“ARBI provides an atmosphere that is caring and client oriented. The staff and volunteers have a level of optimism, enthusiasm and passion that is not often found elsewhere.”

—Arlin Pachet, PhD, CPsych

Our Team & Board

Together, We Achieve…

At ARBI, our dedicated team is comprised of experienced professionals and committed volunteers with diverse backgrounds in neurorehabilitation. We bring together a range of disciplines to provide comprehensive support for brain injury and stroke recovery. Here’s a glimpse into the roles that make up our team.

Clinical Psychologist…

specializes in addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of brain injury and stroke recovery, providing valuable support to individuals and their families.

Community Rehabilitation Assistants…

actively support survivors in our recreation programs, ensuring their engagement in daily leisure activities while fostering a profound sense of social connection and belonging.

Occupational Therapists…

focus on enhancing daily living skills, such as eating and dressing, enabling individuals to regain independence in activities that matter most to them.

Physiotherapists…

specialize in movement and mobility, working to improve motor function, balance, and overall physical well-being.

Recreation Therapists…

design and implement personalized programs, guiding individuals in acquiring or refining adaptive skills and enabling them to engage in various leisure activities, such as art, cooking, music, gardening, or sports.

Rehabilitation Assistants…

support various aspects of rehabilitation, working closely with therapists to implement personalized care plans.

Social Workers…

provide crucial emotional and social support, addressing the broader impact of brain injury and stroke on individuals and their families.

Speech-Language Pathologists…

focus on enhancing language, cognition, and communication skills and addressing swallowing deficits to ensure comprehensive support and improvement in these vital areas.

“The multidisciplinary staff at ARBI is committed to integrating the most current brain research with informed clinical practice in a setting that is respectful, caring, and fully dedicated to the well-being of all their clients and families.”

—Donald H. Saklofske, PhD, Professor and Associate Dean Research, University of Calgary

Leading the Vision & Mission of ARBI

Leading ARBI's dynamic team are our Executive Director and dedicated Program Directors. With a wealth of experience and a passion for neurorehabilitation, they lead ARBI's mission to empower survivors on their journey to recovery.

Nora Molina, Executive Director

Nora Molina brings a wealth of experience to her role as an accomplished non-profit leader. With notable positions such as Executive Director at the Human Resources Institute of Alberta and the Centre for Newcomers, as well as founding Chief Operating Officer at Technology Helps, Nora has demonstrated her commitment to serving the community. Her five-year tenure as the Director of Career Services at the University of Calgary further solidified her dedication to supporting undergraduates and graduates from all disciplines.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Nora is deeply involved in volunteer work, contributing her time and expertise to various organizations such as Heart & Stroke and JDRF. She has also served on numerous boards overseeing childcare, housing, social programs, alumni, and museums, including a leadership role as Board Chair for The Hangar Flight Museum. Nora’s contributions to the community were recognized in 2017 when she received the Authentic Leader award from the Universal Women’s Network, honoring her as a Woman of Inspiration.

Nora’s personal connection to ARBI’s mission is profound, as three generations of her family have been impacted by stroke. This firsthand experience fuels her passion for supporting ARBI’s vital work in neurorehabilitation. Nora holds two degrees from the University of Calgary: an MBA from the Haskayne School of Business and a BA in Communications Studies.

Haidee Law, Rehabilitation Programs Director 

Haidee Law is an occupational therapist (OT) with over 20 years of experience dedicated to enhancing people’s lives through delivering rehabilitation services and leading allied health programs. Her expertise spans clinical education, operations management, professional practice oversight, and quality improvement. As a visionary leader, Haidee consistently drives positive change, supporting others in delivering exceptional care.

Striving for innovation, Haidee develops programs empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Her commitment to evidence-based practices and industry trends ensures clients receive the highest quality of care, leading to improved outcomes and a better quality of life. Actively contributing to the rehabilitation field, she volunteers as a practice network chair for the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and serves on the Bow Valley College Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Advisory Committee. Haidee is also a UofA Alumni Mentor Volunteer.

Beyond her professional achievements, Haidee enjoys reading, connecting with nature and adventures with her partner and two young daughters. A self-proclaimed foodie, Haidee is always up for exploring new culinary experiences.

With a genuine passion for improving the lives of those living with a disability, Haidee is committed to working with the talented rehabilitation team to serve the clients and families that come through ARBI’s doors.

