Staff & Board Members

THE FACES OF INTERFAITH

Staff Members

Executive Director

Danielle McIntyre

Since 2006, I’ve been the Executive Director at Interfaith Food Bank. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work for a cause I believe in; it’s the community nature of Interfaith Food Bank that keeps me excited about coming to work every day – working with great people on initiatives & projects that make a true difference in the lives of those we serve.

Phone:403 320 8779

Fax:403 328 0521

Operations Manager

Neil Heaton

When I finished university, I came to Interfaith working as the driver, picking up food from donors. Over time, my position has evolved, and I am now Operations Manager, which includes shipping/receiving, site management, and purchasing. When I first started, it was merely a job but over time it became a passion and very enjoyable career.

Phone:403 320 8779

Fax:403 328 0521

Client Intake Supervisor

Gladys Karanja

Shortly after I completed my degree at the University of Lethbridge, the opportunity arose for me to become the Client Intake Supervisor. It is a privilege to be able to help the clients who come to the food bank, and to know that we are able to help meet their needs, both by providing food, and referring them to other community agencies.

Phone:403 320 8022

Warehouse Supervisor

Troy Tollestrup

I came to work at Interfaith Food Bank in 2004 as the warehouse-man. I am heavily involved in the daily activities of the warehouse; sorting through food, keeping the warehouse clean and organized, and providing support for volunteers. I am grateful that every day I come to work, I am helping those less fortunate in our community.

Phone:403 320 8779

Fax:403 328 0521

Driver and Operations Support

Aaron Fedunec

I started working at Interfaith in 2022 as the driver and operations support. My role is to transport food and supplies from our donors to our warehouses. It brings me great joy to come to work for my community every day! I am grateful to work for this organization and for the work we do to help those around us.

Donor Relations

Amy Granger

Growing up in Lethbridge, I have developed a great love for this city, the surrounding communities, and the people that call it home. I am continually blown away by the generosity of our community. There are so many that are willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work to help those that need it most. I am proud of the work that we do at Interfaith Food Bank and the part I get to play in making our city a better place to live and raise our families in. I am proud to call Southern Alberta my home.

Phone:403-320-8779

Email:donations@interfaithfoodbank.ca

Admin & Finance Assistant

Myla Krippl

I first started working at IFB in 2021 as the Summer Program Coordinator and Garden student. I loved it here so much that since then, I have come back multiple times to fill various support roles. I am now at Interfaith as the Admin and Finance Assistant. I am glad I get to work in this amazing place and help keep the food bank running and organized.

Phone:403 320 8779

Volunteer Coordinator

Bill Selles

Anne Frank wrote, “No one has ever become poor by giving”.  Hello!  My name is Bill, and it is my job to ask you to give us some of your time to become a part of our amazing teams of volunteers, and then make sure that you are thanked for being a part of our amazing team of volunteers.  Volunteers are the hands and feet connection to Interfaith’s heart, doing the work we need them to do. In the years I have been here I have met so many wonderful people from all walks of life who give of their time to help us serve our clients with care and compassion.  I would love to meet YOU as a new volunteer, so click on “How You Can Help”, scroll down to the bottom, and apply!

Food Share Coordinator

Michelle Parry

I came to the Interfaith Food Bank as a Christmas temporary worker in 2021 and ended up happily joining the team in Client intake in 2022.

My background is primarily in the restaurant/service industry but had decided to switch my focus to finding a career in the non-profit/ helping sector. I have recently accepted the position of Food Share Coordinator and look forward to helping smaller agencies and food banks around Southern Alberta have better access to food. It has been extremely rewarding to work in the community at Interfaith Food Bank and I hope to continue to do so for years to come.

Fun Facts about me – I have a Berne doodle named Jarome and I bowl a 140 at 5 pin.

Client Advocacy and Resource Program Coordinator

Mariam Ghali

Hi my name is Mariam, I`m the new Client Advocacy and Resource Room Coordinator . I have worked with non-profits for many years, I love helping people. that is why I’m so excited about my part here since it allows me as a human being and as a new immigrant myself to help people navigate and access different kinds of community resources that can help make their lives better

Looking forward to being able to connect with our valued clients, donors, volunteers, and other agencies as my time here progresses.

