Staff Biographies

Melissa K

Melissa is the Executive Director of Fort Saskatchewan Families First Society. Melissa comes to us with a Social Work background and has experience working with children and families. Melissa worked at a women’s shelter helping women and children fleeing domestic violence as well as is co-founder and co-facilitator of Angel Whispers, a baby loss support group. Melissa is married to her wonderful husband Blair and has 3 beautiful blonde girls, Darby, Morgan and one taking care of all of us from heaven, Madison. Melissa is thrilled to be working in her own community and has lived here for 27 years of her life!

Heather B

My name is Heather B, and I am the Coordinator for the Rhymes and Storytimes Parent-Child Mother Goose Program. As well, I am the Supervisor for our Home Visitation Program, and I am a Roots of Empathy Instructor. I am thrilled to have these positions, that combine my love of children with my passion for supporting parents in their critical role as their child’s first and most important teacher. At home, I have three amazing children and a wonderful husband, Don. In my spare time I enjoy my road bike, cross-country skiing, and cheering on the Esks, the Oilers, and whatever teams my children happen to be playing on at the time!

Jacquie S

My name is Jacquie, and I am Families First’s Home Visitation Worker. I am newly married to the love of my life Bill, and we are finding great joy in married life. I am very anxious to see what the future will bring for us.

Patti L

My name is Patti, and I am a Resource Worker with Families First. I have been married for the past 15 years to my husband Pat. We have two children; 12 year old Taylor and 9 year old Blair. I have lived in Fort Saskatchewan for the past 18 years, and have been involved for many years as a volunteer and child care worker for Families First. I am proud to be part of this wonderful team of people and look forward to many more rewarding years to come!

Cathleen S

Cathleen is the CHIPS Facilitator. She enjoys working with parents and little kids. She is married to Glen with 2 children, Faith and Rebecca. Cathleen loves living in the Fort and enjoys its great sense of community. Scrapbooking and reading are her hobbies during spare time. Family activities include camping and traveling.

Lorella

Lorella is responsible for our payroll and accounting. She has a varied background including Medical Secretary, Human Resources, and Fitness Technician. Lorella is married to Bryan and they have one daughter named Gemma. The family greatly enjoys the outdoors and spends as much of their time as possible camping, hiking, and fishing.

Rosemarie C

I have been living in Fort Saskatchewan for the past 11 years with hubby Ken, son Andrew and daughter Amanda. Our household also includes two dogs, Ralph and Ginger; three cats, Jilly, Sarah and Frizzle; and cheerful birds, Princess and George. I have volunteered for the past 11 years for Families First as well as been a Child Care Worker. Children are a number one priority to me. I am presently the Child Care Coordinator, and am honored to be working with Families First and the Parent Link Centre.

Sandra K

My name is Sandra. I have been married for almost 18 years to my husband Larry. We share 2 children – Ashley Dawn who is 16 years old and Cory Leo John who is 14 years old. My hobbies include camping, fishing (ice fishing), boating, swimming, quading, and spending time with family and friends.
I am a Parent Link Coordinator with the Families First Society Parent Link Centre. I graduated from Grant MacEwan College in 2003 from the Child and Youth Care Program. I have volunteered with many different organizations and I bring with me a lot of experience from many different fields.

Morgan M

Hi! I’m Morgan I was born and raised here in the Fort, and have just purchased my first home here that I share with my ‘children’ Molly and Emma (my dog and cat). I have been working with Families First for the past six years doing the ABC Grow With Me Summer Camp. I am very excited to have joined the full time staff team as a Parent Link Worker.

Anna T

My name is Anna and I have lived in the Fort Saskatchewan area since 1985.
A few years ago I moved from a farm into the city and love living in such
a dynamic community. Having a social work background, I was happy to
become part of the Families First team in July 2007. I have four children,
and eight grandchildren (so far) and love spending time with my family, as
well as reading, bowling and traveling

Kim H

Kim is the mother of 3 blond beauties. She is a long time facilitator of Rhymes & Story Times, and is also involved with the Managing Motherhood Program

Lianne McD

My name is Lianne. My position at Families First/Parent Link Centre is Resource Worker as well as Co-Facilitator for the Dragonfly support Group. I have 3 Children and 1 Grandchild. I am very happy to be part of Families First Staff.

Kelly F

Kelly has been a Volunteer with Families First for many Years. We are very excited that she is now the new facilitator of the Fort Saskatchewan Creative Kitchens. In support of her 4 active children, Kelly also volunteers in other local organizations such as Fort Gymnastics and Fort Saskatchewan Indoor Soccer.

Cindy H

Cindy is cofounder and Program Coordinator for Angel Whispers, a Families First program for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth. She isss also the Dragonfly Society facilitator. She has a Bachelor Degree in Social Work and has 20 years combined experience working in the areas of family violence, mental health, bereavement support and working with youth and the elderly.
Cindy is married with two boys at home and one in heaven.

Allison S

Greetings friends. I consider myself still relatively new to Fort Saskatchewan, having moved here on a military posting with my husband and our 3 children only a few years ago. In that time I have meet a number of great families through the volunteer work I do for my childrens varies activities.

I was brought on to Families First in the New Year of 2009, as a volunteer Communication Coordinator, taking over the website and newsletter. This is 1 of 4 website I am currently "webmaster" of. I am also a Wedding and Family photographer.