As Chief Executive Officer and the ‘newbie’ at Kids Cancer Care, I have the honour of working with our founder, staff, board, volunteers, partners, donors, sponsors, and our wonderful families to advocate for and find a cure for childhood cancer. I am inspired by Kids Cancer Care’s 30-year history and look forward to collaborating with our staff and partners to co-create our five-year strategic plan and continue to provide our impactful programs and services to help kids affected by cancer flourish in body, mind, and spirit.

It’s such a privilege to join a purpose-driven culture and lead a team that is so talented, passionate, committed, courageous, intentional, fun, and authentic in everything they do every day. Stewarding a bold vision and mission that truly transforms lives inspires me to do my best. I look forward to honoring and upholding the incredible 30-year legacy of Kids Cancer Care while contributing to its future evolution.

Beyond work and community involvement, my passions include traveling and learning about different cultures, investing in young talent and their start-up social enterprises, being a ‘soccer mom,’ and running or playing in the great outdoors!

Read my professional bio HERE.

Fun Facts

Last read
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben.

Favorite ice cream flavour
Cardamom.

Favourite travel destination
Can’t choose just one…Bali, India, Thailand, Costa Rica…AND still more to explore!

As the People and Culture Manager, I have the privilege of supporting KCC’s most powerful asset – its’ People. I am passionate about empowering people by helping them grow their careers in an environment that values diversity, inclusion and collaboration. It’s an honor to be apart of KCC’s inspiring community and work with our talented, committed and passionate team in supporting kids and families in their journey.

Fun Facts

Hometown
Baghdad, Iraq.

Favorite movie 
Wonder.

Favorite travel destination 
The Middle East.

I’m the Camp Kindle rental and office coordinator! I reply to rental inquiries, booking groups, arrange tours, help with marketing, and customer service at Camp Kindle. I also help with reception duties such as answering phones, greeting and directing guests, replying to mail and the fun stuff like filing and organizing!

When I arrived at Camp Kindle for my first interview, I felt the positive vibe and energy of this beautiful place! It is such a peaceful environment right in the middle of Mother Nature. Being able to help children and families to enjoy a positive experience, seeing the smiles and hearing the giggles of the kids enjoying themselves makes my heart smile!

I’m a volunteer with the local fire department, Cremona & District Emergency Services. As the fire prevention officer, I visit the school regularly to teach fire safety. I have always enjoyed this and the feeling I get when they understand and remember the things I teach. I believe my experiences at Camp Kindle will be equal to this.

Fun Facts

Best read
Stephen King novels.

Favorite movie
The Sound of Music.

Favorite meal
Pasta…any kind of pasta.

As a PEER Instructor, I get to help kids and teens affected by cancer, experience the benefits and joy that physical activity brings (alongside an amazing group of volunteers, of course!). As an exercise physiologist and sport enthusiast, I strongly believe that physical activity brings so much more value outside of just the physical. The PEER program serves as a safe space for kids to build their physical literacy, but also improve confidence, teamwork and communication skills, and most importantly: allow kids to be kids.

I am excited to be a part of the Kids Cancer Care team because I get to work together with a group of talented individuals who are passionate about helping children and their families who are affected by cancer. Working for this organization and with the families it serves is truly a privilege.

Fun Facts

Camp name?
LittleFoot.

Bucket list item?
Travel to every continent atleast once. 

Favorite meal?
Sushi.

Volunteers are inspiring and incredible people. As the volunteer coordinator, I am fortunate to recruit, train, and work with an amazing group of dynamic and generous individuals who donate their time and energy to supporting all that we do at Kids Cancer Care. I am passionate about ensuring that our volunteers are set up for success and recognized for all their hard work. I also love that I get to engage with all of our fabulous staff teams as our volunteers help out in all areas of our organization from our kid and family programming to events and fundraising. Kids Cancer Care is a very dynamic and creative place to work.

Fun Facts

Camp name?
Chinook.

Favorite movie?
Spirited Away.

Favorite meal?
Sushi and bubble tea.

