OCJ Board of Directors
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Shonna
Barth
Chair
Shonna Barth is the Principal of Crescent Heights High School. She has served a variety of rules in education including teacher, counselor, Mental Health Capacity Building project coordinator, and administrator. She is passionate about providing opportunities to build connections and resilience with youth and our community. She has served on several boards in the past including the Medicine Hat YMCA.
When not working or volunteering Shonna enjoys golf, coaching volleyball, fitness, squash, reading and connecting with friends and family.
Shonna is proud to be part of the OCJ community and looks forward to helping OCJ to continue to thrive.
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Willy
Taillon
Vice-Chair
Willy Taillon is a Captain with the Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Service. He serves as a dedicated board member of Our Collective Journey, bringing a wealth of experience in community engagement and nonprofit advocacy to the organization. With a passion for empowering individuals and fostering inclusive communities, Willy plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of Our Collective Journey, ensuring its programs align with the mission to nurture understanding and collective growth.
Willy actively volunteers as part of the planning committee in bringing the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival to our community. He is passionate in building a strong community through the joy of hot air balloons and its mission of community, connection and hope.
In Willy’s spare time he loves to listen to live music, golf, and fly his hot air balloon “DOLLY”. Willy and his wife Cindy love to travel and are always looking for a new adventure in this big world we live in.
Being born and raised in Medicine Hat, he is proud to be part of Our Collective Journey and the mission of the organization.
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Ryan William
Dorton
Treasurer
Ryan is a partner at JMH & Co. Chartered Professional Accountants, bringing valuable experience in nonprofit governance to our organization. He has previously served as Treasurer for both the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta. Ryan joined the OCJ Board in February 2024 and is dedicated to ensuring the financial success of OCJ by effectively managing the available funding.
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Mark
Davidson
Director
In his over 30 years of education, projects that Mark has been involved with have contributed to both employment and impact on the quality of life for individuals and families. He has spent 26 of those 30 years in leadership, with 11 years in the Government of Alberta and system Executive levels. His ongoing work involves the exploration of broad partnerships to develop academy structures that prepare students of all ages for careers that support the industries currently leading our regional economy and preparing them for those that are in our future. Mark brings a track record of managing public money in a manner that honours the mandate of the system and is respectful of taxpayers, individuals and businesses who fund the system, ensuring an effective investment in the economy.
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David
Ridgedale
Director
Dave Ridgedale serves as a dedicated board member for Our Collective Journey, bringing twenty-eight years of experience in education to the table.
With a profound commitment to supporting individuals on their road to recovery. Dave actively contributes to strategic decision-making and governance initiatives, ensuring the organization remains aligned with its core values and objectives.
Prior to joining the board, Dave has over fourteen years of experience in a leadership role with MHPSD. While living in Medicine Hat he has volunteered for several organizations and was a board member for Medicine Hat Minor Hockey for two years.
Passionate about OCJ and reducing the barriers individuals may face when they want to deal with their addiction. Dave strives to leverage his skills and resources to make a meaningful impact in the community.
As a board member, Dave is committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and sustainability within OCJ, working collaboratively with fellow members to achieve the organization's mission and objectives.
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Chloe
Kilkenny
Director
Chloe Kilkenny is an accomplished entrepreneur, health advocate, and community leader based in Medicine Hat, Alberta. With a diverse professional background, she holds a Master's in Business Administration (MBA), is active as a Regulated Nurse, certified in legal nursing, and an extensive track record in health care, wellness, and clinical research. Chloe is also a certified BoneFit Instructor, phlebotomist, and wellness educator, specializing in alternative therapies like IV infusion and injectable vitamins as a business owner of KW Infusion Clinic.
In addition to her clinical and business expertise, Chloe is deeply passionate about community engagement. As an Owner of the Medicine Hat division and Senior Director for The Mom Market Collective, she orchestrates pop-up markets that celebrate local businesses and promote sustainability. Chloe's leadership fosters a supportive environment for small business owners, curating exceptional events that strengthen her community.
Outside of her professional commitments, Chloe enjoys walking the scenic trails of Medicine Hat with her dogs and exploring new ways to bring people together through meaningful community events. With her passion for wellness, social policy, and organizational change, Chloe brings a wealth of experience and a caring touch to her role as a board member at Our Collective Journey.
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Lynne
Kroon
Director
Lynne Kroon is a special needs tutor and has been working with children and youth with a variety of neurodiverse challenges for the past twenty-five years. She has been involved in a number of mental health initiatives over the past ten years and was a project lead for a provincial initiative to improve mental health services to young people.
Adept in event facilitation and public speaking, her skills in collaborating with community partners and service providers have proved successful for supporting those struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. Lynne believes in promoting mental wellness through compassion and connection in the community.
Poncho
Parker
Director
Poncho Parker is a long time radio host for 105.3 Rock in Medicine Hat, 106.7 Rock in Lethbridge and 92CITI in Winnipeg. Previous to waking up every day at 3:17 AM most mornings, Poncho has also worked in the pipeline industry, trucking industry, agriculture community as a crop sprayer and even the banking world.
With that diverse working career comes a lifetime of a diverse life experience. Homelessness, addiction and depression has all been part of Poncho’s history. Through that darkness Poncho has learned the skills to manage the challenges that life can present to emerge into the light. Having become accustomed to the barriers that individuals endure in their journey to a better and healthy life, Poncho brings insight and understanding of those who have struggled with life’s difficulties and those who continue to struggle in their path to happiness.
Understanding that quality of life is a key component to fulfillment and accomplishment and a healthy life, happiness comes in the form of snowshoeing, playing guitar and listening to vinyl, disc golf, camping and time on his motorbike.