Ebony Rempel has been working in the field of gender equity since 2010. Ebony has a Master of Science degree specializing in Health Promotion and currently a PhD candidate at Western University. Her doctorate work is focused on understanding the support, information, and service needs of women who access second-stage shelters. Ebony brings a preventive lens to her work through community engagement and has presented at over 30 conferences across the globe. Ebony is embedded into the community and is passionate about creating inclusive spaces. She works hard to bridge academic research with direct service delivery and comes to the work with genuine curiosity. She believes in working from a trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach with clients, community, and employees. Ebony lives in Banff with her partner Jamie and son Seth, where they love to hike, bike, and snowboard.

Stephen Crotty (he/him)

Chief Operating Officer

Stephen joined the YWCA Banff in 2009 as the Director of Operations after a couple of successful decades in the Bow Valley hospitality sector. In this role, he was enabled to actively participate in the growth and sustainability of the YWCA Banff in many facets including the social enterprise hotel, the residence housing programs, and managing the daily operations of the Banff campus. Stephen has strengthened community engagement through iconic events including VINEart and Songs for Shelter, as well as numerous community boards and committees. As Vice Chair of the Town of Banff Housing Study, Stephen recommitted much of his energies and focus on housing in the Bow Valley and the YWCA Banff’s role in supporting this community need.

As Chief Operations Officer from 2019 to 2022, Stephen has dedicated most of his efforts to expanding the YWCA Banff’s housing portfolio with the completion of the organization’s largest capital project, Dr. Priscilla Wilson’s Place. During this time, Stephen has been fortunate to transition the excellent operations management team to their new roles operating the overall YWCA campus. Part of this transition planning has allowed Stephen to take on the new role of Capital Projects Officer, effective as of 2023. Stephen’s focus is on the major capital opportunities that are future focused, such as the Higher Ground purpose-built facility ear-marked for Canmore.

Stephen has resided in Banff/Canmore since 1980 and enjoys spending time playing, recreating and learning all that the mountains offer. Stephen is a (quietly) passionate advocate for the YWCA Banff and the work that is done in the community by the entire team at the Y. He is most proud of actively trying to keep up with his family – Chris, Britt, Landis, Jamie, Mom and Franny.

Tim Binks (he/him)

Director of Finance

Originally from New Zealand, Tim has an interesting professional background that includes management roles in a large international accounting firm, to Chief Financial Officer/Director for a smaller tourism business. Tim works remotely but returns to Banff for a few months each year. While in town, he spends some of his time working up Sunshine Village as a ski patroller. Tim has travelled extensively and volunteered in many parts of the world. He holds an advanced first aid certificate, avalanche operations level two certification and is an experienced rescue worker. He is also a Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and a Prince2 Project Management designation.

Rae Roberts (she/her)

Director of Residential Programs

Rae Roberts is grateful to live and work in Banff and finds joy in community engagement, crafting and cooking. In her spare time, she is supporting the re-launch of the Banff Food and Friends program, engages as the secretary of the Banff Curling Club, acts as a Board member with the Banff Housing Corporation and sits as a committee member with the Banff Canmore Community Foundation Program Disbursement Committee. Rae has worked with YWCA Banff for nearly 10 years with a focus in Residential Program(s) design and delivery. She recognizes the unique, rural housing landscape in the Bow valley and is dedicated to connecting Bow valley people to housing solutions and supportive programming.

Reave MacLeod (she/her)

Director of Advocacy & Community Programs

Reave moved to the Bow Valley with her family in the summer of 2015 and has been enjoying it ever since! Reave is a professional social worker who brings an extensive background in human services including experience in the domestic violence and settlement sectors as well as experience in non-profit management. Prior to relocating to the Bow Valley, she completed her master’s in social work with a specialization in leadership. In 2016 Reave joined the team as the Harmony Project Manager, an opportunity which fit well with her passion for gender equity and community development. As someone who values collaboration, opportunities for lifelong learning and making a positive contribution to community, Reave is grateful to live in the Bow Valley and be a member of the leadership team at YWCA Banff.