Geri Turner, Community & Wellness Programs Director 

Geraldine “Geri” Turner, a registered social worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers, brings a wealth of experience and a multicultural perspective to her role as Community & Wellness Programs Director at ARBI. Originally from Toronto, ON, with Chilean descent, Geri relocated to the west in 2015 after completing her master’s in social work from the University of Toronto. Joining ARBI in 2018 as a social worker, she quickly demonstrated her dedication to non-profit management and community development.

In her current position, Geri oversees ARBI’s recreation, wellness, and volunteer programs, leveraging her expertise in working with diverse communities, forging strong partnerships, and advocating for vulnerable populations. Beyond her role at ARBI, Geri co-founded Canadian Artists Against Poverty (CAAP), where she serves as the Board Chair, embodying her commitment to social justice and community empowerment. Her passion for community development has also taken her to Latin America, where she managed projects in rural Peru.

During her leisure time, Geri enjoys spending quality moments with her husband, two canine companions, and friends. She finds solace in listening to podcasts, volunteering, supporting her local church, and embarking on adventures to explore the picturesque landscapes of Alberta.

Board of Directors

ARBI’s Board of Directors work tirelessly to see our vision come to life, supporting the needs of our team, and helping our clients gain access to the resources they need.

Dr. Alex Hillyard, Chair

With a 45-year career in human services, Dr. Alex Hillyard's transformative work spans various life stages and leadership roles, promoting community capacity and family support, culminating in his retirement from public service in 2018.

Dr. Alex Hillyard, Chair

Dr. Alex Hillyard has worked and studied in the field of human services for 45 years, retiring from public service in 2018. Alex has an undergraduate and master’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Alberta.

During his career, Alex has had frontline and senior executive leadership positions working across the lifespan from infant and preschool intervention programs to public education and adult services. The first 25 years involved infant and preschool intervention, mental health services, and public education. The last 20 years were spent with disability services in positions as Chief Executive Officer for the North East Alberta Community Board (1998 – 2005), the Calgary Region Community Board for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (2005 – 2014), and as Regional Director, Disability Services, Calgary Region (2014-2018).

The core of Alex’s passion has been to help build the capacity of communities and family/social networks to support children, adolescents, and adults to have a meaningful life. Alex has served on advisory committees for the Community Rehabilitation Programs at Grant MacEwan University (Edmonton), University of Calgary, and Mount Royal University (Calgary). Alex has received awards of recognition and appreciation from parent groups, service providers/organizations and was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for Public Service.

Janet Russell, Vice-Chair

Janet is a highly experienced lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator with 30+ years of practice in Calgary, AB, bringing a diverse background that includes legal excellence, strategic advisory roles, and a deep personal understanding of brain injury.

Janet Russell, Vice-Chair

Janet has 30+ years of experience as a lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator. She graduated from the University of Toronto Law School with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1984. In 2010, Janet was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in recognition of her exceptional legal skills and contributions to the profession. She earned a "Mediating Disputes" certificate through the Program on Negotiation (PON) at Harvard Law School in 2013. Janet is a partner at Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP in Calgary, AB.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Janet worked as an economist after graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Cum Laude (Honours) in Economics.

Janet has been an active volunteer and board member. She has guided the strategic planning processes and by-law reviews in her previous board positions. Since 2012, Janet has held a volunteer advisor role on the United Way’s GAIN Committee. The committee offers high-level services to agencies requiring support to improve their organization and service delivery.

Janet lives with a person who suffered a brain injury and has seen first-hand the positive benefits of therapy and ongoing support.

Orson Ross, Treasurer

Orson, a CPA, CA with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, has held significant leadership roles in Calgary's major public companies, bringing over 20 years of diverse industry and public accounting experience to his role.

Orson Ross, Treasurer

Orson has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan and is a CPA, CA who articled with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Orson has held various senior leadership roles including director, treasurer, and vice president with public companies in Calgary such as Talisman Energy, Petro-Canada, Suncor, Canexus, TransAlta, and Source Energy. Orson is currently the Vice President of Finance at Dexterra Group Inc (formerly Horizon North) where he has responsibilities for financial reporting, treasury, financial planning and analysis, and tax compliance.

Orson is a finance professional with 20+ years of experience in both public accounting and industry, predominantly with public companies.

Deb Milimaka Miles, Secretary

With over 30 years of diverse C-level leadership experience, Deb's strategic expertise has propelled organizations to success on national and international levels, earning her accolades and certifications, including the Women of Inspiration™ Award.

