2025 Speakers

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Delicia Adams

M.Sc. (Marital and Family Therapy), CT, CCC

Delicia Adams is a Counselling Therapist of Alberta, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor, with a Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University (former Canadian Campus). She has been providing counselling supports to people in Central Alberta for close to 14 years. Delicia is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families, develop healthy relationships, and assisting them in their journeys of healing and growth. In her off time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, working out and helping people reach their God-given potential.

Kylene Heykants

Health, Wellness & Leadership Performance Advisor

Kylene helps leaders operate at their highest level—not by pushing harder, but by learning to lead from a place of strength, energy, and wellbeing. With a background in exercise physiology, behavioral science, and over 10 years of coaching experience, she blends science with real-world strategy to help leaders break out of survival mode and step into a higher level of clarity, capacity, and impact.

She completed her Bachelor of Physical Education at the University of Alberta and holds multiple certifications through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and AFLCA. But what truly drives her work is her belief that health is the foundation of leadership. When leaders feel energized, resilient, and grounded, everything improves—communication, creativity, decision-making, and the way they influence the people around them.

Kylene’s work focuses on practical, sustainable tools that reduce stress, support emotional regulation, improve focus, and strengthen the habits that allow leaders (and their teams) to perform well long-term.

Jordan Cavanaugh

Jordan Cavanaugh is married to Julie with met playing basketball at Prairie College. They have three girls Codi, Jovee and Georgia and a great Dane named Indigo. Jordan has had the privilege of serving at Crossroads Church for the last 17 years. He has led youth and children's ministries as well as given leadership to Crossroads community life department. Most recently he has been asked to succeed Dan Cochrane as the lead pastor in July of 2026. He is passionate about equipping the church to reach central Alberta with the good news of Jesus Christ. Jordan has a master’s in leadership from Regent College and enjoys reading, working out and watching the Seattle Seahawks.

Teresa Bruce

Teresa Bruce is a fourth-year General Science student at Burman University and currently serves as a Student Dean. A graduate of the Saruk Leadership Program, she has personally benefited from its emphasis on leadership development, service, and community engagement. Teresa has experience as a tutor, teaching assistant, and volunteer, and values building meaningful relationships that foster growth and connection. She is passionate about mentorship and serving others and is excited to share insights on important dynamics in relationships.

Past Speakers

 

Chris Windrim

Chris Wind rim is the Executive Director at BILD Central Alberta, where he plays a vital role in connecting, educating, and advocating for the residential construction industry. Previously, Chris was the Membership and Community Relations Manager at the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce.

A proud local of Red Deer, Chris possesses a strong community spirit. He graduated from the Donald School of Business and has a genuine passion for business and community development.

With his excellent communication skills and an upbeat attitude, Chris excels at building effective and meaningful relationships with the members of the
community he serves. He serves as a Director on MEGiobal's Community Board, and previously, Vice-Chair for Tourism Red Deer, and Council Member for Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership.

Chris lives In Red Deer with his wife, Aspen, and their son, Jackson. When he's not working, he enjoys pursuing his hobbies, including golfing, snowboarding, biking, traveling, and learning new things.

John Hubbard

Sgt. John Hubbard is a 15-year veteran of the Lacombe Police Service. He is the patrol sergeant in charge of officer safety, which includes responding to physical confrontations, and is an expert in firearm analysis. He received his initial training with the Calgary Police Service.

One of Sgt. Hubbard’s passions in his role is working with young people in schools and educating and building positive relationships between law enforcement and youth. He is happy to share his experience with participants at the conference.

Dan Wilson

Dan has worn many hats. He’s served as a corporate lawyer; he’s been a business executive and an entrepreneur, taking businesses from concept to
maturity. Dan now engages with students as he shares his experiences with the next generation of leaders at MacEwan University—and the Saruk Centre.

Kylene Heykants

Kylene's desire is to enthusiastically transform leader's health and well ness goals from ordinary to extraordinary. This passion for growth and learning inspired Kylene to complete a Bachelor of Physical Education at the University of Alberta coupled with multiple certifications through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and AFLCA. Her unwavering belief is that when you focus on overall health, you will have the mindset to live your best life and achieve your goals. Kylene uses research, knowledge and innovation with a focus on personal and organizational results to design effective tools that empower and motivate leaders to make informed choices and obtain improved, lasting preventative health and wellness lifestyles.

Brittany Davies

Brittany Davies is a Registered Psychologist, business owner. educator. and speaker. She has been working in the mental health field for over 10 years and has grown her private therapy practice into an organization of 15 therapists at Social Shift Therapy & Well ness. Social Shift Wellness is a new and modern approach to mental health in this community that combines therapy, mental well ness programming, community collaborations, and educational programming. She is passionate about community building, increasing education on mental health, and decreasing stigma. Over the years, Brittany has created and delivered multiple mental health education programs for businesses to support psychologically safe work environments. When Brittany is not dreaming up new ways to increase access to mental health, she loves to be out and about with her family in her community.

