BOARD GOVERNANCE
KATE BUCZULAK
President
How long have you been on the board? I’ve been on the board since August 2016.
What made you want to become involved with the Hub?
In 2016, I was seeking a meaningful way to give back to my community when the opportunity to join the board presented itself. When my son was younger, visiting the Hub became a regular part of our weekly routine. Experiencing firsthand the positive impact of the Hub's programs has only strengthened my commitment and pride in serving as a board member.
How long have you resided in Fort McMurray and can you tell me your favourite thing about the community:
I moved to the area in 2008 and have come to deeply appreciate the sense of seclusion our community offers. This unique setting fosters a strong sense of connection and encourages a neighbourly spirit that helps build a close-knit, supportive community.
When not volunteering your time, what can we find you doing?
I’m an avid reader and spend much of my free time immersed in books. When I'm not reading, I stay active through volunteer work at my son’s school and enjoying outdoor activities
What is your aspiration for the Hub and our community?
My hope is for all parents and caregivers to experience the Hub as I have. Through my time attending Moms Matter, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with remarkable women who have become like family. The Hub and our community share a vital, mutually supportive relationship—each thriving through the strength of the other.
JADENE SPITZER
Vice President
How long have you been on the board?
I have been on the board since October 2019.
What made you want to become involved with the Hub?
I enjoyed going to The Hub with my girls when they were younger so I experienced first-hand how important it is for young families to have this resource. My goal was always to give back to this organization because I believe it is an important piece of our community.
How long have you resided in Fort McMurray and can you tell me your favourite thing about the community:
I have called Fort McMurray home since 2005 and my favourite thing about Fort McMurray is its people. I believe Fort McMurray is the most welcoming community. Maybe it’s because many people are from somewhere else and everyone remembers what it was like to be the ‘new’ person or maybe it is because most people don’t have family here. Whatever the reason, friends here truly become family and friendships seem to last a lifetime
When not volunteering your time, what can we find you doing?
Working as a sales associate for RE/MAX Fort McMurray or hanging out with my husband and two girls.
What is your aspiration for the Hub and our community?
To continue to build and expand on the great services and programs already offered by The Hub and to make The Hub the service provider of choice for child and family resources in RMWB.
AMANDA STUART
Treasurer
How long have you been on the board?
I've been on the board since Dec 2019. My background is in Finance Management and Real Estate Lending.
What made you want to become involved with the Hub?
I have a passion for volunteering and giving back to the community; when my son was younger we regularly visited The Hub and enjoyed all the programs I want to be part of sharing this with other families in our community.
How long have you resided in Fort McMurray and can you tell me your favourite thing about the community:
I have been in Fort McMurray since 2006; I love the passion of the community and the resiliency of its members over the past 10 years the citizens of Fort McMurray have been through so many life changing events; but the core values of the community allow it to recover and become stronger together.
When not volunteering your time, what can we find you doing?
Traveling, cooking, taking care of family we have two young boys that keep us busy with swimming and hockey.
What is your aspiration for the Hub and our community?
I hope for the continued success; I will work towards helping the Hub adapt to changes in business and technology. I want to see the Hub reach and benefit as many people in our community as possible.
DENNIS BANKS
Board Member
How long have you been on the board? I was blessed to join the board in 2024 having moved back to Fort McMurray in the Fall of 2023. I am a Chemical Engineer and have worked in Oil and Gas my entire career. With almost 30 years of experience within industry, many of those years in leadership roles I felt that I would be able to bring a unique perspective to the organization. I am a father, husband and quite passionate about the health of our community and I know I can support the goals and initiatives of the Hub and foster collaboration and critical thinking.
What made you want to become involved with the Hub? Caring for a family and raising strong resilient children is not easy task. Having access to resources and being able to rely on them for support is so very important and The Hub fills a vital niche in the RMWB and I know many benefit from the services and I felt compelled to be a part of the success of a group doing such fantastic work. When living in the states, my wife had access to similar resource groups and found tremendous benefit and so did our young family at the time.
How long have you resided in Fort McMurray and can you tell me your favourite thing about the community? I am on my second stint in Fort McMurray with a sum total of about 7 years of residency here. We have lived in Edmonton and Calgary but really consider Fort McMurray something truly special. It is hard to find a stranger in our community which I rather like. Live here long enough and you see or meet just about every resident either at the Mall, Mac Island, Hockey Rink or grocery store. We have something special and, while hard to put into words, I can say it's impossible to replicate anywhere else.
