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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Eric Pianarosa, Director of Operations and Finance

I oversee and manage the operational and financial activities of an organization, ensuring smooth operations, optimizing efficiency, and providing strategic financial guidance for decision-making and growth.

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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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.

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.

Lori De Luca, Innovation Team Lead

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

I'd stop the earth from burning.

Carolyn Mitchell, Real Talk Program Coordinator

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

I often think of the expression "walk a mile in someone else's shoes" which has helped me be curious in moments where instinctively I was making assumptions. I would want to see a world where people lead by this mindset, and replace judgement with understanding, compassion and empathy.

Trevor Williams, Men’s Engagement Coordinator

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

If you regard the 'other' who is before you and make your heart a sanctuary for their being, you will in turn, make your heart a sanctuary for your being.

Sarah MacDonald, Clinical Support Coordinator

As a Clinical Support 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.

Sadia Anwar, 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?

The narrative of a single story.

Claudia Orantes, Volunteer Services Coordinator

Lorena Koenig, Relationship Coordinator

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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