Dare to Care was founded in 1999 to address the pervasive and crippling impact that bullying continues to have on children, youth and adults to this day. In 2018 this program expanded to the sports sector where it has made a meaningful, immediate and lasting impact. Today Dare to Care is the most practical and comprehensive bully prevention program in Canada. This proven and award-winning program has worked with more than one million participants across Canada and continues to create communities where bullying behaviour is unacceptable and kindness becomes the dominant force.
To equip and mobilize communities with the skills and courage to prevent bullying so everyone can thrive in life, learning and play.
Mission
To be the leading resource for Bully Prevention in Canada and beyond.
Vision
C.A.R.E. Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence.
Values
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Caring is in our DNA
AWARD WINNING
About Us
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We are a group of dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds who believe in creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
At Dare to Care we understand the harmful impact of bullying and its long-lasting impacts on individuals. We have assembled a team of passionate professionals committed to making a difference.
We believe in the power of knowledge and actively work to educate and foster healthy relationships among students, parents, educators, athletes, teams, coaches, referees, workplaces and the community at large.
Our innovative programs and workshops aim to empower individuals with the tools and strategies needed to prevent bullying. We provide practical guidance for recognizing and addressing bullying behaviours and promoting empathy, kindness, and respect.
Together, we can make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
Your's in caring,
The Dare to Care Team
HELLO FROM THE DARE TO CARE TEAM!
Meet Our Team
Executive Director
Lisa Dixon-Wells
Sport Program Director
Mathieu Constantin
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Marketing Director
Raine Paul
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Lisa Dixon-Wells has been working in schools across Western Canada since 1990. After completing her M.Ed in Educational Psychology Lisa’s focus has been on Comprehensive Guidance and Bully Prevention. As the founder of Dare to Care, Lisa’s work has focused on early prevention and intervention in schools, sport organizations and communities. Through professional development, parent information nights and classroom facilitation (including assemblies, student forums, and role playing), Lisa has helped over 2000 schools, youth organizations and corporations create and maintain safe and caring environments.
Lisa is a former member of the Canadian National Swim Team and World Masters Swimming Champion. In 2015, Lisa was inducted into the University of Calgary Sports Hall of Fame. The Dare to Care sports program lets Lisa merge her passions: Youth education, community impact and sport.
Mathieu Constantin is an experienced coach, athletic director, leader and decorated athlete. Originally from Montreal, Mat moved to Calgary in 2009 to train with the Canadian Men’s National Water Polo Team where he competed at numerous events representing Team Canada. Mat has coached at the community, high performance, provincial and national levels. Coaching with incredible passion, integrity and patience, Mat is committed to creating sport cultures where everyone feels welcomed and respected.
Mat joins Dare to Care with a Bachelor of kinesiology, with a focus on pedagogy and coaching, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. His professional experience includes working with various not-for-profit organizations where he has acted in leadership/management roles and worked as a youth mentor for community investment projects. Mat works with Raine as the co-founder and co-host of the Sporting Change Podcast.
Raine Paul joined Dare to Care as a facilitator in 2022. She is passionate about the potential sport can have in creating social change and is motivated to build positive, inclusive and accessible sporting environments. Raine earned her Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Graphic Design & Journalism) and MBA from California Baptist University where she played four seasons of Div 1 NCAA water polo.
As a three time Team Canada Age Group National Team coach, Raine is a fierce advocate for women and girls in sport and has often been a trailblazer in her sports community. Additionally, Raine is the co-founder and co-host of the Sporting Change Podcast which raises awareness on diversity, equity and inclusion topics in the Canadian sports landscape. Raine’s coaching experience, advocacy, communication and leadership skills make her a great addition to the Dare to Care team.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND OUR PASSION
Meet Our Board
At Dare to Care we are a lean, volunteer-driven organization doing big things. Our Board of Directors brings immense talent, dedication, and heart to their roles.
