Michele Douglas has lived in the City of Leduc for more than 20 years and, coincidentally, was a former client of Riseup Society. When she had recovered 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 boards includes dance fundraising groups and the Board of Elders for Leduc Community Baptist Church. She has a leadership role with City Life Church in Leduc as the Director of Stage Management and is currently employed as the Office Manager at Seed Check Technologies Inc., a local laboratory in the agriculture industry. 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