Executive Team
Samantha Biermann President
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.
Mackenzie Doll Vice President
My name is Mackenzie Doll, 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. My hobbies include workout classes, doing my nails and makeup, and helping with community theatre by doing makeup for the actors before they get on stage. I’m helping out with the social media aspect of the organization. If you see a Facebook or instagram story, that was made/shared by me. I look forward to getting to know all the members of the association and helping in any way possible.
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
Alyson Rodger Director
Sarah Orgill Director
Patrina Pierre Moore Director
Patrina Moore Pierre is the Manager of Corporate Services at the College of Dietitians of Alberta and the owner and publisher of YEG Parents Magazine. As a mother of a child living with hydrocephalus, she brings both personal and professional experience to her advocacy work. Through her extensive volunteer involvement and community leadership, she works closely with individuals and families affected by disabilities, helping to connect them with resources, opportunities, and support networks. Passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement, Patrina is committed to advocating for individuals living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and helping create a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
Emily Grapel Director
Madison Snow Director
Shrusti Patel Director
Shrusti is a registered nurse who works in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. Over the last three years, she has been an active volunteer for SBHANA, providing support at Camp Freedom and various community events. Passionate about health equity, she is committed to serving vulnerable populations in the community, particularly people with disabilities. As a board member, through greater advocacy, she aims to strengthen supports and access to resources while removing barriers for individuals living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and their families—so every member can fully thrive in the community.
Steve Kelly Director
Danielle Lysak Director
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!
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
Chris Brainerd is new to being involved with SBHANA, having only recently begun volunteer writing for the newsletter. He isdefinitely looking forward to more opportunities to get involved and help out.
Chris has a Bachelor of Applied Communications in Professional Writing from Macewan University, and his passion is working with university students, mainly at the graduate level, to help them hone their writing skills for their theses and dissertations. He has also worked with professors and post-doctoral scholars, proofreading books and academic journal articles.
One of Chris's main hobbies is attending music concerts and festivals, in Edmonton or elsewhere. He has travelled to Vancouver and Montreal, as well as four US cities to see concerts, and is looking forward to future trips!
Chera Giesbrecht Director
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!
Icey Salehi Director
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.