Our Team is here for you.
Patricia Arango
Executive Director
Patricia was born in Colombia and is a psychologist with a Masters Degree in Social and Community Psychology. She has dedicated her life to helping others. In Colombia, she created a non-profit assisting women, kids and underserved people. She was an Advisor to the Colombia Human Rights President and National Director of Indigenous Communities and Education. Upon her arrival in Canada, she became a Registered Psychotherapist where she focused on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Solutions Focused Therapy.
In 2014, Patricia accepted the role of Executive Director for CASASC, where she continues to successfully tackle challenges. She has proudly implemented preventative programming, including the No Secrets program and the #iRespect campaign. She also initiated the text/webchat option of the 24 hour help line.
Patricia works tirelessly for her community and has proven to be an exceptional leader, pioneer and innovator with a devoted compassion and empathy for those in need.
Counsellors and Therapists
For information on counselling sessions contact: casasc@casasc.ca or phone 403-340-1124
Tracy Cross
Psychologist – MC
Tracy is a registered psychologist in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She holds a Masters of Counselling degree from Athabasca University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Alberta.
She has over 15 years experience working in various capacities with adolescents, adults and families experiencing complex issues. She has a particular interest working with those dealing with trauma and the associated challenges of personal development, relational issues, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, emotional-dysregulation, boundary issues, communication difficulties, shame, identity and self-esteem concerns.
Tracy is heavily influenced by Attachment Theory and believes that our earliest attachments influence relational and personal functioning in adulthood. She works from a client-centered, compassionate approach where she believes the client is the expert in their own lives, incorporating techniques from various therapeutic approaches depending on client need. She considers herself a life-long learner and has future plans of further studying grief, the neurobiology of trauma, somatic experiencing and mindfulness-based techniques.
Tracy is currently accepting new clients.
Mark Ballantyne
Child Therapist – MACP CCC
Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Calgary and has completed a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Mark has twenty years of experience in working with children and youth who have experienced trauma, emotional dysregulation, behavioral health issues and family/personal stress.
His use of an integrated approach provides cognitive behavioral strategies, strength based development, play/art techniques and a person centered philosophy allowing for the creation of a safe place to better manage trauma. Mark believes that in creating a strong therapeutic alliance children and families can move forward in their path to healing, and that people have the inner resources to make change. Mark brings that philosophy to individual clients and also with his work in the Sexual Behaviour Support Program focusing on early intervention to sexual behavior concerns.
Mark is an active public speaker providing professionals, parents and children with evidence-based strategies, and knowledge surrounding healthy relationships, coping, trauma, emotional intelligence and positive mental health.
Mark is currently accepting new clients.
Lana Kennedy
Therapist – MACP
Lana holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta.
She has over 25 years of experience working with youth and adults, and with various communities to help people build strengths and capacity to address complex situations.
Lana has a particular passion for helping individuals to work through trauma on a cognitive and somatic level, understanding the importance of trauma’s impact on the brain and the body. She has training in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and is looking forward to training in Somatic Integrative Therapy. Lana believes in tailoring sessions to meet the needs of individual clients which means that clients may receive a blend of therapies. She is very down to earth and believes in the importance of establishing and maintaining a supportive therapeutic relationship with her clients.
Lana is accepting new clients.
Mindy Alton
Child Therapist – MACP
Mindy is a graduate of Yorkville University and University of Calgary with a master’s in counselling psychology and over ten years of experience working with children, teens, and families.
Mindy is passionate about working with youth and families and believes in Carl Roger’s principle that children learn through understanding and unconditional acceptance. She has experience supporting teens and children to develop mindfulness skills and self-awareness, reduce anxiety and build self-compassion.
Mindy is accepting new clients.
Joanne Prysunka
Therapist – MA CCC
Joanne holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and is a Canadian Certified Counsellor.
Her counselling background includes crisis counselling youth and young adults and working with adults who have been affected by sexual violence. After working with agricultural clients and holding leadership positions throughout her career, Joanne pursued a mid-life career change into counselling.
Joanne draws upon her own experiences, feelings, and personality to enhance the therapeutic process. She believes it is essential to create a safe, bonded relationship with clients and that people have inherent wisdom and the ability to heal when they feel safe in the present as they process the past. Joanne believes lifelong learning is essential in her role as a therapist. The therapy she uses incorporates attachment focused EMDR, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Currently, she is learning how to integrate polyvagal and somatic interventions into each phase of EMDR to enhance her competency as a trauma therapist.