I have been involved with Kids Cancer Care since 2009, first as a family, then as a volunteer, now as an employee. I truly am living my dream by working at Kids Cancer Care. I love my position as manager of information systems and databases. I get to deal with both tech and gifting, which is a great balance.

Our only child Alexander was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in 2009. After ten months of treatment, he passed away. He was two.

Alexander was the 36th child in the world to be diagnosed with ETMR (embryonal tumour with multilayered rosettes). We donated his brain and tumour to what is now the Kids Cancer Care Biostorage at the University of Calgary. Overseen by Dr. Jennifer Chan, the Kids Cancer Care Chair in Pediatric Oncology Research, this facility provides researchers across the globe with live blood, tissue and cancer cell samples. Thanks to Alexander’s gift, U of C researchers were able to create the world’s first cell line for ETMR, enabling researchers around the world to study this rare cancer for the first time. 

I believe Alexander was brought here to help other children through his cell line and to give me my life purpose. For 26 years I worked as an aircraft maintenance engineer, but now my purpose is to help kids with cancer.

Fun Facts

Why is your hair blue? 
Blue was Alexander’s favourite colour. My hair has been blue since 2010.

Camp name?
Blue.

Favorite travel destination?
The west side of Oahu (Waianae Coast). This is where Alexander had his wish trip and where put his ashes.

As gift processing and office coordinator, I help with entering gifts into the database and oversee that our office runs smoothly. I am excited to work at Kids Cancer Care, because I get to contribute to making a difference in the life of children and families affected by cancer.

Fun Facts

Hometown?
Bogota, Colombia.

Favorite movie?
The Little Prince.

Favorite meal?
Pasta.

I oversee the Pediatric cancer patients and survivors Engaging in Exercise for Recovery (PEER) program. Along with some great volunteers that come from kinesiology, nursing, public health and medical school backgrounds, I supervise this wonderful exercise program for kids and teens affected by cancer. 

Our program provides kids the opportunity to exercise while having fun in a safe environment.

The best part of my work is the fact that we give the kids the capacity to be kids again. Every smile, every motor, fitness or social improvement that I observe in the kids are invaluable treasures that I preserve.

In Spain, back in 2004, I started to research the effects of exercise in children with cancer. We did a 16 week exercise program with kids on treatment. At the end of the program, the kids were interviewed. A journalist asked a seven-year-old boy what he enjoyed most about the exercise program. He replied “Now I can play with my sister without getting tired.” In that moment, I was the happiest person in the world. Exercise is a great way to counteract the side effects of treatment, improve quality of life and facilitate the reintegration of kids affected by cancer in the community. My dream is to see exercise become part of the standard care in every child with cancer.

I love working for Kids Cancer Care because everyone shares a passion for advocating for improving the quality of life of children affected by cancer and their families. It is an inspiring team to be a part of.

Fun Facts

Hometown?
Montevideo, Uruguay.

Favorite ice cream topping?
Dulce de Leche with chocolate chips and lemon.

Favorite meal?
Empanadas.

What a joy it is to be part of the Kids Cancer Care team! Serving as an Education Support Specialist affords me with opportunities to connect, co-learn and grow with others – is there anything more exciting and rewarding than that?

My involvement with the Education Support Programs at Kids Cancer Care allows me to utilize the skills and experience I have gained working in the areas of special education, family support, program development, and volunteer leadership to assist children with cancer-related learning issues and encourage families. However, I’m sure I’ll be the one who will end up learning the most from my interactions with families, children, volunteers, and teammates.

I believe learning is most successful when it is rooted in human connection, relationships, and fun.
Looking forward to learning together with you, as part of the Kids Cancer Care community!

Fun Facts

Camp name?
Harmony.

Favorite movie?
A Beautiful Mind.

Hometown?
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

I love words. Finding the right word while writing or stumbling over a beautiful turn of phrase while reading instills in me a deep sense of peace. Something in the universe just seems to line up when words work.

