Executive Team
Danielle Lysak President
Danielle is a registered nurse in pediatric cardiology at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. She is currently in the final stages of completing her Masters degree in nursing at the University of Alberta. Her thesis aims to explore the experiences of parents who have children with complex medical needs when they visit the emergency room. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time outside by a lake or in the mountains as much as possible! She can be reached at
Mackenzie Doll Vice President
My name is Mackenzie Doll, I am 28 and I live in Camrose Alberta. I was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus soon after I was born. I have been a part of the association as a member for as long as I can remember. Currently I am taking my final course for Accounting Technician through NorQuest College. My hobbies include para powerlifting, doing my nails and makeup, and helping with community theater by doing actors makeup before they get on stage. I look forward to getting to know all the members of the association and helping in any way possible.
Chera Giesbrecht Secretary
I have been involved with the multiple Spina Bifida associations over the past 18 years. When our son was born, we wanted to connect with other families and build relationships with people who knew what we were going through. That is when I decided I wanted to get involved and started volunteering for the Spina Bifida Association of Manitoba. I had different roles on the board including president over the 7 years I was involved there. During that time, I was also a member of the National board. Once we moved to Edmonton our first goal was to find a sledge hockey team for our son which then led to joining the SBHANA board and I have not looked back! I am grateful for all the people we have met along the way and the people I will continue to meet going forward!
Darlene Cathcart Treasurer
Darlene Cathcart brings over 25 years of experience with the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta (SBHANA), both as a volunteer and former staff member. She previously served on the Board of Directors for approximately 10 years, including terms as President, and later held the role of Program Manager. During her time with SBHANA, she co-founded Camp Freedom and co-chaired two national conferences.
Darlene is rejoining the Board with a strong interest in helping revitalize programs and strengthen engagement with members. She brings a deep understanding of the needs of individuals and families affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus and remains committed to supporting the continued growth and impact of SBHANA.
Directors
Madison Snow Director
Shrusti Patel Director
Steve Kelly Director
Mat Figeys Director
Mathieu (Mat) Figeys is a postdoctoral clinician-scientist at the University of Alberta and the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, where he focuses on neurorehabilitation. In addition to his research work, Mat is also an emergency room Registered Nurse, bringing his expertise and experience to the frontlines of healthcare. Mat has a passion for giving back to his community, and for the past nine years, he has volunteered with the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta, helping at Camp Freedom. He also serves as a member of the board of directors for this non-profit organization for the past three years.
Chris Brainerd Director
Yuan Zuo
Yuan is a passionate individual who dedicates her time to SBHANA, a community-based organization that provides resources and support for individuals living with Spina Bifida. Through her involvement with the organization, Yuan has become a strong advocate for disability rights and greater accessibility, inspiring others to join the cause and making a real difference in the lives of those affected by Spina Bifida.
Samantha Biermann
I met my first friends with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in junior high. I went on to play sledge hockey and met many other friends with the conditions. I met my husband through sledge hockey, and he has both spina bifida and hydrocephalus as well. I am also a registered nurse at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
Icey Salehi
Icey Salehi, is a Social Work graduate from the University of British Columbia, highlighting over 17 years of experience in the field. Her dedication to serving others led her to volunteer with SBHANA intermittently from 2008 to 2012, where she played a pivotal role as a group leader, establishing the Nolimits group, and briefly served on the board. Recently, in June 2023, she rekindled her commitment by resuming her volunteer work as a board member with SBHANA, showcasing her enduring passion for supporting individuals with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.