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.
Hello! My name is Kimmie. I believe a simple, handmade card can be incredibly powerful, offering comfort, meaning, and connection no matter what season of life someone is in.
I’m happy to serve as Finance Officer for Cards for Care Alberta. In this role, I help ensure our charitable funds are managed with accountability and care so that we can continue focusing on what matters most: bringing warmth, hope, and community to those who need it.
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.
Hi! I'm Parinika, and I'm the VP Internal Officer.
I've been fortunate to work with a number of student and community organizations, and each experience has shown me just how much small, thoughtful actions can mean to someone else.
I'm excited to bring what I've learned to this role and be part of creating those moments that remind people they are seen, valued, and not alone.
Hi everyone, my name is Farhaan, and I am your Events Officer. I have the pleasure of planning and coordinating the gatherings that bring our Cards for Care community together, from card-making sessions to community fundraisers and volunteer meetups. I'm excited to continue to work to expand the impact that Cards for Care Alberta can create within our communities. If you are interested in attending, volunteering, or collaborating on an upcoming event, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
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.