I spend a good part of my days writing — newsletters, annual reports, brochures, media releases, advertising copy, fundraising appeals, speaking notes, web content. The other part of my days, I spend planning and strategizing, scheduling and executing mar-comm plans. I feel fortunate because I can’t think of a worthier cause to work for. The cancer journeys these kids experience are both horrific and heroic. And, what our champions (donors, sponsors, partners, shave hosts, event participants and volunteers) do to transform these young lives both humbles and inspires me. Kids Cancer Care is a life-affirming place to work for and it daily rekindles my faith in humanity. Sharing stories of our vulnerability, our courage, our love and our hope — our wonderful and flawed humanity — is what living is all about.

Fun Facts

What’s something quirky about you?
I can distort my tongue and vocal cords to mimic the hum of a dove or the chirp of a cricket with a hangover.

Best read?
There are so many! But I would have to say that my all-time favourite read has to be Dostoevsky’s Brothers Karamazov.

Camp name?
Lotus.

As the family engagement coordinator, I have the privilege of being one of the primary contacts for children and families that come to Kids Cancer Care. I get to introduce families to the amazing programs and services offered here, including Camp Kindle. Together we will assess your needs and connect you with our staff or professionals in the community.

In my 25+ years as a registered social worker, I am constantly amazed at the resilience and strength shown by the children that I have worked with. I am honored to be a part of the team at Kids Cancer Care and passionate about supporting families. I hope to speak with you soon!

Fun Facts

Hometown?
Virden, Manitoba.

Favorite ice cream flavour?
Almond Espresso.

Something quirky about you?
I’m fascinated by the weather and always know the forecast!

In my role as outreach coordinator, I create psychosocial supports for kids and families facing childhood cancer through our year-round recreational and wellness programming. Before moving into Calgary to work at the Kids Cancer Care office, I spent two lovely seasons at Camp Kindle, where I was fondly nicknamed Moo!

Working in city has me supporting the amazing teens in our Teen Leadership Program and youngsters and families in our kid programs such as Halloween Howler, A Christmas Carol. I also provide programming support to the revenue development team at some of our fundraising events such as the High Hopes Challenge. The connection and growth I get from working with these kids and families always fill up my cup.

Fun Facts

Favorite travel destination?
Alaska.

What is something quirky about you?
I have an addiction to purchasing organizational items.

Bucket list item?
High five a stranger at the PERFECT moment.

I’m a member of the Revenue Development Team. Been in sales and marketing for 30+years but never with a charity.  Was very excited to join Kids Cancer Care, everyone is so generous when it comes to helping kids and families who are going through cancer. This is such an amazing organization and cause. I was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, I have 3 adult kiddos and 4 cats.

Fun Facts

Camp Name
Kat D.

Favourite travel destination
Las Vegas

Favourite Meal?
Anything appetizer.

I am passionate about connecting big-hearted donors with the impactful work of Kids Cancer Care. The generosity of our donors is truly inspiring, as they fund vital programs that help children and families survive and thrive in their fight against cancer. with the energizing boost of coffee and the support of our dedicated fundraising team, collaborating to empower individuals to support and champion our cause is a true privilege!

Fun Facts

Camp name?
Spaghettio.

Hometown?
Toronto, Ontario. But I cheer for the Flames! Go Flames Go!

Favorite meal?
Pasta in all forms, shapes, sizes, and sauces!

As the Development Associate of Community Engagement, my primary focus is turning community fundraising initiatives into successful Can Dos and ensuring our signature events are unforgettable. I am committed to rallying support, organising impactful fundraisers, and fostering meaningful connections to support children fighting cancer. I am extremely excited to work for an organisation that is centred on making a positive impact in the community of Calgary and Alberta.

Fun Facts

Favorite movie?
Mamma Mia

Hometown?
Born and raised in Calgary.

Favorite meal?
Tacos, seafood pasta or pho! I can’t just pick one!

As Nurse Coordinator, my primary role is to facilitate the coordination and management of medical practices across Kids Cancer Care and Camp Kindle. I will be working directly with the Camp Kindle medical personnel to ensure the health and safety of campers, volunteers, and nurses. I am passionate about providing the best care possible and ensuring a safe and fun environment! I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of individuals and families. 

