Meet Our Board Members
Scott
Henderson
Chair
Scott Henderson has lived in St. Albert for over 30 years. He retired in 2023 after working as a CPA and a CMA in various industries in Edmonton. His passion for palliative care was sparked after witnessing his father in law’s end-of-life experience. Scott strongly supports hospice care and the additional needs of those impacted by a life-limiting illness. He is honoured to re-join SASHA to help continue their mission.
Johanna
Buisman
Vice Chair
Johanna Buisman is a retired nurse who has lived and worked in the St. Albert area for over 30 years. She has had the privilege of working with palliative clients in various nursing roles and was fortunate to be part of the formation of SASHA as an organization. Johanna is excited to re-join the Board as they move forward on many new projects to support our community in end-of-life situations.
Catherine
Thornberry
Secretary
Catherine Thornberry comes to SASHA with a background of oncology nursing, palliative/hospice care and education.
Being the primary caregiver for her husband for eleven years, Catherine has a passion for supporting family caregivers throughout, and after, their caregiving journeys and is involved in research to determine family caregiver needs.
Christine
Guest
Treasurer
Chris Guest is a retired Registered Nurse with 25 years of experience serving the St. Albert community, including extensive work in palliative and home care. A dedicated SASHA Board Member for nine years, Chris has been instrumental in shaping and strengthening the
Compassionate Care Volunteer Program. She brings valuable frontline healthcare insight to board governance, policy, and program development, and continues to be a trusted mentor and committed volunteer within the organization.
Al
Gosselin
Board Member
Although born and raised in Prince George, B.C. Al Gosselin has lived in St. Albert for many decades. His elder sister, mother and a long-term friend have all accessed hospice care. Through his visits to these various hospices he witnessed the wonderful end-of-life care and comfort that Hospice programs offer. Now retired, he is inspired to give back to the community through SASHA.
Anita
Grande-Armet
Board Member
A resident of St Albert since 2016, Anita Grande-Armet has a strong desire to give back to her local community. Anita was an executive director of a non-profit association that assisted elderly Italian Canadians with accessing government benefits. She worked as an editor of a provincial newsletter on government and politics for 20 years, and also has previous employment experience in broadcasting and marketing.
She aims to utilize her marketing and communication skills to further the important work of SASHA, and to become a dedicated advocate for those experiencing palliative care in St. Albert.
Mary
Zubis
Board Member
Mary Zubis’ experience of personal loss, combined with working in healthcare, has made her determined to help others, especially those needing palliative care. Mary is passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable seniors, especially on their end-of-life journey. Along with her spouse, children, and two dogs, she has lived in St. Albert for many years.
Wes
Brodhead
Board Member
Wes Brodhead served four terms on City Council, where he earned a reputation as a thoughtful leader, effective communicator, and consensus-builder. He brings extensive governance experience through his service on numerous boards, along with strengths in strategic planning and board leadership.
With a background as a pastor at the Alliance Church, Wes approaches his work with compassion and a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families, including an appreciation for the importance of palliative and end-of-life care.
Tara
Stauffer
Board Member
Tara Stauffer brings over 15 years of leadership experience within Alberta’s healthcare system, grounded in her background as a Registered Nurse. She currently serves as Unit Manager for General Internal Medicine at the Misericordia Hospital with Covenant Health and has held several leadership roles with Alberta Health Services in supportive living and transition coordination.
Tara also holds an Associate Degree in Human Services from MacEwan University, where her academic work focused on volunteer-supported end-of-life care. She is deeply committed to compassionate, person-centred care, and ensuring individuals and families are supported with dignity, connection, and respect at end-of-life.
Ron
Marrese
Board Member
Ron Maresse brings over 40 years of leadership experience with Canadian National Railway, where he held senior roles in operations, service design, safety, and business management. A dynamic leader and collaborative decision-maker, Ron is known for building strong teams and fostering productivity.
Over the past two years, he has been an active and valued SASHA volunteer, contributing his time to Grief Walks, the CCVP, and community events. Ron has a genuine passion for hospice and end-of-life support, and is known for his compassionate and supportive presence within the St. Albert community.