Deb Milimaka Miles, Secretary

Deb has over 30 years of extensive C-level experience within a broad scope of industries. Her leadership roles within companies on both the national and international stage have been a driver of success for organizations such as Harvest One Inc., SMART Technologies, Aguila Convergence Worldwide, Foxconn, Loblaws, Hudson’s Bay, Scotiabank, and BMO. Her business and HR experience proffers a wealth of hands-on work in guiding corporations through periods of global transformation, acquisition, and divestitures.

Along with Deb’s education at the University of Alberta, she has also become a Certified Trained Facilitator in The Leadership Challenge and a Personal Resilience Practitioner which has assisted her in gaining new perspectives in challenging times.

During her career of driving transformation by innovative and effective approaches to strategic planning, leadership, and organizational effectiveness, Deb has received over 10 professional certifications and awards, including the Women of Inspiration™ Award. Created to recognize the achievements of women from diverse industries across Canada, this accolade is reserved for role models who have taken the road less traveled, paved the way for others to follow, and have used their platform to create change on a local, national, and global scale.

Throughout Deb’s life, she has seen family and friends experience brain injuries and knows first-hand how difficult it can be to manage. Knowing the work ARBI provides to help people in these situations, she wanted to give back and help make a difference by joining ARBI’s Board of Directors.

Ross Gilker, Past Chair

With a deep understanding of stroke and rehabilitation as a survivor, Ross, a Certified Human Resources Professional, exemplifies his commitment to community service through his recognition with the Human Resources Institute of Alberta's Community Champion Award.

Ross Gilker, Past Chair

Ross is a graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education degree and holds his Certified Human Resources Professional designation with the Human Resources Institute of Alberta.

Ross is the owner and President of Gilker McRae Ltd. He leads the overall management and business development of the company and he provides transition and consulting services. Ross has prior experience in business ownership in the career transition and franchising industry which he readily shares with those interested in pursuing entrepreneurship. With qualifications and certifications in several psychometric assessment tools, he has assisted many individuals to find their passion and identify their ideal work.

After a stroke in 2007, Ross has dedicated himself to raising money for various charities through his cycle club, CycleTherapy. This group has supported the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, MS Bike Ride, and more recently has sponsored their own annual 100 km ride with funds going to support KidSport and the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured. For his commitment to community service, he was honoured with the Human Resources Institute of Alberta’s Community Champion Award in 2013.

Jim Saunders, Director

Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and has over 35 years of dynamic experience in the oil and gas industry, including founding and leading publicly listed companies and serving on various boards within the sector.

Jim Saunders, Director

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, from the University of New Brunswick in 1982. Jim is a Calgary-based independent businessman with over 35 years of diverse oil and gas industry, technical, managerial, and board experience.

Jim was previously the Founder and Chairman or CEO of four publicly listed oil and gas exploration and production companies: Twin Butte Energy Ltd., Prairie Schooner Petroleum Ltd., Great Northern Exploration Ltd., and Ionic Energy Inc.

Jim previously served as Chairman of the Board of Savanna Energy Services and as a Director of RMP Energy Inc., both publicly traded (TSX) companies. Jim acted as an advisor to three private equity funds specializing in emerging opportunities in the energy services business.

Janie Tremblay, Director

Janie's journey, from earning law degrees to practicing corporate and commercial law across the globe, took an unexpected turn when a brain injury interrupted her career in 2019; she has now transitioned into a successful role as a consultant for global infrastructure investors and start-ups.

Janie Tremblay, Director

Janie earned law degrees from Laval University and the University of British Columbia in 1993 and 1996, respectively, and practiced corporate, commercial, M&A and banking law across the country and parts of the globe before her career was interrupted by a brain injury in 2019. Originally from Quebec City, Janie embraced a career path which allowed her to appreciate the nuances of professional and personal life across places as diverse as Vancouver, Toronto, London (England) and Sao Paolo (Brazil), before making Calgary her home for the last 10 years.

Since reaching a recovery trajectory in late 2021, Janie has been actively enjoying redefining her professional life as a consultant for global infrastructure investors and a range of start-up businesses helping them source, structure and strategically work through their investments and business growth aspirations.

Randy Fowler, Lifetime Director

After a promising football career was abruptly halted by a traumatic brain injury from a car crash, Randy's journey of recovery transformed him into a powerful motivational speaker and dedicated volunteer, making a profound impact on audiences and receiving the Prime Minister's Award for his dedication to educating youth about the risks of drinking and driving.

