Stay informed: What the New Alberta ID Means for Volunteer Screening[

As a true Mexican, Andy will frown upon anyone who mentions taco salad. Currently, one of his favorite pastimes is ranking Edmonton’s best tacos. While Edmonton is his current home base, you’ll often find him exploring nature, scaling rocks, or jamming out to some tunes.

With a background in Creative Direction, Educational Design, and a degree in Gender and Social Justice from the University of Alberta, Andy is all about making positive changes happen. His passion for social justice drives him to break down complex ideas into accessible bits, getting more young folks involved in their community. If you need to find new ways to address social issues using creativity and storytelling, go to Andy.

Andy is part of the 2SLGBT+ community and lives with his lovely partner, their adorable dog Latte, and the rambunctious kitten Mac (a.k.a. Mac & Cheese).

                           

Latte, Assistant Lead of Barks & Recreation              Mac, Daily O-purrr-ations Management

As the Network and Engagement Coordinator at Volunteer Alberta, Alison manages VA’s members, Leads our AVCN and look at other ways to connect with the sector. Alison received a Bachelor of Art in International Development Studies and has a diploma in Arts and Cultural Management. She also has 8 years of experience as a volunteer coordinator. Growing up, Alison attended many festivals and arts events – she has only missed one Edmonton Folk Festival her whole life. Now, Alison volunteers with Edmonton Folk Music Festival on Greeting Crew and Common Ground Arts on their board – you might have seen her in her ticket dress!

When not at work, you find Alison out enjoying neighborhood walks with her cat, Kat, going to art and cultural events, and eating ice cream. Alison wants to live in a world where everyone is equal and ice cream is a food group!

       Kat, Keyboard Purrtector

Around the office, Graeme can almost always be found early in the morning, drinking coffee and making a to-do list. Graeme is very loyal to the province’s nonprofit arts organizations, including places like Alberta Printmakers, CJSW, and CARFAC Alberta.

When they’re not at work, Graeme tries to keep a very strict regimen of reading fiction, finding new music on Bandcamp, watching Star Trek with their partner, and listening to podcasts in donair shops. They are also a practicing visual artist/writer.

Graeme has worked and volunteered within Alberta’s nonprofit arts sector since 2012. They have worked in the architectural decorative glass field for over four years, and received their Bachelor’s of Fine Art from the Alberta College of Art + Design’s Glass Program in 2015.

           JJ, Paw-ject Manager

Born and raised in northern Alberta, Micheal has spent a lot of time outdoors camping and hiking – and he’s super appreciative of all the volunteers that help maintain all the trails and parks he enjoys! If not out trying to explore, you can usually find him snuggling with his cats at home with a good book or attempting to turn his house into a tropical jungle (if only the plants would stay alive). You may have already connected with Micheal if you’ve ever called or e-mailed in to VA – he’s always happy to answer questions or dig into a topic to help find solutions.

Micheal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Calgary, an overflowing “to be read” book pile, and maybe a few too many post-it-notes on his desk. More than anything, he is a proud Métis and part of the 2SLGTBQ+ family.

April and Tako, Joint Wellbeing Facili-cat-ors

Erin holds her Certification in Volunteer Administration through the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration. She currently sits on the board of directors for Calgary Young People's Theatre and is an active volunteer in Calgary's community theatre scene. She is passionate about bringing groups of volunteers together to create art and wonder.

Erin could talk for a week straight about volunteer screening and engagement, which works well for the Volunteer Screening Program! She loves collaborating with organizations to engage volunteers in safe and meaningful ways. If she's ever stumped, she is likely bouncing ideas off of her corgi, Basil.

              Basil, Ideas Assistant

Miki Stricker‑Talbot believes in co‑creating futures where people, communities, and whole systems can thrive. Based on Treaty 6 lands in Edmonton, she serves as Executive Director of Volunteer Alberta and as a Network Steward with the Alberta Nonprofit Network. Working alongside a passionate team of changemakers at VA, Miki helps strengthen the conditions for connection, wellbeing, and civic participation through volunteerism and nonprofit sector leadership. Her work is grounded in curiosity, care, and a deep belief that systems can -- and should -- work better for everyone.