We take pride in recognizing the brilliant and passionate faces behind the scenes who make our organization thrive. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our work, and we couldn't do it without them. As a result of their unwavering commitment and passion, we have achieved numerous accolades and awards, but more importantly, impacted lives around the world.
Thank You!
Executive Director
Cecilia De La Rocha, CFRE
Treasurer
Jeff Urquhart
Executive Director
Lisa Dixon-Wells
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 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 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.
Dare to Care is incredibly thankful to our wonderful partners and sponsors for their unwavering support in making this world kinder. At Dare to Care, we strongly believe in the power of collaboration and its impact on creating more caring communities. We value partnerships with like-minded organizations that share our belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and included - whether in their school, sport, community, home, or workplace.
If your organization wants to support inclusion, prevent bullying, and spread kindness, we would love to explore a partnership. We have opportunities for sponsorships, collaborative campaigns, employee engagement, and more. Every act of caring matters in creating positive change. Will you join us in our mission? Contact us today to start the conversation.
OUR PARTNERS
Join the Movement
Facilitator
Julie Booke
Facilitator
Freya Szmidt
Facilitator
Hollen Wells
Julie Booke completed a Bachelors of Recreation Studies at the University of Manitoba. After completing her undergraduate degree she worked for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School before returning to the University of Manitoba to complete a Master of Arts degree focusing on the impact of wilderness education on youth at risk. Julie’s PhD is from the University of Calgary in the Department of Graduate Division of Educational Research. Her dissertation focused on the impact of an educational development program on university instructors teaching assumptions, philosophies and practices. Her teaching areas include leadership, communication, program planning, and issues and trends within the field of sport and recreation management. Her research focuses on behavior in sport and educational development.
Freya Szmidt joined the Dare to Care team as a facilitator in 2023. She is driven by creating and encouraging psychological safety for all- in sport and beyond. Freya has experienced the positive impact of sport first-hand after representing England, Great Britain and the University Calgary Dinos for basketball and track & field. Freya is passionate about the learning and unlearning process necessary for the endeavour towards accessible, united and safe spaces for all.
Freya completed her BSc in Kinesiology with a major in mind sciences, and has background in Neuro-Visual Optometry. She has a deep understanding and appreciation for the uniqueness of one’s neurology and experiences. Beyond her playing career, she coached young, aspiring athletes, along with elite level basketball players. She was VP of a club geared towards building community for sporting events which exercised her skills of building cohesion between a variety of
people.
Hollen Wells joined Dare to Care as a facilitator in 2023. Hollen comes from a background of psychology, having completed her Psychology undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary. She furthered her education by becoming a Child and Youth Care Counselor, with extensive education and knowledge surrounding child and youth mental health, trauma informed practices, and therapeutic care. She is passionate about being a strong advocate to increase the mental health of children and youth across Canada, as well as creating safe and fun environments for all.
Additionally, Hollen comes from a sporting background, having been a competitive swimmer as well as a competitive swim coach. This sporting background allows Hollen to connect with athletes and coaches to create a safe sporting environment.
Director
Leanne McLean, MSc., CPHR
Director
Pattie Nanne
Director
R.H (Dick) Wilson
With a passion for unlocking human potential and facilitating connections to create thriving ecosystems, Leanne McLean brings over two decades of diverse leadership experience to her role as a Board Director and chair of our Human Resources Committee at Dare to Care. Leanne's journey as an executive in entrepreneurial start-ups, public FP & F500 companies, and postsecondary education has equipped her with a unique perspective on optimizing human and organizational performance within both sport and business environments.
Leanne's career journey has been marked by a commitment to operationalizing values to execute on priorities and a keen focus on aligning people, processes, and strategy for maximum impact. As a performance expert, Leanne helps individuals and teams clarify and operationalize purpose, navigate challenges and complexity, enhance their leadership skills, and achieve their full potential. Her approach is deeply rooted in brain-based principles, her relentless pursuit of root causes of friction in organizations, and in fostering meaningful conversations that empower individuals and organizations to thrive.
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.
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.
Director
Tom Brinsmead
Director
Charmaine Richter
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.
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.