When not volunteering your time, what can we find you doing? Believe it or not one can find me enjoying hot yoga or online in a Peloton class when I have free time and I quite enjoy both activities now that I don't power lift at Gym Nation as much. With the children all out of the house it is easy to get away to enjoy more of what the community has to offer like Giants Baseball, Oil Barons Hockey, Huskies Basketball or the Keyano Theatre, there is something here for everyone.
What is your aspiration for the Hub and our community? I know The Hub has been such a blessing to so many and I only want for the organization to continue to meet the ever present and evolving needs of our diverse community.
HEATHER BARRETT
Board Member
How long have you been on the board and what unique skill set do you bring? I’ve been on the board since February 2025. With my experience in different leadership roles in my previous career in Health and Safety, working in the Oil and Gas Industry, including safety training, I bring some great communication skills, as well as, organization and leadership skills.
What made you want to become involved with the Hub? The Hub became a big outlet for me back in the Winter of 2022. I had a 2 year old and a 6 month old. The long and cold winters were getting to me and I knew I needed a space to get out of the house and head to. The hub became that place for me and my kids. I spent most the winter of 2022 at the hub with my two children, where we made friends, learned and played. I was so pleasantly surprised by the amount of resources the hub had. My kids love the hub and we always couldn’t wait to go the next day. I want to be a part of sharing this amazing place/facility with our community.
How long have you resided in Fort McMurray and can you tell me your favourite thing about the community. I moved to Fort McMurray in early 2013. One thing I’ve come to learn about Fort McMurray, especially since having kids, is the amount of activities and sports the community has to offer for children, and adults. It truly is amazing!!!
When not volunteering your time, what can we find you doing? When not volunteering, you can find me with my kids. I’m lucky to be a stay at home mom, and build such an amazing connection, as well as, awesome memories with my kids! I am so thankful for that! They keep me busy between sports and activities, and I love it! Outside of being a mom, I am also a content creator which has also given me the opportunity to stay at home and raise my children. As a content creator I create content on social platforms about home, entertaining and hosting! I also have a website that currently has over 80 recipes and two recipe eBooks that I’ve created. I enjoy being a content creator and letting my creative mind flow! You can also find me sharing content as a regular contributor to the Your McMurray Magazine (YMM online).
What is your aspiration for the Hub and our community?To help continue to expand and build on programs at the Hub that serves the community so well. I also hope that parents/caregivers have the experiences I have had at the Hub, such as making new friends, learning and participating in the different programs that the Hub offers, including their amazing open play program, weekly!!
CAILEIGH RHIND
Secretary
How long have you been on the board? I have been on the board since October 2021. My background is in public relations; I bring strong strategic communication skills to the board.
What made you want to become involved with the Hub? I have been a supporter of The Hub since the birth of my first child in 2018. I started building “my village” by attending Moms Matter with my four week old son. To this day, some of my closest friends are women I met in that program. I want to ensure other parents have the same safe space I did as they explore the adventure that is parenthood.
How long have you resided in Fort McMurray and can you tell me your favourite thing about the community. I have lived in Fort McMurray since January 2017. My favourite thing about Fort McMurray is its sense of community.
When not volunteering your time, what can we find you doing? You'll find me running after my little munchkins, Oliver and Sophie, walking Murphy the dog, or staying up way too late reading a good book.
What is your aspiration for the Hub and our community? My hope is that the Hub continues to be a go-to place for families in our community.
RHONDA BLANCHETTE
Board Member
How long have you been on the board?
I have been on the board since September 2021. I am a teacher and a life-long learner
What made you want to become involved with the Hub?
Being an educator with many years of experience, I value the benefits that the Hub offers to families in our community. Through my work in the school system, I support early learning as well as children with diverse needs. Over the last several years, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Hub in supporting our children and their families. As my own children are now grown up, I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community. Joining the board of the HUB was a great fit.
How long have you resided in Fort McMurray and can you tell me your favourite thing about the community.
I have now made Fort McMurray my home for more than 30 years. What I appreciate most about the community is the relationships and the people that I have encountered along the way. Fort McMurray is filled with people that are mostly from other places, yet work collectively and generously to achieve many things. This has given us the opportunity to develop connections with a diverse group of people that have been colleagues and neighbours, as well as life-long friends.
When not volunteering your time, what can we find you doing?
Work keeps me busy as well as my family. We enjoy travelling, camping, golfing, cooking, and spending time with friends and our extended family. I’m always up for a board game or a great book.
