Our Team

We all start small. But with the right support, we grow into something big

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, our team is made up of passionate professionals who know firsthand what a difference a positive influence can make. From their own childhood experiences to the work they do every day, our staff believe deeply in the power of mentoring to ignite potential. Whether they’re recruiting volunteers, making thoughtful matches, or providing ongoing guidance, our staff are the heart behind every successful mentoring relationship.

Every match starts with a connection. Meet the team behind the magic—then and now.

Ken Lima-Coelho (He/Him)

President and CEO

“Show up. For yourself, your community and friends and family who need you. Showing up matters.”

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Sarah Hughes,(She/Her)

Chief Strategy Officer

“I’ve been fortunate to have great people in my life, I have few pieces of advice I still hold dear. My Dad always said, “you have two ears and one mouth, use them in proportion.” Throughout my life two other pieces of advice sit firmly on my shoulders: “to begin we must start” and “if you’re upright and moving forward you’re doing it.”

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Leanne Burke (She/Her)

Director, Service Delivery

"When one door closes, another opens."

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Mouhammed Merhi (He/Him)

Director, Finance

"My dad always told me, if you have something to do, do it today and don't leave it until tomorrow because tomorrow will always bring you something new to do. He also taught me to take pride in everything I do, especially with how I treat others."

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Jodi Christensen (She/Her)

Director, Governance and Administration

"Whenever you find a dime, remember someone cheering you on!"

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Sazmin Laiwalla (She/Her)

Manager, Finance and Accounting

"My mentor taught me to make a difference each day, through daily acts of kindness and being generous with our time to support people around you. The best advice I received is 'Every experience matters. People won’t always remember what you say or do, but will always remember how you made them feel.'"

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Emily Plotnikoff (She/Her)

Lead, Enrollment

“My mom always helped me remember that “This Too Shall Pass” – and now it's tattooed on my arm! It’s such a great reminder that the challenges in life will always subside, and to be grateful for the good things while we have them”

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Heather Duncanson (She/Her)

Lead, School Programs

"Just keep taking the next best step."

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Melissa Hill (She/Her)

Lead, Community Programs

Melissa Hill has worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area since 2013. In that time, Melissa has held various positions including Mentoring Coordinator, Enrollment Coordinator and Team Lead. Melissa believes in the power of mentoring and support for all people.

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Aidan Hirsch (He/Him)

Enrollment Coordinator

The best advice I have ever received is in a quote from one of my favourite books of all time – A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin: “Bran thought about it. ‘Can a man still be brave if he's afraid?' 'That is the only time a man can be brave,' his father told him.” - George R.R. Martin

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Allison Amyotte (She/Her)

Enrollment Coordinator

“Spread your light as bright and as much as you can by leading with kindness and empathy. You never know how much impact your smile can have on someone’s day”

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Tommy Gweon (He/Him)

Enrollment Coordinator

“Life happens, take your time and enjoy the ride.”

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Marie-Pier Dube-Hazell (She/Her)

Mentoring Coordinator, Community

“Never stop caring and always make time to create.”

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Daniela Vasquez (She/Her)

Mentoring Coordinator, Community

“You don’t have to change the whole world to make an impact. It starts with one person.”

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Ashleigh McMurrer (She/Her)

Mentoring Coordinator, Community

"Live your life one day at a time."

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Katie Toseland (She/Her)

Mentoring Coordinator, Community

"Do it scared."

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Molly Robinson (She/Her)

Mentoring Coordinator, Community Program

"In this life, you will be met with both admiration and criticism from others. How others choose to view you is a choice only they can make. All that truly matters is that you hold firm to your own values and stay true to yourself."

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Ben Koo (He/Him)

Mentoring Coordinator, School

"Never give up, as success is just around the corner."

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Alisha Kara (She/Her)

Mentoring Coordinator, School

“A smile is the secret key to anyone’s heart."

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Jessica Baltazar (She/Her)

Mentoring Coordinator, School

“When in doubt about how to respond to a person or situation, you can rarely go wrong with kindness and empathy.”

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Eric Peterson (He/Him)

Mentoring Coordinator, School

"Slow down and appreciate the moment. The only thing that is certain is right now so take it for what it is."

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Lauren Lee (She/Her)

Mentoring Coordinator, School

“It takes a village to raise a child”

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Ellene Celino (She/Her)

Mentoring Coordinator, School

"The things that make you rich are free."

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Jason Lyver (He/Him)

Development Manager, External Relations

“Always treat people with kindness, listen with an open mind, and never underestimate the power of a conversation—it can change perspectives, build connections, and create lasting impact.”

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Kellie Moynihan (She/Her)

Senior Development Officer, Grants and Foundations

“Approach your work with integrity, know there is value in your skills, and be a team player."

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Nicky Nash (She/Her)

Senior Development Officer

“Show up, work hard, and do it all with grit and a whole lot of grace."

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Jen Morgan (She/Her)

Stewardship Coordinator

“You are capable of more than you know, and a little kindness goes a long way.”

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Stephen Bellaart (He/Him)

Communications Specialist

“Do it yourself. That way you will always learn something new, and at the very least, you'll get to buy new tools."

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Dakota Kidby (SHe/HER)

Marketing Strategist

“Every passing minute is a chance to turn it all around."

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Read Bio

Join Our Team

If you or someone you know is looking to join a great team of likeminded professionals,
click below to explore our job opportunities.

Explore Careers

Get involved

Our focus is to create and nurture one-to-one mentoring relationships for children and youth in and around Calgary who are facing adversity.

Mentor Programs

One-to-One Mentoring is at the core of our programs. You can have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of the children and youth.

Enroll A YOUNG PERSON

We provide support, expand possibilities, challenge growth, share power and express care through our activities.

Event Volunteer

There are many ways you can show your support for mentoring. Join us as an event volunteer and help us raise support!