 

Ronda Ziakris

Ronda Ziakris is a Manager in Consulting: Indigenous Services for MNP, a leading accounting firm in Canada. She holds a master’s degree in Education Leadership/Administration and is a Certified Trauma and Resilience Trainer. She has extensive experience as a teacher, principal and education superintendent. 


She deems it an honour to work with First Nations communities as an education expert, client manager, education advisor, project lead and strategic planning and visioning facilitator. She has also led non-profit teams, and speaks on leadership, personal growth and trauma-informed practices. Authenticity, honesty and humour are her top three values.

Nicaj Flores

Nicaj is a business administration student at Red Deer Polytechnic, focusing on entrepreneurship and small business, with a minor in accounting and psychology. Nicaj's journey is driven by a profound commitment to leadership, personal development, and a continuous quest for learning in all aspects of life. Simultaneously commencing her career in the administrative and operations realm. Beyond academics and work, Nicaj's true passion lies in building meaningful connections, promoting authenticity and kindness, and cultivating a space that encourages everyone to be the best version of themselves.

Danielle Worobey

We are excited that Danielle will facilitate our workshop on Friday. As a seasoned ICF Professional Certified Executive Leadership Coach, she will engage you in a transformative discussion centred around optimizing
leadership potential and organizational growth through effective team building. Drawing from her extensive experience, Danielle will provide you with the skills and knowledge to build successful teams through an
activity-based workshop. She will help you discover your strengths as a leader and an effective team member. Danielle will also provide invaluable insights into productively tackling hurdles in a team environment.

Rayna Sutherland

Rayna Sutherland (she/her) holds an Honours BA from the University of Toronto in International Development and Women’s and Gender Studies. She has worked with grassroots social justice organizations and research hubs in Canada and African countries. These experiences nurtured her passion for justice-seeking research and policy advocacy through anti-oppressive, community-based, and action-oriented approaches.

Rayna recently completed the Parliamentary Internship Program (PIP), where she worked for government and opposition MPs. Now, she brings her anti-oppressive lens to the federal cabinet as the West/North Regional Advisor to the Minister of Public Safety.

Kent Hehr

Kent Hehr was born and raised in Calgary and in October 1991 was a victim of a random act of violence, a drive-by shooting. The injury left him a C5 quadriplegic not being able to use or feel 95% of his body.  After rehab, he returned to school at the University of Calgary where he earned a Bachelor of Law in 2001. Kent practiced law at the prestigious national firm, Fraser Milner Casgrain (now Dentons), and continued being a community leader, working with the United Way and heading the Alberta branch of the Canadian Paraplegic Association.  Kent was elected in 2008 to represent Calgary-Buffalo in the Alberta Legislature where he served two terms and in 2015 he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre. Kent served as Minister of Veterans Affairs & Associate Minister of National Defence from 2015-2017 and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities from 2017-2018. In 2020, Kent started HSC & Associates, a full-service public relations and policy advocacy firm. Currently, Kent also serves as the VP of Strategic Partnerships & Growth for Fueling Brains, a company that focuses on executive function and whole-brain development in children aged 0-6 years. Ever passionate about the well-being of his fellow citizens, Kent continues to have a strong connection to organizations that help children and families build their lives. Currently, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta and the Alberta Abilities Network. 

Delicia Adams

Delicia, a Registered Counseling Therapist, is passionate about helping people realize the importance of self-care and develop healthy relationships. She will assist you in a journey towards fulfillment and growth.

Romando Carey

Romando, a recent graduate from Burman University, serves on the staff of the College Heights SDA Church. A pastor, singer, music director, and speech coach, he strives to be authentic in order to foster learning, commitment, and excellence.

Ian Foster

Ian believes it’s important to be involved in the community—and the world. For nearly 30 years he was Branch Manager for Scotia Bank and participates
in service groups and local government. “But my life was changed,” he states, “when I travelled to Kenya. I realized how vitally important it is to help others.”
Back in Alberta, he looks forward to working with future leaders at the Saruk Centre.

Sharon McDowell-Larsen

The relationship of health, fitness, and stress is Sharon’s passion. She’s designed and implemented a Fitness for Leadership component in international leadership training courses. Now, she looks forward to empowering future leaders to live fully and positively.