What is your aspiration for the Hub and our community?
My hope is that the Hub has longevity within our community. I would love to see families continue to utilize the wonderful programming that is available, and take the opportunity to meet others and create connections which keeps our beautiful community strong and resilient.
EMILIA KASMA
Board Member
How long have you been on the board and what unique skill set do you bring? I have been on the board since April 2025. I am a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
Accountants can play a significant role in helping not-for-profits (NFPs) stay financially healthy, compliant, and mission-focused.
What made you want to become involved with the Hub?
Giving my time and skills to help others is a way for me to contribute to the changes I would like to see in this Municipality. It’s also a chance to connect with others, learn from different experiences, and be part of creating a stronger, more supportive community.
How long have you resided in Fort McMurray and can you tell me your favourite thing about the community:
I have been in Fort McMurray for approximately 12 years. I enjoy our diversity and how we support each other during difficult times. This town is made of hard-working people who still want to connect and find meaningful activities outside work; there is great engagement in community events.
When not volunteering your time, what can we find you doing?
I work for another organization that helps people in the Wood Buffalo region access affordable and safe housing options. I also love travelling and spending time with family and friends.
What is your aspiration for the Hub and our community?
I hope more children and families can get the support they need to flourish. My aspiration for this community is to see it become a place where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered to thrive.
ERCELAN YAZDANI
Board Member
How long have you been on the board and what unique skill set do you bring? I am passionate about marketing and communications. Before joining the board in April 2025, I had the opportunity to work with various industries in several different countries.
What made you want to become involved with the Hub? As a newer Fort McMurray resident with a young family, I quickly learned about The Hub and its mission to support our community. Working in post-secondary education, I'm passionate about community-minded projects. Volunteering with The Hub allows me to contribute to helping individuals and families while deepening my connection to my new home.
How long have you resided in Fort McMurray and can you tell me your favourite thing about the community? My family and I have lived in Fort McMurray since August 2024. We're quite new, but we have discovered an amazing community that cares, is eager to help, and has a great sense of humor, which results from overcoming city-wide challenges.
When not volunteering your time, what can we find you doing? I focus my time outside of work on pursuing mental and physical well-being. Podcasts, exercise, and sports help me stay fresh for my family and work.
What is your aspiration for the Hub and our community? I hope to support the work of the many great people involved with The Hub and find ways to create greater pathways to lasting success for those they serve.
STERLING MARCEL
Board Member
How long have you been on the board and what unique skill set do you bring? This will be my first term on the board, and I’m interested in getting involved in the community in a more meaningful way. Having spent my whole life in the RMWB region, I have a strong understanding of the challenges rural communities face. I’m eager to bring that knowledge and perspective to the table, helping find solutions that really make a difference for people living outside the urban areas.
What made you want to become involved with the Hub? Earlier this year, I had the chance to sit down with the staff at the Hub and learn about the programs they offer for parents and youth. I was really impressed by the Hub on Wheels initiative. It’s a great way to bring services to families in rural areas who might not have easy access. After seeing the positive impact the Hub is having, I knew I wanted to get involved and support such an important resource for our community.
How long have you resided in Fort McMurray and can you tell me your favourite thing about the community? I’ve lived in Fort McMurray since 2007, but I was raised in the greater RMWB. What I really appreciate about the community is how much it’s grown over the years. It used to be more of a transient, work-focused town, but now it’s a great place for families. There’s always something happening, sports, community events, or just spending time at the rec centres. It feels more like a place to put down roots and be part of something real.
When not volunteering your time, what can we find you doing? When I’m not volunteering, I’m usually with my family. Most of the time you’ll find me at the rink watching my son play hockey, out at the golf course, at the dirt bike track, or just hanging out at home. We like to travel when we can too.
What is your aspiration for the Hub and our community? Parenthood isn’t always easy, especially for new families. The Hub offers a welcoming and supportive space that helps makes a difference. With the connections I’ve built in the community, I aim to help more families learn about what the Hub offers and feel confident reaching out. It’s about making sure people know they’re supported and not alone in their journey.
JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Hub Family Resource Centre is looking for passionate, engaged, community members looking to make a difference with families in our region through board governance.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Hub Family Resource Centre works to strengthen the well-being and resiliency of parents, caregivers, children and families in Wood Buffalo.
VISION STATEMENT
“Healthy children, healthy families, healthy communities.”