Board of Directors
Barb Reid has worked in the field of supporting families and children with disabilities for over 25 years. Her professional practice is grounded in values of community inclusion and family centered philosophies. Barb provides leadership in best teaching practices for children with disabilities. For families, she supports their journey to envision a future for their children that integrates their hopes and dreams for an inclusive community life from childhood to adulthood.
Barb’s passion and commitment has earned her the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in education and the MacEwan University Distinguished Alumni Award for her continued contribution to inclusive communities.
Barb is also an active parent of four adult children, enjoys time with family and friends, camping, and walks in the off-leash parks. She is an active community member and long-standing volunteer for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Shyla Masse, President and her husband Ronan have 3 children; Meagan 15, Blade 8, and Carson 6. Carson graduated from The GRIT Program in 2011 and is now included in grade one at Beacon Heights Elementary. I am very involved in my children’s education; I am the chairperson of our school council, vice-president of the GRIT Board of directors, and a member-at-large for the AACL (Alberta Association for Community Living) executive committee. I have developed a beautiful vision and a deep passion for inclusion that is sure to keep me advocating for years to come!
Jayson Barclay, Vice-President was born and raised in Edmonton. He graduated from the Certified Engineering Technologies Program at NAIT. Jayson is currently a Project Manager and partner of CPI Construction, a major contractor in Edmonton. Jayson has been married for 20 years, loves traveling and golfing. He is also the President of the Society of American Wines. Jayson’s first year as a member of the GRIT board has provided insight into the experiences of families raising children with special needs.
Gordon Lucyk,Treasurer, is an instructor at Grant MacEwan University’s School of Business and acts as Coordinator of the International Business Major. He holds an MBA in Strategy and MA in International Studies and has worked and studied in the US and Europe. Gordon was born in Edmonton and is married to Tina. He was previously involved with the George Spady Centre, an inner city shelter for individuals who are homeless due to life challenges, as Treasurer and later Board Chair. This is Gordon’s second year on the GRIT Board.
Angela Wilson, Secretary began her career as a television reporter with CBC Regina, but moved behind the cameras and became a field producer for numerous television programs, a production coordinator and researcher, the role of head of corporate production at Partners In Motion, a Regina-based television production company where she was awarded a Saskatchewan Motion Picture Association Award for her role as producer. Currently, Angela is the communications specialist with Success By 6, a community initiative managed by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. She completed her Masters in Public Administration and is a proud mother of a baby boy.
Sharon Estrada, Director is a GRIT Alumni parent and has served on the board for 3 years. Sharon and her husband, Anthony have three children, Marcus (8), Eric (5) and Audrina (1). Their eldest son has Down Syndrome and is in an inclusive classroom at their community school. Sharon is inspired by the work and achievements of GRIT which help her and her family to be strong advocates for their son and inclusive education. Sharon works for Calforex, a foreign currency exchange. Sharon and Anthony are members of the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society and Canadian Down Syndrome Society. Sharon looks forward to continued growth in her role on the board.
Victor Bilodeau, Past President, is the proud parent of a GRIT alumnus. Victor teaches Strategic Management and Management Information Systems at the Grant MacEwan University’s School. He has extensive experience consulting with businesses across many industries and enjoys spending time with his family, travelling and learning.
Gail Boutilier represents the board as a current parent with The GRIT Program. Her background includes a Bachelor’s in Special Education and a Master’s of Education. Gail has many years experience sitting on several different boards including The United Way, the Boys and Girls Club, the Alberta Winter Games and was secretary of the Faculty association of Keyano College in Fort McMurray where she taught for 16 years. Her son is in his second year with GRIT.
Dianne Romanchuk has worked for Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) for twenty four years in the role of office clerk. She is an active volunteer with Gateway Association for Community Living, supports her local community league events, and is a member of the Red Hat Club. Dianne is hard working, outgoing and enjoys meeting people.
Crystal Wimpney is the mother of one son, Hunter (3). She is currently working at Stantec Consulting Ltd. as a Project Assistant and Safety Advisor. She also brings her love of coordinating events (former President of Women’s Golf League) to the BEES committee at Stantec (Buildings Engineering Entertainment Society), organizing special events such as golf tournament, curling bonspiels and many more exciting events. Crystal is currently working on her designation of Life Coach with Personal Best Seminars and Certified Hypnotherapist with Full Circle Hypnotherapy. She continually inspires herself and others to reach their full potential in life through spiritual accountability.
- Saturday, May 12
- Tue & Wed, May 29 & 30
- Saturday, June 16
We've currently raised $22,067.30 to date.