Who We Are

Hans has a B.Sc., M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Geology and Geophysics in 1957 from the State University of Utrecht in the Netherlands.  After a short period as a Mining Geologist in the Yukon and B.C., Hans joined the Geophysical Department of Mobil Oil Canada in Calgary in 1958, and retired 32 years later as Chief Geophysicist and Geophysical Manager.  Hans has volunteered with Self Help, first as a computer specialist and later on the Board of Directors. Hans has been supporting the Association for over 20 years.

Peter is a lawyer practicing with Alberta Justice.  He has practiced law in Calgary since September, 1994.  Peter currently works in the Special Prosecutions Branch at Alberta Justice focusing on economic crime, complex and sensitive cases and referrals from the Law Society of Alberta.  Peter's practice provides him with skill-sets in corporate governance, privacy law and media training.  Peter has served as a Director of our board since 2004.

Scott was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2009. Scott’s educational background includes a Masters of Business Administration, Bachelor of Administration and he has his Certified Management Accountant designation. Prior to becoming involved on the Board, Scott volunteered his time to complete a Marketing Audit for the Association.

Murray was elected to the board in May of 2011. He has a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Chartered Accountant and Elder Planning Counsellor. He currently is in the financial planning area after spending 23 years as Chief Financial Officer of a group of family held businesses. He is a long time volunteer for the Calgary Stampede.

Serey was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2009. She is a fund development and marketing professional with several years of experience in the non-profit sector. She is currently a Director of Development at the University of Calgary and is pursuing a Masters of Arts in Philanthropy and Development.

Irene is a lawyer who has been practicing law in Calgary for over 20 years.  In addition to her Law Degree, she has a Bachelors Degree in Arts and Education, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration.  Irene has been active in various volunteer roles, both in the legal profession and in community activities.  Irene has been on the Board of Directors since 2004.

Prior to becoming involved with Self Help, Alane participated in the Marketing Audit for the Association after which she joined the newly formed Fundraising and Sustainability Committee (Fall 2009).  She recently joined the Board of Directors.  Alane received a Masters of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Calgary and holds a variety of volunteer roles in organizations across Calgary.

Leanne has been practicing law for over 20 years and is currently the Head of Legal for Shell Canada. Prior to joining Shell, Leanne had been in-house counsel for international, publicly-listed companies in the banking, mining and manufacturing sectors. She was formerly President, a director and volunteer for Compeer/Entre-Amis Inc., a non-profit organization in Montreal working with persons suffering from mental illness, from 1992 to 1996 and a Director of our Board from 2004 to 2006 before moving to Europe. She recently returned to Canada and was re-appointed to our Board in October 2011.

After graduating from Life Skills, Pauline became a volunteer in the Resource/Activity Centre. She has been quite extensively involved in the day to day operations of the R/AC by volunteering in the areas of telephone/reception, supporting the recreation activities, helping with the Clothing Bank and representing the members on the InterAction Committee.  Pauline has been on the Board of Directors since 2005.

Over the last fifteen years, Angie has been supporting the Association by volunteering her time in the Resource/Activity Centre.  Angie is an active member on the Board, and InterAction Committee. Angie received a Lifetime Membership for her contributions to Self Help. 

Becky first started volunteering for the Association in 1990 and volunteered in various positions until 1998. She has recently recommenced her volunteering as a board member and InterAction Committee member. Becky would like to help new and old members alike to participate here and help them to feel comfortable and part of Calgary Association of Self Help

Rob was born in Halifax and came to Calgary in 1988. Shortly after arriving in Calgary, he joined the Resource/Activity Centre and has been an active member with the program ever since. In June 2010, Rob was appointed to the Board of Directors and the InterAction Committee.

Candace has been with the Association since September 2008. She was elected to the Board June 2010 and is an active member on the InterAction Committee.

Marion McGrath is the Chief Executive Officer of Calgary Association of Self Help, a community mental health centre.

Over the past 33 years, Ms. McGrath has been a passionate advocate for mental health services for Calgarians in the community.

As a client-centered, action-oriented individual, she has been extensively involved in identifying services with, and for, consumers (Calgarians) and within the mental health community.

She has led her team of dedicated professionals in planning, developing and implementing innovative and unique services within the mental health continuum of care system.

Ms. McGrath was honored with the Women of Vision Award (July 2005) in the category of Humanitarian and Community Service.  This award, sponsored by the YWCA Calgary and Global Television, is only one of the awards that Ms. McGrath has received in recognition of her remarkable contributions to our community.  In 2006, Marion accepted the role of Visionary for the Mental Health Forever Funds with The Calgary Foundation.

Anneisa Lauchlan has over twenty years of experience working in the mental health field and is the Chief Operating Officer for Calgary Association of Self Help. Anneisa’s lifelong interest in mental health and her passion for improving the quality of life for people with a mental illness forms the cornerstone of her commitment to the work she does with the Association. Over the years she has devoted herself to work within the Association's direct service component and in promoting the goals of the Association in the community. She has also been very active on numerous committees working in partnership with other service providers, funders and clients to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around mental illness in the Calgary community.

Maria brings more than 12 years of fund development, marketing & communications experience to Calgary Association of Self Help. She has worked for various non-profit organizations in the areas of health, children and animals, with experience ranging from signature events & major gifts to capital campaigns. In addition, Maria has been an active member on charitable boards, business associations and volunteer organizations. She is responsible for managing the fundraising and communication of the association and is a member of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) and CAGP (Canadian Association of Gift Planners).