Neil Atkinson (he/him)

Advocacy and Community Programs Manager

Neil started working at YWCA Banff in February of 2019. With a background in Business Development, he began working with the YWCA Banff as Housing & Social Enterprise Manager. Now, as Manager of Advocacy & Community Programs, Neil works to advance YWCA Banff’s mission through prevention and outreach programs. He also remains closely involved with the organization’s social enterprise operations.

Outside of his time at YWCA Banff, Neil is an active supporter of the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley, as well as an avid backcountry skier and rock climber.

Jin Kang (she/her)

Accounting and Payroll Manager

Originally from South Korea, Jin received a degree in Computer Science before moving to Canada where she went on to study Accounting at Bow Valley College. Jin has called the Bow Valley home since 2007 and joined the YWCA team in 2020 as the Accounting and Payroll Manager. As the proud mom of three mountain kids, Jin is passionate about working for an organization that supports women and the Bow Valley community.

In her time away from work, Jin enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and time spent in her community with her family.

Emily Sweeney (she/they)

Marketing and Communications Manager

After completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree in June 2020, Emily and her partner packed up their lives and their cat Bilbo and headed across the wide-open prairies to beautiful Canmore, AB. As a lover of all things outdoors Emily still can’t believe she gets to call this beautiful mountain community home. Realizing early on in her marketing career that creating meaningful change within her role was essential, it didn’t take her long to find YWCA Banff. Emily joined the YWCA Banff team as the Marketing and Communications Manager in June 2022 and brings creativity, passion, and a fresh perspective to her work.

Susann Buchanan (she/her)

Facility Manager

Susann has worked with the YWCA Banff since 2005. Through her work in facilities, Susann leads the housekeeping and maintenance operations across the 90,000 square foot YWCA Campus. Suze is dedicated to the mission and vision of the YWCA and is an integral part of ensuring the YWCA is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Kate Boyd (she/her)

President

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Salina McNamara (she/her)

Past President

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Ella Schatzmann (she/her)

Vice President – Governance

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Danielle Roussy (she/her)

Vice President - Operations

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Melanie Kwong (she/her)

Secretary

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Karen Shelton (she/her)

Treasurer

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Dominique Lagloire-Galipeau (she/her)

Director

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Yvonne Machuk (she/her)

Director

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Heather Sturm (she/her)

Director

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Jessica Wheatley (she/her)

Director

Director

Director

Kate Boyd (she/her)

President

Kate has been quietly driving change in sport and recreation across Canada. As a leader, manager and director, Kate has leveraged her skills and experiences to lead her teams to sustained performance and excellence. Kate believes in empowering and mentoring her teams to tap into their own excellence, which contributes to the greater team’s success.

Kate has led meaningful change for large programs at the YMCA-YWCA and in sport. Helping to set the tone, guide decisions and create highly effective teams. As a youth and young adult, the experiences at YMCA-YWCA camps helped shape the leader she is today.

Kate is the High-Performance Director (HPD), for Nordiq Canada’s Para Nordic program, Canada’s most successful Paralympic team. In 2020, she was the first female HPD hired at Nordiq Canada. As a member of the staff for the Para Nordic team at the 2018 and 2022 Paralympic Games, she supported athletes and staff in their achievement of thirty medals at the Games. She has helped the team navigate the ups and downs of the pandemic and a major shift in staffing. Under her guidance the team had their best ever performance in the 2022-23 World Cup season, despite such significant challenges.

As a YWCA Banff Board member since 2020, Kate values being able to give back and contribute to the YWCA and the greater Bow Valley community, through an organization that has played such a critical role throughout her entire life.

Salina McNamara (she/her)

Past President

Salina is a communications professional with a Bachelor of Commerce double major in Financial Management, and Accounting, from LaTrobe University, Australia. Her corporate experience began in the field of audit and business services evolving into an extensive history in partnerships and communications. Salina is the Communications and Summer Brand Manager at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, headquartered in Banff.

Salina lives in Banff with her husband Ben, children Kirra and Jai, and dog Marshall. Whether hiking, biking, snowboarding or camping, she is happiest finding adventures outdoors.

