Board of Directors
Tavia Nazarko – Chairperson
Tavia works in the mental health field and has been on the board for 2 years.
Don Middleton – Vice-Chair
Don has been with the Calgary Board of Education since 1993. During this time, he has worked in several schools as a classroom teacher and administrator. Currently, Don is a high school assistant principal and has recently completed his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Trauma and Resiliency in Educational Settings.
Steffany Welter- Secretary
Steffany is a native Calgarian and is passionate about community service. She joined the Board in May 2020. Steffany has worked in different capacities with various non-profit organizations focused on vulnerable populations, including addictions and mental health. Steffany is grateful to have the opportunity to work with Elements Calgary Mental Health Centre.
Cheryl Gardner – Director
Cheryl holds a Masters Degree in Social Work and for her whole career, she has worked in the mental health field.
Asanga Gunatillaka – Director
Asanga is an Electrical Engineer who has spent the last 20 years in leadership roles bringing to market emerging technologies and new commercial models. He started his career in management and technology consultancy and has led change in a variety of companies including Virgin Media in the UK and as Chief Product Officer at the Swedish Telecommunication provider, Com Hem.
Karen Hayes – Director
Karen became a member of the Centre in 2006 and began volunteering in a clerical position. She is a self taught artist and a native Calgarian. Karen looks forward to, and is eager to be a part of the Board of Directors, giving back what has been freely given.
Inessa Korenfeld – Director
Inessa became a client in 2014 and started in the Volunteer Program right away. She was appointed to the InterAction Committee in 2016 and the Board of Directors in 2019.
Management
Anneisa Lauchlan – Executive Director
Anneisa has over twenty five years of experience working in the mental health field . her lifelong interest in mental health and her passion for improving the quality of life for people with a mental illness forms the cornerstone of her commitment to the work she does with the Centre. Over the years, she has devoted herself to work within the Centres’ direct service component and in promoting the goals of the Centre in the community. Anneisa has served as an Advisor to the Mental Health Commission of Canada and has also been very active on numerous committees and projects working in partnership with other Calgary service providers, funders and clients to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around mental illness in the Calgary community and throughout Canada.
Maria Ochitwa – Assistant Director
Maria has over 25 years of experience in the field of mental health, providing direct client service and in program management. She has also been active on various committees aimed at increasing awareness and accessibility to mental health services in the Calgary community. In addition to her work in mental health, Maria brings years of experience from the non-profit sector in the areas of logistics, marketing and communications, promotions, and fundraising.
Franka Poitevin – Program Director
Franka Poitevin is a Registered Social Worker with 33 years of experience in the Social Work field. She has spent the last 25 years of her career in mental health and has a strong commitment to enhancing the lives of those afflicted with mental illness. Prior to her position as Program Director, Franka provided direct client service on the Support & Recreation Services team at Elements Calgary Mental Health Centre.