Miki’s career spans public service and the nonprofit sector, with experience in the arts, event production, policy development, complex project management, systemic design, and social innovation. She has volunteered with numerous organizations over the years, with favourite roles including late‑night DJ at CJSW, key advisor to Nuit Blanche Edmonton, and supervising school field‑trips. Along with being a Global Fellow with the League of Intrapreneurs, Miki is also a BMW Foundation Responsible Leader, and an Avenue Magazine Top-40-Under-40 alumna. Miki is a volunteer in her community, and collector of half-read books. Most importantly, she is the mom of two amazing humans who help her (un)learn more about the world every day.

       Leo, Head of Barking Activities

Around the office, Cindy is known for providing occasional treats, sharing her reviews of local restaurants, and (thoroughly) celebrating holidays. She appreciates Alberta’s many fabulous nonprofits, including Volunteer Centres spread across the province. A long-time episodic volunteer, Cindy connects with her community through various festivals, holiday activities, curling events, and many casinos.

Outside of work, Cindy enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, dining out, listening to music, curling, and traveling. She believes in supporting local tourism and likes to travel around Alberta to discover new places and restaurants.

Cindy is proud to have participated in the growth of Volunteer Alberta over the past 20+ years. She first brought her organizational and technical skills to Volunteer Alberta as Communications & Volunteer Week Coordinator in 2005 and since has taken on the roles of Office Manager, Executive Assistant, and Administration Director.

Francine is the wordsmith behind VA’s newsletters, website, and social media. As the Marketing and Communications Specialist, she adds her editorial touch and creative eye to projects, drawing on her Bachelor of Communications Studies degree from MacEwan University and experiences in nonprofit and retail management.

Francine’s passion for volunteering extends to coaching for JDCWest and Alberta Not-for-Profit Association business case competitions, copyediting for Pathways Archaeology and Anthropology Journal (U Sask) and The Bolo Tie Collective (MacEwan University), and contributing to local events like Litfest and Taste of Edmonton.

Outside of VA, Francine reads books, needle felts, and dabbles in poetry writing. Her hidden talents include stone-skipping and pumpkin carving. Despite not having any pets at home, she’ll gladly shower affection on any furry friend she encounters.

Amanda Reaume was elected to the Board in 2024. She brings 25 years in Alberta’s nonprofit sector, including four years as Executive Director of Volunteer Lethbridge, an organization deeply involved in all things volunteer management.

She also has four years of experience as a nonprofit governance instructor for Alberta Arts, Culture & Status of Women (formerly Alberta Culture & Tourism), was a member of the Funding Allocation Committee for the United Way of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta, and a former Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters Lethbridge & District. She has many short term volunteer commitments, such as The Big Cook, Coulee Clean Up, and helping at casinos for various organizations.

Amanda is enamored with the Kids Cancer Care Foundation. Her son was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2016 and the Foundation provided them with a full “Christmas” in that first year, giving her son an opportunity to attend a camp every summer that catered to the unique needs of children battling various types of cancer. Related, the Make-A-Wish Foundation became a pretty important part of their lives. Her son’s wish was recently granted – the family went to the NBA All-Star Game – not only did they get tickets, they also met and had photo opps with ALL East and West team members. Something never to be forgotten. The Make-A-Wish Foundation made it easy to attend, held them in the palm of their hands throughout the experience, and went above and beyond.

Amanda spent a summer working for Travel Alberta in Blairmore and can’t get enough of the Crowsnest Pass. Currently located in Lethbridge, Amanda has four kids, ranging from 14-21 (hoping teenagers like her again one day!). She is obsessed with stand-up comedy – some favourites include Jo Koy, Taylor Tomlinson, and Gary Gulman.

