Board of Directors

Calgary Quest School is governed by a Board of Directors (the “Board”). The Board is a volunteer-based, policy determination board which focuses on policy developments to advance the mission and strategy of Calgary Quest School. As such, the Board plays a central role in the governance of the business and affairs of Calgary Quest School.

Responsibilities

ENHANCING ABILITY

Enhancing our ability to better meet the needs of our unique student population and their families by providing a safe learning environment that carefully considers and compliments their individual medical, physical, emotional, behaviour, and learning needs.

MAINTAINING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Maintaining a safe and health-focused environment to meet the medical needs of our student population.

IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITY

Identifying funding opportunities that support CQS education & programming.

FOSTERING SUSTAINABILITY

Fostering a wholesome environment that remains sustainability for years to come.

Thomas Alexander, TREASURER

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from McMaster University, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. Thomas is currently the Director, Finance, Special Projects at Calfrac Well Services Ltd. where he has worked since 2007 in various senior finance positions in both Canada and the United States. Prior to this, Thomas spent a number of years working in the audit and assurance group of PwC, a major accounting firm. Thomas has a daughter attending CQS.

Pamela Alkier, VICE PRESIDENT

Pamela holds a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology, Psychology), a Bachelor of Social Work, and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources.  Pamela started her career as a child protection social worker, and over the last 17 years has worked in various Human Resource positions (Total Rewards, Talent Management, Communication & Risk Management). Pamela currently supports employees’ health and well-being at Canada’s leading integrated energy company. Pamela has a son attending CQS.  

Sharon Blackwell, DIRECTOR

Sharon holds a Bachelor of Arts (Joint Hons) in Mathematics and Psychology and a Bachelor of Social Work. Sharon has just retired from government following a 40-year career in the social service sector. During her career, Sharon worked in executive and senior management roles leading programs that addressed homelessness, domestic violence, low income, and employment. Sharon has two adult children, including a son with cerebral palsy. 

Scott Bolton, DIRECTOR

Scott Bolton, CPA, CA, BCom, is the President and Chief Executive Officer at UFA Co-operative Ltd. Prior to UFA, Scott spent his career at PwC, where he was a Partner in charge of the Alberta consulting practice and National Energy Leader. His industry knowledge covers the agriculture, oil and gas, and mining sectors, and he has experience working in Europe and the United States. Originally from Devon, Alberta, and a University of Alberta alumnus, Scott advocates for a strong and prosperous agricultural sector in the prairie provinces. Scott serves as a Board Director for the Business Council of Alberta, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - Calgary (JDRF) and the Children’s Link Society. His active volunteer work includes involvement with Special Olympics Calgary. Scott has a son who attends Calgary Quest Resources. 

Sue Crawford, DIRECTOR

Sue Crawford holds degrees in science and nursing and completed her Master of Nursing degree at the University of Calgary. She is the Nurse Clinician with the Neurodevelopment team at the Child Development Centre, a capstone position she is excited to fill thanks to her 9 years of experience working with high-risk children and youth. With Between Friends, she is the Camp Director for Camp Fun’zAmust in partnership with Easter Seals. Sue teaches Pediatric Nursing and Health Education at Bow Valley College and is the co-founder and CEO of Enable, a social enterprise that matches individuals with disabilities to support workers. 

Ellen Embury, DIRECTOR

Ellen holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Master of Public Administration. Ellen has 19 years of extensive litigation experience and splits her practice between employment and general litigation matters. She has a strong interest in reproductive technology and fertility. Ellen became a partner at Carbert Waite LLP in 2019. She enjoys spending time in the mountains and keeping active with her family by participating in a variety of activities including skiing and biking.  

Vahid Ghomaschi, DIRECTOR

Holding a PhD and a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Newcastle (UK), as well as a B.Eng. degree in Civil Engineering, and with over 25 years of professional and academic experience, Vahid offers a wide range of planning expertise and a solid theoretical foundation to planning and development clients.  

As a Registered Professional Planner in Alberta, Ontario, and the Atlantic region, and a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners for decades, Vahid has accomplished numerous planning initiatives with various municipalities, including the Region of Peel (Ontario), Town of Stratford (PE), City of Calgary, City of Merritt (BC), and City of Edmonton. With an excellent understanding of Alberta’s planning legislation, local development issues, and several years of leadership experience in both small and large municipalities, Vahid has led and completed several Municipal Development Plans and Strategic Plans, established new land use districts, reviewed and updated land use bylaws, and assessed many complex subdivision applications. 

Vahid is passionate about collaborative planning, community and stakeholder engagement, and working with all parties in the planning process to ensure they are well-informed, effectively consulted, and fully committed to contributing to the success of the planning initiative. 

Wendy Hunt, SECRETARY

Wendy has a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary. She taught for over 20 years, splitting time between a Metis Settlement in Northern Alberta, and teaching for various schools in the Calgary Public School system. She has taught grades 1-3 and grades 5-6. Her teaching experience includes teaching students with both Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. She has a daughter who attended CQS for over a decade and is now an employee.

Ashley Kalenchuk, DIRECTOR

Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer in Alberta.  Ashley has worked in the oil and gas industry for 29 years in a variety of operational, technical, and leadership roles.  He is currently employed as a Completions Advisor with Ovintiv, where he has spent his last 13 years.  Ashley has been very active in the Calgary Quest School community, working with the CQS Parent Advisory Council since inception and holding the Chairperson role for 4 years.  Ashley has a son attending CQS. 

Barbara Pitts, PRESIDENT

Barbara began her career as an elementary school teacher. After a decade she joined the Faculty of McMaster University DeGroote School of Business where she taught both graduate and under- 
graduate classes in organizational development, human resources, and strategy. She left the university and co-founded a start-up company and joined Price Waterhouse Coopers to build the Ontario provincial consulting practice and then the national practice. Alberta Health Services subsequently recruited her as the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Performance. Currently, Barbara serves on the Board for PFM Scheduling and Therapalz. Barbara holds a BA (Sociology), BEd (Elementary), MBA (Human Resources & Labour Relations), CMC (Certified Management Consultant), and the ICD.D designation in Board governance (University of Calgary). 

Patti Stebbe, DIRECTOR

Patti began her construction career in 1981 as a Project Coordinator at PCL Construction.  After 13 years, she left and entered the real estate development industry with Brookfield Properties gaining experience in real estate acquisitions and property management, eventually becoming the Manager of Building & Tenant Services for Western Canada.  Patti returned to construction in 2003 with EllisDon and eventually created and became the Vice President of their Special Projects Division.  Patti currently works at CANA Construction where she is the Vice President of CANA ReNew, the renovation division that she created in 2018.