The Team

A less than ideal childhood and upbringing ultimately prepared Karen Sherbut for the role of her life as a role model, mentor, and humanitarian.  In this capacity she is able to provide what she so desperately had once needed; ultimately improving the lives of many young women, their families, and loved ones.  Karen’s dream of providing for homeless teenage girls came to fruition in 1996, when Karen and her husband founded The Safe Haven Foundation of Canada.  In a volunteer capacity at the helm of the Foundation, Karen’s steadfast commitment to Safe Haven Foundation continues to shape a better and brighter future for all of us.   With over 35 years of senior marketing, management, and leadership experience, Karen has been extensively involved in the development and implementation of strategic plans and financial planning at both grassroots and national levels.  An engaging and innovative leader, Karen’s focus on results-oriented programs, financial accountability, public relations, and award-winning campaigns have provided an enviable advantage to the Foundation at no cost.    Karen’s passion remains visible and reflective through the time she dedicates not only to Safe Haven Foundation but also to the many boards and advisory roles she has undertaken over the years.

Joanna hails to us from the beautiful country of New Zealand where she held various progressive roles at the University of Otago in New Zealand, including Administrator of Client Services, Lead Administrator, and Manager of Divisional Services and Administration. She has a proven track record in administrative excellence, team management, and operational strategy, and is known for her exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills. Joanna values culture, respect, and personal growth, and her dedication to efficiency and process improvement aligns perfectly with our team’s goals.

“After spending my entire career in the education field, I am thrilled to be able to use the knowledge and skills I have developed to support the mission of Safe Haven. I am excited to be a part of the team that is committed to ending the cycle of poverty, abuse and homelessness for young women and helping them to realize their dreams. What a fantastic cause!”

Heidi has worked in the youth homelessness sector for over 21 years, 17 of which she spent at the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary managing their Housing First programs. She currently uses her expertise in program development with the Safe Haven Foundation in Calgary and the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, conducting trainings and fidelity reviews as a CAEH trainer. Heidi also holds a role in a full-time capacity as the Manager of Training and Program Implementation with A Way Home and supports the demonstrations sites through the Making the Shift Research Project.  Throughout her career–from studying Social Work to working in community development, managing programs, and program implementation, and now providing consultation, training, and technical assistance to communities across Canada–Heidi has been passionate about supporting youth and families to thrive, ensuring youth have a voice throughout. She is devoted to sharing her learnings, providing support, and building community across the youth homelessness sector.

Leah has been in the field for 25 years primarily working with at-risk youth and vulnerable populations. Leah’s educational background is in criminal justice, and she has several years working within non-profits such as Enviros Wilderness School, Wood’s Homes, CNIB and Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre. She also worked in the Children Services world for the better part of a decade as a case worker, investigator, and permanency planning worker. Having been in leadership roles for the past 10 years, Leah very much enjoys coaching, mentoring leading and training staff to provide the best care, advocacy and support for the children, youth and families we serve. Leah is exciting to be part of the Safe Haven family as she has a passion for helping young girls reach their full potential and become contributing members of society. Walking along side each individual on their healing journey and connecting them to natural supports is an area she is very dedicated to with the goal of achieving successful outcomes.

Lisa Fahselt was born in a small town in Northern Ontario. She moved to Medicine Hat in 1999 and has recently settled in Black Diamond. Lisa has worked in an outreach capacity in all aspects of youth supports and housing – shelters, housing first, prevention and intervention programs. She also ran a non-profit thrift store and this role included supporting staff with mental health diagnosis and volunteers. Lisa has a great sense of humour and loves music, reading, camping, dancing, and cooking.  Her love language is to feed people. She is a direct communicator, task oriented and open to feedback.

Molly is a University of Calgary graduate with a degree in History and a second major in Roman Studies. Her background is in educational and recreational programming. She is joining our team as a part-time Transition Coach and also works at Youth Link as a Program Coordinator. Molly is a self-professed dog person but recently rescued a kitten. Her hobbies include outdoor/wilderness activities, volleyball and reading.

Sam moved into Havens Way as a youth in 2010 and began the first chapter in her healing journey.  From there she spent 3 years soaking in all the lessons and love that surrounded her from staff and her roommates. During this time, Sam was also busy focusing on continuing her education and graduated with a diploma in Office Administration and another in Addictions and Community Services.  In 2013, Sam graduated from Haven’s Way and moved out into the community with confidence, life skills and a network of resources and natural supports.  Flash forward to 2020, Sam returned to Havens Way as the Live-In Peer Support Mentor. Along with role modeling a healthy lifestyle for the young women living in the program, giving back to her community and creating space for the next generation of young people to heal, she is actively pursuing her Yoga Teacher certification, all while working full time in the career path her education prepared her for.

“This past year has been a wild ride, with many laughs, tears, and powerful late-night conversation that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’m proud of the team I work with and the brilliant young women I live with.”

Adeola Lawal (Adi) is a graduate of Mount Royal University with a degree in Criminal Justice and has dedicated her career to social services ever since. She began her professional journey with Alpha House Society as a Case Manager, where she developed a strong foundation in providing compassionate care and support. Adi has held similar positions with Alpha House and Trellis Society and has also worked at Aventa, further expanding her experience in the field. She intends to return to school in the near future to pursue her Master’s degree to further her education and enhance her ability to serve others. In Adi’s personal life, she loves spending time with loved ones, cooking and taking spin classes.

Adi says, “I am genuinely excited to bring my passion and experience to Safe Haven and look forward to making a positive impact here”.