Annand Ollivierre joined VA’s Board of Directors in June 2025. He brings 20 years of experience across the public, nonprofit, and business sectors, with a focus on helping organizations deepen their impact through social innovation and human-centred design. Throughout his career, Annand has worked as a bridge-builder, supporting collaboration, surfacing insights, and empowering teams to apply new frameworks, tools, and methods that drive meaningful change. He cares deeply about creating space for diverse perspectives and doing the messy, necessary work of uncovering what holds complex challenges in place. Through this process, he believes we rediscover our collective capacity to imagine and build solutions that can truly shift and transform systems for the better. Currently, Annand works with the SKILLS Society as the Director of Development and Community Engagement. In this work he advances the vision and mission of SKILLS by focusing on building funder and donor relationships as well as supporting the innovation work of the Action Lab, a social enterprise of the SKILLS Society. Previous he worked with J5 Design as the Edmonton Studio Team Lead and Service Designer. He work a variety of organizations and help them to create and implement strategies, programs, and services that are human-centred and well designed. Annand has volunteered with the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and is a co-founder of You Need This Box, a social enterprise focused on anti-racism education. He admires the work of both Islamic Family and Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society for the same reason: both organizations and are incredible in how they provide important, culturally relevant, innovative, and deeply meaningful services and programs to their communities and those that they work with. Born, raised, and residing on Treaty 6 territory in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Beaver Hills House) also known as Edmonton, Annand has a B.Sc in Human Ecology from the University of Alberta. His favourite place in Alberta is Writing-on-Stone Provincial Parks. It is one of the most enchanting places he’s have ever been! Along with his incredible spouse, they have two teenage daughters who keep him on his toes! In his free time he loves to cook, golf, watch bad reality tv, and connect with his friends.

Doray Veno rejoined Volunteer Alberta’s Board in 2025. She brings 15 years of experience in Alberta’s nonprofit sector and experience with rural advocacy. Living in Special Areas #2, she is passionate about all rural groups building community resiliency. Doray currently works with Lynks – Harvest Sky Services and Supports Society, igniting communities by passionately meeting the needs of all people, fostering a deep sense of belonging and ensuring no one is left behind. As well, she raises Angus cattle with Veno Land and Cattle LTD, ranching with her husband and two amazing adult children. Her favourite place to be is at a kitchen party.

Doray is a registered Primary Care Paramedic, has a Bachelors of Arts in Recreation Administration Community Development, is past owner operator of Acers Away (residential group home for adults with developmental disabilities) and Easy Stop Bottle Shop & Recycling, and was a Town of Hanna Councilor. Doray is the recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, Kid’s at Hope: International Hope Honors Medal, and King Charles III Coronation Medal. She has volunteered with the Harvest Sky Economic Development Corporation (treasurer), Dryland Emergency Medical Services Association (chair), Volunteer Alberta (president), Exhibition 31 Ag Centre and Services Society (board director), and Hanna Historical Society.

Alice Coatu joined VA’s Board of Directors in June 2026. She brings more than a decade of experience across the nonprofit, technology, and marketing sectors, with a career focused on helping people build skills, confidence, and meaningful connections. Throughout her work, Alice has led training, onboarding, and learning initiatives that support individuals and organizations through growth and change.

A passionate volunteer and community builder, Alice has contributed her time to organizations focused on leadership development, youth mentorship, governance, and community events. She believes that strong communities are built when people feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to contribute their unique strengths.

Born in Romania, raised in Montreal, and now proud to call Calgary home, Alice speaks English, French, Romanian, and Italian. In her spare time, she enjoys finding third spaces, bird watching, creating art, skating, and exploring the world.

