Leanne Fischbuch has over 20 years of experience with not-for-profit governance, program delivery and management primarily in the agriculture sector. She has been a resident in Leduc County for over 16 years and has watched the communities within the area grow and prosper. The attraction to volunteer with Riseup is the opportunity for Leanne to give back to the community and help Riseup continue with the important vision of having a community free of domestic violence and abuse.

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.

Nadine has been a Leduc resident since 2001. Over the years, she’s been a very active community member sitting on the board of The Leduc and District Food Bank for 8 years, currently sits as a Legacy Board Member for the Boys & Girls Club of Leduc and has been a member of the Rotary Club of Nisku Leduc since 2013. Nadine has volunteered in a variety of other capacities as well including the host committee for the 2009 Alberta Cup, chair for the MP Charity Hockey Challenge, various large curling events, Alberta Summer Games and Alberta Winter Games all hosted in Leduc. Nadine is a huge supporter of all things local including charities, non-profits & business believing that it’s important to give back to the community that has given so much to her. It’s exciting to be able to join the Rise Up Society board to continue the good work of the organization.

Amanda Delorme has been a resident of Leduc County for the past 11 years. She holds a B.A in Sociology from Nipissing University, and is a Certified Executive Coach through Royal Roads University. Amanda has 15 years of experience working in Human Resources in various industries, and is currently the Director of HR/HSE for Almita Piling. Amanda is grateful for the opportunity to join the Riseup Board of Directors and support the incredible work that they do.

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.

Hunter Gates is a director, actor, stuntman, theatre-maker, and educator. She specializes in movement as well as in devised theatre performance. Hunter has more than 30 years of experience in the professional and community theatre, film and television. She trained in physical theatre at the School of Physical Theatre in Toronto. She holds a Ph.D. in theatre philosophy, a pedagogical certificate in Physical Theatre and a certificate in stunt performance and teaching. Hunter also has extensive experience in stage combat. Quite often during the year she performs and teaches nationally and abroad. She launched her post-university theatre career in Montreal at the Just for Laughs festival. She was the founding artistic director (1996 to 2016) of The Hunter Gates Academy of Physical Theatre, a school specializing in training, new-play creation and international collaborations. Dr. Gates provides artistic innovation and dedication to the voice and spirit of the community. Hunter specializes in the creation of programs for seniors, adults, and at-risk youth.

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.

Bryce Laveck started in the business when he was 22. Under the tutelage of his mentor, he learned some valuable life lessons. Bryce followed his passion for business down the path of entrepreneurship starting three businesses. In 2002 he started a funeral service supply business, which continues to be successful. In 2016 a new challenge presented itself, an opportunity to help people in a different capacity. Bryce joined Edward Jones, opened his office on the south side of Edmonton, where he enjoys sharing his knowledge about wealth management. Upon hearing about Rise Up and the great service they provide Bryce wanted to share his experience and knowledge to further their cause. He looks forward to seeing the difference that one can make in the life of another.

Patricia Edwards moved to Leduc in 2020. Now, presently retired she is looking to get involved and give back to the community. Formerly a Manufacturing Business owner in Montreal Quebec she travelled extensively and marketed her brand to major retailers in Canada and the United States. It was a challenge as a woman to become a business owner and after 3 years her Company won an award for the best vendor for a major retailer in Canada. She was a Volunteer for various Non-Profit organizations and served on several boards. Patricia created and organized many community events and helped in marketing and promoting of the Community Service organizations. At an Ontario College she organized many major events for prospective students, fund raising and strategic planning meetings for the Board of Education. Patricia is looking forward to working with an organization that will have such a direct impact on the quality of life for many.