The 2024 Women in the North Conference Talk Show will showcase three inspiring women from each community who will share their wisdom, experiences, and expertise during a live panel discussion.
Peace River Talk Show Guests:
Casey Szmata, Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention - Peace Country
Born & raised in the Peace Country, I am a proud small town community member! I grew up on a farm in Dixonville with my parents & 3 sisters. After high school I moved to Grimshaw, and married in 1991. 1992 & 1993 saw the birth of my two amazing children. We moved to Grande Prairie for several years, and I now reside in Fairview. I worked in the oil & gas industry for 28 years, starting at reception, obtaining my Oil & Gas Production Accounting certification, and finally finishing my career in management. In 2012 I lost my daughter to suicide. This is when my life changed. After a couple of years of trying to maneuver a world turned upside down, my journey of fierce advocation for Suicide Prevention and mental health wellness began. In 2014, the “Always Find a Reason to Smile Suicide Awareness & Prevention” society was formed in my daughters honour. In 2022, the planning of the new Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention - North Peace Office began. On June 22, 2023 the doors opened to the Centre in Grimshaw. It’s been a long & very difficult journey, however seeing the progress in providing much needed services to the people of the North is so rewarding! I am wholeheartedly dedicated to continuing my work with fiery passion for years to come!!
Chelsea McKen, TC Ranch
I was born and raised in the Peace Country with deep roots in agriculture going back to when my great-grandfather homesteaded the land we now grow on. We are the fourth generation on this land, the third generation to farm/grow on the land but we are first generation vegetable growers. My husband and I purchased the farm 10 years ago and jokingly called it ‘TC Ranch’ – the name stuck so we continue to use it. After having our children, my inspiration for growing nutrient-dense and environmentally responsible produce grew. Through personal gardening experience and joining the Market Gardener’s Masterclass by Jean-Martin Fortier, I made plans to start a small-scale vegetable farm. I started our CSA program (Community Supported Agriculture) in 2018 and we have continued to expand each year. We recently added a pumpkin patch, on-farm vegetable stand and have plans to grow u-pick Christmas trees! I am the main grower and spend my winters learning, planning, and starting seeds indoors. Then begins the busy planting, growing, and harvesting seasons where you will find me in the fields!
Jellie Borger, Wild and Co. Wellness
Jellie Borger, owner of Wild and Co. Wellness, was born in the Netherlands and moved to Canada at the age of 12. Her father's passion for horses sparked her interest, leading her to immerse in the world of equines for the last 20 years. From training, teaching riding lessons, and facilitating equine-assisted interventions, Jellie has discovered the profound impact of connecting with animals and nature. Jellie's profound respect for the healing power of horses stems from their innate ability to guide individuals through trauma and obstacles, offering a nonverbal pathway to healing and growth. Her journey has led her to offer multiple modalities, including Rubimed Therapy, Food Sensitivity Testing, and Equine Guided Education, which offers one-on-one sessions, team-building exercises, couple's sessions, and school groups. Wild and Co. is a business founded to merge her love for wellness and the natural world. With a vision to enrich people's lives and foster their physical, spiritual, and emotional growth, Jellie is dedicated to helping individuals discover their best selves.
Fairview Talk Show Guests:
Carrie Wegreen, Fairview Health Collective
Carrie is an osteopathic practitioner and is an owner of Fairview Health Collective with her sister Christina. Having been raised in the north, she loves gardening, hunting and connecting with family and friends. She is an entrepreneur and an adventure at heart. Through recovering her own injuries and finding ways to improve her health she is passionate about helping others find hope, restore their health and thrive in their lives.
