Meet The Staff Team
Rene Medina
Executive Director
Rene is originally from the Philippine Islands and now lives in Calgary with his wife Charo and their son, Carlos. Rene graduated with a degree in Industrial Psychology with a special interest in business and corporate social responsibility. In the early 80s while working as Marketing Director for a major manufacturing and export pharmaceutical corporation, Rene felt the need to devote his time to helping the less fortunate through missionary work.
Prior to working with ILRCC, Rene has been involved with many non-profit organizations, both as a volunteer and as a director, continuing to express his passion for business and corporate social responsibility. He believes in engaging and working with local provincial leaders for the sake of corporate social responsibility. He has volunteered in campaigns for politicians such as Ed Stelmach, Ted Morton, and Dr. Lyle Oberg. He has led two delegations to the Edmonton legislature: (1) to introduce Japanese, Filipino and Calgary businessmen who wish to be involved in affordable housing. (2) to personally present a proposal to Premier Ed Stelmach outlining an innovative collaboration between provincial government and grass roots community groups.
Rene is equally passionate for his hobby – fishing. He and his family love travel, camping and sports, which almost always must include a fishing trip. When moving to Calgary from Vancouver, Rene had over 60 pounds of salmon in his cooler. Last summer, he hauled in a rainbow trout that was over 24 inches long and 12 inch in girth.
Ph. (403) 263 6880 ext 222 E. ed@ilrcc.ab.ca |
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Gina VanDiesen
Executive Assistant
Gina joined the ILRCC team in August 2007 – just in time to help pack and assist with the move to our new premises at the Parma Centre.
Gina was born and raised in Red Deer, and moved to Calgary after graduating from Reeves Business College. Gina first began volunteering in the church nursery and kitchen at age 12 and later volunteered at Westpark Nursing Home while attending junior high school. As these were such positive experiences for her, she has continued to volunteer whenever possible. Over the years, Gina has volunteered with numerous organizations including the Canadian Cancer Society, Red Cross Society, Volunteer Calgary, Calgary Winter Festival, Feed the Hungry, and the MS Society. Gina was also a member of the Applewood Condominium Board of Directors for two years prior to moving out of the Applewood community. She has been fundraising for the MS Society and walking in the Enerflex Super Cities Walk for MS since 1993.
In her spare time, Gina enjoys country dancing, walking her dog Buddy and spending quality time with her boyfriend, her family and many friends.
Gina’s career focus is to continue working in an environment that supports individuals with disabilities, and is looking forward to many years with ILRCC.
Ph. (403) 263 6880 ext 223 E. admin711@ilrcc.ab.ca
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Mark Flores
Life Skills Coordinator
Ph. (403) 263 6880 ext 225 E. lifeskills@ilrcc.ab.ca
Mark was born in San Francisco California USA, but has proudly called Calgary home for his whole life. Mark joined the staff here at The Independent Living Resource Center in April 2009 and is very excited about the opportunity to grow the life skills program in new and exciting ways. He graduated in 2004 with the diploma in Disability Studies from Mount Royal University and is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Professional Arts with a specialization in Human Services from Athabasca University. Mark comes to us as a person who is knowledgeable about disability services here in Calgary and has strong roots within our disability community. Mark has a strong belief in the philosophy of independent living and is proud to say that he lives it every day. He is looking forward to the opportunity to empower consumers through teaching everyday life skills and providing information and referral services that meet the needs of consumers.
In his spare time Mark enjoys spending time with his wife Gemma, two cats Tony and Lightning, his family and friends. As a retired power hockey player Mark really loves cheering on his two favorite teams, the Calgary Flames and yes, the Montréal Canadiens. Mark also considers himself a bit of a film buff and also enjoys playing cards.
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Ted is originally from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, but has called Calgary home since 2002. Ted identifies as an individual with a disability; cerebral palsy in his right hand and since he was in his teens has been an advocate to ensure that people with disabilities have the support and resources to live an independent and fulfilling life. Ted began his work by providing “sensitivity workshops” for foster parents who may have a child with a disability in their care, under the direction of the Federation of Foster Families Association of Nova Scotia. He later focused his career in working to eliminate employment barriers as a Provincial Coordinator for WORKink Nova Scotia; an online employment resource centre. After moving to Calgary, he used his skills as an Employment Coordinator for several government sponsored programs and then accepted the position of LEARN Coordinator with ILRCC on October 1, 2007. Ted is excited about this job and vows to work diligently to promote ILRCC and the LEARN program throughout Calgary.
In his spare time, Ted enjoys watching, collecting and making movies. He has a great interest in media arts, theatre, and travel. It is Ted’s plan to see the world and travel to a different location at least once a year. Ted lives in the downtown core with his dog, Basil.
Ph. (403) 263 6880 ext 224 E. learn@ilrcc.ab.ca
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Monique Lafreniere
Peer Support & Volunteer Coordinator
Monique joined the ILRCC staff team on Monday, October 6, 2008 as the new Volunteer & Peer support Coordinator. Monique is originally from Brandon, Manitoba and moved to Calgary in the Fall of 1993 to pursue studies at the University of Calgary. As Monique has lived in Calgary for over 15 years, I guess you could say that she is an Albertan, although, in Monique’s case she prefers to say that she is a “Man-bertan” – half Manitoban, half Albertan. Monique’s academic training and work experiences are in the areas of Human Resources Management, Career Development and Community Rehabilitation. As Monique often tells friends “I’m a Jacqueline of all trades…” In other words, Monique enjoys variety in the types of work she does with a central theme of employment and Disability issues.
In Monique’s leisure time, she enjoys riding her Tandem bicycle with volunteers from the CNIB, walking her black Labrador Retriever guide dog, reading audio books and spending time with family and friends.
Monique looks forward to meeting everyone and getting to know all those who volunteer their time at the Independent Living Resource Centre of Calgary.
Ph. (403) 263 6880 ext 226 E. peer@ilrcc.ab.ca
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