I love to learn! I am excited to learn from others about their experiences with Kids Cancer Care and apply them to my own life. To be able to be part of an organization that is dedicated to helping young people and their families navigate their cancer journeys is such an honour.

Fun Facts

Camp name?
Salsa.

Favorite travel destination?
I’ve never been to but I’d love to go to Greece.

Hometown?
Reading, England (but grew up in Calgary).

As the Director of Outreach, I oversee KCC’s outreach programs including the “PEER” Pediatric Exercise Program, Child Life, Family Engagement, Nursing, Education Support, Recreation, and Volunteer programs. I was first introduced to Kids Cancer Care in the early 2000s when my son participated in the Shave Your Lid for a Kid program and was inspired by the Foundation’s mission. My passion is helping people reach their potential and I am delighted to work with such a talented group of people who are deeply committed to helping children and families affected by cancer.

Fun Facts

Camp name?
Eagle.

Favorite movie?
Field of Dreams

Favorite travel destination?
My wife and I have a bucket list to visit all 30 major league baseball stadiums. We have seen a game in 23 stadiums thus far so I guess my favorite travel destination would be the remaining 7 cities we have yet to catch a game in.

I love learning about learning! I love brain research, the study of brain plasticity and watching all those magical moments when kids discover something new! Learning and hope, to me, are two things that go hand in hand.

As an education support specialist at Kids Cancer Care, I get to help our families by matching them with our volunteer tutors. First, I connect with our families to understand the learning and educational needs of their kids.  Then I match them with our amazing volunteer tutors who I support and guide throughout the year. Finally, I check in all along the way for ideas on how we can grow the tutoring program to better serve our families. 

I am thrilled to be working at Kids Cancer Care! My favourite things are my four kids, my husband, my puppy and my job. Having a daughter go through brain cancer and six full months of in-hospital treatment and a long ongoing recovery, I know first-hand how Kids Cancer Care can bring joy to the journey. Our family’s experience with cancer and Kids Cancer Care taught us that good things and hard things are not opposites. Rich lives are grown out of pain and joy intermingled. 

Fun Facts

Favorite ice cream?
Chocolate peanut butter on a cold day or creamsicle on a hot day.

Favorite travel destination?
Any of the Hawaiian islands.

Favorite movie?
Shadowlands, the story of C.S. Lewis and the love of his life Joy Davidman. Some of my favourite reads are his books from the Narnia series. 

As the Outreach Program Coordinator, I provide programs and events to engage and feel connected with other families. With my background in recreation, I have a passion for programming and giving back to the community through the programs that are delivered. Our programs and events are designed to be inclusive, adaptive, and inviting for all. It is my goal to facilitate enjoyable and memorable experiences and build upon the amazing community we have at Kids Cancer Care.

Fun Facts

Favorite food?
Pizza.

Hometown?
Nelson, BC.

As a Senior Accountant and Analyst, I am responsible for the proper functioning of revenue processes and budgets, as well as ensuring accuracy and strong internal controls in financial reporting. Together, we strive to be good stewards of the financial resources that our generous volunteers and donors have entrusted to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation.

I am excited to be a part of the gifted team at Kids Cancer Care and to support the efforts of my colleagues who make a tangible, meaningful impact in the lives of kids and families affected by cancer.

Fun Facts

Favorite movie?
The Fugitive.

Favorite travel destination?
Arizona.

Spirit animal?
The Bear.

I love working for Kids Cancer Care at Camp Kindle. Kids Cancer Care serves the most amazing kids! Seeing them have such a great time at camp, makes me want to work even harder to make the camp perfect for them. Working for the Kids Cancer Care gives me great fulfillment.

I am the maintenance manager at Camp Kindle. We always have projects on the go; they range from fencing, solar lighting, building pathways, cleaning up the forested areas so we have more usable space and much more. We also mow grass and shovel snow!

