MEET THE BOARD
Dare to Care is a very lean organization comprised of dedicated and passionate volunteers who make up our talented Board of Directors in Calgary, AB. We are proud to recognize the brilliant faces behind the scenes. BE A PART OF OUR AWESOME AWARD-WINNING TEAM. We're looking for people just like you. Learn more
Cecilia De La Rocha, CFRE
Chairperson
Cecilia’s 30 year career has spanned both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. A former professional engineer, Cecilia worked in Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management as a project services engineer on international mining projects before segueing to the non-profit sector.
Cecilia honed her skills as a Certified Fund Raising Executive working in fund development with four Calgary based charities, including the University of Calgary. In this time she has raised more than $10M for operations supporting parenting youth, early literacy programs, post-secondary educational research and K-12 teaching programs, and family violence. Throughout this work, Cecilia’s commitment to children and youth has been a consistent through line.
Cecilia’s past board experience includes many years with the Artemis Charitable Foundation in the capacity of Treasurer, Vice President, President and Past President.
She is passionate about supporting the community she lives and works in and is excited to contribute to the mission and vision of Dare to Care.
Jeff Urquhart
Treasurer
Jeff has spent over 30 years in the retail convenience and fuel industry working for various organizations that include; Husky Energy, United Farmers of Alberta, and Parkland Fuel. His career has allowed him to successfully lead teams in various work streams that include; operations, finance, real estate, governance, business process improvement, and change management. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1989 with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and a Bachelor of Arts (Economics.) Jeff continued to advance his formal education by obtaining the Certified Management Accountant professional designation (CPA, CMA), and attending the Graduate School of Cooperative Leadership at the University of Missouri. Jeff's past board experience includes several years with the Paskapoo Ski Club in the capacity of Treasurer and President. He is passionate about giving back to society and working with volunteer organizations that support the development of youth.
Lisa Dixon-Wells
Executive Director
Lisa Dixon–Wells has been working in school systems across Canada since 1990. After completing her M.Ed in Educational Psychology (1997), Lisa’s focus has been on Bully Prevention and Mental Health. As the founder of the Dare to Care program, her work has focused on early prevention and intervention in schools but in 2018, Lisa expanded her program to work with amateur sport organizations. Dare to Care is now a leader in the Safe Sport Movement. In 2016, Dare to Care received the Government of Alberta Inspiration Award for Leadership in Bully Prevention.
​
Lisa is a former member of the Canadian National Swim Club and is a 14- time World Masters champion. Lisa was inducted into the University of Calgary’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
Patti Nanne
Director
Patti Nanne spent 25 years in Corporate Human Resources and completed her career with her own consulting business. Contributing to her community has always been important to her. Patti's volunteer contribution to competitive swimming was recognized by Swim Canada with the Volunteer of the Year award in 2016. The same year she received the Swim Alberta Official of the Year award. Her passion is facilitating inclusive, supportive environments that allow youth to reach for and achieve their dreams.
Tom Brinsmead
Director
Tom Brinsmead is a retired educator. During his 35 year career with Calgary Catholic School District, he served as teacher, assistant principal, vice-principal, principal and supervisor. He has always been committed to supporting students, parents and staff in building skills to cope with bullying situations. He first used Dare to Care in 2001 and has continued to educate school communities with the assistance of D2C since then! He has witnessed the difference that Dare to Care makes.
R.H. (Dick) Wilson
Director
Dick Wilson first connected with Dare to Care as a Founding Corporate sponsor (Alberta Energy Company) in 1999. He has been a cheerleader from the sidelines as Dare to Care grew from Calgary school presentations to province-wide, and additionally to other provinces and some international subscriptions.
Retired in 2006, Dick’s professional career incorporated media, public affairs, issues management, government relations, and community investment since 1967 when he left his native Quebec for an unknown opportunity in Calgary. Dick did not return to Bishop’s University to complete his Business degree in favour of starting his career path. Dick has held volunteer positions with more than 25 organizations, several of which address issues facing youth in Alberta.
Dick is married to Nancy; they have two married children and five grandchildren.
Charmaine Richter
Director
A native Calgarian, Charmaine obtained a Marketing Management Diploma from Mount Royal University and Bachelor of Management Degree from the University of Lethbridge. Charmaine’s roots run deep in Northwest Calgary and she has many ties to various Community Sport Associations including ringette, hockey & fastball. Charmaine has sat on various boards in the past, including serving as Vice President for NW Ringette Association for three years. Charmaine currently runs her own successful Real Estate Business and is a member of the top producing Viani Real Estate Group with RE/MAX Real Estate (Central). Prior to real estate, Charmaine spent 20 years immersed in the hospitality & tourism industry. In her role as Director of Sales & Marketing with Copper Point Resort in Invermere BC, she was recognized in 2019 as a Top Person in Business and nominated for Most Influential Woman in Business by Kootenay Business Magazine. When Charmaine is not busy selling real estate you can find her at the rink cheering on her son in hockey or lacrosse or you will find her lacing up her own skates as she is still an active, competitive ringette player with ‘Blaze’ her team of twelve years in Calgary’s Open Ringette League. Charmaine is passionate about serving the community she lives in, the advancement of youth sports and has had a positive impact helping to break barriers for more females to coach youth sports.