Barb Ward, President

Barb Ward is a retired federal government employee who enjoys volunteering. She has volunteered most of her adult life. When her children were younger, she volunteered with Girl Guides and local community leagues. Later in life, Barb was involved with her work's union, holding different positions over the years. She has lived in Mill Woods since 1987 and participated in different roles for different causes.

Barb has been a board member for the last three years, volunteering on the Fund Development and Governance committees. Her most recent position with MWSA is board secretary for the last two years. She also enjoys volunteering at MWSA's special events. As an MWSA Board Member, she hopes to ensure the centre continues to improve on programs and services for all members and social needs. Her three years on the board have served her well and given her a wealth of experience and knowledge in her new role as the president. 

Merle Linton, Vice-President

Merle came from Trinidad and Tobago in 1972 and has lived in Mill Woods for over 40 years. She has worked with the provincial government for over 40 years with a background in finance, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. She also volunteers for the MS Society, Edmonton Food Bank, Santa Anonymous, and Coats for Kids.

Merle is currently the chair of the MWSA Human Resources and Governance Committees. She regularly volunteers at the centre, especially during the rummage sale preparation time.

Donna Bernard , Secretary

Donna has been retired for 4 years and has enjoyed taking many courses at the Mill Woods Seniors Association. Donna was born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland. In 1982, Donna travelled to Edmonton to work, learn, raise a family, and continue her educational path.

Donna spent time in Inuvik, combining her passion for human resources and post-secondary education. She was director of human resources with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. Later, she was chair of academic programs at Aurora College in NWT.

Donna worked in Fort McMurray as director of HR in mining and camp accommodations. She spent a year of curriculum development for Portage College. She was also employed by NAIT and Grant MacEwan College as a program consultant.

Donna considers herself to be a lifelong learner, holding a Bachelor of Education degree, a Bachelor of General Studies in HR, and other certifications.

In her spare time Donna enjoys a round of golf, family time, and recreational travel.

Jacqueline Laube, Treasurer

Jacqueline is the owner of Tyke Bookkeeping. She worked for a CPA firm in public practice prior to starting her own business.  She is very proficient with year-end accounting practices and working with external accountants. She is knowledgeable in accounting and bookkeeping, great at meeting deadlines, and has experience dealing with government agencies.
She has experience working with non-profit organizations and reporting to a Board of Directors. She has had roles as treasurer at both Woodvale Playschool and the Parent Association at Greenview School. Jacqueline has been on the Finance Committee of MWSA since spring 2024.
Jacqueline keeps active by playing pickleball and walking her dog, Piper. She enjoys playing cards at the centre and is interested in getting to know people in her community.

Sushila Samy,

Past-President

Sushila was formerly employed in education programs at the Canadian, and later the Alberta, Human Rights Commission. She started and managed Samy Consulting, a human resource consulting business, specializing in human rights, diversity, and equity. She holds a Certified Human Resources Professional designation, as well as a degree in political science and economics.

Her areas of interest include seniors, newcomer seniors and isolation, and overcoming systemic barriers faced by seniors.   

She has also served on several provincial and municipal committees and boards. Sushila has volunteered with the Seniors United Now (SUN) Steering Committee in the South Edmonton chapter and as a board member with the Edmonton Seniors’ Coordinating Council (ESCC). She has also served on several provincial and municipal committees and boards. Most recently, Sushila was the president of the Mill Woods Seniors Association for the past three years. 

Rosalea Campbell

Rosalea is a retired information technology professional with over thirty years of experience as a business analyst, developer/technical lead, and project manager. She has worked in private industry, finance, and with several levels of government. She has a diverse skill set, including the ability to read and interpret financials, develop methodology, and provide business management and strategy development. As part of her dedication to volunteerism, Rosalea has varied volunteer and leadership experiences with Girl Guides, CIPS (national association of IT professionals), and her condominium board (12.5 years on the board and continued involvement as part of an ongoing window replacement committee). As well, she has been a volunteer with the Grey Nuns Community Hospital for over eight years, also serving as a board director for seven of those years. She has been a member of the Mill Woods Seniors Association since her retirement and is a member of the Risk Management Committee. She plans to bring her skills to MWSA as a team player with good listening and communication skills, along with her fact-based decision-making abilities.  

Ann Henry

Ann Henry, a retired social worker, has been part of the Mill Woods community for over 40 years. She has worked in the mental health and addictions field in various capacities. In the last 30 years of her professional life, she worked as a social worker and a unit manager for two inpatient units. Prior to that, she worked on the front line and managed housing for Operation Friendship Seniors Society in the inner city. She has sat on the board of homeEd, serving as both chair and director through the city of Edmonton for 11 years. During this time, she was involved in expanding low- to moderate rental housing for Edmonton citizens.

As a Social Worker she was also involved in conference planning and sitting on the disciplinary committee when needed. She is currently involved in a riding association as a director working on policy in her current position of financial agent.

Ann spent her formative years in a rural community and recognizes the value of the community and the support it can offer. She sees the Mill Woods Seniors Association as providing a vital and safe place in helping break down isolation, promoting well-being, and building connections.

Nesen Naidoo

Nesen Naidoo is a retired librarian and administrator. He holds a BA degree with majors in psychology and geography and a degree in library science. In his 30-year career in the Town of Drayton Valley, he served as head librarian and finally as assistant town manager prior to his retirement.
Nesen recognizes the power and value of volunteering both locally and internationally. He served on the Chamber of Commerce in Drayton Valley, on the Library Association of Alberta, on the Industry Canada Community Access Program (CAP), and on the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network (APLEN). His international volunteer work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Nicaragua has made him singularly aware of the power of volunteering and of volunteer work. Successful programs, local or international, all depend so much on the selfless giving of volunteers. Success in the Community Access Program and programs in Nicaragua were all achieved by none other than passionate volunteers.

For his international work, Nesen has been the recipient of the FCMI Volunteer Recognition Award and the Premier’s Award of Excellence (Bronze) for his participation in the ALPEN program.
Serving on the MWSA Board, Nesen recognizes the passion of the people he will be working with and his desire to grow and sustain the relevance, purpose, and successes of the organization, carrying forward the sterling work done by past and present Board members. 

Nandia Narine

Nandia grew up in Daysland, where her father taught at the high school. She also became a teacher, spending 30 years working in Northern Alberta. She and her husband, Mike, moved from Wabasca to Edmonton in 2023. Wabasca taught her the significance of volunteering.

Collaborating with people that have similar goals produces something better for everyone. She values what the MWSA has created for seniors and is hoping to give back, even in a small way, by contributing her time and skills to the board.