Fun Facts

Favorite ice cream topping?
My favorite ice cream topping is hot fudge, but orange crush floats are my favorite way to have ice cream.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs are my choice of pet. I have Australian shepherds.

Bucket list item?
A couple of things on my bucket list are riding my horse in the ocean and along the beach, somewhere warm of course. I would also like to spend a new years eve in New York and be part of the count down.

I cannot begin to describe how excited I am to be able to give back to a community that helped my family when we needed it most, and as a part of the Can Do team, I get to do exactly that every day. I have the incredible opportunity as Development Associate of Community Engagement to turn any and all fundraising initiatives into memorable Can Dos and assist in making our signature events amazing as always.

As a child who used to attend all of these events, it’s crazy to think I am on the other side of that process now, but I am so passionate about being able to contribute to the impact that Kids Cancer Care has and am extremely grateful for this full circle moment.

Fun Facts

Favorite travel destination
Still have a bunch to check off my list but so far, the Yukon was amazing, even got to see the Northern Lights!

Favourite movie
Three way tie between Little Women, The Pursuit of Happyness, and The Truman Show.

Hometown
Calgary, AB

I am excited to work for Kids Cancer Care because it is an amazing group of people to work with and they are doing incredible things for children.  

When I am not typing away at a computer, I love to go camping with my family, gardening, and working on large cross-stitch projects! 

Fun Facts

Favorite ice cream?
Green Tea!

Favorite meal?
Dutch Curry with chicken.

Hometown?
Calgary, born and raised!

I’m so excited to be working as the Education Program Coordinator here at Kids Cancer Care. My work consists of supporting the Tutoring Program alongside the rest of the amazing Education Support Team, coordinating the Derek Wandzura Memorial Scholarship Program, and facilitating the Family Education Support Program.

I have been very fortunate to be a PEER volunteer for the past couple of years. Through this therapeutic exercise program, I have come to know some families and share in their journeys, which I feel is an incredible privilege. I have also come to know the kind and impactful culture here at Kids Cancer Care. I am so excited to be a part of and add to this culture as the Education Program Coordinator, and continue to connect with kiddos, their families, and the volunteers.  

Fun Facts

Favorite movie?
Mamma Mia.

Best read?
Over the Boards by Hayley Wickenheiser.

Favorite travel destination?
Australia! Western Austrailia specifically has a special place in my heart as I did a six-month exchange in Perth in 2018.

As Chief Financial Officer, I have the honor and responsibility of overseeing all financial, administrative and information technology aspects of the organization and ensuring the strategic direction of these functions supports Kids Cancer Care’s long-term community and financial objectives. The team at Kids Cancer Care is super energetic and they love what they do. It’s inspiring to see how much they care about the kids and families affected by cancer. It’s a privilege to be part of such an amazing team.

Fun Facts

Favorite ice cream flavour
Butter Pecan.

Hometown
Surat, India.

Favorite travel destination?
Any tropical place with a nice beach.

I have the privilege of connecting generous people, who want to make the world a better place, with the passionate work of Kids Cancer Care. Our donors fund programs that are vital to helping kids and families survive and thrive despite cancer. And it couldn’t happen without an amazing team of fundraisers who go above and beyond every day to create the bridge that empowers donors to support our work. I’m very proud to be part of the amazing Kids Cancer Care team!

Our team is creative, committed, hardworking, fun-loving, organized and compassionate, making Kids Cancer Care an incredible place to work.

Fun Facts

Camp name?
Nino.

Favorite movie?
Anything with Hugh Jackman! Right now it’s The Greatest Showman.

Something quirky about you? My Hogwarts House is Hufflepuff!

As Food Services Manager at Camp Kindle, I get to spread my passion for food and nutrition to our campers and staff alike. I oversee the kitchen operations including menu planning, coordinating kitchen staff, meal preparation and more. 

Having been a part of the Kids Cancer Care team as a seasonal cook since 2013, while studying to become a registered dietitian, I have witnessed the positive impact that camp can have on families affected by cancer. I love working with such a great team that is dedicated to creating unique and unforgettable experiences for everyone who is touched by camp! 

