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Meet the Tin wis team
About the Tin Wis family
BEHIND EACH TIN WIS GUEST EXPERIENCE IS A TIGHT-KNIT GROUP OF DEDICATED HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS.
While the property has evolved and changed over the years, a team culture of embrace and inclusivity has remained the same. At Tin Wis, employees are empowered to learn, grow and advance through training and educational opportunities, embracing their individual passions and aspirations while acting as ambassadors of globally-extending standards.
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation members within the Tin Wis team offer the gift of their culture and language, Nuu-Chah-nulth, with guests from across the world – a meaningful exchange for all. This all takes place within a vibrant and diverse work environment where team means family.
meet the team that makes your stay unforgettable
Shaylene Taylor
Front Office Manager
Meet Shaylene Taylor, our resident front desk superstar and expert problem-solver! Shaylene’s been with us for almost 4 years at Tin Wis and has quickly become the go-to person for all things guest services.
When Shaylene isn’t busy saving the day at the front desk, she’s out relaxing and enjoying beautiful Tofino with her family. But don’t let her easygoing nature fool you – Shaylene is a determined employee with excellent communication skills and great judgment. As a former supervisor, she’s no stranger to leading a team and keeping things running smoothly.
In fact, Shaylene is so good at what she does that she’s now our Front Office Manager. With her leadership and management skills, she excels in this new role and continues to be a valuable member of our team.
So, if you’re ever at the Tin Wis and need a helping hand, look no further than Shaylene Taylor. She’ll be happy to assist you with a smile on her face and a can-do attitude!
Maria Clark
Assistant General Manager
Maria is a highly skilled and dedicated Assistant General Manager at Tin Wis Resort. Born and raised in Tofino, Maria has deep roots in the local community and a strong connection to the land. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of the area’s history and culture with visitors from around the world.
Maria takes great pride in her work at Tin Wis Resort, where she wears many hats and plays an integral role in ensuring that guests have a memorable and enjoyable stay. With a staff of 30 reporting to her, Maria oversees a variety of day-to-day operations. She has earned numerous certifications through Best Western International University and other professional associations, demonstrating her commitment to continuing education and professional development.
Throughout her tenure at Tin Wis Resort, Maria has advanced through a number of key roles and has been recognized with an Award of Excellence. Her hard work and dedication have made her an invaluable member of the team, and her colleagues look up to her as a leader and mentor.
Despite her busy schedule, Maria always finds time to give back to her community. She volunteers at local events and supports initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. Maria is grateful to call Tofino home and is proud to be a part of such a vibrant and welcoming community.
In her personal life, Maria enjoys spending time with her family\friends and exploring the natural beauty of Tofino. She loves to hike, chase the sunsets and she is always on the lookout for new outdoor adventures. With her dedication to her work and her commitment to her community, Maria is a shining example of what it means to be a true Tofino local.
Kyle Mander
Maintenance Manager
Kyle is a experienced professional in the hospitality industry with deep technical expertise and a diverse background. He was born and raised in Ontario, where he developed a passion for outdoor adventure and guiding. After completing his Diploma Outdoor Adventure and Guiding, Kyle moved out West to pursue his dream of guiding in Jasper. He spent 10 years guiding in some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, developing a deep understanding of the natural world and honing his skills as a leader and problem solver.
As Kyle’s career evolved, he transitioned into hospitality maintenance, bringing his technical knowledge and experience to the industry. Over the past decade, Kyle has worked with many different technicians and learned a variety of skills, including carpentry and tiling. His extensive experience has given him a unique perspective on maintenance operations and a deep appreciation for the importance of attention to detail and proactive maintenance planning.
As the Maintenance Manager, Kyle is responsible for leading his team in implementing new projects to enhance the guest experience. He works tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the property is in top condition and that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Kyle’s attention to detail and dedication to his craft have earned him the respect and admiration of his team and colleagues.
Outside of work, Kyle is an avid surfer and spends as much time as possible on the waves. He believes in living in the moment and making every experience as beautiful and memorable as possible. With his positive attitude and commitment to excellence, Kyle is a valuable asset to the Tin Wis Resort team and a true professional in the hospitality industry.