Police/Court Support and In Take
For information on police and court support or in-take process contact 403-340-1124 or casasc@casasc.ca
Jenifer Ambrose
Police and Court Support Worker
As the Police & Court Support Worker Jenifer assists clients as they navigate a complex criminal justice process. She is excellent at helping address clients immediate needs through community programs, facilitating reporting in a supported and neutral space and providing information or support during the court process. She has spent the past five years as a Victim Advocate with Red Deer City Victim Services and feels passionately about making sure a victims voice is heard. Jenifer understands that every person’s journey is unique, and her goal is to help make that journey a little bit easier.
Ashley Vinthers
In take and Resource Specialist – BA CST
Ashley has a Bachelor of Child Studies from Mount Royal University in Calgary, and has over 10 years of experience in the human services field. Her previous roles included working with foster parents, children and youth in care, families raising children with disabilities, facilitating recreational youth groups, and presenting training to children, youth, and adults about healthy relationships. She has facilitated parenting workshops and provided information in areas of brain development, attachment, temperament, and various other topics.
Ashley is certified in ASIST suicide intervention, First Response to Sexual Assault and Abuse, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and Mental Health First Aid. Ashley values the preventative work that CASASC does to create safety for the future and is excited to be welcomed into the team.
Donna Redbear
Community Engagement Facilitator
Bio coming soon.
Education Team
For information on our youth and adult education programs contact: education@casasc.ca
Kailee Burkinshaw
Educator – BA Soc.
Kailee (she/her) has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Calgary. She is working towards a graduate certificate in Sexual Health from the University of Alberta. Kailee has experiences in gender-based violence prevention, LGBTQ+ & Indigenous spaces, crisis support, and child & adult education through her various work, volunteer, and educational opportunities since 2016. Kailee has been a SART team member and remains a volunteer on CASASC’s 24/7 help line. Before joining the Education Team in 2020, Kailee was an educational assistant at the elementary level with Red Deer Public School District for two years.
Kailee is certified in First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse, Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Youth, and various AHS Mental Health for Educator topics. She is a facilitator of Engaging Strategies toward Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment training.
Kailee is passionate about working with children & youth, women, LGBTQ+, and Indigenous populations through advocacy, education and community connection.
Shay Fox
Educator
Shay comes to CASASC with a passion for education. She believes that youth are our future and strives to make a difference in their lives. Shay has worked delivering a variety of early learning programs and supported students in rural communities throughout Central Alberta. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and has prior experience teaching preschool and as well as office management.
Shay has completed multiple courses in child development as well as mental health and is invested in ensuring all learners feel accepted and included. She has been the Indigenous education lead within her schools and is LGBTQ+ affirming.
Shay is excited to work with the CASASC team supporting the diverse needs of communities through compassion and education.
Theresa Golly
Educator – BCR
Theresa comes to CASASC from the Red Cross as a trainer and trained in the delivery of workshops in Beyond the Hurt and Healthy Youth Relationships. Her previous work includes working with parents and their families in providing resources, support and guidance in areas of child development, financial literacy and community resources. She has facilitated parent support groups and provided evidence-based research in areas of brain development, attachment, temperament and various other topics for families. She also provided support for families fleeing domestic violence.
Theresa completed her diploma in Physio and Occupational Therapy Assistant at MacEwan University and then obtained her Bachelors of Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies at the University of Calgary. She has been trained in the use of the Diagnostic Inventory of Screening Children (DISC), Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). She has taken several different training workshops in her 12 years of work experience. Theresa is excited to be joining the CASASC team.
CRISIS Support and SART Team
Erin Willmer
BA Psych, Crisis Support and SART Manager
Erin is a graduate from the University of Calgary with a degree in psychology. After spending seven years at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, Erin decided to switch gears and return to Central Alberta to pursue a career in the helping profession.
While gaining experience in the event industry as well as the private educational system, Erin joined the CASASC team in 2018 on a volunteer basis. She became a part of the administration team in early 2020 and is excited to expand her knowledge and improve her skills in a new environment. She is currently the manager of the in-hospital support team (SART) and the volunteer program.
Cassandra Mierau
Crisis Support Worker
Cassandra has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is a trained First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse. She started volunteering on the crisis line in 2019 and later that year joined the Support Team. She puts great effort into maintaining a supportive environment with crisis line volunteers. Cassandra prides herself in being an active listener which allows others the freedom to express themselves in a safe environment.
