Staff

Danielle McIntyre, Executive Director

Although Lethbridge has always been home to me, I never really understood how fortunate I was to have been born and raised in this community until I returned home after nearly 10 years away. After graduating from WinstonChurchillHigh School, I left Lethbridge for Edmonton, where I obtained a degree in Recreation Administration, with a special focus on leisure and community development. Shortly after graduating from the University of Alberta, I met and married my husband, Rick, and worked with a number of not-for-profit organizations, prior to returning to Lethbridge in 2002. Our son, Jaden (JP), was born in 2003 and has been the highlight of our lives ever since. I accepted the position of Executive Director of Interfaith Food Bank in December 2006, and while I had been fortunate enough to have always worked for a cause I could believe in, it was through my association with Interfaith Food Bank that I had become truly impressed by the generous nature of my hometown.

Neil Heaton, Operations Manager

neil@interfaithfoodbank.ca

I was born and raised in Lethbridge. After completing High School I moved to Calgary for 2 years and attended Mount RoyalCollege – taking Athletic Therapy. Then returned to Lethbridge and attended the University of Lethbridge receiving a Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree majoring in Physical Education. In 1998 I began working at Interfaith Food Bank. Over the years I have seen many changes to Interfaith, all of which will help us serve our clients needs in a more effective and efficient manner. In my time working at Interfaith I am always amazed at what a generous and caring community Lethbridge is. In my spare time I am involved in numerous activities. In the summer I play slow pitch, in the winter I curl and I play hockey year round. I am a huge fan of sports but would rather play one than watch it on TV. Other interests I have include working out and camping.

Troy Tollestrup, Warehouse

troy@interfaithfoodbank.ca

I was born and raised in Lethbridge and graduated from Allan Watson High School in 1992. From 1993 to 1995, I served a two-year mission in Iowa for the Mormon Church. I have been involved in various community campaigns, including Target Hunger. In my spare time, I enjoy league bowling and going to the gym. I also enjoy hockey, but despise the Edmonton Oilers! I started at the Interfaith Food Bank in late 2004, and have been working here ever since. I work in the warehouse sorting food and keeping the shelves stocked. I also assist in various other capacities, such as building hampers and moving goods around the warehouse.

Colleen Vredegoor, Donor Relations

colleen@interfaithfoodbank.ca

I was born in the Crows Nest Pass and raised in Lethbridge. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 27 years and we have 1 daughter who now lives in Calgary. We reside on a small farm just outside the city. Previous experience working as a Nutrition Services Aide at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital taught me about healthy eating, portion control and diabetic food replacements but it was my compassion to be able to work in an organization where I felt like what I did made a difference in someone’s life that brought me to work at Interfaith Food Bank. I was signed on as a short term contract but the fit was good for both sides so other than a short absence I have been a part of the Interfaith team for almost 7 years and hopefully for many years to come.

Nicole Wold, Volunteer Coordinator

nicole@interfaithfoodbank.ca

I was born and raised on a grain farm outside the town of Alliance in central Alberta. After completing high school and working for a year, I decided to attend Red Deer College where I achieved a Business Administration Diploma, majoring in Marketing. I continued on with my post secondary schooling and moved to Lethbridge in the fall of 2007 to complete my Bachelor of Management Degree. Realizing that I am greatly interested in the non profit sector I also obtained a minor in Social Responsibility during my last year of school. I started volunteering at Interfaith in February of 2009 in the warehouse and was fortunate enough to be offered this position just as my classes were finishing in April. In my spare time, I enjoy playing slo-pitch in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. I look forward to working with all the volunteers and helping the hungry community in Lethbridge.

Kim De Groot, Client Intake Supervisor

kim@interfaithfoodbank.ca

I was born and raised in southern Alberta. After graduating high school I moved to Lethbridge and started school at the University. During my school years I often worked in the non for profit sector where I began to love a profession where I felt like I was making a difference. In this last year I married my wonderful husband Jared and graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Science Degree. When I was looking for a job I wanted to continue working in a field where I was making a difference. I started working at the Interfaith Food Bank in May of 2008. My job is to work directly with the clients assessing their eligibility for accessing our services. I also work at referring clients to resources within the community to help the out of their current financial situation. I enjoy my job here because it has allowed me to work directly with people who need help and make a difference in their lives.

Courtnay Epp, Kitchen Coordinator

courtnay.epp@famcentre.ca

I was born and raised in Cranbrook, BC and had lived there my whole life until moving to Edmonton, Alberta after completing high school. In 2005 I graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc. in Nutrition and Food Science. From there I moved back to Cranbrook, got married to my wonderful husband Jamie and started looking for work in the nutrition field. Very shortly after, we both landed jobs in Lethbridge where I started work in Nutrition Services at the hospital. I later moved on to the contracted position of Kitchen Coordinator at the Interfaith Chinook Country Kitchen. That is where I currently reside and couldn’t be happier since I have a love for cooking and community based work. Recently, Family Centre has taken me on as an employee and I am very pleased and excited to be part of a new work family. In my spare time my husband and I do a lot of travelling back to BC as both our families live there. In the summer time I love to play slow pitch (I’m a huge baseball fan) and enjoy many outdoor activities. In the off season I like to go to the gym and play other sports like badminton.

Jessica Schmelzer, Early Childhood Educator

jessica.schmelzer@famcentre.ca

I have been with the Family Centre since 2001, and have worked as the Early Childhood Educator at the Interfaith Chinook Country Kitchen since 2005. During this time I have had the pleasure of meeting many parents and interacting with their children through the play groups and drop in programs. It is great to know that Family Centre and the Kitchen have been and continue to be such important parts of many children and their parents’ lives. Where else can children as well as parents grow, learn and develop new skills and abilities? My education consists of a Rehabilitation diploma and a FASD certificate.