The Calgary Celiac Association is run by a dedicated group of volunteers. The Board of Directors is elected by the membership of the Calgary Celiac Association at the Annual General Meeting and usually complete a term of at least 2 years.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Calgary Celiac Association Board of Directors. Please fill out the Board Application form and email to [email protected].
Lisa joined the Board of the Calgary Celiac Association in 2020 and is currently the president of the Calgary chapter. She was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2008 and since then two other family members were diagnosed. She is passionate about finding creative ways to increase awareness and support for the Celiac community. Professionally, Lisa has worked with Alberta Health Services since 2006 in the areas of primary care (governance & planning), chronic disease management, and public health. Lisa holds degrees in Kinesiology and Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the University of Regina. She is also actively involved in working in exercise rehabilitation for those with chronic disease and her recent interests include the effects of exercise on gut health. In her spare time Lisa enjoys time with her family, meditation, reading, and is an accomplished vocalist.
Marcia joined the Board of the Calgary Celiac Association in November 2018 and served as the President of the Calgary Chapter for 2 years. Both her and her husband, along with a number of other family members, have Celiac disease. She also volunteers with Alberta Health Services as a Patient Advisor on the Digestive Health Strategic Clinical Network where she strives to be a voice for patients with digestive issues. She is excited to continue her work with the Calgary Chapter and help others diagnosed with Celiac disease or other gluten related disorders.
Kristi Puszkar joined the Calgary Chapter in 2021. She was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2014, and heavily relied on the Celiac Association’s programs and education to help navigate the disease. She is very excited to work with the board and support the gluten free and gluten intolerant community! While not working, Kristi enjoys playing with her two children, adventuring in the mountains, and playing recreational sports.
Brooke Barrett, a born and raised Calgarian, joined the Calgary Chapter in 2020 after becoming interested in the programs and education provided by the Calgary Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association since her own diagnosis with Celiac disease. Brooke is a practicing lawyer who is eager to volunteer her time on the Calgary Chapter Board and is excited to meet more of the Celiac and gluten free community.
When her youngest child was diagnosed with Celiac disease 5 years ago, Kristin was thankful for the support from the Calgary Celiac Association and their Celiac 101 session. Now, Kristin is thrilled to be joining the Board to help others learn about living well without gluten, and raising awareness in the wider community. When not at her administrative day job, you can find Kristin creating delicious gluten free meals, walking her dog, or spending time with her teens and husband.
As someone with Celiac disease, Daphne’s experience working in healthcare and health research will be an asset to the Calgary Celiac chapter. She has assisted with research regarding disordered eating patterns in adults with Celiac disease and is passionate about increasing awareness and education in this area.
Lisa’s two young sons who were both diagnosed with Celiac at the age of 5 and then her husband was diagnosed 2 years later. Lisa is passionate about cooking healthy, gluten free food for her family and loves experimenting in the kitchen! Lisa is a self-employed marketing professional and enjoys travel, fitness, skiing, and anything creative. She is excited to be a part of the Calgary Celiac board and to contribute to this amazing organization that helps so many people on their Celiac or gluten free journey.
When Rachael’s youngest daughter was diagnosed with Celiac disease a year ago, she became interested in learning more, advocating for others, and finding a community to support her family through this diagnosis. As a teacher with the Calgary Board of Education and a mother, Rachael interacts with children all day, everyday. She has recently joined the Calgary Celiac board and is passionate about using her background in education to provide learning opportunities, create social networks, and be involved in advocacy for children navigating a gluten-free life.
Joanne was hired as Office Manager at the end of December 2020. Joanne has been actively following the Calgary Celiac Association since her son was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 10 years ago. She is a gluten free baking enthusiast, an active volunteer in the community and will be the friendly voice you hear when you call the office. Her past experience as an information systems analyst has been instrumental when updating our systems, processes and website.
Emily has been a volunteer on the Education Committee for many years and transitioned to the role of Events Coordinator in November 2022. As a foodie, world traveler and parent of a daughter with Celiac Disease, she is excited to take on the role of leading our chapter’s special events. Emily’s past event planning and volunteer experience will be a valued asset to our Chapter.
Courtney joined the Calgary Celiac Association team in December 2020 as the Volunteer Bookkeeper. She was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 15 years ago and was very active in the association. She attended multiple Celiac Kids Camps, volunteered with the Stampede Breakfast and Kids Christmas Parties. Courtney is currently attending Mount Royal University and is excited to be gaining industry experience while working closely with others in the Calgary Celiac community.
