Karen Sherbut

(She/Her)

President & CEO (Volunteer)

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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.

Julie Kerr

(She/Her)

Interim Executive Director

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Julie’s career has spanned over 30 years in the mental health, population health, social service and not for profit sectors, including front line service provision, management, and executive leadership. She has managed budgets up to $1.4 billion and is equally comfortable in large organizations and small agencies.  Her education includes degrees in psychology and formal coaching training.

A proven leader who believes that health and wellbeing happen within the context of meaningful relationships and contributions to the community, Julie has a passion for supporting teams to use their diverse talents, knowledge, and experience to create and deliver excellent services and supports to vulnerable populations.  Her commitment to social justice and equity is a thread that has woven throughout her working life.

Julie has served on many boards and multiagency committees and is always eager to collaborate across sectors and services to find creative approaches to solving complex challenges.  She is excited to be part of Safe Haven during this exciting time of transition and growth.

Carolyn Holloway

(She/Her)

Community Engagement Officer

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Carolyn’s intimate knowledge of the Safe Haven Foundation and her connection to the community, combined with her experience in marketing, sales and events, are invaluable to the Foundation’s fundraising and volunteer activities.  In addition to her primary role in fund development, she manages the website, social media and oversees advertising and marketing campaigns which are essential parts of the Foundation’s communication strategy.  Carolyn was previously with Safe Haven from 2002-2007 and rejoined the team in 2017. She states in part, “I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to return to Safe Haven Foundation at this significant time of growth and development.  Thanks to the unwavering passion of Karen and John and the support of board members, stakeholders, donors and volunteers, so many young women have indeed been given their future back.  I am honored to have been a part of their journey and look forward to embarking on this new one.”

Holly Thomas

(She/Her)

Operations Coordinator & Executive Assistant

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Holly brings 20 years of Executive Administrative experience to the team. It is a strong passion to help others that ultimately drives her hard work ethic and ability to take on many roles and responsibilities. She has represented various companies, from corporate to non-profits, managing commercial and residential real estate, construction, and heavy equipment rentals, and working in the oil and gas industry. Before joining Safe Haven, she was part of a non-profit that serves Calgary’s Senior community where she quickly became part of their pandemic response and outreach. Holly has a strong skill set in organizing, scheduling, and managing, all while contributing and implementing ways to improve office and team support. She thrives in the work she does, ensuring everyone feels supported and, most importantly, she leads with passion and heart knowing there is no task or challenge too big and will always work her hardest to find the solution. Holly is dedicated to the success of the Safe Haven Foundation and the incredible youth that they serve. She has a devotion to the community and being a part of a team that is determined to make the future of our next generation and youth a whole lot brighter!

Heidi Walter, BSW, RSW

(She/Her)

Program Development Officer

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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 Klein

(She/Her)

Program Manager

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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.

Lindsey Bonnell

(She/Her)

Live-in House Parent

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Lindsay moved to Calgary in 2007 for a job as Support Worker of Haven’s Way, which was then managed by Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary. This is when she discovered her passion for working with youth experiencing homelessness. Lindsay has always loved the model of Haven’s Way which encourages youth to build capacity in their own lives, while receiving support and encouragement as they rebuild trust and healthy relationships with their families. Lindsay obtained her Bachelor of Social Work in 2012 from the University of Calgary. She began a career as a Social Worker with the City of Calgary and continues to work there today as her full-time job. Lindsay has been with Safe Haven Foundation as the Live-In House Parent at Haven’s Way since January 2023. She feels that watching young people flourish into young adults is truly a privilege and is proud of the way the program provides unconditional love, support, community, respect, and the tools to be successful as the young people transition to the next stage of their lives. Lindsay is grateful to be part of a community that allows youth to identify who they truly are and for being able to witness them become the best and most authentic versions of themselves.

Samantha Felix

(She/Her)

Live-in Peer Support Mentor

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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.”