Since October 2023, Chris has served as the Board Chair of Signature Support Services Society. He is a retired Psychiatric Nurse, having spent most of his working career in the persons with developmental disabilities field.
His association with the Society goes back 50+ years:
He regards it as an honour and a privilege to be associated with Signature Support Services Society, a non-profit society, over the past five decades.
With over two decades of experience in organizational leadership, Wendy brings a wealth of expertise to strong board governance and community development. Her career spans critical sectors such as health, emergency and social services, program development, and community safety, where she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Wendy is deeply passionate about advocacy and volunteerism, dedicating much of her time to supporting vulnerable individuals. As a local entrepreneur in the energy sector and lifelong community member, she is driven by a strong belief in the power of giving back and fostering community well-being. Wendy’s unique blend of leadership, community engagement, and entrepreneurial spirit continues to promote inclusion, wellness, and positive change within the community.
Wade was elected on June 19, 2018 at the Annual General Meeting. He has served as our Secretary Treasurer since December of 2023.
He is currently employed with Sun Life Canada as an insurance broker.
Ali has over 15 years of experience in the non-profit and charitable sector and currently serves as the Development Manager at the Northwestern Alberta Foundation. She specializes in helping individuals and businesses navigate strategic charitable giving to achieve their objectives and establish a lasting impact. With a focus on community development and strategic planning, Ali is actively involved in a range of initiatives in Grande Prairie. She is dedicated to fostering collaboration and creating opportunities that drive sustainable, positive change within the community.
Doria moved to GP in 2010 from Central Alberta. She has 2 wonderful children and with her husband owns and operate a disposal company in town. She loves our community and is very proud to be part of this great city.
Doria was elected to the Board of Signature Support Services Society at our June 18, 2024 AGM.
Steven is a 3rd generation member of this organization, deeply rooted in its values and mission. With a family member as a client within the organization, he brings personal insights and a unique perspective to the table. His background in business management equips him to drive success in various areas such as inventory management, performance management, logistics, change management, sales, operational efficiencies, and financial responsibility. He is dedicated to leveraging his expertise to propel the organization forward, ensuring operational excellence and financial stability.
Maxx is a 61-year-old married man and father of six children: four boys and two girls. This year marks his 30th anniversary with his wife, Deborah.
His son Mackenzie was born with Down syndrome and congenital heart defects. He is an active athlete participating in the Special Olympics Grande Prairie and is involved in the Signature Support Day program at CCLL. He has a deep affection for his cat Harley Davidson (an orange tabby) and his dog Nika (Shih Tzu).
His daughter Gabrielle is a full-time teacher in Edmonton, holding dual degrees in high school education and music. She is a highly talented individual with a passion for animals, possessing a unique ability to connect with them in a manner reminiscent of Dr. Doolittle. Animals are naturally drawn to her gentle nature.
Deborah, his wife, excels as a homemaker. She is creative, an excellent cook and baker, the money manager, and passionate about interior decorating. Her greatest joys are in spending time with family and camping, especially when she can combine both activities.
Maxx’s background in supporting individuals with special needs began around the age of 12 while attending Holy Cross in Grande Prairie. During that time, he interacted with students from a neighboring day program, forming lasting friendships. One notable relationship was with "Jimmy," a peer who displayed remarkable intelligence despite facing physical and mental challenges. His group of classmates dedicated lunches to assisting and engaging with these students.
Years later, when Deborah and Maxx were expecting Mackenzie, his brother offered comforting words, reminding Maxx that special children are given to special parents. This perspective profoundly impacted his outlook on life.
He is currently employed full-time as the HSE/HR Admin Manager at Smash & Sons Contracting Ltd, where he has worked for approximately 15 years. Although his role can be challenging, it is less stressful than his previous career as an EMT/Paramedic, which spanned over 20 years in pre-hospital care.
As the chair of Special Olympics Grande Prairie and a board member of Signature Support Services, Maxx has had the privilege of meeting extraordinary individuals and developing new skills for personal and collective advancement.
In his leisure time, he enjoys camping, cooking, sampling diverse cuisines, and listening to country music. His connection to country music dates to my high school years, during which he spent three years as an announcer for CJXX in Grande Prairie before transitioning to his medical career.
Alicia Smashnuk is a passionate advocate for individuals with diverse abilities and a dedicated supporter of inclusive communities. As a new board member of Signature Support Services, Alicia brings invaluable personal experience from her caregiving journey. She supported her grandmother following a life-changing stroke and is currently caring for her young daughter, who navigates non-verbal severe autism and global delays. These experiences have profoundly shaped her perspective and reinforced her commitment to fostering truly inclusive and equitable environments where everyone can thrive. Alicia is steadfast in her advocacy for compassionate, inclusive support services, ensuring individuals with special needs are empowered to live fulfilling lives with dignity, choice, and respect.