Jared Beaton
General Manager
Jared Beaton is a seasoned hospitality executive with a wealth of leadership experience in the industry. He currently serves as the Executive General Manager of Best Western Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort in Tofino, where he oversees all operations, capital activities, and HR relations. Previously, Jared worked as the Regional Director of Operations at Lighthouse Camp Services Ltd, where he developed and monitored service standards and coordinated activities to ensure high-quality service across the company. He has also served as a Camp Manager at Husky Sunrise Site (1482 guest rooms) and Clean Harbours in Fort McMurray, AB, where he provided exceptional service excellence while overseeing all areas of the camp. Jared is widely known for his business acumen, positive attitude, and his ability to create a positive work culture.
Aside from his impressive professional accomplishments, Jared is also a man with a range of diverse interests and passions. As a father of two, family is a significant part of his life, and he enjoys spending time with his precious daughter and son. Jared is also an animal lover and advocate, with a soft spot for dogs and cats. His Siamese cat, Leo, and German Shepherd, Lexie, are beloved members of his family and provide him with much joy and companionship. A lover of the outdoors, Jared and his Partner enjoy spending time at their acreage home, engaging in activities such as trailblazing off-road with his quad, summer yard work, camping, and exploring. These activities are a testament to his appreciation for the natural world and his desire to immerse himself in it.
Jared’s passion for hospitality is inspiring, and he takes pride in making all families’ vacations memorable at the Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort. In addition, Jared has had the privilege of working alongside the Tla-qui-aht First Nation to assist in growing the endless opportunities within the Indigenous culture and their economic development, an effort that speaks to his commitment to promoting inclusivity, diversity, truth and reconciliation in our community
Rachel Leghissa
Digital Marketing Manager
Meet Rachel, the Digital Marketing Manager at the Tin Wis Resort and the neighbouring Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground! Tofino is her soul place. Rachel is thrilled to have created a beautiful life here and even more so, to have found a magical career with the Tin Wis.
Rachel first came to Tofino on a short work contract for the Rip Curl Pro Surf competition, and when it was time to head back to reality, she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to paradise. You could say the ocean called, and she had to go. So, Rachel quit her job, bought a van with a bed, and moved out to Tofino with just a hope and a dream.
Rachel joined the Tin Wis team as a Guest Service Agent over four years ago, and her passion for Tofino and the resort has led her to become an extraordinary Sales and Marketing Unicorn! Rachel loves to share her love for Tofino with others, and her creativity shines in all of her marketing projects. From coordinating photoshoots on the beach to organizing fun giveaways and bonuses for guests and staff, Rachel’s energy and enthusiasm is infectious.
When Rachel is not working her magic at the resort, you can find her spending time with her beautiful family and her loveable dog. She enjoys practicing and teaching yoga in her free time, and her love for the ocean is a constant source of inspiration for her. Rachel believes in living in the moment and cherishing the beauty around her, and she brings this philosophy to all aspects of her life, both on and off the mat.
Overall, Rachel is an incredible asset to the Tin Wis team, bringing her passion, creativity, and love for Tofino to everything she does.
Elias Murray
Front Office Supervisor
Introducing Elias, one of our esteemed staff members at Tin Wis who has been an invaluable part of our team for over a decade!
Elias has a strong background in indigenous hospitality and tourism, having completed a specialized course in the field before joining our team. His 10+ years of experience have honed his skills in leadership, communication, and customer service, making him an asset to our staff. Elias has a deep understanding of how to ensure our guests have the best possible experience at Tin Wis.
For Elias, Tofino is more than just a place of work; it’s a source of inspiration. The breathtaking natural beauty, endless outdoor activities, and tight-knit community make Tofino an idyllic place to live and work. On his days off, you’ll often find Elias exploring the stunning surroundings of Tofino by biking to the beach or hiking the trails.
Elias’s personal motto is “Live Slow, Die Whenever,” which reflects his laid-back and easy-going approach to life. Fun fact about Elias – he has never broken a bone! He once even met someone who looked exactly like Jeff Goldblum. Elias has also spent a long time trying to become ambidextrous, but to no avail.
We’re incredibly proud to have Elias as part of our team. His dedication to providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for our guests is a true asset to Tin Wis. Say hello to Elias on your next visit – we’re sure you’ll love him as much as we do!