Elijah O'Sullivan

Elijah O’Sullivan is a fourth-year International Studies student at Burman University. Originally from Honduras, he previously served as Student Association President and led initiatives that fostered collaboration
and community. Elijah has worked with summer youth teams in Indigenous
communities, served on wildfire unit crews, and played on various sports teams. He has also participated in research on global social issues. Elijah values meaningful connections and is excited to share insights on the essentials of teamwork while learning from others’ perspectives.

Paul & DonnaLee Lehmann

Paul is a young adult emeritus. He conducts workshops across a wide variety of settings and age groups. With a rich background in Adventure-Based Counseling, Outdoor Pursuits, Public Health, and Physical Education, Paul has
devoted his career to teaching. Currently, Paul serves as the (NAD) North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Coordinator for (CABL) Collegiate Advocates for Better Living.
DonnaLee is also a young adult emeritus and still a kid at heart. She brings
expertise in Public Health and Occupational Therapy, with years of experience
teaching wellness, international development, emergency and disaster-relief
management, and leadership. Though officially retired, she remains active in
presenting workshops and seminars on natural remedies, hydrotherapy, and
stress management.
Together, Paul and DonnaLee have presented at countless conferences, young
adult meetings, camp meetings, churches, evangelistic events, and private
gatherings across North America and internationally.

Henry Leung

Henry obtained his medical degree from the University of Alberta and postgraduate training in psychiatry from the University of Western Ontario. He was an associate professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of
Ottawa and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine from 2006 to 2016.
Henry worked as an examiner with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Royal College) from 2011 till 2024. He has just finished his third term as a nucleus member of the Specialty Committee in General Psychiatry of the Royal College. Currently, he serves as a consulting psychiatrist with Recovery Alberta, which oversees mental health and addiction treatment in Alberta. He has been a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for over 30 years. He is married to Karen and has a son who lives in Vancouver.

Merlyn Ness

Merlyn has enjoyed a career spanning over 30 years in business leadership, working in various leadership roles across diverse industries. He has a strong record of results and has helped many companies develop their organizations. He has taught at the Donald School of Business at Red Deer College, including courses in marketing, entrepreneurship and strategic management.
Along with helping to develop leaders, his passion is organizational culture, brand, and strategy. Merlyn has worked with entrepreneurs and business leaders at all stages of company development. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a BPE and earned an MBA in 2006 from Nova Southeastern University.

Sean McIntyre

Sean McIntyre is an avid volunteer and a community builder. He was the co-founder of Incline Industries Skateboard and BMX Park in Sylvan Lake and Shake The Lake. In 2010, Sean was elected to Council for the Town of Sylvan Lake and later as Mayor. For his service as Mayor, Sean McIntyre was bestowed the 2020 Award of Excellence from the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association. Sean later served the City of Red Deer as Chief of Staff. In 2024, Sean returned to his roots in the Town of Sylvan Lake to serve the municipality as General Manager of Community Services and External Relations, as well as Acting Chief Administrative Officer. Working alongside elected and administrative leaders of municipalities, he enjoys strategizing, advising, and bringing together new teams to serve people and achieve community goals. He and his family have recently opened a new business, "Next Of Kiln," which has already been well recognized by the community.

Bill Spangler

Bill Spangler is a certified Mediator who has worked on contract for 22 years for Alberta Family Mediation, a service of Alberta Justice. His work helps couples resolve family issues and prepare parenting plans in preparation for court appointments. This training has also provided the opportunity for Bill to assist churches and schools that are struggling with conflict or division of some nature. Bill also spent over thirty years in a pastoral career, from which he retired in 2020.
He is married to Gwen, has raised two daughters, and enjoys two grandchildren.

Tracey Kinsella

Tracey Kinsella is an accomplished Manager and Executive Director with a proven track record in successfully delivering and overseeing multiple projects, including managing budgets, staff, and administration. Since June 2019, Tracey has served as the Executive Director of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. With over 20 years of experience in a volunteer capacity, she possesses strong human resources management, leadership, and communication skills, excelling in both individual and team environments.
Tracey holds a senior business diploma and has completed various programs, including the Major Gift Officer Program and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Red Deer College. Recognized for her core accomplishments in operations management, fiscal management, human resources, project management, public relations, and volunteer/community capacity building, she continues to make significant contributions to Alberta's sports and community sectors.

Loney Ziakris

Loney obtained his LLB degree from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law in 2000 and spent most of the past 17 years as a general practitioner with Cruickshank & Hemmingson in Lacombe before moving to Sirrs LLP in July 2021. Prior to practicing law, Loney spent close to 10 years as an educator and school administrator, having obtained a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education from Canadian Union College (Burman University). Outside of the practice of law, Loney has worked as a contract instructor at Red Deer College, Burman University and La Sierra University. He has also conducted several seminars and workshops for various service clubs and other entities in Central Alberta.

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