Randy Fowler, Lifetime Director

Before Randy’s car crash in 1982, he had an aspiring career in professional football. He played with the Calgary Colts, Calgary Mohawks, and the Medicine Hat Rattlers. In his final year with the Rattlers, Randy was invited to the Saskatchewan Roughrider’s training camp. However, all of Randy’s dreams came to an abrupt halt when he suffered a traumatic brain injury due to driving under the influence of alcohol. He was involved in a serious car crash that killed his best friend and left him in a coma. When he awoke from his coma, he learned he had sustained a severe traumatic brain injury.

In 1985, Randy began a rehabilitation program at ARBI. He made tremendous strides during this time and his incredible motivation to overcome the next hurdle had a ripple effect on the other clients in the program.

Randy is a compelling motivational speaker and his message has a lasting impact on audiences. He is a preferred keynote speaker at national brain injury conferences and a sought-after presenter by United Way of Calgary and Area during their annual campaign. Randy also volunteers his time assisting ARBI and other non-profits with annual fundraising events.

Randy’s 20+ years of volunteer work with the PARTY (Prevention of Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) Program has been spent educating students on the importance of making safe choices. His personal story and positive approach leaves an incredible impact on these young people and their future decisions.

In 2012, Randy received the Prime Minister’s Award for life-long volunteer achievement for his work in educating youth about the risks of drinking and driving.

Val Hilario, Director

Val is an experienced occupational therapist with 35 years of dedicated service in public health care and not-for-profit sectors, showcasing exceptional management skills, successful leadership at the Red Deer Hospice Society, and impactful contributions to rehabilitation programming.

Val Hilario, Director

Val is an experienced occupational therapist who has dedicated 35 years of her career to public health care and not-for-profit organizations. Over this time, Val transitioned from a front-line therapist (mental health and injury prevention) into management—overseeing Allied Health professionals in Central Alberta under Alberta Health Services. Here she was actively involved in leading numerous multidisciplinary teams serving clients in disability rehabilitation programs which included acquired brain injuries.

Val's transition from public health care to the not-for-profit sector was seamless, driven by her exceptional management and program evaluation skills. As the former Executive Director of Red Deer Hospice Society, she orchestrated a highly successful tenure, raising 5.4 million for a capital expansion campaign and negotiating crucial public operational funding enhancements. Val's impact extended to other notable not-for-profit boards in Red Deer, where her active directorship further exemplified her dedication.

Val's remarkable career earned her the Leaders in Rehab award for her innovative rehabilitation programming. Her sought-after expertise led her to present to diverse audiences, including professional groups, peers, and community leaders, on topics such as injury prevention, program delivery, and funding needs for not-for-profit initiatives.

ARBI's mission resonates strongly with Val's aspirations. She is excited to return to her rehabilitative roots and collaborate with a diverse board team, to support brain injury and stroke recovery at ARBI.

Gina McRae, Director

Gina's diverse career spanning healthcare operations, quality assurance, and strategic planning has been marked by her championing of initiatives that extend healthcare into the broader social services landscape, creating a lasting positive impact on society and fostering holistic well-being.

Gina McRae, Director

Gina is a passionate advocate for healthcare excellence, backed by a robust leadership background and a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals facing medical challenges. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Leadership, specializing in health from Royal Roads University, and brings exceptional expertise to benefit over 2,500 medical radiation technologist professionals in her role as the Provincial Manager in Alberta at Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT).

Throughout her diverse career spanning healthcare operations, quality assurance, and strategic planning, Gina has championed initiatives aimed at extending healthcare into the broader social services landscape. Her strategic acumen has equipped organizations for growth through innovative policies, accreditation strategies, and evaluation measures. These initiatives are pivotal for organizations seeking to create a lasting positive impact on society, aligning seamlessly with her vision of fostering holistic well-being.

Beyond her professional commitments, Gina is deeply engaged in community involvement and places a high value on collaboration. She has a history of volunteering and collaborating with diverse groups to achieve shared objectives. Her passion for healthcare and her desire to drive positive change extend into her personal life, where she actively supports initiatives promoting well-being and resilience. As a board member of ARBI, she is honoured to unite her professional expertise with her commitment to community betterment. Gina eagerly anticipates contributing to ARBI's essential work in providing hope and healing to those affected by brain injuries.