With a passion for equity, social and environmental welfare, she believes in supporting positive change through action. Having served at YWCA Banff as a Director since 2016 and Board Chair since 2019, Salina is grateful to be able to help drive the initiatives that support and empower women, girls and the Bow Valley community.

Ella Schatzmann (she/her)

Vice President – Governance

Ella has proudly called Canmore home since 2004. She shares her life with her husband Chris and children Cody and Nelly. As a Social Worker, Ella has been a strong advocate for the rights and wellbeing of women and children, working in the areas of Child Protection, hospital Social Work and Community Mental Health. As Program Facilitator with Bow Valley Addiction & Mental Health since 2012, she is honoured to have the opportunity to work in community on initiatives and projects that aim to improve the lives of its citizens, including the Harmony Project, Homeless to Housing Coalition and the Bow Valley Wellness, Recovery & Preparedness Coalition.

Danielle Roussy (she/her)

Vice President - Operations

After attending the University of Waterloo for Psychology, Dani moved to the Bow Valley for the summer, like many do. That was in 2009 and she is still in awe of the beauty of Banff. Dani loves to travel (16 countries so far), explore, camp, hike, bike, yoga and spend time outdoors with her partner and her two boys. She’s been a volunteer for multiple organizations throughout the Bow Valley including Banff LIFE, Banff Yoga Festival, Banff Marathon, and Mel’s Road Race. Some programs she’s volunteered for include the Bow Valley Mentor Program (2014-2018) and Roots of Empathy (2018-2019). She has worked at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital in St. Martha’s Long Term Care unit since 2014, but has recently taken over the role of Seniors Support Coordinator for the Town of Banff where she oversees the programs and services for older adults in Banff. Dani is so proud to be serving on the YWCA Executive Board of Directors since January 2020 and has a huge passion for the safety, equity and empowerment of women and girls.

Melanie Kwong (she/her)

Secretary

An opportunity with Parks Canada brought Melanie and her family to the Rockies in 2013. In that role, she quickly came to appreciate the spirit of collaboration in the Bow Valley, especially in challenging times like the historic flood event that year.

A desire to contribute to building a safe and inclusive community that empowers all women led Melanie to join the YWCA board. Melanie currently works for the federal Department of Canadian Heritage. A second-generation Canadian, Melanie was born in Montreal and is thankful to call home this special place on Treaty 7 Territory and the homeland of Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.

Karen Shelton (she/her)

Treasurer

Karen joined the YWCA Banff Board of Directors in June 2021, and has served as the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance and Capital Committee since June 2022. Karen was born and raised in Alberta and has enjoyed countless hours in the mountains and the Bow Valley. She graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary, and is a professional accountant, with over 36 years of industry experience and over 11 years of Board experience for nonprofit organizations. She has technical expertise in financial and managerial accounting, budgeting, strategic planning, project management and organizational change management. Karen is a strong advocate for women’s diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has served as a coach and mentor and has championed various employee led programs, including the formation of a Women’s Leadership Network and various charitable fundraising programs.

Karen retired from the workplace in 2020. She is an avid traveler and modest golfer and enjoys spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren.

Karen is grateful to give back to the community and support and empower the women and girls in the Bow Valley.

Dominique Lagloire-Galipeau (she/her)

Director

Originally from Montreal, Dominique first fell in love with the mountains in 2006. She has tried to move on many times, to many other great places, but can never seem to stay away for long. With a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and the CMA certification in her back pocket, she has worked in hotel’s accounting departments from Lake Louise to Bangkok, from Osaka to Boston. In 2015, Dominique took on the accounting and finance of The Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company Ltd. in Canmore and was promoted in 2022 to Chief Operating Officer. She is particularly interested in bringing numbers, sustainability and a few laughs to every discussion.

Inspired by great women and looking to give back, Dominique joined the board of the YWCA early 2018. When she is not in the office, you can find her on the ski slopes, on a trail, cheerleading the Grizzly Paw running team or catching up with a friend.