Scott Pileckas joined Volunteer Alberta as a Director in June 2025. He brings nearly 28 years of experience (started at 11!) in civic volunteerism and nonprofit leadership across three countries, with a focus on crisis intervention, rural food security, and criminal justice reform. Additionally, he offers a systems-level understanding of nonprofit operations—from grassroots mobilization to strategic governance—combined with lived experience as both a service provider and a service user, particularly in under-resourced and rural communities like Bow Valley. His approach is grounded in compassion, innovation, and practical action. Currently, Scott serves as Head of User Research for Criminal Justice Hub, a nonprofit think tank focused on justice reform and lived-experience policy design. In Canada, Scott volunteers as a crisis responder and counsellor for Samaritans, helping staff the 988 suicide and crisis line. He’s also led food insecurity initiatives through Community Fridge networks the UK (and working on new ones here at home), and is actively developing a culturally safe Indigenous support hotline in partnership with regional leaders in Alberta and British Columbia. Scott works as a data scientist and pricing strategist, consulting for major retailers across the UK, USA, and Canada. His work focuses on building data-driven tools and strategies that help organizations navigate supply chains, optimize revenue, and serve customers more equitably—especially in essential goods and services sectors. He has held a number of positions over the years, including Project Lead for an Anti-Recidivism Programme (Thames Valley Police UK), Head of User Research (Criminal Justice Hub UK), firefighter and emergency responder, founder of several Community Fridge projects, Canadian Red Cross Walmart Wildfires Relief Program, and has been a member of the Royal Society of Biology and Royal Society of Chemistry. With varying interests at University (started at 13!), he recently has decided to pursue a PhD in Industrial Psychology.

Scott deeply admires the work of The Alex in Calgary for its community-first model of wraparound support, especially their mobile health services. He also holds Canadian Red Cross Alberta in high regard—its responsiveness during the wildfires of 2024 was a powerful reminder of how volunteers, logistics, and compassion intersect during crisis, and as a former firefighter, Scott felt it was a privilege to enlist his support for the relief efforts. Both organizations embody resilience, innovation, and dignity in service delivery.

Calling the Bow Valley home—specifically the area between Canmore and Banff, Scott finds that it’s a place of natural beauty and tight-knit community, and feels fortunate to live among such resilient and service-minded people. He’s a devoted husband, a proud son of the most amazing superhero momma, a devoted grandson, and a lifelong volunteer who started at age 11. I’m also a survivor, having overcome significant adversity, which fuels my passion for helping others feel seen, safe, and supported. When he’s not volunteering or working, Scott is usually journaling, reading about Indigenous initiatives, or climbing mountains. His favourite place in Alberta is the quiet banks of the Bow River in early morning light—peaceful, humbling, and grounding. He also adores Grassi Lakes and the pictographs at Grotto Canyon.

Joining the Board in June 2024, Meenakshi brings her experience working across different sectors, including technology and nonprofits, which has provided her with a broad perspective on how organizations operate and collaborate to achieve their goals. Additionally, her experience working with various nonprofit sectors has equipped her with a deep understanding of their unique challenges and opportunities, particularly in areas such as community engagement and capacity building. This cross-sector experience enables her to contribute innovative and comprehensive insights to the Board.

Meenakshi volunteers with the University of Alberta – Alumni Student Support and Engagement Team (ASSET). She admires REACH because it was the first nonprofit to give her exposure to how a nonprofit operates, providing a foundational understanding of the sector. She also admires Volunteer Alberta, as an alumna of the Youth @ the Table cohort. This transformative experience not only gave her the confidence to understand governance frameworks in a nonprofit setting but also inspired her ongoing commitment to community impact and leadership.

Residing in Edmonton, she enjoys checking out new cafes, trying different cuisines, and spending time reading books. Meenakshi’s favourite places in Alberta are Banff, Canmore, Jasper specifically Moraine Lake. Currently she works at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute and holds a BSc with a double major in Biological Sciences and Psychology.

Karen Wronko joined VA’s Board of Directors in June 2026. She is the Assistant Deputy Minister for the Trade, Investment, and Food Safety division. Her division is responsible for food safety, rural economic development and agriculture societies, agri-food business development and innovation, as well as investment, trade and intergovernmental relations for the agri-food sector.

Karen holds an Agriculture degree from the University of Alberta, a diploma in Urban Land Economics and a Certificate in Real Property Assessment both from the University of British Columbia. Karen has worked in several departments across the Government of Alberta including Environment and Parks, Economic Development and Tourism, Community and Social Services and Municipal Affairs.

In her spare time, Karen enjoys volunteering in her community and is a proud supporter of youth basketball. She is also a self-professed Star Trek nerd with Harry Potter coming in a close second.