Francesca Debono
Crisis Support Worker
Francesca began with CASASC in 2019 as a volunteer on the crisis line and SART team, and transitioned to the Support Team in early 2020. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Health Studies from Burman University in 2014 and has a BSW from the University of Manitoba in 2019. Since then, Francesca has attained provincial registration and served within Indigenous communities, disability services, brain injury, and inpatient psychiatry – participating in professional competency training along the way. She strongly believes in the support and advocacy that CASASC provides Red Deer and surrounding areas, and she is grateful to be part of the Support Team.
Amy Long
Crisis Support Worker/SART member
Amy is a Provisionally Registered Social Worker. She is a case manager at Pathways to Housing/Amethyst House. Amy is a proud member of CASASC’s Support and SART teams since 2019.
Morgan Mickelson
Crisis Support Worker
Morgan graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Since starting as a volunteer on the Crisis Line in 2017, Morgan has gained valuable tools needed in her current position. She has trained in areas of trauma-informed care, suicide intervention, therapeutic intervention, grief and loss support, among others. Morgan comes with many years of experience in working with individuals in crisis, providing resources and being the first point of contact for those impacted by sexual violence.
Communications and Funding
Christi Albers-Manicke
Communications
Born and raised in Lacombe, Christi is a graduate of the SAIT Journalism program. She has worked as an editor and reporter for various print publications around Alberta for the last 15 years. She finds working with CASASC and her previous experiences with non-profits like the Red Deer & District SPCA, challenging but rewarding and looks forward to continuing to better central Alberta.
In her spare time, she enjoys photography, taking local day-trips, tending to her ‘urban farm’ and spending time with her son and husband.
Jennifer O’Shea
Fund Development
Bio coming soon
Administration
Cathy Schelske-Bluett
Administrative Assistant
Cathy was born and raised in Southern Alberta. She moved with her family to Red Deer in 2010. Her professional background is in administration and accounts receivable in the private sector. She has been a volunteer board member with the Red Deer Community Band Society since 2015. Cathy thoroughly enjoys supporting other non-profit organizations in Red Deer along with the Royals membership. She is a proud member to the CASASC admin team as is truly honoured to put her skills to work in support of the larger community in Central Alberta. She is excited to expand her awareness of the services and supports the Centre offers the region.
Janna Kingma
Administrative Assistant
Janna was born and raised in British Columbia, but has spent a portion of her adult life living in Central Alberta. She returned in 2021 to attend Red Deer Polytechnic where she received an Office Administration certificate. Janna has spent the last decade working in merchandising and retail management after receiving a Fashion diploma from the University of the Fraser Valley. She came to CASASC through a practicum with RDP and is excited to gain experience and skills while pursuing more education in the future to shift her career towards helping others.
Chelsey Clancy
Crisis Support Team – SART – Administrative Assistant
BA Psych
Chelsey has been in central Alberta her whole life as she was born in Lacombe and raised in Mirror. She then lived in Alix before moving to Sylvan Lake when she started attending the University of Calgary (U of C) collaborative degree at Red Deer College (RDC) in 2015. Chelsey began volunteering for the CASASC crisis line in October of 2019. About a year later, Chelsey was offered a position on the Crisis Line Support Team and is still working with them to the present day.
In 2020, Chelsey graduated from the U of C with a BA, major in Psychology and minor in English. In January of 2023, Chelsey was brought into the CASASC office as an Administrative Assistant. Then, in May of 2023, Chelsey began working with the in-hospital support team (SART) as an extra relief. Working multiple differing positions with CASASC has enhanced Chelsey’s adaptability to ever-changing environments, and she is excited to see what the next chapter has in store.
Our Supporters
CASASC would not be able to provide programs and services without the support of our donors, funders, partners and sponsors.
Government of Alberta
- Alberta Justice & Solicitor General
- Alberta Health Services
- Alberta Community and Social Services
Government of Canada
- Public Safety Canada
Community supporters
- Lifelong Learning Council of Red Deer
- Rotary Club of Red Deer Sunrise
- Rotary Club of Red Deer East
- Red Deer and District Community Foundation
- Rotary Club of Red Deer Urban Spirits
- Canadian Women’s Foundation
- Servus Credit Union
- F-12.net
- Scotiabank Red Deer
With gratitude and a spirit of reconciliation
the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre recognizes that we work and live within the traditional, unseeded lands and travelling routes of the Indigenous Peoples represented in Treaties 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10, and the home of the Métis Districts 1 through 22 who also share a deep connection with these lands.