Our Team

our staff

Executive Director

Lorraine has worked with Change for Children (CFC) since 2002 and currently leads the organization as Executive Director. She oversees fundraising, communications, and international development programs, while building partnerships between Canadian communities and communities across the Global South. Under her leadership, CFC has expanded its work in technological innovation, sustainable resource management, gender equality, and Indigenous rights.

A respected leader in Canada’s international development sector, Lorraine currently represents small and medium-sized civil society organizations on the Global Affairs Canada Civil Society Organizations’ Partnerships Advisory Council and previously served as Treasurer of the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation.

Before joining CFC, Lorraine spent nearly four years in Nicaragua as a CUSO Co-operant, supporting Indigenous territorial rights and self-governance initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies from the University of Alberta and has also worked in Alberta’s environmental sector and with the Little Red River Cree Nation on land management and cultural mapping projects.

Communications Coordinator

Nicole Farn began working for Change for Children in 2013 after serving on the Board of Directors for three years. Nicole’s desire to learn more about international development took her around the world in 2009 gaining experience with a number of NGO’s in Central and South America, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. Nicole has a love of writing, with a desire to share peoples’ stories, especially the stories of people who often go unheard.

Programs and Operations Manager

Julia joined Change for Children with a background in global health, international development, and community engagement. She holds a Master of Public Health degree, with a specialization in health promotion, and is passionate about advancing health equity, Indigenous rights, education, and sustainable development initiatives both locally and internationally.

At Change for Children, Julia supports program management and organizational operations across a range of international initiatives focused on education, water security, gender equality, and sustainable livelihoods. She has a particular interest in community-led development, health equity, and strengthening sustainable systems that support the long-term well-being of communities around the world.

Finance Manager

Allison is a Project Manager at Change for Children Association, where she supports software implementation, administrative operations, and organizational systems that help strengthen the organization’s impact.

Allison holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from MacEwan University. Her connection to Change for Children began at the age of 13 when she travelled to Nicaragua on a dental brigade. The experience left a lasting impression and inspired a lifelong appreciation for the organization’s work. Since then, Change for Children has remained close to her heart and to her family.

Passionate about the organization’s mission, Allison enjoys helping build the tools and systems that support Change for Children’s programs and partnerships around the world. She also played a key role in the development of the organization’s website, helping create a more accessible and engaging online experience for supporters, partners, and community members.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS executive

President

Doris Paquette, BA, PMP, MBA Candidate, is the Vice President of Assets and Capital Management with the YMCA of Northern Alberta. A strategic leader with deep expertise in capital planning, infrastructure stewardship, and long‑range organizational strategy, Doris is dedicated to building resilient community spaces where people of all ages can thrive. Her work is grounded in a commitment to advancing women’s leadership and empowering women across generations.

Doris serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for YWCA Edmonton, Chair of the Edmonton Chapter of Women in Leadership, and is an active member of CREW Edmonton. Her leadership and community impact have been recognized through several prestigious honours, including Edify Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 (2022), the Healthy Community Award for Most Significant Change (2022), and Women of Influence (2023) by The Planner’s Magazine.

Prior to joining the YMCA, Doris held senior roles in both the education and affordable housing sectors, where she led a diverse portfolio of innovative projects that strengthened and enriched communities.

Paul Vice President

Paul Carrick brings more than 45 years of leadership experience in the voluntary sector, with a distinguished career in international development, education, and nonprofit management. In 1984, together with his wife Beverley, he founded CAUSE Canada, where he managed development programs for over three decades. He is also a co-founder of the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC), a coalition representing more than 50 Alberta-based international development organizations.

In addition to his work in global development, Paul and Beverley founded the Canmore Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Race in 1996, an event that now attracts more than 3,000 participants annually. In 2018, they launched the Embrace International Foundation, a charity dedicated to providing specialized support to children living with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and Canada.

Before moving to Canmore in 1993, Paul was a full-time instructor at Champlain Regional College in Quebec. He later continued teaching at the post-secondary level in Alberta, lecturing on environmental issues at the University of Calgary. In recognition of his contributions to poverty reduction through education, Paul was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Association of African Universities in 2012. He is also a self-published author and a frequent speaker across Canada on issues of peace, justice, and global solidarity.

Paul has been connected to Change for Children since its early days, working alongside founders and collaborators within the ACGC network, and more recently through joint initiatives between Embrace International Foundation and Change for Children in Guatemala, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. He joins the Board with a commitment to strengthening collaboration, fostering innovation, and advancing Change for Children’s mission as it marks its 50th anniversary.

Treasurer

Alejandro Roldan brings a dynamic blend of financial expertise, cultural insight, and a deep commitment to social justice to the Board of Directors of Change for Children. With a robust background in accounting, finance, procurement, event planning, and public relations, Alejandro offers both strategic and operational acumen essential to effective board governance.

A bilingual professional fluent in Spanish, Alejandro is uniquely positioned to support Change for Children’s work across Latin America. His personal connection to Central America and firsthand understanding of the region’s social challenges allow him to engage authentically with communities and partners, amplifying the organization’s impact.

