ABOUT YouQuest

OUR TEAM

KATHRYN MELROSE – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kathryn has over a decade of leadership experience with various non-profit organizations in Alberta. She is passionate about advocating for people with unique challenges and supporting the development and sustainability of essential programs and services. She brings strengths in strategic leadership, organizational management, fund development, and stakeholder engagement. Kathryn has an M.A. in Education from the University of Nebraska Kearney and a B.A. in Education from Carroll College, Montana.

When asked why she is excited to join YouQuest, Kathryn says, “It is a great opportunity to support and advocate for an incredible group of people. The programming and services that YouQuest provides are both unique and essential for the underserved community of adults with young-onset dementia. I know that outcomes for program participants have already been greatly enhanced by engaging in YouQuest programs and services. I think we have tremendous potential to continue to grow and evolve as an organization. I am excited and honoured to help lead YouQuest through the next phase of development.”

TANIA MCPHEE – Program Coordinator

Tanya has spent many years in the service and care industries and feels that working at YouQuest is a natural next-step. When asked about YouQuest, Tania says, “I love the idea and the philosophy of YouQuest and I am excited to be able to play a role in improving the quality of life of all the participants and their families. YouQuest is a much-needed, safe, and supportive program, and I am thrilled to be able to be a part of it!”

LAURA MARTIN – Lead Recreation Therapist & Program Manager

Laura is a Recreation Therapist with decades of experience working within the medical and long term care industries. Laura has worked with increasing levels of responsibility primarily as Recreation Therapist and Volunteer Coordinator within care facilities and is a certified professional member of CTRA & ATRA. She is very passionate about providing quality engaging recreation services to her clients and educating/mentoring co-workers, volunteers, and students to achieve the person centred goals set out, with collaboration from clients, families and staff/volunteers .

Her family includes two teenage boys who have followed her love of hiking, camping and fishing through her position as a Scouts Canada Leader for the last 10 years. Strong leadership, organizational skills and creativity along with her positive outlook and belief in community based supports align with the mission set forth by YouQuest.

VALERIE BAUTISTA – RECREATION THERAPIST

STEPHANIE LAUGHLAND – RECREATION THERAPY ASSISTANT

Stephanie is a new addition to the YouQuest team in the role of a recreation therapy assistant. She brings her passion for people and over twenty five years of experience coaching gymnastics and many other sports to this new role. She has been deeply moved by seeing the positive, life-changing impact that YouQuest has on the participants and their families. Stephanie’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan. Stephanie is known for her compassion and positive outlook on life. Drawing upon her coaching experience and personal traits, she creates meaningful connections with the participants, enriching their lives with joy, purpose, and dignity.

MEGAN ARNHOLTZ – RECREATION THERAPY ASSISTANT

Megan Arnholtz is a Recreation Therapist Assistant who grew up around the Calgary area. She attended the University of Lethbridge and received a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Kinesiology and Psychology, as well as a Therapist Assistant Diploma from Okanagan College. Using her knowledge of and experience working with people of all ages and abilities, she is excited to join the YouQuest team, collaborating with participants to help create meaningful connections and improve quality of life.

LENORA CARBONETTO – VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Originally from Central Canada, Lenora has lived in Calgary for over 10 years and loves this city and the surrounding wilderness areas. After a transition away from working in the outdoor industry as a Hiking Guide, Lenora is now focusing her career in the care industry and could not be happier working with YouQuest. The diversity and community surrounding the YouQuest program, offers many opportunities to learn and share. Lenora is currently working on an undergrad degree in Psychology with the goal of continuing a career in Social Work. 

BUSHRA IKRAM – BOOKKEEPER

Bushra has been working with YouQuest since March of 2019. Bushra is a CPA who provides excellent insight to the financial statements and efficiently oversees all the details of the YouQuest accounting systems and reporting. 

JULIA DOTEN – MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Julia is a journalism graduate and digital marketer, born and raised in Calgary. With a passion for storytelling and community building, she combines her marketing expertise with experience at non-profits like YMCA Calgary and The Women’s Centre of Calgary. As YouQuest’s Marketing Communications Coordinator, Julia is dedicated to amplifying the organization’s mission and fostering meaningful community connections. 

BOARD MEMBERS

DR. ERIC SMITH

Dr. Smith is the Medical Director of the Cognitive Neurosciences Clinic and a member of the Calgary Stroke Program. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary, and the inaugural holder of the Kathy Taylor Chair in Vascular Dementia.

His research program investigates the risk factors and consequences of diseases of the cerebral microcirculation, with the goal of improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of vascular contributions to cognitive decline and vascular dementia. His research work is funded by Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Alzheimer Society of Canada and the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. He has received the Robert G. Siekert Award from the American Heart Association for his research work. He is an Assistant Editor for Stroke and is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of the American Heart Association. Dr. Smith sees patients in the Cognitive Neurosciences Clinic and the Stroke Prevention Clinic.

DIANNE McDERMID

Dianne is a retired nurse educator whose recent careers included teaching Studies in Aging at Mount Royal College and working as Director of Quality Enhancement for an assisted living organization. Since 2018, Dianne has been volunteering with the YouQuest Day program. Though she taught about dementia as a nurse educator, her most significant learning about dementia has taken place during the YouQuest day program, where she has gained significant insight into the varied ways that young onset dementia presents and the challenges those living with dementia experience. Dianne also supported this learning by completing a Diploma in Dementia Studies from Sterling University, Scotland.

Dianne was a founding member of both Seniors Housing Forum Society and Creative Aging Calgary Society and served as president of each organization for several years. Recently, she also served on two City of Calgary Advisory Committees as well as being president of her condominium board. She currently is vice president on that board, as well as chairing a subcommittee called “Laura’s Community Builders.”

JAMIE WILKIE

Jamie is an experienced finance professional that spent 15 years in investment banking and capital markets roles in Calgary, Alberta.  In these roles, he advised clients on strategic alternatives and assisted in the execution of debt, equity & M&A transactions.  For the past 4 years Jamie has worked for a globally renowned financial skills training firm, providing technical training to the next generation of finance professionals in cities around the world.  Jamie is a passionate resident of the Town of Diamond Valley, Alberta, serving briefly as a Councillor and continuing to volunteer his time to causes including Scouts Canada, the Friends of the Sheep River Valley Parks Society and serving on community committees and boards.  Jamie is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in finance from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary.

KELLY MORSTAD

VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ADVISOR

Dr. PAMELA ROACH

Dr. Roach has provided invaluable volunteer advisory support to YouQuest since its inception. Her research on the importance of meaningful activity for people with young-onset dementia illustrates why the recreation centre environment is appealing to participants. Pamela has worked with families to better understand day-to-day life and transitions for those living with this diagnosis and their care partners. Her expertise will assist YouQuest in engaging families, volunteers, and health providers to evaluate this unique community-based resource.