President of the Board
Kirby Redwood, BA, MA, CEC
Kirby joined CAC in 2009, first as a peer reviewer, and then as a Team Lead. He joined the Board of Directors in June of 2013. Kirby brings over 25 years of experience working within the Human Services sector and has a strong understanding and connection with Indigenous peoples of Canada. As the CEO of Miskanawah CSA, Kirby works extensively within the Human Services sector developing and implementing programs and services for the vulnerable people it serves.
Debra Dell, BA, MA, CEC
Vice President of the Board
Debra is a founding member and the current Director of the Youth Solvent Addiction Centres of Canada. The Canadian YSAC Group is a Network of 9 First Nation Youth Residential Treatment Centres spread throughout various regions of Canada, established between 1995 and 2005.
Jennifer Day, BScN, RN
Secretary/Treasurer of the Board
Jennifer is a Registered Nurse with the Department of National Defense with experience in the fields of Family and Child Services, Facility Client Care, CF Case Management and Health Sciences.
Rhonda Barraclough, BSW, MEd., RSW
Director
For more than 37 years, Rhonda has dedicated her life to championing the rights of children, youth, and families, tirelessly advocating for social policies that create positive change. Her commitment to developing robust frameworks for allyship with Indigenous Peoples showcases her deep understanding and respect for cultural diversity. Rhonda has also served as the Executive Director of ALIGN. As a Registered Social Worker, she brings not only her invaluable experience but also a genuine passion for fostering community well-being and inclusion.
Dr. Wanda Polzin, MA, RSW, EdD
Dr. Polzin has over 25 years of counselling and clinical experience working with children, youth and families across various domains including Health/Mental Health and Addictions, Children and Family Services, as well as Education. Dr. Polzin’s clinical training is multi-faceted, with specialization in Attachment, Trauma, EMDR, AAT, Neurobiofeedback, Family Therapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, and Concurrent Addiction and Mental Health Interventions.
Dennis Yurkiw, RSW, MSW
Dennis has 35 years’ experience in rural/urban health counselling to senior health management and addiction/mental health/family violence private couselling practice with Indigenous families.
Murray Knutson
Murray brings over 20 years of experience in the human services sector. He has a good understanding and connection with the Indigenous Culture and has also been involved with CAC for a number of years volunteering as a peer reviewer and a member of our Quality Improvement Committee. As Deputy Director at Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, Murray has hired, trained, supervised, supported, and guided his team.
Samuel Tam, RSW, MSW
Samuel has a wealth of experience, from clinical skills that include individual, family, group therapy and mental leadership. He extensive experience in being part of the development of community mental health services, such as mental health hotlines and clubhouse models, to name a few. He has worked in the Emergency Room setting, providing mental health assessment, support, planning and counseling to patients. Samuel is a Registered Clinical Social Worker and Registered Clinical Social Worker Supervisor in Alberta with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Hawaii.