About Us

Making a difference in lives of children, youth and families in Calgary & Area since 1980.

McMan Calgary & Area

mcman-youth-centre-calgary-04

McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association of Calgary & Area is a responsive and innovative organization making a difference in the lives of over 3000 vulnerable children, youth and families annually.

We support children, youth and families with complex needs that can include mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, poverty, and disability by providing them with the services and supports they need to thrive. As a fundamental practice across all McMan’s services, we work with individuals to help them build and maintain strong connections with family, friends, and their community while providing them with the skills and resources to make positive long-lasting changes in their lives.

Vision

Together we transform the lives of children, youth and families through sustainable supports and connections, leading to healthy and fulfilling lives.

Mission

To support and encourage individuals and families to achieve their full potential as members of their community.

Values

Commitment, trust, empathy, respect, genuineness.

Accreditations

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Canadian Accreditation Council

Acknowledgement

McMan acknowledges that we reside on Treaty 7 Territory; the ancestral and unceded land of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyarhe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations and the Mêtis Nation of region 3 who call this land home. With the spirit of reconciliation we respect their histories, languages, and cultures whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant communities.

We stand with each other to speak out against racism and inequality.

Our People

McMan Calgary & Area has 140 highly skilled and trained staff who are passionate about our mission. Every one of our staff is committed to helping children, youth and their families to strengthen their relationships, build connections within their communities, and achieve their full potential.

LEADERSHIP TEAM
soraya
Soraya SalibaMA, RSW, Executive Director

Soraya has been the Executive Director of McMan Calgary & Area since 2012, and has over 25 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector, including 15 years of comprehensive leadership experience in senior management roles. Soraya is a Registered Social Worker and holds a Master of Arts in Leadership. Throughout her career she has been involved in a number of local and provincial initiatives aimed to address the needs of vulnerable children, youth and adults. Her interests include golf, spending time outdoors and culinary experiences.

img_1922
Alannah TurnerCPHR, Director of People & Talent

Alannah is a Senior Human Resource leader with a proven track record of supporting the growth of people and organizations by executing strategic, proactive, and practical Human Resources operations. Alannah has supported organizations (both in profit and not for profit) over the past 20+ years in Alberta. Alannah has provided HR support to many Calgary based non profits including Centre for Sexuality, Alcove Addiction and Recovery, and was a previous board member to Discovery House and Bragg Creek Community Association. Other roles included HR roles with SMART Technologies and Garmin/Dynastream as well as oil and gas service industries.

kola-444×550
Kola OladimejiCPA, CGA, MBA, Senior Director of Finance

Kola was one of the 7 CPA Alberta Distinguished Service Award recipient for 2023. A strategic thinker and resourceful finance executive with more than 2 decades experience in Finance and Leadership roles. Kola has accumulated more than 10 years of leadership experience as a Director/CFO in public sector with vast knowledge of Municipal Government Act and has more than 7 years leadership experience in Canadian Municipalities as Director/CFO. A recipient of 2 international awards as well as the Canadian Financial Reporting award for 6 consecutive years. Kola has several years of volunteering experience including coaching and mentoring of CPA members and is a member of the Audit & Risk Committee of Calgary Board of Education.

13-3f0a2818
Karin MatthiessenMA, RSW Director of Services

Inspired to pursue a career in social services by her parents who fostered numerous children throughout her childhood, Karin has been working at McMan Calgary & Area for 30 years. A Registered Social Worker, Karin also earned a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University. Karin is passionate about program innovation and design for improved and lasting client outcomes.

albert-2
Albert MoCPA, CGA, MPAcc, Director of Finance

Albert is a CPA and CGA with a Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting with financial management & leadership experience in non-profit organizations and industry. He has done evaluations, strategic planning, and has led high-performance teams. Whether it be through impactful analysis on a diversification strategy, conducting reviews to increase perspective, or navigate complex systems to strengthen processes, Albert delivers high-integrity work and decisions to move organizations forward. His passion for serving the vulnerable aligns with McMan’s values, mission, and strategic aims. His interests outside of work are spending time outdoors and playing tennis.

saskia-headshot-1
Saskia KnightMA, Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications

Saskia bridges the gap between doing good, and good business. A purpose-driven leader with experience across several international sectors. Spending five years sailing around the world with her family, she developed a deep appreciation for different cultures. Saskia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Philosophy and a Graduate Diploma in Intercultural Education and Training from the University of Victoria, as well as a Master of Arts degree in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes from the United Nations Mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica. Saskia has held positions in Client Success, Global Operations, Sales, Fund Development and External Relations locally as well as internationally with the World Federalist Movement – Institute for Global Policy and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court in New York City.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our governing Board of Directors are comprised of diverse individuals with varying backgrounds and areas of expertise. Board members volunteer their time and resources to support McMan Calgary & Area in achieving its mission to support and encourage individuals and families to achieve their full potential as members of their community.

