About Us

I am one of the Owner / Operators and Chief Executive Officer of Calgary Alternative Support Services Inc. My journey in non-profit began in 1998 as a Social Work practicum student with CASS. My journey has continued, working with marginalized populations in various capacities for over 20 years.  My experience as a registered Social Worker and a certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer has provided me with the opportunity to walk with the people we support, through their experiences, and to learn and grow alongside them.

I have always felt fortunate to be a part of facilitating connection, value, and inclusion within so many circles of my life. A large part of this has been my experience in Supported Employment. Supporting individuals to take a risk, take a leap, and reach for the stars! Alone we may fail, but together we will strive.

What I have learned throughout my journey is, “When it rains look for rainbows, when it’s dark look for stars!”

I am one of the Owner / Operators and Chief Executive Officer of Calgary Alternative Support Services Inc. My journey in non-profit began in 1998 as a Social Work practicum student with CASS. My journey has continued, working with marginalized populations in various capacities for over 20 years.  My experience as a registered Social Worker and a certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer has provided me with the opportunity to walk with the people we support, through their experiences, and to learn and grow alongside them.

I have always felt fortunate to be a part of facilitating connection, value, and inclusion within so many circles of my life. A large part of this has been my experience in Supported Employment. Supporting individuals to take a risk, take a leap, and reach for the stars! Alone we may fail, but together we will strive.

What I have learned throughout my journey is, “When it rains look for rainbows, when it’s dark look for stars!”

I began working in the non profit sector in 2012 and have always been passionate about empowering those around me in both my professional and personal life. Working with marginalized populations to encourage engagement with the communities around them has been a theme in my interactions and work. I am excited to be here at CAES, helping clients find and foster their own rewarding experiences in the workplace and community.

In 2010 I started my foray into the field of disability, and since 2012 I have been working with CASS to help foster meaningful and inclusive community opportunities for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds. I’m a former member of the day program (CADO) here at CASS, and have taken the lessons and experiences I have learned working with people in the community to my current role as Career Consultant.

I love the opportunity to work with folks who are looking for employment, even though the odds are unfairly stacked against them in such a hyper-competitive and uncertain market. I also enjoy the time spent with folks in self-discovery, learning new things about themselves and getting a better idea of what types of careers can make them feel fulfilled! I think as we undergo a cultural and generational shift in the years to come the work that CAES is doing will be seen as integral to our community: past, present, and future. We can make change and even the odds together!

My journey in non-profit began in 2012 where I trained and worked alongside woman recently in recovery, learn new job skills to help build their capacity for their future career goals. The learning and purpose in my role were a two-way street, I learned just as much from them as they did from me.

I have always felt compelled to work with marginalized people- I believe that to really help others reach their full potential you must walk beside them not in front of them. 

When we can remove the barriers between our candidates and employment we can open up opportunities for people who otherwise become lost in the process. 

I have been an active leader and participant on numerous boards and committees on local and provincial levels. My career began and flourished following my injury in 1975, but my personal experience with a spinal cord injury has fueled my true passion – to assist others who also live with various disabilities, and to promote disability awareness and barrier-free environments.

Hi, my name is Sarah, I am a Career Consultant with Calgary Alternative Employment Services (CAES). I have been working in the Human Services field for over 10 years in various supportive roles. My passion in life is supporting others to find meaning and purpose in their lives. At CAES I have the unique ability to ignite my passion by empowering others through the process of self-discovery, unpacking their passions, values, skills, and strengths, guiding them to meaningful and purposeful employment. Outside of the office you can find me rolling through the hills of the Rocky Mountains on my mountain bike or huffing it to the mountain tops on foot taking in the breath-taking scenic views this beautiful landscape has to offer.

My journey working in the Human Services Field started in 2017 at Calgary Alternative Support Services, working in the day program. I have always had a passion for working with marginalized populations and supporting those to meet their highest potential.

When I’m not at work, you can find me outside hiking up mountains or skiing down them!

I am excited to be at CAES as a Career Consultant to continue to grow, as well as advocate and promote community connections and welcoming workplaces.

Hello! My name is Kennedy and I am a new Diversity and Engagement Consultant with CAES. I have worked with marginalized communities for the entirety of my professional career; and it is where I have found passion, success, and fulfilment.

It is my goal to ensure that everyone has a safe and non-judgmental environment to have their needs understood, heard and met. I have ample experience in helping individuals become comfortable with their uniqueness, implementing and embracing inclusion, and assisting people in their efforts for autonomy. I am so lucky to work at an organization with a similar mission statement! When I am not at work, I enjoy working out, roller blading, and mentoring at-risk youth.

I have worked in the human services field for over 5 years as a support worker and have recently joined the CAES team. I am extremely passionate about supporting and advocating for individuals with barriers looking to secure employment in the workforce.

My main goal is to have a positive impact on the lives of people to whom I support, by training and educating them with skills and knowledge needed to be the most successful in the industry of their choice.

I am incredibly grateful to be a part of such an amazing team and I’m looking forward to helping candidates find meaningful employment.

I have had the privilege to work with a diverse population of individuals within the health, mental health, and human service sector over the last 10 years.  My path in my career has led me to CAES, where I act as the Intake and Communications Coordinator. This role allows me to utilize the skills that I have obtained throughout the years positively with this dynamic program.

Providing support to individuals of all walks of life has always been a passion of mine. I am grateful to have the opportunity to play a part in empowering people with disabilities to not only find their dream jobs but also realize their boundless potential while contributing to their community.