Jenna Blasko
Reservations and Administration Clerk
Jenna is the kind of person who brightens up a room with her positive energy and contagious enthusiasm. She’s been working at the Tin Wis for a year now, but has been a part of the Best Western family for over six years. During that time, she’s developed excellent organizational and communication skills that make her a valuable member of the team.
Jenna was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley, where she grew up riding horses and exploring the beautiful natural surroundings. After completing her Tourism Studies Diploma from VIU in 2017, she knew she wanted to work in the hospitality industry and share her love of travel with others. When she discovered Tofino, she knew she had found her dream location.
As our Reservations and Admin Clerk, Jenna’s typical day at work involves answering phone calls, replying to emails, coordinating events at the resort’s venues, following up with group bookings, and attending meetings with other co-workers. She takes great pride in ensuring that guests have the best possible experience at Tin Wis Resort.
On her days off, Jenna can be found exploring the beaches and hiking trails of Tofino with her beloved dog, Rascal. Rascal is a terrier mix who loves nothing more than meeting new dog friends on the beach and running through the waves. For Jenna, the most inspiring part of living and working in Tofino is the constant presence of the ocean. Whether she’s watching the waves crash against the rocks or feeling the salty mist on her face, Jenna finds endless inspiration and joy in the beauty of the natural world.
Leo Torres-Clark
Housekeeping Supervisor
Leo is a dedicated and enthusiastic supervisor at Tin Wis resort, where he has been working for many years. Raised in the local area, Leo started working part-time at Tin Wis as a high school student, and through hard work and dedication, he has now risen to the position of supervisor.
Over the years, Leo has become an integral part of the resort’s community, and he is always eager to lend a helping hand wherever it is needed. He is known for his friendly and cheerful demeanor, and you will often find him walking around the property, chatting with his coworkers and guests.
Leo is also a proud father of three amazing children, and he is dedicated to providing for his family and ensuring their happiness and well-being. He has always been a hard worker, and his strong work ethic and positive attitude have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and superiors.
Leo remains humble and grateful for the opportunities that have come his way. If you ask him on any given day, how he is doing his immediate response is “you know, just living the dream!”, and he is truly grateful for the chance to be a part of such a wonderful community.
Adrienne Michael
Housekeeping Supervisor
Adrienne Michael is a dedicated and self-motivated individual who is passionate about providing excellent service and maintaining high standards in all her work. With her wide array of skills in cleaning, housekeeping, effective team leadership, good communication, and time management, she is an asset to our team.
Adrienne has gained valuable experience in various roles, including as a housekeeper and waitress at Island Tides Lodge, a Youth Worker Assistant and Community Activity Program Coordinator at Ehattesaht Chinehkint First Nations Tribe, and as a Lodge Hostess and Nanny at Rugged Point Lodge.
Adrienne has completed a Bachelor of Business Administration Program and an Exploratory University Studies Program at Vancouver Island University. She is currently enrolled in the Education Assistant and Community Support Worker program at North Island College.
Adrienne’s values of accountability, cleanliness, cooperation, dependability, diversity, logic, resilience, and adaptability shine through in all her work. With her positive attitude, willingness to learn and grow, and dedication to providing exceptional service, Adrienne is an excellent Housekeeping Supervisor at Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort.
Lorie Dillon
Accountant
Lorie Dillon has been working at the Tin Wis Resort since January 1, 2022, starting with TFN Economic Development Corp. Lorie is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in finance and management. Lorie has held various positions, including Business Manager, Financial Officer, and Finance Controller. Her expertise in financial management and accounting principles make her a valuable asset to the team. Lorie is known for her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to adapt quickly to change.
Living and working in Tofino, Lorie finds inspiration in the breathtaking natural beauty of the area, including the rainforest, beaches, mountains, and the powerful ocean. She cherishes the positive vibes she experiences and feels grateful to be welcomed by the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation on their traditional territory.
In her role, with her finance expertise, she manages the financial aspects of the organization, ensuring its stability and success. On her days off, Lorie enjoys golfing as a means of relaxation and rejuvenation. Her personal motto is, “Everything always works out in the end,” reflecting her resilient and optimistic outlook on life.