Who We Are

2008—2009 Board of Directors

Maureen Whitesell (President)
Maureen joined the board in 2004 and has sat as Chair for the 2007/2008 year. Maureen's history has been that of supporting children with disabilities. Due to her own personal experience in this area, Maureen is a strong advocate. She is also the liaison between Community Options and Edmonton Regional Coalition for Inclusive Education. As a past program participant of the Community Options' Early Education Program, Maureen believes very strongly in the mission and vision of this organization and is dedicated to completing her second term.

Tom Lee (Vice-president)
Tom served as a chair of the Hearts of Blue Charity Committee (Alberta Blue Cross' employee charity committee). He originally got involved with Community Options as a supporter of their Hot Lunch Program at Inglewood school. He is quite passionate about volunteerism. Currently, Tom is employed with Capital Health as a Systems Analyst. Tom joined the board in 2005.

Jeanine Alexander (Secretary)
Having raised three children (now adults) in Edmonton, Jeanie now considers Edmonton her home, and hopes to give back to the community by serving on the Community Options Board of Directors. She is an educator and is currently teaching in a cooperative preschool program. Her interests are varied and most often include one or more members of her family.

Sandra Black (Treasurer)
Sandra is passionate about children and has made a career working with children with disabilities through various roles. She has collaborated with Community Options over the years and came to the Community Options Board while on maternity leave from Services to Children with Disabilities (now FSCD). Sandra strongly believes in the core values, mission and vision of Community Options and is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the team. Sandra joined the board in 2004.

Heidi Oshry (Member)
Heidi was introduced early to the unique challenges that face persons with disabilities. She was inspired by both her parent’s teachings and values and by a younger cousin with special needs. Heidi began by volunteering at Elves as a teen and continued as an adult by obtaining her Education degree with a minor in Special Education. She worked at the Mayfield and Elmwood Early Education sites. Her last position was as the Curriculum Coordinator at Elmwood, before leaving to start a family. Heidi joined the board in 2006.

Heather Kennedy-Plant (Member)
Heather is a passionate community and family advocate. She believes that building strong communities is essential and important work along the path towards transforming the social and structural barriers which interfere with the well being of our children, youth, and families. Heather has worked at the University of Alberta as an advisor and administrator since 1999 and currently holds the position of Cooperative Education Coordinator at the U of A School of Business. She formerly held positions with the University's Faculty of Education and with the U of A International Education Abroad Program. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts Sociology degree from the University of Alberta, Heather has a diploma in Child Psychology, Supervisory Development Certification from the School of Business, and is now working towards a Masters Degree in Educational Policy Studies at the U of A. She joined the Board in 2008.