Yvonne Machuk (she/her)

Director

Yvonne has lived in Banff since 1976. She has been actively volunteering for many years, having served on most community boards in Banff including the Mineral Springs Hospital Board, the Whyte Museum Board and the board of the Banff Canmore Community Foundation. Yvonne holds a BA from the University of Winnipeg, a BEd from the University of Manitoba and an MEd from the University of Calgary. After a career in public education spanning nearly four decades, she returned to university and earned a doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Calgary. Her doctoral work focused on the challenges faced by internationally educated teachers as they transition to the Alberta context. Yvonne has wide-ranging leadership experience both professionally and in the volunteer sector and has facilitated strategic planning sessions and professional learning workshops locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.

Her commitment to empowering women and girls was established through her more than 30 year membership in Soroptimist International, a women’s service organization that works to better the lives of women and girls where she served in several leadership capacities for the organization.

Yvonne and her husband have found retirement an excellent opportunity to revisit favourite spots and explore new destinations.

Heather Sturm (she/her)

Director

A love for the mountains brought Heather to Alberta from Toronto, after completing her Bachelor in Biological Engineering from the University of Guelph in 2007. After many years of spending weekends in the Rockies, Heather moved to Canmore to be with her partner.

Heather is a Professional Engineer and has been working at a small environmental service company since 2009. Her career has provided her with a variety of experiences from operating equipment to technical design and project management. She now also helps manage the organization with a focus on empathetic and open leadership.

With a passion for a compassionate and caring community and world, she has been a Board member with YWCA Banff since January 2020 and a Client Care Volunteer with the Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley starting August 2022.

When not working or volunteering, Heather can be found skiing, reading, and spending time in nature. She is grateful to live, work, and play on Treaty 7 Territory and for the Indigenous People who have been caretakers of this land since time immemorial.

Jessica Wheatley (she/her)

Director

Jessica is a Professional Engineer living and working in the Bow Valley, taking particular pride in working on the projects that make a difference in the lives of people within her community. Away from work, you’ll find her enjoying the mountains mountain biking, hiking, camping, on a paddle board or advocating for active transportation within our communities. Looking to further support the many local initiatives the YWCA is leading, Jessica is thrilled to have joined the board in 2021.

Sam Welsh (she/her)

Director

Sam is a counsellor at Banff-Canmore Women’s Counselling, Canadian Perinatal Wellness Collective, and WellMind Counselling. As a trauma-informed therapist and intersectional feminist, she is passionate about advocating for accessible mental health services, de-stigmatizing counselling, and ensuring that folks are connected the resources they need to thrive. Sam holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology as well as certificates in Perinatal Mental Health, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotions Focused Therapy, and others. With an open heart and in the spirit of reciprocity, Sam gratefully acknowledges the privilege of living and raising a family on Treaty 7 Territory. When she’s not working, you can find Sam dancing and teaching at Canmore Dance Corps, volunteering for AHS, and enjoying the beauty of the Bow Valley with her son, husband, and two dogs. Sam has served as YWCA Board Member and co-chair of the Truth & Reconciliation Working Group since 2022.

Cate White (she/her)

Director

Cate is thrilled to be joining the YWCA Banff Board of Directors to continue her passion for women-centred preventive community programming. As a born and raised Albertan, Cate grew up hiking and camping in the Bow Valley with YMCA-YWCA camps. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a law degree (JD), both from the University of Victoria. During her undergraduate degree, Cate focused her time researching with and working alongside Indigenous communities, tackling issues that intersect across women’s reproductive health, environmental justice and access to justice. Prior to attending law school, Cate was a researcher for Constellation Consulting Group, a group of consultants who work with Calgary-based non-profit organizations to build evidence-based programming and evaluation frameworks. She also volunteered for the Victoria Big Brothers Big Sisters “Go Girls!” program that focuses on empowering girls in grades 4-6.

Cate is currently a Calgary-based lawyer with a commercial litigation practice that focuses on anti-bribery, corruption and other national and international criminal and regulatory compliance issues. She still enjoys making her way to the mountains of the Bow Valley on most weekends, whether it’s for hiking, camping, fly-fishing or cross-country skiing.

Shaping a safe and inclusive Bow Valley that empowers women and their community for a better future.

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