Who We Are

SafeLink Alberta: Reducing Risks and Promoting Health for Underserved Communities in Southern Alberta

SafeLink Alberta is a non-profit organization that has been serving and advocating for priority populations in Calgary and southern Alberta since 1983. Our mission is to reduce the risks associated with sexual activity and substance use through education, non-judgmental services and programming.

We believe that everyone deserves access to healthcare services, regardless of their background or lifestyle. That's why we prioritize underserved communities and those who are most at risk for HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.

Our services include HIV and hepatitis C testing, counseling, support groups, and referrals to other healthcare providers. We also offer supplies and education on safer sex practices, drug use, and overdose prevention.

Our team is made up of passionate and dedicated individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in our community. We work closely with other organizations and community partners to ensure that our services are accessible and effective.

At SafeLink Alberta, we believe that everyone deserves to live a healthy and fulfilling life, and we are here to support and empower our clients every step of the way.

Vision

Our vision at SafeLink Alberta is to create inclusive, empowered, and healthier communities. We strive to promote health equity and reduce health disparities among marginalized populations. Through our work at SafeLink Alberta, we hope to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being, and to foster a community that values diversity, respect, and compassion.

Mission

Our mission at SafeLink Alberta is to reduce the harms associated with sexual activity and substance use by offering low-barrier, non-judgmental, and informed programs and services. We believe that everyone deserves access to healthcare services and support, regardless of their background or lifestyle.

Our Values

Innovation

Innovation is like a spark that turns regular ideas into remarkable solutions. It's the process of blending creativity, curiosity, and a touch of audacity to create something extraordinary. It's about turning everyday concepts into groundbreaking innovations that elevate how we work and help make SafeLink Alberta a leader in our field.

Kindness:

Kindness is what helps turn ordinary moments into human connections. It's the art of mixing compassion, empathy, and generosity to create something truly remarkable; taking everyday interactions and turning them into acts of care that elevate how we treat one another and how we make SafeLink Alberta a non-judgemental and empowering community to be a part of.

Collaboration:

Collaboration is when we come together to create harmonious success. It's the art of blending resources, expertise, and cooperative efforts to achieve shared goals. When done intentionally, collaboration leads to improved services and unique solutions for the communities we serve.

Authenticity:

Authenticity guides us to honest and heartfelt connections. It's the practice of being genuine in our interactions and demonstrating accountability through transparency. By embracing sincerity, we cultivate trust and build meaningful connections, creating safer environments for engagement and support at SafeLink Alberta.

Justice:

Justice is fairness and dignity for all, regardless of circumstance. It is the commitment to dismantling systems of oppression and promoting a society where everyone enjoys equal opportunities and fair treatment. At SafeLink Alberta, we stand as advocates for and drivers of this justice, striving to create inclusive, empowered, and healthier communities.

Our Staff

Leadership Team

Katie Ayres, Executive Director

Megan Williamson, Director, Programs

Ngozi Adefesobi, CPA, CMA, Director Finance

Chinwe Agu, CPHR, SHRM-CP, RPR, PCP, Director, Human Resources & Operations

Karyn Jackson, Manager, Impact and Evaluations

Marie Tounissoux, Manager, Medicine Hat Support Services

Monika Kiegelmann, Manager, Calgary Support Services

Natasha Steacy, Manager, Education

Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, Manager, Community Relations

Our Agency Attributes

Leading the Way

Human Connection

Through an Unbiased Lens

Authentic Education

Guided by Firsthand Knowledge

Our Board

Occupation: Retired

Location: Calgary

About Them: Dianne has 44 years of registered nursing experience. She retired at the end of June 2020. She graduated with a degree in nursing in 1976, a master’s degree in nursing in 1993; both from the University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing. Her nursing experience has included staff nursing and leadership in public health, inner-city community nursing, trauma nursing/quality improvement and emergency nursing. Her final nursing leadership role was Provincial Initiatives Consultant for Provincial Addiction & Mental Health focusing on strategies and policy work related to the opioid crisis, harm reduction and treatment for opioid use disorder. In addition, she was the provincial lead for the establishment of the Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment clinics (iOAT). Her board experience includes past membership on the Board of the Legal Nurse Consultant Association of Canada, President and Chairman of the Board for the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) and as a member of the board of the Canadian Nurses Association. She has published several articles focused on trauma clinical care and prevention.

