen, and focus on what is most important. Despite the loneliest journeys for both Luke and our family—we are not alone. There are so many others like Luke, and we would like to reach out to them, and introduce the world to the amazing people they are. Each non/minimal/unreliable-speaking autistic deserves to be seen, heard, respected, and supported. They each have amazing gifts to share with the world and we’re excited to get to know each and every one of them.”

Sandra has a BA in Commercial Art from Calvin University (Grand Rapids, MI). She is a self-employed graphic designer and owner of Signet Studio. She enjoys a quiet lifestyle, balancing her time between her boys (Luke & Joel), work, and time in nature. Sandra’s main passion, aside from designing, is advocating for Luke Verhoeff’s right to communication. Calling herself—with pride—Luke’s personal assistant, Sandra continues to campaign for spelling on a letterboard for communication as a human right for non/minimal/unreliable speaking autistics. Learn more about Sandra and Luke’s journey in the collaboratively-written book called “Hopenstone” now available on Amazon. Check out Sandra’s graphic design company at www.signetstudio.com. Sandra loves chocolate, authentic one-on-one conversations, tea lattes, and wildflowers.