Ethel Hoeksema

Founder, Executive Director

Ethel is a Certified Life Skills Coach, having completed a 4,500-hour training program at the Life Skills Training Centre in Edmonton, AB, in 1996. She also holds a two-year Diploma in Social Work from Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB (1989), and Level Two certification in Bookkeeping from The Academy of Learning (2004).

Ethel has been an active volunteer with Narcotics Anonymous in Lethbridge for the past thirty-six years. Her dedication to community service is further reflected in her previous roles as a board member for the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society (3 years).

A strong advocate for wellness and community support, Ethel played a key role in establishing the Wellness Through Living Society as a federally registered charity on September 25, 2012 (82719 2881 RR0001). Ethel has made it her mission to build the Life Skills Training Centre, successfully running a program in Fort Macleod for 2024–25.

In addition to her professional and volunteer accomplishments, she is fluent in Blackfoot, reflecting her connection to and respect for Indigenous communities.

Gary Klassen

Board Chair

Grace Duff

Director-at-Large

Trissly Blackwater

Director-at-Large

Cassandra Chalifoux

Director-at-Large

Cassandra Chalifoux is a proud Mi’kmaq woman from the Indian Head Clan of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. She has lived in Lethbridge and the surrounding area for the past 14 years. Her Indian name, Sspopiiaki (Turtle Woman), gifted to her in the summer of 2024, symbolizes Motherhood, Wisdom, Patience, and Longevity in the Blackfoot culture.

Cassandra has spent the last three years working closely with the Urban Indigenous population as the Community Engagement Officer for Native Counselling Services of Alberta. In this role, she runs the Lethbridge Indigenous Sharing Network, bringing organizations together to support the needs of the Indigenous population in and around Lethbridge.

She has also dedicated her time to volunteer work, including serving on the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee with the City of Lethbridge, fostering reconciliation between the community and the city, and supporting numerous local events and initiatives aimed at strengthening Indigenous and community connections.

Heather Dupont

Secretary

Heather Dupont is an experienced child and family professional with over 32 years working with children in a variety of roles. Originally from Fort McMurray, Heather has made Lethbridge her home for several years, where she currently works as a Parent Coach.

She holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education and has completed specialized training in Suicide Prevention, First Aid, and holds a Class 3 Driver’s License. Heather also spent 15 years in the aquatics and first aid fields, combining her passion for safety, education, and supporting others.

A mother of three, Heather draws on both her professional experience and personal journey as a recovering addict and proud member of Narcotics Anonymous. Her lived experience provides her with deep insight into addiction, trauma, and personal growth, which she brings to her work with families.

Outside of her professional life, Heather enjoys swimming, music, travel, and rugby, staying active and engaged in her community.