There have been many changes to the Board of Directors over the past three years, and each Director has contributed significantly to support the growth of Open Arms. Below is a list of the current Board of Directors as of August 1, 2024 and a list of some recent Past Directors. Thank you to all our leadership volunteers for their involvement with OA!
Board Of Directors
Emma Elder
Emma joined Open Arms in 2023 as Treasurer and later transitioned into the Board Chair role. She completed her BSc thesis on the effects of preeclampsia (a serious pregnancy complication) on women’s vascular health and preventative strategies. She is deeply passionate about women’s cardiovascular health after advocating for her mom during her pericarditis diagnosis and mistreatment. Through Open Arms, Emma aims to improve healthcare access and treatment, recognizing the disparities that some individuals face in our province. She is a fierce advocate for precision health and treating patients with a framework that focuses on individual needs and circumstances. In her free time, Emma writes poetry and enjoys live music, often travelling to attend shows in new cities.
Jot Waraich
Jot joined Open Arms in 2023 and quickly ascended to the role of Advocate Chair after demonstrating exceptional dedication and skill as an advocate. Currently, she is pursuing her graduate degree in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences at the University of Calgary. In her leadership position at Open Arms, Jot oversees a team of over 15 advocates, guiding them with her passion and expertise. Jot’s advocacy journey was sparked by her early experiences learning about the significant challenges immigrants face in navigating the Canadian healthcare system. This realization fueled her commitment to making a difference in the lives of newcomers and those seeking support within the healthcare system. Outside of her volunteering and academic pursuits, Jot enjoys capturing the beauty of nature through photography, and spending cherished moments with her family. She also loves hiking and exploring the great outdoors.
Jen Chao
Jen became an advocate with Open Arms in 2021 and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2024. As Advocate Co-Chair, she collaborates with Jot to lead the advocacy team, assisting volunteers in supporting patients, reviewing cases, and ensuring each case is matched with the appropriate advocate. In addition to her work with Open Arms, Jen is a student at the University of Calgary and serves as president of her school club. She also co-founded an educational service business that provides learning aids to students across Alberta. In her free time, Jen enjoys painting and hiking.
Walid Adel
Walid joined the Board of Directors for Open Arms Advocacy in 2024. As Director of Finance, he brings over 20 years of extensive experience in Corporate Finance, Full Cycle Accounting, Internal and External Reporting, Treasury, and Budgeting. Walid aims to leverage his expertise to enhance the organization’s financial operations and support its mission. In addition to his role at Open Arms, Walid has led significant projects such as the implementation of ERP systems and the development of automated reporting tools, driving business process improvements and financial efficiencies. His passion for finance, mentorship, and financial literacy initiatives makes him a valuable asset to the board and the broader community. Through his work with Open Arms Advocacy, Walid is dedicated to contributing to the organization's growth and addressing the financial challenges faced by non-profit organizations.
Rida Mahmood
Rida became a part of Open Arms in March 2023 and was soon elected into the role of Board Secretary. Rida's passion for advocacy in patient care was first realized after volunteering with Alberta Health Services for several years in a variety of roles, such as a Youth Leader, Friendly Visitor, and Compassionate Care Provider and Vigil Coordinator with No One Dies Alone. She also previously served as the Care Program Facilitator for Helping Families Handle Cancer for several years, in addition to serving on several Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committees at various institutions throughout her academic career. As a current medical student at the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, she hopes to leverage her academic background to advocate for healthcare and patient rights with a focus on making a tangible impact in the lives of those who need it most.
Anita Yadav
Anita Yadav is an accomplished talent acquisition specialist based in Calgary, AB, with over three years of experience in the Indian, African, and Canadian markets. She excels in overseeing the full recruitment and onboarding lifecycle, from talent sourcing and resume screening to conducting interviews and negotiating offer letters. Currently serving as a Volunteer Coordinator and Board Member for Open Arms Patient Advocacy Society, Anita demonstrates a commitment to impactful volunteer work. She holds a BCom (Computer) and an MBA in HR and Marketing from Jiwaji University, India. Known for her positive energy, strong communication skills, and adept relationship-building, Anita is a dedicated professional in her field.
Benjamin Sasges
Benjamin Sasges is a Member-at-Large on the Open Arms Board of Directors. Benjamin holds a BA and JD from the University of Calgary and is Legal Counsel at a mid-size construction materials company. Since 2019, Benjamin has sat on the board of several private companies in the construction and facilities services industries, and previously served on the board of a not-for-profit news media organization. Working with Open Arms, Benjamin leverages his experience and academic work in the public health space to improve and expand the organization's governance. Benjamin looks forward to learning more about the patient experience in Alberta and supporting the excellent work our advocates are doing across the province.
Other Team Members
Hali Melnyk
Hali has proudly worked for Open Arms Patient Advocacy since 2014 where she is responsible for a variety of key activities. She is the first point of contact for Open Arms clients, often providing guidance through the intake process. Hali is a member of the Advocacy Committee where she contributes her insights and counsel to advocates and clients. She also works closely with the Board of Directors on many projects. Hali is a graduate from the University of Calgary where she acquired her Bachelor of Commerce degree. Her education has helped her streamline processes and develop business strategies. Hali is the mother of two girls and is located in Medicine Hat. She enjoys gardening, camping and caring for her three adorable cats.
Heather Templeton
Heather began her healthcare career in 2008 as a Licensed Practical Nurse in long-term care and hospice. She then received her master’s in leadership and ministry. Prior to her career in nursing, she worked in seniors’ lodges and her desire to work with seniors grew. She has also worked for the Alzheimer Society of Calgary in their Club 36 program. Heather is currently the Advocate Training and Education Coordinator at Open Arms Patient Advocacy and is a presenter and member of the planning committee of Dying with Dignity Calgary. In all her roles, ensuring the resident or patient is treated with dignity and respect is extremely important.
Past Directors
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Gail Nowlan | 2020-2024
Vice Chair and Volunteer Coordinator
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Bianca Velasco | 2020-2024
Acting Chair and Marketing Director
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Kaylee Dawson | 2018-2023
Advocate and Advocacy Co-Chair
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Nishi Patel | 2021-2023
Outreach Director
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Christina LeGay | 2019-2023
Board Chair
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Nathan Hertz | 2019-2022
Vice Chair
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Khyati Kryger | 2022-2023
Treasurer
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Kristen Schmidt | 2018 – 2022
Media and Marketing Director
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Alyssa Lam | 2018-2021
Outreach Director
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Gurleen Gill | 2020-2022
Treasurer
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Jonathan Adam | 2020-2022
IT Director
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Ben Bishop | 2020-2022
Secretary
Want to Get Involved?
We have many opportunities for those who want to volunteer with Open Arms, such as joining our Board of Directors, becoming and Advocate, or volunteering at events, or enioying the perks of becoming a member. You can make a difference and use your skills to improve the lives of others.
Find out how you can get involved.
“The ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have, but in giving of who you are.”
― Johnnetta B. Cole