Julie Nanson-Ashton, M.Sc.H., B.A. , Psych.
Executive Director
Julie Nanson is the Executive Director at the Central Alberta FASD Society. Julie is responsible for overseeing the administration, operations, programming and strategic planning of the organization. Other responsibilities include financial planning and management, marketing, and community outreach and development. Julie has worked in the fields of addiction, mental health and disability for the past 24 years as a certified counsellor, educator and senior manager. She has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Manitoba Health – Leading Change Program, collaborating with senior level regional health and government leaders, to inform evidence-based changes to the Manitoba Healthcare system. Julie has led teams of up to four hundred employees and volunteers in the advancement of organization and program development, achieved through evidence-based research practices and evaluation techniques, resulting in high quality client care. Julie strongly supports a person centered approach to working with clients living with FASD, and their care partners. She believes in providing individuals with choice, respect, honesty and quality care throughout the lifespan.
Email | jnanson@fasdca.ca
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Mikaela Kykkanen
Clinic Coordinator
Mikaela grew up in Red Deer and completed her degree in Psychology at the University of Calgary. She is interested in how the brain functions as well as the assessment process and how it provides information to better support clients with the Network. Mikaela enjoys watching true crime shows and doing puzzles as well as spending time with her partner and two large dogs Loki and Goose.
Email | mkykkanen@fasdca.ca
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Jared Froese
Psychologist
Jared Froese (of Froese Psychological Services) is the Registered Psychologist who completes the psychological testing for the Central Alberta FASD Network’s multi-disciplinary diagnostic team. Jared is responsible for completing the assessments that provide essential information related to clients’ broad functioning/development related to their cognitive functioning, academic development, adaptive functioning, and social/emotional/behavioural functioning, as part of the FASD Network’s team of contracted clinicians. Most importantly, Jared is committed to gathering this information in a respectful, considerate manner, as psychological assessments can be stressful and at times overwhelming for those being assessed. Jared and those working with him at Froese Psychological Services provide psychological assessment and consultative services in a variety of settings in addition to the FASD Network, including several Central Alberta school divisions, social service agencies, and hospitals. Jared is committed to providing the clients of Froese Psychological Services with the consideration and sensitivity that will allow them to have a positive experience, one that provides insight and direction that is helpful with regard to providing the opportunity for optimal growth, development, and general functioning moving forward.
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Meyer Schoeman
Medical Doctor
Meyer is the physician responsible for conducting the medical portion of the multidisciplinary assessment process. He worked in the Federal Correctional system for many years and is currently practicing as a family physician with a special interest in FASD. He feels privileged to be a part of the Central Alberta FASD team and has seen many people’s lives changed for the better through these assessments and subsequent recommendations. In his spare time he likes spending time with his friends and family, both two and four legged. He enjoys cycling and a good dessert.
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Rory Stafford
Occupational Therapist
Rory is the Occupational Therapist that completes the strength and balance portion of the Diagnostic Clinic assessments. Before his involvement with the Central FASD Network, Rory worked with the Northwest Regional FASD Society pediatric team in High Level for 8 years. During this time, he had the pleasure of visiting many remote First Nation communities, presented on Rough and Tumble play, and work with schools toward better outcomes for his clients. His fun loving attitude and easy nature lends itself well to working with children with disabilities. When Rory is not working in the private or public sector, he enjoys woodworking, biking, camping, and time with his family.
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