Staff

Our staff work tirelessly to disrupt the structures of abuse across Alberta. We’d love you to learn more about them:

Andrea Silverstone, CEO

I am responsible for the performance and sustainability of the organization. As the CEO, my job is to be laser-focused on the vision and mission of Sagesse, and rally support from all of our stakeholders to share in and execute the mission through our strategic plan.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

If everyone had the tools and confidence to ask for what they need (without shame or judgment), believe that they are worthy, and engage in fierce conversations, the world be more safe and equitable.
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Carrie McManus, Director of Innovation and Programs

My role at Sagesse is to ensure our programs and activities are strategically moving the needle toward our vision of ending domestic abuse. This includes thinking of new ways to do things, stretching our goals, and equipping staff with the resources and support they need to effectively provide services and disrupt the structures of abuse.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

If I could change one thing I would empower people to see the beauty in the messy, the opportunity in the failure, and the greatness in a good question. Also, I would totally get rid of hail storms, what purpose does hail even have in this world?!?
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Emily Marriott, Operations and Finance Director

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Eric Pianarosa, Structure and Architecture for Growth Consultant

I bring business management consulting methods and tools to help design the future of the organization.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

More bikes!!

Katherine Springall, Director of Communication

I oversee the communications team, which is focused on maintaining Sagesse's brand integrity across all platforms, managing our reputations, and creating communications materials for Sagesse, CDVC, and IMPACT. We also manage media and government relations and develop relationships with media members, influencers, and community leaders.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I would make the world a little more like Star Trek: Every individual and their unique contribution is valued, and material needs are satisfied.

Brielle Batty Smith, Prevention Team Lead

My role is to establish and nurture relationships with organizations and groups across southern Alberta, with a focus on building capacity to deliver peer support programming, informal supports training, and/or LGBTQ+ friendly programming.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

If I could change one thing in the world… it would be that no one ever feels alone or isolated; that we lived in a world where everyone feels heard, believed, valued, and loved.
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Kirstin Blair, Innovation Team Lead

My team and I help increase capacity for organizations to curate safer spaces for people who have experienced domestic abuse and coercive control. We explore the ways that different identities and contexts shape experiences of violence and support so that formal and informal networks have better tools to make equity happen every day.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I would like to contribute to a world where we as humans can tap into our profound interconnection and engage with one another openly and non-judgementally. I imagine creating spaces that are physically and relationally safer, where people can interact wholeheartedly, without shame or fear.

Amy Munroe, Intervention Team Lead

I oversee our Intervention Team who are dedicated to providing the best support possible to all our clients impacted by domestic abuse. My team and I work collaboratively with our many partners to provide peer support and equity-based intervention programs across the province of Alberta. Our peer-support programs are facilitated entirely by our amazing volunteers so we also work to grow our volunteer programs.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

If I could change one thing, it would be that society truly sees and understands what it means to be equitable. This includes knowing how to make each person seen, and have the right to access different resources.

Jocelyn Dubois, Intake Coordinator

My primary role at Sagesse is to structure and support our service delivery in a way that meets the diverse needs of our participants and, ultimately, work towards dismantling structures and systems rooted in abuse and violence. Another function of my role is to provide ongoing direction and support to the Client Support Team to ensure our programs are supporting our participants in their desire of leading safe and healthy lives.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I would change the function of my closet to be exactly like Cher’s from the movie Clueless. "Mis-Match" would save me so much time and give me an endless number of outfits – thus, leaving more time to work towards a society that is both equitable and free from and structural and systemic oppression.

Lesley Dyck, Executive Assistant

I work with the Leadership team and Board to manage schedules/calendars (often perfecting my Tetris skills), meetings, writing grants, and project management. I support the Leadership/Executive team’s activities with whatever is needed from an administrative standpoint.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I wish people could live unapologetically and without the limiting expectations of others holding them back from achieving self-confidence and success. Every individual should believe they are capable of being unstoppable and have the courage to take risks- everyone would rise above their own negative self- talk, self-doubt and self-questioning to truly pursue their dreams.

Sarah MacDonald, Clinical Volunteer Coordinator

As a Clinical Volunteer Coordinator I am responsible for recruitment, onboarding and ongoing clinical supervision of peer support volunteers. Our team also coordinates all facilitation opportunities across the province of Alberta.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I would change the inequality that too many individuals face, whether it’s poverty, sexism, stigma, racism.. our world has so much negativity and I would love to see more kindness, compassion, laughter and unity.

Pamela Pizarro, Equity Support Coordinator

I currently coordinate our Rainbow Ready program to ensure that we are creating equitable and inclusive spaces for all individuals experiencing domestic abuse.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Poverty… I truly believe that it is income and resources inequity that drives many of our conflicts and the ability for any individual to live a full and meaningful life.

Dayla Lahring, Communications Specialist

I oversee communications planning and execution for the Prevention and Intervention teams, including working with IMPACT and CDVC.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

That we could eliminate toxic power structures and create a harmonious, equitable society.

Lian Tolentino, Innovation Implementation Coordinator

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I would want everyone to be able to have and feel genuine as well as authentic connections. Dr. Brené Brown defines connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship”. When I think about this, I recognize all the ways this may currently feel out of reach for some people or just entirely not even possible but I’ve always wondered, what would happen if everyone did?

Be empowered to heal, learn and grow.

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