Patricia Arango
Patricia Arango was born in Colombia. She is a Psychologist with a Masters Degree in Social and Community Psychology. In Colombia, she created a Non-profit, assisting women, kids and people in need. She was the Advisor to the Colombia Human Rights President and National Director of Indigenous Communities and Education. She was a University Professor for Manizales and Colombia University. Upon arrival in Canada, Patricia learned the language and culture. In Ontario, where she was a Registered Psychotherapist, she focused on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Solutions Focused Therapy. In 2014, Patricia accepted the position of Executive Director for the CASASC in Red Deer. In this role, she demonstrates her exceptional skills as a leader, innovator and pioneer. Patricia’s mother and inspiration, taught her the importance of respect, compassion and helping. This ideology paved the road for Patricia’s mission in life, helping others.
Donna Bishop
Donna Bishop’s life has been anything but what most people would consider mainstream or ordinary. She is a wife and mother. She was raised in two cultures. Her career of service has spanned over three decades and has been committed to educational methods that will assist First Nations familiarization with a culture nearly lost during the previous century. She is an artist and has not limited her creativity to her singing/song writing talents. She is a skilled educator with an understanding in traditional First Nations teaching methods and their application to main stream problem solving in today’s society. She has incorporated spirituality into the everyday struggles for those whom have been without traditional guidance. She has been recognized and utilized nationally for her innovative teaching methods. She encourages and facilitates the integration and understanding of First Nations culture with modern Canadian living.
Raelynn Notley
Raelynn Notley is a wife, mother of two teenagers and a dedicated active member of her community. She is a registered social worker and has practised in Central Alberta for more than 20 years. Her passion: promoting mental health and wellness in others. Raelynn’s goal is to provide opportunities for children, youth and families to develop skills to maximize their potential. She is a compassionate leader who encourages her community to build a solid foundation of wellness. Her mission is to increase opportunity for positive connection and empowerment. Volunteering her time on numerous boards and projects helps to strengthen these opportunities. She is proud to reside, practice and volunteer in the community where she was born and raised.
Melissa Poulin
Melissa Poulin is a dedicated leader within the Girl Guides of Canada. Melissa has been involved as early as 4 years old, and has grown to fully commit to volunteering for the Guides to serve and support the young girls of her community. Melissa is currently the District Treasurer of the Crimson Star Girl Guides, but splits her time between the 1st Sparks, 9th Brownies and the 4th Guides. Melissa’s volunteerism has her organizing and preparing a seasons worth of engaging activities and learning opportunities for girls from ages 5-15, which can involve a number of weekly meetings, to weekend camps. When Melissa is not volunteering for Guides, she is volunteering as team managers for her 3 children’s football and baseball teams.
Grace Rowe
Grace Rowe is a valued member of the Revera Retirement Living community. Grace has served as a bus driver for Revera since 2012 and has always gone above and beyond to assist the residents she serves. Grace is a proud parent of two grown sons and a young granddaughter. Grace has been married to her husband James for over 30 years. While she has had a variety of diverse professional roles throughout her working life, Grace has always been appreciated for her caring nature and warm demeanor. Grace has always sought out opportunities to serve those around her, often behind the scenes and never seeking recognition for herself. Grace embodies the values of service and community spirit.
Cindy Sparrow
Cindy Sparrow has been a Deputy Chief with Red Deer Emergency Services since 2014. In her 24-year career in Emergency Services, she has worked frontline in ground and flight EMS, in the 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Centre as a Dispatcher for police, fire and EMS, and for the past 13 years in a leadership role within the industry.
Cindy has post-secondary education in Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Communication Centre Management, and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Leadership with Royal Roads University.
Her passion is people. As a leader, she is committed to creating positive change in organizations and empowering and supporting people in reaching excellence. She is involved in industry associations and is the Immediate Past President of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials Canada (APCO Canada), and a Director with the Alberta E9-1-1 Advisory Association.
In March of this year, Cindy retired from Red Deer Emergency Services and became an entrepreneur. She is the newest Director and Partner of Consort Strategy, a UK based international consulting firm. She will head the North American division and will continue to pursue her passion for helping other organizations develop and foster innovation in leadership, strategy, and business development around the globe.
