Board member bios

Patricia Hinds
Stephanie Grant
Kelsey Wilks
Katrina Beattie
Laurie Crosbie
Sharon Sheridan
Tara Huxley
Mike Davies
Andrea Heal
Carolyn Shinners
Gina Copeland
Jennifer Kimble
Samantha Lenord

Patricia Hinds — Vice President

I graduated from the Social Work Diploma Program at Mount Royal College in 2008, and have now achieved my further educational goal of earning my Bachelor of Social Work Degree through the U of C. I currently work as part of a case management team addressing client needs, all while maintaining or enhancing quality of life by providing non-judgmental care and support with compassion, hope and dignity. It is my passion.

I have a long and proud volunteer history that has served me well as the background to my Social Work career choice: Founding Member of the North Central Community Coordinating Council, Volunteer and Community Advocate, as well as Student Ambassador, Student Counselor, and VP of Academics at BVCSA, and as a volunteer at the Student Peer Support Centre Students’ Association on campus at Mount Royal University. In 2002, I was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for service to the community and dedication to families.

My experience working in a professional capacity and as a volunteer, both with agencies and as an independent, has given me a valuable understanding of the importance of building and maintaining personal, professional, public and community relations. I have a strong passion for promoting social justice and I proudly parent three wonderful young men.

Stephanie Grant — Vice-President

I am Stephanie Grant, and I am looking forward to serving you as the new Vice President of the Social Work Alumni Chapter Board of Directors. I graduated from Mount Royal's Social Work Program in 2010 which was the first graduating class as a university! During my time at Mount Royal, I was actively involved in the student community as a resident advisor, as communications chair for 3SW in my first year, and as president in my second year. I also worked for both the grounds crew and for Recreation. I have continued to study via distance education through the University of Victoria and am in my second last semester of a Child Protection BSW!

I currently work with the YWCA of Calgary in the Youth Leadership Program doing one-on-one work. I worked with McMan Youth, Family, and Community Services for three years in group residential care across Alberta and work with youth living with FASD. I look forward to this exciting year ahead!

Kelsey Wilks — Treasurer

Katrina Beattie — Secretary

I graduated from the Social Work Diploma Program at Mount Royal University in 2009. In 2011, I went on to complete the Certificate in Working with Homeless Populations at the University of Calgary. I currently work for the Calgary Scope Society providing long term support to adults with mental disabilities.

I have over ten years of experience working with individuals and groups with diverse backgrounds. I have previous experience in the role of full time Youth Worker, Transition Worker, and Support Worker. I also spent a period of my career with case management as a Key Worker. My time as a Social Worker has afforded me a great opportunity to work closely with homeless youth in the youth shelter system and in group homes. I have also worked in the mental health care system.

I am very excited to be a part of the Mount Royal Social Work Alumni Chapter as the new Secretary for the 2012/2013 term.

Laurie Crosbie — Director-at-Large

I graduated in 1974 and have spent most of my career working with children and youth. I have been a CFSA parent support worker, foster parent, family education coordinator and spent 15 years as a Family Resource Worker for the Drumheller School Districts. I now work as an Intake Resource Coordinator for the pediatric rehab program for the David Thompson Health Region. I have a passion for supporting people who love, live with, or care for persons with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Sharon Sheridan — Director-at-Large

I graduated from the Social Work Diploma Program at Mount Royal University in June 2011 and I am returning in the fall to continue taking classes toward earning a Social Work Degree. I have worked and volunteered in a variety of educational and recreational settings for many years and I am extremely passionate about working with children and adolescents.

I completed my first year Social Work Practicum at a Junior High School in Bowness working with the Adapted and Paced Learning Programs in addition to assisting the school guidance counselor, resource teacher, and the Starburst Program run by Calgary Family Services. My second Practicum was split between Community Outreach of Pediatrics and Psychiatry in Education (C.O.P.E.) Program and the Sinneave Family Foundation based out of the Child Development Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Working with families, teachers and adolescents with developmental, emotional and behavioral issues was extremely rewarding and I am more certain than ever that I have found not just a career but my life passion in Social Work. I am looking forward to joining the Social Work Alumni Chapter as Secretary for the 2011/2012 year. My goal is to be able to give back to both Mount Royal and the Social Work Department as I have gained much more than just a diploma during my years at Mount Royal University.

Tara Huxley — Director-at-Large

Miles Davies — Director-at-Large

Andrea Heal — Director-at-Large

Carolyn Shinners — Director-at-Large

Gine Coupland — Director at Large/Faculty Representative (Social Work and Disability Studies)

I graduated from the MRU Social Work Diploma 1998. Since then I have worked in a variety of agencies working with youth at risk, families in poverty and single moms who are pursuing their education. In January 2009, I returned to Mount Royal as the Coordinator for Practicum and Advising for both Social Work and Disability Studies. I am really excited to be a part of the Social Work Alumni Committee!

Jennifer Kimble — Director-at-Large/Student Representative

Samantha Lenord — Director-at-Large/Student Representative