Jennifer Daniel, Worsley Central School Administrator
I currently hold a B.A., B.Ed. from University of Lethbridge specializing in Inclusive Education, and a M.Ed in Leadership and Policy Studies from University of Alberta. With nearly 18 years of teaching experience, including 9 years as a school administrator, I'm deeply passionate about fostering inclusive environments and advocating for well-funded rural education programs. My heart lies in promoting mental health and wellness, along with providing educational opportunities for students with atypical learning needs. This has manifested itself differently over the years as I have been involved in a variety of big projects such as programs for young women and their self-esteem, pioneering robotics for youth, and establishing an agriculture program at school. I have been the Chair of the Women in Leadership Committee as part of Greater Peace Local 13 for almost two years. I was born and raised in Northern Alberta and am happy to make Rural Northern Alberta (specifically the Peace Country!) my home.
Michelle Dacyk, Elements The Compass of Health Inc.
Michelle Dacyk was born in Fairview and in 2018 brought her various skills in conventional, traditional, alternative and complementary medicine home. She switched from public healthcare with Alberta
Health Services and opened a private practice called Elements The Compass of Health Inc. Although her core skills are in Occupational Therapy, Michelle uses all of her training on land, in a therapeutic
warm pool and by facilitating group classes.
Manning Talk Show Guests:
Jennifer McCracken, Manning Veterinary Clinic
Jennifer McCracken, a dedicated veterinarian with 16 years of experience, is the proud owner of Manning Veterinary Clinic since 2015. Her passion for veterinary medicine stems from a deep love for animals and a keen interest in healthcare, making it a natural career choice.
For Dr. Jenn, the most rewarding aspect of her profession, aside from engaging with pet owners, is the profound impact she has on improving the quality of life for animals. Whether it's making accurate diagnoses, providing effective treatments, or preventing illnesses, she finds immense satisfaction in ensuring the comfort and well-being of her furry, scaly or feathered patients.
Dr. Jenn attends to dogs, cats, horses, and cattle with unwavering dedication. She embraces the challenge of treating various species that come through her practice, but holds a special fondness for dogs and cats, as their joyful demeanor brightens her day. The sight of playful puppies or adorable kittens amidst her appointments brings her immense joy.
Beyond her clinic, Dr. McCracken finds solace in farm calls, particularly when interacting with ranchers while tending to cattle. These moments of connection feel more like a pleasant conversation than work, adding a sense of relaxation to her day.
Jennifer, alongside her husband Todd, reside on a farm east of town with their children Kendall and Kade. Their home accommodates 6 cats and 2 dogs, while over 25 horses and cattle reside at their nearby farm.
Kayla Wardley, Manager of Community Development with the Town of High Level
Representing WIN’s most northern region, Kayla Wardley was born in Barrhead, Alberta, and moved to Zama City in 1992 where she lived for 26 years with her family. During these 26 years, she went to school, volunteered, and started her working career. She worked for Mackenzie County for 8 years as a Water Treatment Plant Operator / Public Works Operator. She volunteered and worked in her spare time with the Zama Recreation Society, The Zama City Community Library, The Zama City Cardlock, the Mackenzie Frontier Tourist Association & The Mackenzie County Library Board.
Five years ago she moved to High Level, Alberta where she took on a new job with the Town of High Level as the Tourism & Museum Leader. During that time, she took on new volunteer roles with Rocky Lane Agricultural Society, Far North Nordic Ski Club, and High Level Farmers’ Market while still volunteering in her previous roles. Most recently she has been promoted to the Manager of Community Development with the Town of High Level and added a new volunteer opportunity under her belt with the Forest Capital of Canada along with being a Sponsored Snowteam Rider with DSG – Doing Something Great Outerwear.
Her passions are spending time with family, community volunteering, event planning, snowmobiling in the mountains, camping, concerts and travelling.
Sharon Henitiuk, Housing Accommodations Manager, North Peace Housing Foundation
I have resided in the North 53 out of my 59 years of living so what a wonderful opportunity to share a day with Northern roommates! I fill my days with my fulfilling occupation of Housing Accommodations Manager with North Peace Housing Foundation, and thoroughly enjoying eight, soon to be nine grandchildren calling me “Baba”. I have been involved in just about every aspect of our community of Manning, whether it be as a volunteer, or through business. I believe no truer words have been spoken as a rule for success, which are: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” by Mahatma Gandhi