Originally from Guatemala, Alejandro is passionate about advancing community-driven development and sustainable change. His skills, insights, and networks strengthen the organization’s mission, and help us to build a more equitable world.

Secretary

Suzanne Beckett is an accomplished educator with over 16 years of teaching experience in Alberta and internationally. Currently serving as a teacher of Physical Education, Sports Medicine, and Photography at Cochrane High School, Suzanne is recognized for her ability to build meaningful connections with students and inspire leadership inside and outside the classroom.

Her career spans diverse educational settings, including schools across Alberta and a teaching placement in South Australia, where she implemented international curriculum and led outdoor education programming. She has also taught English abroad in China, reflecting her global perspective and commitment to intercultural exchange.

Suzanne is a dedicated mentor and coach, with extensive experience leading student councils, environmental clubs, and numerous school sports teams. She has been deeply engaged in community service, coordinating volunteer initiatives with organizations such as The Hope Mission, Santa’s Anonymous, and local senior centres.

In 2024, Suzanne participated in Change for Children’s teacher exchange program in Nicaragua, strengthening her passion for global education and community development. Her service and leadership extend beyond the classroom, including her role as Treasurer of Alberta’s Health and Physical Education Council and as a frequent conference presenter and volunteer coach. Her commitment to education, youth empowerment, and international collaboration brings valuable insight and experience to the Change for Children Board of Directors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS members

Yemurai has worked in the actuarial consulting field specializing in pensions for 5 years. She has experience with project and risk management of multi-employer pension plans where she contributes to data driven decision making and strategic planning. Yemurai has strong leadership, analytical and stakeholder management skills. She also has an extensive volunteer background from mentoring and training orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe to securing funding from Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) for the Centre for the Development of Women and Children (CDWC) through proposal writing. Yemurai is passionate about contributing to the well-being of women and children in marginalized communities and the skills and experience she has acquired to date will enable her to contribute meaningfully to the efforts of Change for Children Association in its mandate to build civil society capacity in Canada and the global south to promote health, human rights and create solutions to poverty through sustainable development.

Marlene has always held a worldview focused on equity, social justice, and creating culturally responsive, inclusive classrooms. During her 36 years as an educational leader with Edmonton Public Schools, she worked in partnership with diverse communities, as a teacher, principal, and director.
Marlene holds a B.Ed. from the University of Alberta, an MSc. in Educational Policy and Management from the University of Oregon, and an Intercultural Communication Certificate from UBC. Volunteer work includes serving with the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Project Overseas in Guyana, leading teacher workshops in East Africa and China, and 10 years with Catholic Social Services’ Host Program, supporting newcomers to Canada. From an initial hosting match with a Guatemalan family, who arrived one cold Canadian winter, her interest in
the work of Change for Children was sparked.
In retirement, Marlene now teaches part-time in the B.Ed. After-Degree Program at Concordia University of Edmonton. She has a passion for intercultural learning, through travel, studying languages, and cooking.
Having followed and supported Change for Children for many years, she is honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to its work as a member of the Board of Directors.

Celene practiced Family Law for 35 years. Throughout her practice she focused on
alternative methods of problem solving, communication and education for both lawyers and the general public. Service to clients in a manner that acknowledged their unique needs and an orientation to problem solving in a respectful manner was the cornerstone of her practice.
Celene has also focused on community responsibility throughout her career by serving in a variety of capacities with various organizations focusing on children and education.
These activities included hosting exchange students from various countries in her
home. She has also volunteered with the Change for Children Dental Brigades on 5
occasions. Celene has as global perspective of community and volunteerism.
Celene comes from a strong background of community and the need for education.
Both her parents were teachers. They also helped on the family farm creating a strong sense of community in Celene.
Having retired two years ago, Celene is now spending her time on various hobbies and learning new ones. She also enjoys travel with her husband of 37 years. The
destination most traveled to are to visit her children who both live and work overseas.

Originally from Québec, Steve is a Principal who has been in the world of education for more than 30 years and taught in 4 different provinces. With a Master’s degree specializing in teaching mathematics, he is passionate about the psychology of learning and the use of technology in the classroom. In his spare time, he likes to travel, spend time outdoors and is learning Spanish. He has volunteered for numerous organizations from the finance committee to football to an international adoption society. He considers himself very fortunate to have been a part of the first ATA teaching tour to Guatemala in partnership with Change for Children.

With more than 24 years of experience in education, Jen has dedicated her career to helping students thrive from kindergarten through grade 12. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Portland and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. Her career has been shaped by a deep commitment to fostering learning environments where students, teachers, and communities can reach their fullest potential.

A lifelong learner herself, Jen brings curiosity and openness to every role she takes on. Her love of travel has not only broadened her understanding of cultures and communities around the world but has also deepened her commitment to service. Through her involvement with Change for Children, she is hoping to combine her passion for global learning with meaningful action, supporting initiatives that promote education, equity, and empowerment.

board director application

Calling on motivated and energetic individuals with skills and experience relevant to the governance of non-profit organizations to apply to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors.

director role

declaration of interest