Occupation: Human Resources Consultant & Coach

Location: Calgary

About Them: Catherine is a human resource professional with 17 years of progressive HR experience in the not-for-profit, healthcare, engineering, oil & gas, and food manufacturing industries. She started a certified coach and HR consultancy business called Empowered Resources, Inc. where she helps individuals, teams, and organizations realize and maximize their potential and help them navigate changes. She is passionate about a strategic approach to HR governance and practice and focuses on leadership and career development for individuals within organizations. She has been on the board of directors of her condominium for 12+ years and is an avid community volunteer and mentor to junior HR professionals through her provincial association, CPHR Alberta. Catherine has been a life-long ally of people who identify within the LGBTQIA2S+ communities. She is a proud aunt of a trans-woman, and this has led her to hope to make a more meaningful contribution and impact within the community as a board member with SafeLink Alberta.

Catherine has a background in vocal jazz and musical theatre, and absolutely loves performing on stage. She has had a vocal jazz residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts, studied vocal jazz at Mt. Royal University (then College), and has sung at the Sydney Opera House.

Occupation: Senior Tax Avoidance Auditor, Canada Revenue Agency

Location: Calgary

About Them: Caia brings to the board twenty plus years as an accountant in public practice with a specialty in Non-profit audits. She also has extensive experience with charities of all kinds, including indigenous groups. She has always been a strong supporter and ally of the LGBTQ2+ community through friends and relatives in this community.

Caia Mundell was drawn to SafeLink Alberta due to the organization's steadfast dedication and engagement with the cause and community dating back to the 1980s. Her hero, Caia's father, was deeply entrenched in the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for its rights throughout his life. Despite facing adversity in rural Alberta due to her sexual orientation, he remained resolute in her fight for equality, tragically succumbing to the early AIDS crisis of the 1980s. Caia finds inspiration in individuals and groups who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to assisting those who are often neglected or marginalized.

Caia was also an artist, painter, and printmaker and was involved in the founding of Alberta College of Art as an official college in the 1980s.

Occupation: Lawyer

Location: Calgary

About Them: Jon is an experienced corporate/commercial lawyer. Over the years, Jon has counselled clients on a number of matters including corporate mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate development, professional corporations and estate planning, and regulatory conformity within the cannabis industry.

Before his career in law, Jon obtained his multi-engine IFR Commercial Pilot License. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing, running, cycling, and skiing.

Occupation: Recovery Coach and Trainer

Location: Calgary

About Them: Alan Frank brings a diverse background in banking, financial literacy, facilitating and teaching, program development, coaching and mentoring, relationship building, community connections, administration, and leadership. He is a trained peer support practitioner and a certified recovery coach. Alan has been an active community volunteer most of his life and has served on several committees and executive boards in the past. His lived experience includes poverty, family trauma, mental health, living with HIV, cancer, behavioral and substance addiction, and recovery, fostering an empathic ability to connect to the human experience and support those working in this area. He brings curiosity, perspective, and collaboration to the board.

When asked what led him to SafeLink Alberta, Alan expresses his belief that all individuals thrive in supportive communities with the necessary resources. His passion lies in helping make this happen, and being part of SafeLink is an honor to him.

Regarding inspiration, Alan finds it in the perseverance, resilience, self-awareness, and action that individuals facing enormous struggle and challenge bring into their lives each day to create change. He acknowledges that whether the change is small or momentous, they forge forward, serving as a daily reminder of the "why" in his work and an invitation to infuse courage and strength into his own life.

