UP is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors and the day-to-day operations are managed by the Leadership Team.
Mr. John Watson – President
Mr. Mike Bowditch – Vice President
Ms. Vanessa Palamar – Treasurer
Ms. Kathy King
Mr.Jodi Drozda-Murphy
Mr. Alex Kalinowski
Bruce started at UP in 1988 as a frontline staff and progressed through the organisation. As co-CEO he leads and guides the organization’s strategic direction, the senior leadership team, and the overall operations of UP and its subsidiaries. He develops and maintains effective working relationships with the Child and Family Services ministry and regional staff, and also liaises with other service providers, funders, and the public. He is proud of helping to grow a charitable organization with one of the lowest employee turnover rates in the industry.
Originally from Manitoba, Bruce moved to Edmonton in 1983. He has a diploma in child and youth care from MacEwan University, a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University (British Columbia), as well as level-two training in mediation and reality therapy. He is currently the Vice President of Align Association of Community Services, Chair of the Align Government Relations Committee, Member of the Align Bursary Commitment and he is involved in several ministry and agency committees and working groups.
Bruce and his wife have five children and have been foster parents for over 11 years. He has been involved in martial arts for over 40 years as a student and an instructor. He enjoys living on an acreage, working on building and renovating projects, and raising and training Olde English Bulldogges.
CloseDarcy began at UP in 1993. As CEO, he helps develop the strategic planning for the organization, manages high-level accounting, and works with the government of Alberta’s Ministry of Human Services, and Child and Family Services to create new opportunities and programs. He mentors and coaches staff members, implements and evaluates program delivery, and liaises with agencies, schools, groups, and government departments. He also prepares the budget and oversees its administration.
He is proud to have helped the organization grow and establish its new brand, and move towards an Outcomes-Based Service Delivery charitable organization in an effort to help more children and families.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Darcy holds a diploma in business administration in accounting from NAIT, a Master of Business Administration in Executive Management from Royal Roads University (British Columbia), and has completed courses in Human Resources and IT.
In his spare time, Darcy likes to play hockey, football, and is interested in technology, cars, and travel.
CloseCarol Hrenyk, B.A., MAL, received her degree in Child and Youth Care Counseling from the University of Victoria and a Master’s in Leadership from Royal Roads University and has over 33 years of experience in the Human Services Field.
Carol grew up in the Yukon and after obtaining her first degree she managed the Children’s Receiving and Assessment Home and worked for the Child Development Centre and Child Abuse Treatment Services before moving to Alberta is 1992.
In Alberta, Carol has worked as a counselor on the Alexis Reserve, Secure Treatment at YYC, as well as a Mental Health Therapist for CASA. She has been with Unlimited Potential Community Services for over 24 years in various roles in Group Care and Community Services, including managing Group Care Programs, PAS, PES, CYSS, the Bridges Program and the Adult Mental Health Programs.
Carol enjoys new program and team development, making homemade cards, cruises, and spending time at the lake with her family.
CloseNancy is the Director of Indigenous Resources at Unlimited Potential Community Services
Nancy’s first home is on the Sucker Creek First Nation in Treaty 8 territory and she is 1 of 12 siblings. Her father was Cree from Treaty 8 and her mother is Metis from Treaty 6 territory. Nancy is married and has 9 children, 3 biological, 2 stepchildren, and 4 who came to them through foster care. Nancy is a grandmother of 5. Her second home is on an acreage near Ardrossan, AB. Nancy is a daughter, sister, auntie, mother, wife, colleague, and friend – she is nehiyaw – Cree.
Nancy has a background in child and youth care, crisis intervention, and foster care. She is a certified dog trainer and managed a reputable breeding program of Old English Bulldogges with her husband for 16 years until 2018.
Nancy plays the guitar, banjo, and mandolin and has a small business of primitive country painting designs. Nancy, at an early age, was a gifted athlete. Her passion for fastball, volleyball, and badminton continued to this day. She enjoys bluegrass music, gardening, horseshoes, bowling, ax throwing, camping and especially spending time with her family.
Nancy prefers to be called a wicihtasow (we ci ta sue) – who is a person who helps. She believes in the wahkotowin (wa koh to win) laws of being related to all living beings and relational accountability and wicihotowin (wee ci hit o win) that we are all here to help one another.
Nancy is guided by many Elders and Knowledge Keepers and she believes in walking with Creator and her Ancestors. Collectively, she helps serve our Indigenous peoples, to connect to their family, cultural identity, land, ceremonies, Knowledge Keepers/Elders, and their nation’s un-ceded or ceded territory or settlement.
Nancy’s team consists of Indigenous Engagement Specialists and a Cultural Advisor. Together, they walk softly, side by side, with those they serve while sharing their Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being.
CloseKelly Milliken
CloseWe acknowledge Treaty 6 territory—the traditional and ancestral territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux , Nakota Sioux and Métis Peoples. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We respect their histories, languages, and cultures whose presence continues to enrich our community. We are grateful for the traditional Elders and Knowledge Keepers who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we are visiting and striving to live in harmony with.
We welcome your questions and comments.
UP’s main administrative office is located in Edmonton, Alberta.
P: 780-440-0708
Centre 170, Suite 145
10403 – 172 Street
Edmonton, AB, T5S 1K9
P: 780-440-0708
Dial 200 for reception