The Garrett Family Centre

Hello, my name is JoAnne Gipman. Evidently, I am lifer at Catholic Family Services! The going joke is that I am the “dinosaur” at the office, you know, kind of like part of the furniture!

Anyways, I am married with three adult children and very proudly a grandmother of four AWESOME grandchildren... and top secret one on the way!

I also spend some of my spare time attending to my personally owned company, Foundations for Families.

I enjoy travelling, camping, backyard fires and spending time with family and friends.

I love my Liaison position at Catholic Family Services, this school year I have been assigned St. Kateri,. I’ve also been assigned the Liaison Manager position for the in-school program and enjoy learning effective leadership and support for the team. Have a great year!!!

My name is Rebekah Wiseman. I was born in Ontario, lived in Newfoundland during my high school years, and then made my way to Grande Prairie in 2011. I graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Athabasca and earned my EA certificate in 2018. I have been working with children and families since 2016 and am passionate about relationship development and providing support. I am so blessed to be working with the team at Catholic Family Services as a School/Family Liaison. I am currently working out of St.Gerard and Louis Riel. I hope to partner with parents, teachers, and students to help support the next generation as they grow and succeed. Outside of work I enjoy learning, staying active, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.

Hi there! My name is Megan Butler. I was born and raised in a small community in Newfoundland, and I graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology. I have lived in Grande Prairie, Alberta for just over 4 years. I joined this awesome team in October 2022. This year I have been assigned St. Mary's (Sexsmith) and St. Patrick. I’m passionate about helping others, and I love building relationships with my students and their families and supporting them however I can. I'm looking forward to another great school year. Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors, travelling, crafting, and spending time with my family and friends near and far!

My name is Brenna Kachnic, and I was born and raised in the Grande Prairie area. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alberta and am grateful to be a part of the Catholic Family Services Liaison team. Currently, I support students at Holy Cross and Ste. Marie in Spirit River by helping them build the confidence and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges. I truly enjoy connecting with students and supporting their personal growth. Outside of work, I enjoy skiing, camping, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Hello! My name Dawn Zabel. I was born and raised in England. I graduated from the Atlantic Technological University of Mayo, Ireland. With a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in psychiatric nursing.

In addition to mental illness settings, I have worked in various fields such as homelessness, addiction, and education. 

My passion is helping others to navigate through the difficult parts of their lives.  

In my personal life, I am married to an amazing man, and I am a very proud Mum. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking my pups, travelling, reading, and the arts. 

I look forward to working with students at St. Patrick's and St. Mary's.

Hello! My name is Tanisha Armstrong. I have my bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria. I am very excited to be joining the Catholic Family Liaison team. My passion lies in supporting people especially in the most crucial times of their lives.

I was lucky enough to be raised in the sunny Okanagan and because of this I love being outdoors. I am an avid swimmer and cannot wait to camp every summer. Most importantly I love spending time with my husband, animals, family, and friends.

My name is Tara Smoke and I have been a Family/School Liaison with Catholic Family Services since 2017.  I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Calgary and have previously worked with at-risk youth in an outreach school setting.  I enjoy getting to know and support children and families as a Liaison and believe in the power of building relationships.  I am a married mother of 2 pretty great humans who I learn from daily.  I love to read, go camping, and socialize with friends and family.

My name is Taelor Johnson and I was born and raised in the Grande Prairie area. I completed my Bachelor of arts in psychology at the University of Lethbridge. I am very excited to be back and work in my home community. I am thrilled to be working as a School Liaison with Catholic Family Services. My passion is working with children and seeing how they learn, grow, and prepare for the world. I look forward to helping them to help them build those skills. I will be working out of Mother Teresa School, as well as Ste. Marie in Sprit River and St. Thomas More in Fairview. I am delighted I get to explore the peace country through this work. Outside of work I enjoy cooking, canning, baking, crafting, the outdoors, and my pets.

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Hello! My name is Jayden Sydoruk. I was born and raised here in the Grande Prairie Area. I am in my final year of my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through Thompson Rivers University. 

I am passionate about working with youth, mental health, and children/youth development. I am looking forward to building relationships and skill building with each of the students. 

This school year I will be supporting students and their families throughout the school year at St. Catherines. 

Outside of work, I love reading, hiking, playing and watching sports, and spending time with my family.