Occupation: Chief Operating Officer, Unitii Corp

Location: Calgary

About Them: In her 24 years of property operations Lizaine has seen and done it all. Her passion for property management led to roles of VP Operations at Boardwalk REIT, Mainstreet Equities and Northview Apartment REIT. Throughout her career she has managed properties in 8 provinces and 2 territories and managed over 26,000 units while at Northview. She's experienced with everything from distressed properties to brand new builds and lease ups. Lizaine has a talent for building a strong team and finding operating efficiencies to maximize returns. Lizaine has her MBA and CPM.

Occupation: Retired, Professor Emeritus of Social Work

Location: Calgary

About Them: David Este is a professor emeritus at the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. The majority of his research has focused on different aspects of the immigrant/refugee experience in Canada. He has also been involved in research studies that examined the health and well-being of people of African descent in Canada, and HIV/AIDS service utilization by African newcomers in Calgary. He was Co-PI of the Strength in Unity Project that focused on stigma, mental health and men from Asian communities. David is co-author of one book, co-editor of four volumes, and has published several journal articles and book chapters focused on issues related to immigration and diversity. During his career, he has worked extensively with a number of non-profit organizations including but not limited to the United Way of Calgary, Woods’ Homes, and the Coalition for Equal Access to Education. In January 2019, David was part of a team that received the Governor General’s Award in History for Community Programming for the documentary entitled, We Are the Roots: Black Settlers and Their Experiences of Discrimination on the Canadian Prairies.

Occupation: Director of Technology, Medicine Hat Public School Division

Location: Calgary

About Them: Edward Lipin is a technically sophisticated and business-savvy management professional with a pioneering career reflecting strong leadership qualifications coupled with "hands-on" IT expertise. Edward is the Director of Technology for the Medicine Hat Public School Division and has a passion for giving back to Medicine Hat community through volunteerism and service work.

Location: Medicine Hat

About Them: Robert is a consultant with a background as a research scientist specializing in the integration of computer systems to aid operators in the control of complex systems. More recently, he has trained to be an addictions counsellor and has experience living with people who use drugs. He has worked as an outreach worker in Medicine Hat, and he volunteers with several other community groups.

Occupation: Nurse Practitioner

Location: Calgary

About Them: Jessica Tsang is a nurse practitioner who is dedicated to improving the health experience for all. She is the founder and medical director of Alberta's first nurse practitioner-led primary care clinic, Direct Health Solutions. Jessica has diverse experience and knowledge that she brings to the board including primary health care, urgent care, addictions, mental health, education, and entrepreneurship. She helped form SAIT's Healthcare Leadership program and has been a faculty member at Mount Royal University's School of Nursing and Midwifery for over a decade. In 2018, she received a Women of Inspiration award for her leadership in the community. Harm reduction and advocacy are foundational to her approach as a healthcare professional and community leader.

Occupation: Accountant

Location: Calgary

About Them: Emmanuel is an experienced finance, accounting and auditing professional. He has experience with top accounting firms in Nigeria, the UK and Canada. He studied Project Management Technology at the Federal University of Technology, in Nigeria. He became a chartered accountant (ACCA) in 2013/2014. He has over 15 years’ experience in auditing small to large and multinational organizations. He is passionate about family and loves to sing as well. Emmanuel is also passionate about helping humanity and any endeavour that seeks to benefit the society is of interest to him.

Occupation: Family Physician

Location: Calgary

About Them: Kerri Treherne is a family physician and has worked with vulnerable populations for over 20 years. She believes in the strength of community and served on her community association board for a number of years. She currently works in a community health center and enjoys providing care in a multidisciplinary team that works with those who are underserved in our community. She is also interested in advocacy and is a member of a Primary Care Network board and is involved with the Alberta Medical Association. Her newest position involves serving clients at Calgary Drop-In Center where risk reduction is a fundamental theme. She is excited to work with the SafeLink board on strategies that will help Calgarians that struggle to access support and care in Calgary.

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