TARANOVA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Second Generation TaraNova Member
April is a second generation TaraNova member. She has been self-employed since 1988 initially in the communications industry providing writing, editing and graphic design. Later Aparil transitioned in to the natural health field working for several years as a herbal and nutritional consultant and later as a retailer with 2 health food stores east of Toronto for the last 15 years. During that time, April sat on several boards and committees including: the Northumberland Chamber of Commerce Board Directors for 8 years; the (Cobourg) Mayor ™s Council on downtown development for 2 years; and the board of Health First - a national association of independent health food retailers - for 7 years. April retired in 2018 and now has more time to enjoy travel and lend her expertise to TaraNova!
Job Titles:
- Electronics Engineering Technologist
Mr. Clarke is an Electronics Engineering Technologist and holds a certificate as a teacher of Adults. He left the workforce to start a business as a condominium property manager and freelance training developer/instructor. In 1995 he was elected as the President of his townhouse condominium complex and continues to hold that position. He serves on a few other boards of directors for community organizations and continues to serve on school parent councils. Mr. Clarke believes he is a team player/leader and that his collaborative approach will serve to enhance and strengthen the club.
Derek Clark has over 30 years of sales, marketing, finance and general management experience in the technology industry with recognized industry leaders such as Xerox Canada, Hewlett-Packard and Toshiba Business Solutions. Derek currently owns and operates his own consulting company and helps organizations to drive top line revenue and improve sales force productivity. He holds a Master ™s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario. He has extensive volunteer, fundraising and leadership experience in the community and has actively supported and participated with local organizations and events in order to improve the quality of life in Caledon. Derek and his wife have been long-time TaraNova members since 1991.
John joined TaraNova in 1994. As a lawyer with over 25 years of practice he has been a longstanding contributor on the Board of Taranova, having been elected in 1998. His law practice focuses on corporate/commercial matters with a particular emphasis on real estate, commercial leasing and financing involving both real and personal property. John is a partner at the downtown Toronto firm of Blaney McMurtry LLP. His recent work has involved a significant focus in the solar/renewable energy field. John's broad experience allows him to provide support and guidance to the management of the Club and the goal of providing outstanding vacation opportunities to its membership.
Rosanne Guanabara has been employed by TaraNova since 1994. She brings a professional, positive and dedicated attitude to the Club, and provides exceptional quality in member service. Rosanne is adept in assisting members with all their TaraNova vacation needs.
Rosanne has been in the vacation club industry since 1991. As a TaraNova member, Rosanne has visited many TaraNova and RCI locations over the years and, as a result, uses her first hand experience to give information and guidance to the membership when booking their holidays. Rosanne oversees the reservation division of TaraNova and is the Club Supervisor directly responsible for orientation and New Member enquires..
Teresa Knapp, President & CEO and Rosanne Guanabara, Director of Operations received the Perspective Magazine's 2019 and 2020 Best Customer Service Award. The Award is known as one of the highest honors in the vacation ownership industry.
Teresa Knapp has been in the timeshare/vacation club industry since 1988. She was appointed Executive Director of TaraNova in 1991 and President and CEO of TaraNova in 2021. She has worked within all areas of the vacation club industry and is knowledgeable in all aspects of the business.
In 1996, Teresa Knapp was instrumental and successful in spear-heading the legal right for TaraNova members to operate their club, ensuring that control of the Club was put in the hands of the members.
As your President & Executive Director, Teresa is the link between the Board of Governors and the day-to-day operations of the Club. She is dedicated to providing quality service to the members and to promote TaraNova within the vacation industry.
Teresa represents TaraNova with Resorts Condominiums International (RCI), Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (CARE) and American Resort Development Association (ARDA). Teresa received the Richard Gallardo Service Award from CARE. This award is given to the individual recognized for Outstanding Service and has been nominated for the Life Time Achievement Award. She was selected and was an active participant for many years on the Ethics Committee of CARE which oversees and enforces the strict code of ethics of the CARE organization. Teresa is a past director of the Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) and also represents TaraNova with various governmental bodies. Teresa is dedicated to ensuring high ethical standards within the timeshare/vacation club industry and ensuring the viability of TaraNova Vacation Club.
Villas Palmas is a group of two level condominiums built in a rectangular configuration around a central courtyard. The units are large and equipped for Costa Rica standards. Behind the entrance is a separate living room, dining area and kitchen, powder room and atrium. On the second level there are three bedrooms two bathrooms (master bathroom has 4 piece, second bathroom has 3 piece), a TV room and a balcony. Occupancy is for up to 8 with queen, double or twin beds and a pull out couch. The two bedroom unit is located on the second floor, with a bathroom (no bath - shower only) and a powder room. This unit sleeps 6 with queen and twin beds and a pull out couch. The units feature tile and terrazzo floors. The resort is located centrally in-land in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica approximately 2 hours from the pacific coast. All units are non-smoking and no pets are allowed. This is a small urban resort with a small un-heated pool. Most of the guests use the resort as a home-base from which to take daily tours which leave early in the morning and return late afternoon or early evening. The resort does not have any additional amenities. Please be advised to check with your health specialist prior to your reservation with respect to altitude changes. Costa Rica is a Spanish speaking country with limited English spoken at the resort.
Walter Kylwak has been a TaraNova member since 1991. He worked for Thermo in various capacities for over 35 years and was Sales Manager responsible for the Western Region (Toronto to BC). Thermo manufactured instrumentation equipment for the mining, petrol chemical, food, pulp and paper and aggregate industries. Walter and his family have enjoyed many years of vacations with TaraNova and Walter brings to the Board his diverse work experiences, strong worth ethic and desire to ensure the continued health and welfare of TaraNova Vacation Club.