Board of Directors

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  Dr. Gary Lepine – Chairperson

  Gary Lepine has been providing Professional Ethics seminars to the oil & gas industry since 2003. In 2008 he formally began Concord Professional Development where his work expanded to include training on creating a respectful work environment, team building, and organizational culture. Since beginning Concord he has worked with a variety of associations and companies in the oil and gas sector as well as being involved with public and not for profit sectors. Gary is also a Clinical Ethicist with Alberta Health Services, directly supporting the Rockyview General Hospital and the Northwest Territories. He has been associated with New Heights School and Learning Services since 2010.

  Gary has three children, Madi, Sarah, and Sam, and enjoys the outdoors as well as most sports.

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  Dave Hall – Treasurer

  Dave is a husband, father, and entrepreneur and is proud to devote time to New Heights. His son Zach, diagnosed with autism at a young age, recently graduated from New Heights after attending New Heights for 9 years. Dave has been on the Board as Treasurer for the last 7 years. He is passionate about the opportunities that New Heights provides for children on the autism spectrum, proud of the achievements of the school in its young history, and excited about the bright future of the school. Dave is active in oil and gas production and real estate development and enjoys most sports.

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  Brian Smart – Secretary

  Brian Smart graduated in 1982 from University of Waterloo with BASc (Chemical Engineering) then relocated to Calgary to start his professional career with Imperial Oil as a Petroleum Engineer. Currently, Mr. Smart is President of privately-owned Advantage Energy Services Ltd. He is the father of four adult children, two of whom have been diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum, as has he. Brian has been actively involved in enabling the successful transition of his two daughters to independent living and knows that neurodiverse individuals are highly capable of thriving in our community. He believes that New Heights’ dedication to this important goal is in perfect alignment with his own.

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  Paul Lopes – Director

  For the past twenty-five years, Paul has been responsible for multiple site management, training and development, and the implementation of environmental, waste, and recycling programs for the Canadian region. He has served on the Board of New Heights for the past nine years and enjoys helping facilitate New Heights growth. In Paul’s spare time, he likes to work on classic cars, watch sports, camp, and listen to music. A plate of wings (the hotter the better) will always put a smile on his face.

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  Kathy Reimer – Director

  Kathy Reimer has been on the Board of New Heights for 7 years. She is excited to be a part of a dynamic and courageous Board that desires to build a rewarding future for the students at New Heights. Kathy worked at RBC Royal Bank for over 30 years as a financial advisor and obtained her Personal Financial Planning designation through Canadian Securities Institute. After deciding retirement wasn't her cup of tea, Kathy chose a new career in the financial sector as a Registered Financial Insolvency Counsellor for Bromwich & Smith, a licensed insolvency and bankruptcy trustee firm.

  Previously, Kathy served for several years on the parent’s board at Foothills Academy, a school for children with learning challenges. Kathy is passionate about helping people achieve their goals through skill building and education.

  Kathy is married to Lorne Reimer and they are parents to two adult sons, Dana and Jonathan. She counts Rosie, a sweet and playful basset hound, as one of her best pals. In her spare time, Kathy takes piano lessons and tries, somewhat unsuccessfully, to grow a vegetable garden. Kathy enjoys spending time outdoors, her favourite activities are camping and riding her e bike in the great Kananaskis.

  Kathy is married to Lorne Reimer and they are parents to two adult sons, Dana and Jonathan. She counts Rosie, a sweet and playful basset hound, as one of her best pals. In her spare time, Kathy takes piano lessons and tries, somewhat unsuccessfully, to grow a vegetable garden.

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  Gary Vickers – Director

  Gary Vickers is the Vice President and General Manager for Westlund a division of EMCO corporation and EMCO Fire Protection. Over his 29 years with Westlund/EMCO and 34 years in the Industrial, Plumbing and Heating industries Gary has had the opportunity to work in nearly every role in wholesale distribution from warehousing to executive management. As the National Leader for Westlund Gary leads 28 Locations coast to coast. Previously Gary was the Region Manager for EMCO Alberta with and a Profit Centre Manager directly leading centres in Calgary, Fort McMurray, and Southern Ontario. Gary currently serves on the EMCO Leadership team and is a member of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility steering committee.

  Gary has served as President of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating Calgary Region, A Director of the Mechanical Contractor Association of Alberta, and Vice President of the Fortress Mountain Division Ski-Patrol. He has been a volunteer and fundraiser for many organizations including Rotary, Lions Club, Els 4 Autism, Allies for Autism, Habitat for Humanity, The Mustard Seed and the Calgary Humane Society. Gary has served two terms as a director on the New Heights School and Learning Services Board and has previously held the board positions of Secretary and Capital Campaign Chair.

  Gary has two Children: Audrey age 16 and Jamie age 18. In his spare time Gary can be found in the mountains climbing, cycling, skiing and paddling. He also enjoys travelling to outdoor adventures and playing the guitar.

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  Karen Unger – Director

  Karen Unger started out as a classroom teacher but has spent the majority of her career working in the non-profit sector and in post-secondary education. She is well acquainted with the New Heights community, having worked as the Home and Community Support Program Coordinator from 2013-2017. In 2017, Karen moved back home to Edmonton to be closer to her family, including her older sister who has an intellectual disability. Since returning to Edmonton, Karen has worked at the University of Alberta, supporting post-secondary students with disabilities in their academic and work experience journeys. She recently finished her degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) and hopes to continue working in student services at the UofA as a full-time OT. Previously, Karen completed a Master of Public Administration and she genuinely enjoys working with policy, governance, research, and program evaluation. Outside of work, Karen volunteers as a coach with Special Olympics Edmonton and as a national board member with Motionball for Special Olympics. She is also an avid golfer, curler, and coffee drinker.

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  Lori Hill – Director / Casino Chair

  Lori Hill is a professional geologist with 25 years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry, and enjoys putting interpretive, research, problem solving, and organizational skills to use. She is looking forward to contributing to the success of New Heights and is passionate about the invaluable services and supports provided to the students of New Heights.

  Lori has taken active roles in volunteer, fundraising, and community support initiatives including: New Heights Casino Chair, Corporate Health & Safety and Investment & Fundraising committees, AAFS, Autism Calgary, Skate Canada, Alberta Ballet, and Calgary Food Bank.

  Lori’s happy places are in the mountains and at Disney, and spare time is filled with enjoying activities with her grandkids, and advancing knowledge and learnings in alternative energies, environment, and sustainability.