Steering Committee and Stakeholder Working Group

The Minister has appointed a Steering Committee to guide the project. He has selected 16 Albertans with diverse backgrounds and skill sets who share a common interest in special education. Edmonton-Ellerslie M.L.A. Naresh Bhardwaj chairs the committee

Members of the Steering Committee:

  • Naresh Bhardwaj (Chair)
    MLA, Edmonton-Ellerslie
  • Michael Bruised Head
    Principal, Tatsikiisaapo’p Middle School, Kainai Board of Education
  • Margaret Clarke
    Pediatrician, Calgary Health Authority
  • Joanne Cuthbertson
    Chancellor, University of Calgary
  • Dena Davis
    Project Coordinator and Assistant Principal, The Way In
  • Shauna Gervais
    Community Member
  • Ron Gilbertson
    President and CEO, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation
  • Carole Anne Hapchyn
    Child Psychiatrist, Capital Health Authority
  • Bill McKeown
    Vice President, Canadian National Institute for the BIind
  • Brian Malloy
    Regional Director, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Suburban & Area Clinics, Capital Health’s Regional Mental Health Program
  • Anne Price
    CEO, Calgary Learning Centre
  • Iris Saunders
    Executive Director, Employabilities
  • Nancy Spencer-Poitras
    Assistant Superintendent – Learning Services, Grande Yellowhead Regional Division
  • Marilyn Welsch
    Community Member
  • Marie Whelan
    Co-Principal, St. Mary School, Edmonton Catholic Schools

A Stakeholder Working Group will provide support to the Steering Committee and lend their knowledge and expertise in the area of special education. The Stakeholder Working Group consists of representatives from the following organizations:

  • Alberta Disabilities Forum
  • Alberta School Boards Association
  • Alberta School Councils Association
  • Alberta Teachers’ Association
  • Association of Alberta Deans of Education
  • The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools
  • Association of Independent Schools and Colleges of Alberta
  • Association of School Business Officials of Alberta
  • College of Alberta School Superintendents
  • Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations
  • Fédération conseil scolaire francophone de l’Alberta
  • Fédération des parents francophones de l’Alberta
  • Provincial Coordinators of Alberta Post-Secondary Educational Assistant Programs