OUR TEAM
Our Board
Jean has been volunteering with various Chelsea Nordiq programs since 2012. His daughters participate in the Adventure, Biathlon and Nordiq Race programs. Jean helps coach the Nordic Adventure program. Following his term as Treasurer he has stepped into the role of Club President. Jean is excited about the future prospects of the club and the role he can play in helping Chelsea Nordiq achieve its goals.
The Picard family joined the club and its community in 2010. Tony has enjoyed many years of coaching in both adventure and race and has taken pleasure in teaching the “fundamentals” of cross country skiing.
I'm back... thanks, Moe!
"Been there, done that?" Pretty much, wasn't enough, so I'm back for another lap.
I joined Chelsea Nordiq in 2009 and somehow never left. Over the years I've been an Assistant Coach, Treasurer (again... what was I thinking?), Race Program Director, Trips Coordinator, Wax Tech, Wax Trailer Creator, Instigator of the club's first Grooming Equipment purchase, Groomer, and Moe's Mechanic. If something needed fixing, building, organizing, or waxing, I probably said, "Sure, why not?"
As a Rossignol Ambassador, I'm the go-to guy, especially if skis or equipment are involved.
I'm no Ray Zahab, but I do love adventure. You'll usually find me skiing, mountain biking, gravel biking, hockey, tackling yard projects, or saying "yes" to challenges that probably should've been "no."
Now I've accepted the role of Treasurer again, which is scaring the heck out of me. The club has grown into something incredible, and I'm excited, and just a little terrified, to be part of the next chapter. Wish me luck…and please keep your receipts.
Nicole and her family have been involved with Chelsea Nordiq since 2020. She has coached both the race and adventure programs, and her kids continue to be actively involved in the adventure program.
Nicole is an avid cross-country skier, including a World Loppet Master, and a former biathlete. Through her role on the board, Nicole hopes to support adventurers and racers develop a lifelong love for being healthy and a sense of adventure through cross-country skiing.
Maryse has been a member of the cross country skiing community for years, associated with different clubs in the region. With three kids, the Pharand bunch, who've taken part in Racing, Adventure and Biathlon programs. She' seen firsthand what the club has to offer.
Now that the kids are more autonomous, she has joined the board to help support the club as a whole and contribute to its improvement. Her husband is highly involved with the wax team and supports the team on the frontline. If you see her at events I will be dressed up like a penguin don't hesitate to come chat!
The Onysko family has been with Chelsea Nordiq since 2017. Jay has been a dedicated Adventure volunteer and coach throughout, supporting athletes to build skills and test their limits by going off the beaten track. He looks forward to continuing to work with our community to build the Club’s excellent adventure programming.
Vivian is a long-time Chelsea Nordiq skier with four children in adventure and race programs from 2005 to currently. She has also volunteered as a parent coach from bunnyrabbit to U14. In her work life, she is a scientist at Bruyere Health Research Institute
Ray Zahab is a Canadian Explorer, ultra distance runner and Founder of non-profit impossible2Possible. A recent recipient of the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada, Ray is an Explorer in Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. In 2015 Canadian Geographic recognized Ray as one of Canada’s Top Explorers. He has run 17,000+km across the world’s deserts, and unsupported expeditions in some of the coldest places on the planet.
Our family has been involved with Chelsea Nordiq for several years, participating in the Adventure Program, Race Program, and adult lessons, and enjoying getting outdoors and taking advantage of the Gatineau Hills through events like the Gatineau Loppet.
I served as a municipal councillor in Chelsea from 2021 to 2025. Professionally, I have spent my career in nonprofit leadership with youth-serving organizations, including Katimavik, Kids Help Phone, the University of Ottawa and Scouts Canada. I bring experience in governance, youth programs, and community engagement to support the growth and success of Chelsea Nordiq.
Inspired by the many incredible leaders and community builders Sherida has had the privilege of working with through guiding, outdoor education and the non-profit world, she is now passionate about modeling to youth the value, joy and satisfaction that comes from volunteering in outdoor communities.
Her family has been involved in Chelsea Nordiq since 2017 in the race program and they are looking forward to continuing to be involved for many more.
As a board member at large Sherida supports with various jobs within the board.
Ben and his family have been members of Chelsea Nordiq since 2019, participating through the Biathlon and Race programs. As a board member Ben is excited to foster the club's evolution as a centre of excellence and to support its welcoming community spirit.More to come…
Our Staff
Maurice “Moe” Samm has been the head coach of Chelsea Nordiq for 12 years. During his time with Chelsea Nordiq many athletes have become very strong capable skiers and biathletes. Moe has coached and supported athletes that have traveled to participate at the Paralympic and Olympic Games, World Championships, and many National and Provincial competitions.
Excited to take on the role of Biathlon Coordinator this year to help with the Chelsea biathlon program. Looking forward to working with all the coaches and athletes and helping to coordinate and facilitate the programs so that we can all work towards our goals on and off the trails.
I’m looking forward to working with all the biathletes to improve their shooting skills this summer and fall. This will be another exciting season of racing domestically and internationally. Ski Fast - Shoot Straight.
Matthew (also responds to Matt) has been a member of Chelsea Nordiq since 2015, first as a parent to a high performance biathlete, and then as a master’s biathlete as of 2020. He enjoys spending time outdoors, on skis and all manner of bikes, exploring Gatineau Park and beyond.
Matthew has joined as the Club Administrator as of Jan 2025, looking after day to day administrative tasks.
Hello, my name is Véronik and I am the accountant for Chelsea Nordiq. I Have been working with the Club for many years and I am happy to be part of such a great team.