ABOUT YouQuest
“Outcomes for young-onset patients are greatly enhanced by access
to services designed for and attended by their peers.”
DR. ERIC SMITH, MD, MPH, FRCPC, FAHA
DIRECTOR, COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCES CLINIC, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Improving Quality of Life
YouQuest improves quality of life for people with young-onset dementia and their care partners. YouQuest is a registered charity addressing a void for this underserved community in Canada.
Filling the Gap in Services
YouQuest is practical daytime support in a public recreation setting.
- Participants have an inviting place to engage in meaningful activities co-planned with recreation therapists and volunteers.
- Care partners have peace of mind and a full day to maintain work, family life and their own health.
YouQuest is a rehabilitative intervention for a terminal diagnosis that typically leads to inertia and isolation.
Participants define their needs and decide how to spend their day.
YouQuest Delivers on a Promise
- Fosters public understanding of the unique needs of people with young-onset dementia in an established community environment.
- Builds social connections, supports autonomy and independence in a meaningful role without the stigma of dementia.
- Keeps families together, delaying person’s relocation to long-term care facilities incompatible with their age and cognitive abilities.
Cost-efficient and Scalable
- YouQuest is designed to expand into other urban, rural and remote communities by utilizing existing recreation facilities.
People with dementia (aged 40-64 years)
- Calgary & Area: 1,419 people
- Alberta: 3,890 people
- 1 in 10 of AB dementia population
(Source: AB Interactive Health Data Application Statistics, 2017)
Our logo represents a bold, playful and adventurous approach to life even with this
terminal brain disease. The triumphant Y represents the unique needs of
people living with young-onset dementia and their families. Purple reflects the
universal colour for dementia awareness.
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 – ADMINISTRATOR
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 – RECREATION THERAPIST
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
JULIE ARMSTRONG – RECREATION THERAPIST
Hello YouQuest! I’m a Recreation Therapist with 9 years of diverse experience in independent/supportive living, long-term care, mental health, and my own private practice focusing on supporting and enhancing the quality of life of individuals with dementia. I’m a professional member of ATRA, a Certified Recreation Therapist through NCTRC, and have a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. In my freetime I enjoy hiking, painting, and playing volleyball & pickleball.
I’m excited to contribute to YouQuest’s unique and creative programming to improve and maintain participants’ overall health & happiness. As well as foster positive relationships with others within the community.
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.
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.
BRIANNA GARE – MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Bri comes to YouQuest from a small town in southern Ontario. Moving to Calgary in 2020, she is currently pursuing a Communications degree from the University of Calgary. Committed to sharing more about young-onset dementia with the world, Bri has been involved with YouQuest since December 2021.
Bri’s favourite thing about YouQuest is the joy the program brings! The organization is committed to creating a good day, every day.
AHMAD BAKER – JUNIOR DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR
Ahmad Baker is a junior database administrator currently pursuing a diploma in Software Development at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology). He ensures daily that the system is running smoothly, and data is correct, while being excited to join YouQuest’s mission to improve participants’ quality of life through recreation therapy coupled with an increased sense of belongingness in the community. Passionate about leveraging technology to drive efficiency and innovation, Ahmad plays a key role at YouQuest, helping the organization achieve its goals of organizing events and activities. With a focus on database management and software development, Ahmad is committed to contributing to YouQuest’s mission and making a positive impact.
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.
“This is the best day, ever!”
RICHARD P. – PARTICIPANT
BOARD MEMBERS
CINDY McCAFFERY
Cindy’s experience with young-onset dementia began when her father-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 52, and continues with her husband who was diagnosed in 2007 with neurocognitive brain degeneration at age 48. Her goal is to help people living with dementia – and their care partners – enjoy a desirable quality of life. Through recreation activities, being with peers and having skilled support to pursue one’s interests, she believes that YouQuest provides an inviting place to belong and gives families true opportunities for respite.
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.
JOHN McCAFFERY
John left his career as an estate administrator with a national bank at age 48 because he experienced cognitive difficulties due to dementia. Although he no longer participates in many of his favourite sports, he strives to stay active and has found a welcome place in Calgary’s vibrant disc golf community. John contributes his ideas to YouQuest from a user’s point of view, and enjoys seeing how the service is evolving. He puts a focus on keeping things positive for his family. YouQuest will embody his personal motto, to ‘have a good day, every day’ for the benefit of all people and their families living with reality of young onset dementia.
MARY ELLEN SELBY
Mary Ellen has over 25 years of business experience as a senior human resources leader in a variety of industries including Oil and Gas, Transportation, Residential Real Estate, Agriculture and Not for Profit organizations. She has a breadth of Human Resources expertise, in addition to deep proficiency in leadership coaching, organizational design, and talent management. She is currently a consultant to organizations on human resources issues, in addition to devoting much of her time to volunteering with not for profit organizations. She has an MBA from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta. As a care partner for a parent with dementia, Mary-Ellen is committed to treating people living with dementia with respect and compassion.
JEAN THOMSON
Jean is a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience in financial management, internal controls and process improvement. Through many years of active and diverse consulting within the Calgary and international business communities Jean has cultivated a broad range of financial expertise and a strong commitment to accountability and transparency. A love for experiencing different cultures combined with her business background has led Jean to volunteer with various organizations around the globe – the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Associate as a professional mentor in Calgary, Circulo de Amigas in Nicaragua, Puente a la Salud Comunitaria in Mexico, and Accounting for International Development (AfID), London England. Jean actively holds a professional accounting designation with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta and a Teaching Certificate (TEFL) from Oxford Seminars.
ANNE WALLIS
Anne is a lawyer who spent her 30 year career in private practice with a medium size Alberta law firm. She has recently retired and is excited about working with YouQuest. Anne first experienced the impact of dementia when her father developed Alzheimer’s in the later years of his life. Living in a different city, Anne wasn’t able to help on a day to day basis and saw the effect of little or no support for her mother and father through that journey. When a colleague was diagnosed with young onset dementia, Anne recognized it caused the same, but also different, challenges to the families affected. She was thrilled to see the opportunities YouQuest provides for families and is happy to be part of the team. Previously, Anne was on the Board of Alzheimer Calgary for a number of years.
ROC SPENCE
Roc Spence spent his 35+ year career in the health care, laboratory distribution and global chemical manufacturing industries. Roc was Chairman of United Way of Calgary and Area’s Community Leaders Program from 2012-2015, and joined the United Way Board of Directors in 2016. He is a long serving Board Member on the Calgary Stampede Board and Winter Start Events Ltd., and is the founder and president of the National Alpine Training Centre. He also serves on several corporate advisory boards for leadership, human resource utilization and employee engagement. A third-generation Calgarian, Roc is committed to building a more open, accessible, and rewarding community for all Calgary residents. Roc believes the true test of any great city is how it provides the necessary support to those who need a fresh start, a leg up from time to time, or a safe and encouraging environment.
DIANNE McDERMID
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.
“We join participants in what they choose to do;
we get to know each person to help them have a good day.”
DIANNE M. – VOLUNTEER