Meet The Team Behind Cards for Care Alberta
Cards for Care Alberta is powered by dedicated volunteers and leaders across Edmonton and Calgary who are working to bring compassion, creativity, and connection into healthcare spaces across the province.
Edmonton Team
Brendan McFatridge
Founder & Executive Director
cardsforcareyeg@gmail.com
Hi there!
My name is Brendan, and I am the founder of Cards for Care Alberta. After seeing firsthand the isolation and burnout that both patients and healthcare workers can experience in Alberta, I wanted to create something to bring the community together and support those who need it most. Thanks for your interest in our Cards for Care community!
Lyra Brown
VP Edmonton Communications
communications.cardsforcareyeg@gmail.com
Hi! I’m Lyra. I serve as VP of Communications for Cards for Care Alberta, where I manage newsletters, website content, storytelling, and brand messaging. I’m also a musician and writer, and I love using creativity and healthcare storytelling to highlight the power of compassion, connection, and community care.
Susan Huseynova
VP Edmonton Outreach
outreach.cardsforcareyeg@gmail.com
Hi! I’m Susan, VP of Outreach for Cards for Care Alberta. I help build community connections, develop partnerships, and support opportunities that allow our organization to reach more people across Alberta with kindness and care.
Carmen Pare Baird
Edmonton VP Donations
donations.cardsforcareyeg@gmail.com
Hi! My name is Carmen, and I have been volunteering in some capacity since 2018, having now found my long-term home with Cards For Care. I coordinate incoming supply donations, incoming and outgoing card inventory and manage the inventory of each and the tracking of cards.
Phoebe Qin
VP Edmonton Fundraising
fundraising.cardsforcareyeg@gmail.com
Hey! My name is Phoebe, and I am your VP of Fundraising. I have the pleasure of reaching out to potential sponsors and writing grants for Cards for Care. We have seen so much growth as we develop our Cards for Care community. If you are interested in supporting our cause, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
Pat Chmilar
VP Edmonton Volunteers
p.chmilar@icloud.com
Hello! My name is Pat, and I am your VP of Volunteers! I have been volunteering since I was a teenager, at a wide variety of places, but cardsforcareyeg is my favourite!! I organize monthly card-making sessions and welcome all new volunteers! ❤️ ❤️
Calgary Team
Elena Dansereau
Director of Calgary Operations
cardsforcareyyc@gmail.com
My name is Elena Dansereau, and I am currently pursuing undergraduate degrees in Community Rehabilitation (BCR) and Psychology (BSc) at the University of Calgary. As Director of Calgary Operations, my focus will be on implementing new programs, recruiting volunteers, and building partnerships in Calgary.
Sarah Khalifa
VP Calgary Donations
donations.cardsforcareyyc@gmail.com
My name is Sarah Khalifa, and I am the VP Donations for Cards for Care YYC! I love volunteering and giving back to the community. Being a part of this amazing program and team, it allows me to spread kindness in a simple and meaningful way.
Sajida Alkadri
VP Calgary Fundraising
fundraising.cardsforcareyyc@gmail.com
Hi everyone, my name is Sajida Alkadri, and I'm a graduate student studying Immunology at the University of Calgary. My role as fundraising lead includes reaching out to local businesses, applying for grants, and running any events/fundraisers. I look forward to seeing you all at our future events!
Selena Pham
VP Calgary Communications
communications.cardsforcareyyc@gmail.com
Behind every card is a warm embrace; behind every post is a story of care. My name is Selena and as a VP Communications, I hope to share the heart behind Cards for Care through meaningful storytelling and creative content that sparks small gestures but big differences.