Managers

Katie Davies, BA, MA Candidate, Managing Director, Youth Housing and Shelter
Katie Davies has worked at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary for since 2002. Beginning at the Bowness Group Home, she has since had the opportunity to work with a number of intervention programs including Group Care, Independent Living, Eleanor's House and Grimmon House. Currently, she manages Avenue 15, Safe House, Haven's Way and the BGCC High Risk Housing Specialist. Katie is working towards completing her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology.

Jim Grafton, Manager of Finance
Jim Grafton joined the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary in 2010. He has diverse experience in financial management and has worked in the non-profit sector for more than 8 years. Jim was born and raised in Calgary and has always admired the services and support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary provides for children, youth, and families and says he "is very proud to be part of this great organization."

Sylvia Whitworth joined the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary in 2010 with a depth of experience in the communications and non-profit sector. For more than 20 years, Sylvia has been living her passion -- the inclusion of all children in society and the elimination of the barriers that stand in their way of success. Working in the non-profit sector to raise funds and awareness, her experience as an advocate, mentor, Board member, volunteer and mother, has helped her stay focused on what truly matters - the kids. Sylvia looks forward to working with a strong, collaborative team and continuing to foster relationships that will help BGCC achieve its goal of self-sufficiency for our youth.

Michelle Briegel has dedicated 17 years to the field of child, youth and family services, specifically in the areas of youth residential services, at risk children/youth/families, and young offenders. Michelle is passionate about mission the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary is committed to achieving, and believes that given the knowledge and resources, all children, youth and families will be successful in their lives. As Manager of Family Strategies, Michelle is able to provide opportunities to families, allowing them to identify their strengths and support systems while moving toward achievement and growth.

Kim Dirksen joined Boys and Girls Clubs in 2004. She has worked in several of the agency programs including Camp Adventure, Clubs, and Ready, Set, Go! Preschool and Family Program. Kim joined the management team in 2010 with 16 years of experience in the non-profit sector working with children, youth and families. Kim is passionate about creating opportunities for children and families and ensuring that programs develop to serve their needs as well as the needs of the community. What she likes most about her job is "being able to make a positive contribution to the lives of children and their families and to work with amazing, passionate and talented staff."

Martha Handford joined the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary in 2009 with valuable senior management experience in quality control, business standards and systems and leadership coaching. She is a Queens University Alumnus and worked in the corporate sector in Canada and the United States for ten years before following her passion and educational expertise lead her to her current role. Martha is an enthusiastic Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, an outdoor recreation enthusiast and an active cycling and cross country ski coach. She is a firm advocate of the "no child left inside" philosophy and believes in the power of sport and that outdoor recreation build confidence, strength and self-sufficiency in children and youth. Martha's enthusiasm and energy is translated in the work she does at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary every day.

Dawn Leonard joined the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary in 2001 and since then she has had the opportunity to work closely with several programs including Group Care, Youth Transitions to Adulthood, Shelter and Homeless Services and the Arts and Recreation Hangar. Today Dawn manages programs that focus on youth employment and education, including the SASS and Maestro programs, which are funded by Service Canada. She also supports risk management and policy development at the agency. Dawns says what she loves most about her job is "being surrounded by people who are committed to the children, youth, and families, and the teams they work with." She "always inspired by the youth who every day provide us with examples of what it means to be resilient."

Trelaine Robanske has been working in the Foster Care sector for more than 18 years. Since 2007 she has helped to build a strong, supportive foster care program at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary. She brings with her a vast knowledge of the Alberta foster care system. In 1992 Trelaine graduated from Grant McEwan's Child and Youth Care Program in 1992 and quickly realized her passion for working with foster families and the children they care for. Her extreme belief is that all children deserve to live and grow in safe and loving homes. She enjoys working with an excellent team and many skilled, caring and committed foster parents at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary. It is her hope that all children who live with the foster parents will experience unconditional love, stability, and safety while their biological families work to have them return home.

Heidi Walter joined the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary in 2000 and since then has had the opportunity to work in several programs including the Bowness Group Home, Haven's Way, Eleanor's House, Safehouse, and Independent Living. In 2008 she transitioned into a management role, eventually becoming the Manager of Clubs. Heidi's greatest reward and enjoyment is working with children, youth and families to improve their lives and enhance relationships. She says that, "watching the youth grow into remarkable young adults in a safe environment and providing them with piece of mind that they can rely on us to support them for future years is the greatest gift anyone can give."

Kim Wirth has worked at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary since 2000. She has worked in numerous areas including Group Care, PSECA, Foster Care, and Shelters. Her current portfolio matches her passion for helping youth transition to adulthood from homelessness and government care. She sits on the Calgary Action Committee to end homelessness - Youth Sector. Kim currently manages Haven's Way, a program that provides young women, who cannot live at home, with a safe place to complete their education, as well as YTA and Infinity, two independent living programs which provide supports and resources to youth on their journey to self-sufficiency and independence.