Meet the Team

Dedicated to making a positive difference in the community and for the people.

Luana Bussieres

Executive Director

Luana is a graduate of the University of Calgary’s Social Work Program and immediately returned to her home town of Fort McMurray after completing her Bachelor of Social Work Degree.  After holding positions as a Parole & Probation Officer, Foster Care Program Coordinator and Child Welfare Investigator, Luana took a position with St. Aidan’s and has been the Executive Director since 2001.

Luana is passionate about supporting older adults and leads an agency that are  recognized leaders in senior advocacy.  Serving as Vice-Chair on the Council appointed Advisory Committee on Aging, Luana is devoted to establishing the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo as an Age Friendly Designated Community under the World Health Organization. Luana was appointed to the Provincial Community Leadership Council which works to ensure the important work of senior serving organizations across the Province are integrated at a larger systems level and supported in their efforts of improving health and social outcomes for older adults.  

Away from the office, Luana is active in the Re/max-BP Slo-pitch League; a group she has dedicated her time to for over 30 years.  With a love of travel, Luana enjoys exploring different countries and cultures; traveling to places such as China, Russia and throughout Europe.

luanab@staidanssociety.ca

780-743-4370 ext 9

Sandy Grandison

Community Projects Facilitator

Sandy has worked with St. Aidan’s Society for over 15 years and enjoys the opportunity to support and learn from our most experienced population. Sandy is responsible for the coordination of the MAC community calendar and the Senior Health and Wellness portfolio.

Sandy enjoys an active lifestyle and enjoys kayaking, golfing and hiking. Sandy is community minded and enjoys volunteering her time to support the social profits groups throughout the city.

sandyg@staidanssociety.ca

780-743-4370 ext. 0

Pam Burns

Seniors Outreach Program
Supervisor

Pam was born and raised in Regina, Sk. where she attended the University of Regina and obtained a Bachelor of Social Work Degree.  She moved to Fort McMurray in 1996 to begin her Social Work career with Child and Family Services doing Child Welfare Investigations and Case Management.  For a short time Pam returned to Saskatchewan to work as a Behavior Management Consultant, and then returned to Fort McMurray to work in Children’s Mental Health. 

After working for approximately 10 years in Foster Care with St. Aidan’s Society, Pam took a break from Social Work and worked as an Event Coordinator, before returning to St. Aidan’s to work in her current role as a Seniors Advocate since 2015. She is passionate about senior issues and works to provide awareness within all realms of the community regarding senior needs, aging and elder abuse. 

Pam is community minded and volunteers in various capacities, including her membership with HALOS, which is a local third party fundraising group.  Pam has a passion for healthy and active living for herself and her family. 

pamb@staidanssociety.ca

780-743-4370 ext 8

Donya Salari

Seniors Outreach Worker

Donya recently moved to Fort McMurray from Vancouver BC in hopes to establish new roots and meaningful connections within the community. In BC, Donya worked as a child protection social worker and she has spent most of her career working with children, youth, and families.

During Donya’s time off, she enjoys the outdoors, biking, crocheting, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Donya recently became a baseball fan and enjoys going to baseball games and cheering for her favourite team.

“I am beyond excited and honoured to begin my new journey with St. Aidan’s Society. Working alongside my team and the older adults we support is truly rewarding and it fills my heart”.

donyas@staidanssociety.ca

780-743-4370 ext 2

Kimberley MacDougall

Seniors Outreach Worker

Kimberley was born and raised in Washabuck, Nova Scotia. She attended Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She returned to school to obtain her diploma in American Sign Language/English Interpretation. She worked as an interpreter for several years prior to moving to Fort McMurray in 2014. She worked as a Community Services Associate where she was the seniors lead/special needs lead. This included planning and prepping programs for these groups. Kimberley felt compelled to do more outreach in her community and she joined the St. Aidan’s Society team in April 2021.

Kimberley is an avid advocate for those with disabilities. Kimberley is passionate about volunteering in her spare time. Currently, she volunteers with Special Olympics Wood Buffalo, Emergency Social Services, and with the St. Aidan’s Society volunteer program.

kimberleym@staidanssociety.ca

780-743-4370 ext. 3

Carla Cooper

Seniors Volunteer Coordinator

Carla has lived most of her life in Fort McMurray and has worked in the Human Service field for over 25 years.  Working with teens and their families as well as the Elderly. Carla enjoys the relationships that have been built in her various roles. 

Carla enjoys the outdoors. Fishing, kayaking or spending time in nature are some of the things that keep her busy. 

carlac@staidanssociety.ca

780-743-4370 ext. 4

Lisa Stewart

Link Worker

Lisa is excited to join the team at St. Aidans as the new Link Worker. She has called Fort McMurray
home for over 37 years and held many positions in the community having worked in the non-profit,
government and private sectors.

Lisa is an active volunteer in the community and spends many of her summer days working in the Helen
Pacholko Park as co- coordinator of the community garden or helping in one of the many flower beds.
Walking or biking the trails, kayaking, golf and spending time with her family are how she enjoys her free
time.

lisas@staidanssociety.ca

780-743-4370 ext 5

Lisa Doornbos

Link Worker

Lisa grew up in a small town in Ontario where she learned how to love life, ride a dirt bike and work with compassion, determination and fearlessness.  Lisa brought her strong work ethic and determination with her when she hitched a ride to Fort McMurray in 2015.  Since then she has used her Nursing background to work in the social profit sectors supporting vulnerable populations at The Salvation Army, YMCA and now St. Aidan’s Society.  Lisa adds to her education each year and is currently enrolled with The University of Alberta.  When she is not studying, Lisa can be found on her motorcycle, paddle board or putting mud on her jeep in the summer months and baking, cross country skiing or reading in the cold season.  Lisa is beyond excited to join the St. Aidan’s team!

lisad@staidanssociety.ca

780-743-4370 ext. 1

Chido Sandati

Age Well At Home Worker

Chido recently graduated from Keyano College, where
she completed her Diploma in Social Work . She is passionate about
advocating for vulnerable populations and identifying gaps in her
community. She is excited to join St Aidan’s as she begins her journey
in human services. Chido enjoys travelling, learning about different
cultures around the world and  spending time with her family.

chidos@staidanssociety.ca

780-743-4370 ext 6

Wanda Gillingham

Age Well At Home Worker

Wanda attended University of Calgary where she graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2022 

Wanda has lived in Fort McMurray since 2005 and has held positions as an Educational Assistant and Employment Counsellor and worked in the community in non profits organizations serving vulnerable populations

Away from the office, Wanda enjoys time with family and friends and has a love for animals, and a passion for health and wellness.

wandag@staidanssociety.ca

780-743-4370 ext 7

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