Lana has been the Executive Director and leading VALID since October 2020.  Having her join this amazing organization during COVID-19 lockdowns was both a challenge and a honour as we navigated our way through these unprecedented times.

Lana has a lengthy background in non-profit leadership, having been the Executive Director for 2 other large non-profit organizations prior to taking on this role.  Her former roles had her working with persons with learning challenges and promoting lifelong learning.  Her other Executive Director role had her being a strong advocate in the fight against bullying and suicide.  She has the knowledge and background to lead VALID for many years to come.

In her spare time, Lana plays guitar, sings, writes songs and also teaches line dancing, having started the Vegreville Line Dance Club when she moved to town. She also love playing with the really big horses and has had many incredible experiences over the years being part of a World Champion Draft Horse Hitch crew.

Lana is really enjoying her time at VALID and plans to stick around for many years to come!  She welcomes visitors and always has her door open and the coffee on!

Darlene has been with VALID for 20 years.  Prior to her employment with a Not-For-Profit organization, she was with the municipal government. The majority of her career she has been in a financial role.

During the summer, she enjoys being outside and tending to her flowers.  Her favorite indoor plants are her orchids. Travel is definitely a love of hers.  She tried a cruise once and now she is hooked.

Rachelle is VALID’s Human Resource Coordinator.  She has been with VALID for 15 years.  She started out as the Finance Assistant in 2008 and transitioned into a shared Human Resource and Finance Assistant position in 2013.  In 2017, she became a full-time Human Resource Assistant moving into her current position in 2020.

Rachelle graduated from college in 1995 and spent 12+ years in the Catholic education system with grades K – 8, assessing the needs of students, assisting with planning, implementation and of specialized programs for children with learning and/or developmental disabilities.  She relocated to Vegreville in 2005 and worked as a health care aide for a period of time before coming to VALID.

Rachelle finds her role very rewarding and enjoys her interactions with the amazing individuals and staff at VALID!

On a personal note, Rachelle is also a home-based baker who specializes in cakes, cupcakes and baked goods.  She enjoys time spent her family and two rescue cats.

Karen grew up on a farm just outside of Vegreville and started at VALID as a summer student in 1988. Since then she has held a number of positions as she worked her way up to her current position as Program Coordinator. Karen took Disability Studies on-line through Bow Valley College as an adult learner.

Karen is very passionate about VALID and all that we offer; there are many amazing people here.

When not at work Karen enjoys being outside in the garden, on the golf course, at the lake or just out walking. Karen is also part of a regular bowling league and a line dance club.

Danielle has been a behavior specialist with VALID for three years.

Kaylah Paterson is the program supervisor of the non-complex needs residential programs VALID supports. She has 8 years experience in the disability field, and over 10 years experience as a health care aide.

Kaylah completed post secondary programs in community and disability support studies  and healthcare aide. She has been leading her teams with VALID for 2yrs and previously provided support to the complex need programs as the Community disability Service Practitioner for 4.5years.

Kaylah takes pride in supporting her teams in the same capacity that she supports VALID’s individuals and agency. Personally Kaylah enjoys time spent outside camping, gardening, or just enjoying the sun. Kaylah is a animal lover and currently owns 3 dogs, two of which spend time at the residences with the individuals Kaylah supports.