Michele Klejno has lived in the City of Leduc for over 20 years and, coincidentally, was a former client of Riseup Society. After recovering from her personal experience with intimate partner abuse, she had a strong desire to give back and was blessed to co-facilitate Group Sessions with the Society. Michele’s experience serving on various non-profit boards in the community and her continued volunteer work with City Life Church has developed and honed her leadership skills. Michele brings to Riseup passion, drive, authentic encouragement for those in need, and a willingness and desire to be part of Riseup’s mission to empower and educate both clients and the community about intimate partner abuse.

Alexis Forbes (she/her) has a wide range of experience working in not-for-profit and supporting community-based agencies. Alexis currently works in not-for-profit engagement, providing support and connection to children and youth in Edmonton. Alexis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science; during her time in university, she focused on community development and the impact of not-for-profit agencies and NGOs. Alexis now resides in Edmonton but spent her teen and young adult years in Leduc. Alexis previously volunteered for Riseup in the office. Alexis is an advocate for the empowerment of others and equality for women. Alexis is hopeful to use her voice to support the work done by Riseup.

Jen Aspelund graduated from Grant MacEwan with a Diploma in Child and Youth Care. She has worked with high risk youth exposed to or living with addictions and mental health issues including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, family violence, gang affiliations, and criminal behavior. She currently works for McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association as a group home Supervisor in Edmonton while residing in Beaumont. Jen’s experience in the twenty-five years she has worked with youth and their families, many of whom were victims of severe trauma, motivates her to want to make further contributions in addressing the negative impact of violence.

Charlie Webb moved to the Leduc area in 2020 and operates her private therapy practice within the local community. Charlie has professional experience both in frontline mental health and justice services, along with a variety of community committees and initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Theatre Studies and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Charlie embraces everything that it is to be human and believes that everyone should have access to any supports they might need along their journey. Charlie is looking forward to using her previous work, life, and volunteer experience to contribute to the Riseup Society and a community that has been so welcoming.

Shawn was raised in Leduc and is currently a practicing lawyer in Edmonton. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science degree and obtained his Juris Doctor (JD) from Dalhousie University. Early in his career Shawn witnessed first hand the detrimental effects of intimate partner violence as well as the lack of resources and advocacy for those impacted by intimate partner violence. He has extensive experience serving a wide range of clients in the Edmonton and Leduc communities and hopes to use this experience to help Riseup continue its success

Catherine grew up and currently resides in Beaumont with her husband Bob, two beautiful children and their two dogs.

Catherine has had a professional career working in non-profit and private sectors and is currently a City Councillor in Beaumont.  She has had opportunities to help some of society’s most at-risk citizens, create programs from the ground up, manage a large territory and implement security and loss prevention programs for large corporations among many other skills and projects. During her time with the Edmonton John Howard Society she was able to support and refer clients who had experienced intimate partner violence. Catherine has also volunteered in her community in a variety of capacities.

Some of her hobbies include outdoor activities such as skiing, biking with family, exploring the trails around Beaumont and time with friends. Some of her favourite time is spent at her family’s cabin and camping with her family.

Catherine brings a passion for equity and community building and a willingness to grow and support Riseup’s mission in any she can.

Kaylene, an dedicated social worker with nearly a decade of experience in the Leduc region, seamlessly weaves her formal education with a specialized focus on family violence and best practices. Kaylene believes in services that show a commitment to providing non-judgmental support, advocating passionately for women navigating the complexities of intimate partner violence. Rooted in Leduc with her family for the past decade, Kaylene contributes a rich blend of experience and passion to the Rise Up board. Beyond her professional dedication, she finds solace in the tranquility of camping, hiking, and kayaking, particularly relishing moments exploring the mountains.

Born and raised in Edmonton, Jessica currently serves the Leduc community as a pharmacist at MedsCheck Pharmacy.

Jessica holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree with with distinction obtained from the University of Alberta in 2019. She has served as a rural community pharmacist for 3 years prior to relocating to Leduc in 2023. Her primary clientele has been focused on vulnerable populations including seniors and young families. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, working out, reading, and enjoying true crime podcasts. She hopes to be able to bring her medical expertise and background to continue making a meaningful impact on vulnerable populations at Riseup.

Kaela Hendra serves as the Director of Programs at the Edmonton John Howard Society. With a career dedicated to community well-being, Kaela has firsthand experience witnessing the profound impact of intimate partner violence on families and communities. Her passion lies in supporting the health of communities and breaking down barriers for individuals in need. Kaela’s commitment to creating positive change is evident in both her professional leadership and her frontline experience. Drawing on her expertise, she strives to contribute to the success of the Riseup Society, leveraging her insights to further the organization’s mission of providing essential support and empowerment.