zabin-headshot
Zabin JadavjiM.Sc, Board President

Zabin has over 20 years of experience in human resources and corporate strategy in the private and not-for-profit sectors. Born and raised in Calgary, Zabin’s global experience includes over 10 years in international emerging markets recruiting, retaining and managing high performing teams. An active volunteer in the community, Zabin is committed to a better Calgary for all.  Zabin has a MSc, in Public Policy and is currently an HR Partner with Elevated HR Solutions.

hansraj-khalid-2024
Khalid HansrajBoard Vice President

Khalid has spent 17 years working for major public sector organizations, crown corporations, and junior technology companies. He excels at strategically allocating organizational resources and risk management. He is equally adept at driving new sources of revenue, designing and implementing client facing programs, as well as finding creative solutions to organizational challenges.

vangelder-marla-mcman-youth-centre
Marla Van GelderBComm, CPA, CFA, Board Treasurer

Marla has over 25 years combined experience in banking, finance, oil and gas and education. She has extensive experience in leadership development, strategic communications, financial management, enterprise risk management, investor relations and corporate governance. Marla is acting Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services at Calgary Academy Society and is CEO of Marla Van Gelder Consulting.

headshot
Zahra IsmailM.Ed, MA, Board Secretary

Zahra is an educator and peacebuilding practitioner. Currently a faculty member at Mount Royal University, her career spans work with international non-governmental organizations such as the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Nonviolent Peaceforce, and the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice at the University of San Diego.  Zahra’s work in the international sector focuses on training, advocacy and program design.

Michael Sleci
Michael SelciBBA, Board Member

Michael is Senior Vice President for Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). A business leader with more than 30 years of experience, Michael’s background spans commercial finance, consulting and banking in the business, wealth and retail services areas.

headshot
Gabriel OyedeleBComm, CPA, Board Member

Gabe is currently a Financial Analyst at Dexterra Group Inc. with previous experience auditing various industries including; oil and gas, construction, mining and non-for-profit organizations. Most recently, he worked as a Teaching Assistant with the Accounting faculty at the University of Calgary. An active volunteer in the community, Gabe has served as a mentor/coach at Immigrant Services Calgary and Calgary Youth Justice Society.

claire-cattani-board-member-bio-pic
Claire CattaniCPA, CA, Board Member

Claire Cattani is currently the Director of Finance at TCT, bringing over 15 years of diverse experience in finance. With a unique background in both psychology and accounting, Claire has extensive expertise in leadership, budgeting, forecasting, audit, tax, and financial planning and analysis. She has successfully led finance teams across multiple industries, including oil and gas, food tech, transportation and logistics, and utilities. Claire’s experience spans various business structures, including public companies, public practice, and private companies. She is deeply people-focused and enjoys driving teams towards achieving strategic financial goals.

History

  • I think a lot of what happened with McMan getting started was sheer serendipity.

    Norah (McNamara) Cantin
  • McMan was one of the most exciting and gratifying experiences of my life.

    John Meston
  • My beliefs have led me down an interesting road that has produced some highlights in my life.

    Jim Allers
  • McMan couldn’t have happened without the energy, philosophy and strength of its founders.

    Rick Newcombe

On November 15, 1975, four graduates of Grant MacEwan College decided to open a group home in the inner city of Edmonton. With a vision to evoke change and contribute to the community, these individuals sought to provide support to young people who required care. This ambition ultimately resulted in the foundation of McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association as we know it today.

Since then, the organization has evolved into a multi-regional body that serves the province of Alberta. Offering a variety of services that respond to the needs of their local communities, McMan has enabled Albertans to achieve their full potential as members of their community.

Our Partners

About Us
Family & Community Support ServicesFunder
About Us
City of CalgaryFunder
About Us
Calgary Fetal Alcohol NetworkFunder
calgary-homeless-foundation
Calgary Homeless FoundationFunder
alberta-governemnt
Alberta GovernmentFunder
calgary-foundation
Calgary FoundationFunder
About Us
Not In My CityFunder
aventa
AventaPartner
hull-services
Hull ServicesPartner
800-cfs
Catholic Family ServicePartner
800-childrens-cottage-society-logo
Children's Cottage SocietyPartner
g4
G4Partner

News

Start typing and press Enter to search