Leslie has a deep passion for Discovery House and the domestic violence sector. She has over 18 years of experience in the non-profit sector, serving populations experiencing vulnerabilities such as homelessness, substance use, mental health issues, and domestic violence.

She is a collaborative leader with strong values of diversity and inclusion. As an advocate for client-centered and trauma-informed care, Leslie recognizes the value of incorporating the voice of lived experience and taking a community development approach.

In her free time, Leslie is an avid outdoor enthusiast, hiking and camping in the Rocky Mountains and creating her own backyard oasis. She is also passionate about animal rescue and volunteers at an animal shelter and as a foster for dogs and cats along with her dog Rue.

Duane has worked in both the private sector and in non-profit. As a non-profit leader, he has held a variety of roles supporting vulnerable people including Manager, Provincial Sign Language Interpreters at Deaf and Hear Alberta, Director of Programs and Operations at SORCe, and now Director of Operations at Discovery House.

Duane values family, friends, meaningful work, authenticity, and surrounding himself with amazing and progressive-minded people.

Duane doesn’t sit still much. He spends his days being a dad and partner while dreaming about cars and car shows, as well as his next furniture/design project at home. He is also a long-time fitness instructor with a passion for a high-energy cardio classes and especially step aerobics! 

Anita has worked as a leader in the not-for-profit sector for over ten years, holding a variety of roles in communications and development at amazing organizations. She’s passionate about bringing people together in creative ways to inspire change.

Anita values friends, family, and meaningful work and loves great food, live music, and sunny days.

In her free time, Anita can be found hiking, biking, and going for long walks. She buys and borrows a lot of books and strives to read them all but mostly enjoys keeping them sorted on her colour-coded bookshelves. Anita loves to spend time with her wise and caring children and will energetically show you the latest photos of her cat, Gracie.

Brittany has a Bachelor’s of Commerce focused in marketing and has held volunteer fundraising and leadership roles in community and sports organizations. 

She found her passion for building strong, authentic relationships with donors in 2014 and has since grown to love the data and strategy behind impactful fundraising as well. 

Brittany received her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2020. When not working, Brittany enjoys a good glass of wine, trying new foods, and spending time with her family.

Jerilyn comes to Discovery House with over 16 years of leadership in the social profit sector. She spent 14 years at the Distress Centre, where she rose from the front lines to the Executive Director role. Jerilyn was instrumental in launching Canada’s first nationwide suicide prevention service, as well as bringing the 211 services to all Albertans. Most recently, she was the Chief Operating Officer at Trellis Society.

Jerilyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Social Work from the University of Calgary, with a specialization in Leadership in Human Services. 

She enjoys camping and being outdoors with her husband and tween, cuddles with her gaggle of rescue animals, and playing her guitar and ukelele.

Kim started her journey with Discovery House as a Program Coordinator, which allowed her to combine her passion for working with clients with her unique organizational skills. Kim has over 10 years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector in addictions, mental health, and domestic violence. 

She has a creative approach to problem-solving and is always available to support clients, staff, and anyone in need. She has an energy that is unmatched and when she sets her mind to something, she gets the job done. 

Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and recently obtained her master’s degree in counseling psychology.

Filsan has over 7 years of experience in the social services sector. Though originally educated in software development, she has had the pleasure of working with some of the best non-profit organizations such as the Women’s Centre of Calgary, London Abused Women’s Centre, and Rexdale Women’s Centre.

Her true passion is helping people, especially women and children. She believes lending a helping hand to women and children by working through trauma and truly difficult times benefits our communities greatly.
Some values that are close to her heart include but are not limited to compassion, optimism, inner harmony, and humour.

  Outside of work, she is passionate about spirituality and 
re-discovering what makes her soul jump with joy and fills her with inner peace. She enjoys quiet time at home, doing yoga, salsa dancing, and socializing.

Linette has a wealth of experience in fund development, program coordination monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. She recently completed her MBA and will be graduating later this year.

Before moving to Canada, Linette worked for The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for more than a decade – holding roles in Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Liberia; and prior to joining Discovery House she worked for The Mustard Seed and CAWST in Calgary. She is committed to work that strengthens the resilience of vulnerable individuals and communities and is excited to be a part of the work Discovery House is doing to end the cycle of domestic violence.

Linette’s greatest passion is seeing people win.