Fun Facts

Favorite travel destination?
Anywhere I get to see from between the ears of a horse.

Hometown?
Water Valley, AB.

Favorite meal?
Mac N’ Cheese.

As the Fundraising Coordinator, I work on the revenue development team to help manage auctions, recruit Can Do fundraising partners, and support all aspects of Kids Cancer Care events. I am excited to work at Kids Cancer Care so that I can work towards a common goal of making a difference for families affected by childhood cancer.

Fun Facts

Favorite travel destination?
Costa Rica.

Favorite movie?
Green Brook.

Favorite meal?
Tacos!

As a Child Life Coordinator, I work with kids to help them understand their medical journey. Through play with medical equipment, art activities and group programs, kids and their families can learn about what to expect and express their feelings around cancer.

I have worked with kids for many years. My sister-in-law was recently diagnosed with leukemia and having the experience of a sibling with cancer made me want to join Kids Cancer Care and support kids who have cancer and their brothers and sisters.

Fun Facts

Favorite movie?
Aladdin.

Favorite travel destination?
Disneyland.

Favorite meal?
Shepard’s Pie.

I am Camp Kindle’s full-time Maintenance Assistant. I work year-round to keep Camp Kindle running smoothly, whether that’s building a whole new project or changing a light bulb!

I have been with Kids Cancer Care since 2013. Since then, I have seen first-hand what my work around camp can do for a child with cancer. It’s simply amazing what is possible when your heart is in your job, whether that’s keeping the camp looking great, or providing campers and groups with the best service and care you can give.

Fun Facts

Favorite movie?
The Lego Movie.

Favorite meal?
Steak and baked potatoes. Hometown?
Cremona/Water Valley, AB.

As Director of Operations at Camp Kindle, I get to oversee all aspects of the experience of our campers. I am responsible for making sure everyone has a fantastic time while they are at our amazing facility in the majestic beauty of the Alberta foothills.

Camp is a magical place where people can put aside their worries, labels and challenges. Where success can be as large as trying something that scares you and as small as giving a hug and either way it is special and celebrated.  I love working with people completely committed to creating the very best camp experience for every person who enters the gates.

Fun Facts

Camp name?
Ozone.

Favorite meal?
Grilled cheese and tomato soup!

Favorite movie?
A Knight’s Tale.

As a Marketing and Communication Specialist, I get to tell the world what we’re up to at Kids Cancer Care. My role enables me to work closely with different teams, provide marketing support to our programs and initiatives, and drive awareness. I am passionate about storytelling and creating impactful content.

I am extremely excited to work at  Kids Cancer Care — for me this is not just a job, this is about having a deeper meaning and purpose to everything I do. Also, I feel so fortunate and grateful to have such supportive and collaborative colleagues.

With Kids Cancer Care, I have found my happy place!

Fun Facts

Favorite travel destination?
Goa and Kashmir in India.

Hometown?
New Delhi, India.

Favorite meal?
Pasta!

As the Development Associate of Events, I work on the planning and execution of Kids Cancer Care’s signature events as well as supporting on other events and fundraising opportunities. I am excited to be a part of Kids Cancer Care because I get to work with a team who is coming together with a common goal of giving back and creating a safe space for families affected by childhood cancer.

Fun Facts

Favorite ice cream?
Maple Walnut.

Favorite travel destination? Spain.

Favorite movie?
Mamma Mia.

As the newest member of the of the Revenue Development team, I have the pleasure of overseeing Kids Cancer Care signature events.  From planning to execution,  I am committed to running exciting and impactful events all in support of childhood cancer.

It is very exciting to be a part of such a passionate and driven team, changing the landscape of childhood cancer in Alberta. If I can help bring a little sunshine to kids and families weathering the storm, then my job is done! 

Fun Facts

Favorite movie?
It’s a tie! Back to the Future & Beetlejuice.

Favorite travel destination? Bruges, Belgium.

Random fact?
I’ve sang on the Ryman Circle at the Grand Old Opry.