Fun fact about me: I really love learning new languages so stop by and teach me a new word

From any language you know, and I will teach you an Arabic word as well.

SALAM (peace)

Email :resource@interfaithfoodbank

Phone :(403)-320-1879 (ext.. 225)

Marketing & Communications

Taylor Doyle

Hey, my name is Taylor and I do the Marketing and Communications here at Interfaith. I started in the Summer Events Coordinator role in May 2023 and am overjoyed to now be a part of the permeant team! To fill the rest of my time I am also a full time student at U of L studying for my Batchelor’s in Marketing.

Since moving here four years ago, I have fallen in love with the Lethbridge community. I am so lucky to work for an organization focused on food security and that truly makes a difference in peoples lives. I look forward to continuing to engage with the IFB community!

Email:communications@interfaithfoodbank.ca

Phone :(403)-320-1859 (ext. 225)

Kitchen Facilitator

Jessica Gelata

I am a mom of 2 girls and have just recently moved to Lethbridge with my husband. During my maternity leave I first started volunteering to give back to the community and quickly discovered the community impact and need for the Interfaith Food Bank. The mission that drives the organization, volunteers and staff created an atmosphere I desired to be a part of. Providing education to clients to further their food, nutrition and kitchen knowledge is a privilege. I also work with our wonderful volunteers in the Coop Community Kitchen in the Food Recovery Program making recipes to maximize our resources.

I hope to engage in the community further through the development of Helpful Hobbies groups that promotes sewing and knitting and other hobbies for personal use or donations for IFB.

Food Access Coordinator

RJ Westra

Hi! I’m Romile but I go by RJ. I was first introduced to the Interfaith Food Bank last year while myself and a client I worked with volunteered in the warehouse. I quickly recognized the welcoming environment and positive energy of the IFB. I really felt that the staff and volunteers were great people, contributing valuable service to the community and impacting people’s lives in such a positive way.

I’m excited to be on the team fulfilling the new role as the Food Access Coordinator. My position involves ensuring food is being allocated to all the different areas of the food bank and the programs that we support. This involves me working extensively with our fantastic volunteer staff whom I’d like to acknowledge as being such an integral part of this organization. In school, I studied psychology and I have a history working in human services, primarily as a support worker.

I enjoy engaging with the wide range of volunteers and clients that come through the food bank and I am proud to be a part of such a worthy and impactful cause. It is my objective to make a lasting contribution to the IFB’s mission. I want to provide meaningful interactions for our volunteers and clients and be of service for people in need. The IFB is a great place and I hope to see you around!

Admin Support

Lisa Schalk

Hello, I have lived in Lethbridge for most of my life and have grown to love this city that I and so many other people call home.

When I started volunteering at IFB I quickly realized that this is an amazing place full of amazing people who give of themselves regularly to help fulfill the charity’s mission and vision. IFB does so much for the community by providing food and resources to those who need it and it is an amazing feeling to be part of that! I also absolutely love the feeling of purpose and community that this has provided for me and so many others who volunteer.

So, when I was recently awarded the position of Admin Assistant, I was thrilled to be a part of the team in a different way. I have really loved this new position and look forward to all of the ways that I can learn and grow with this amazing organization.

Board of Directors

President

Susan Burrows-Johnson

I believe that people should not go hungry in our city. After working in nonprofits and public service before retiring , I am pleased to help at this food bank where I can.

Past President

Holly Kletke

I am proud to serve on the Board for the Interfaith Food Bank, as it is an outstanding organization that gives unwavering and dignified support for the Lethbridge community. Serving on the Board has helped me delve into my passion for governance, volunteerism, and food security, but most importantly it has connected me with people who do amazing work every day. Outside of the Food Bank, I work at the University of Lethbridge, where I will also graduate in spring 2023.

Vice President

Carol McLean

After teaching for several years in the Catholic school system, I spent most of my working years with the Alberta Ministry of Education, working on various projects concerning family and child services. Now retired, I have recently returned to Lethbridge, and, being an avid volunteer, joined the Board at Interfaith in 2013.

Treasurer

Keith Greeno

Secretary

Laurie Gibson

I am employed as a social worker with Disability Services and have a keen interest in social justice issues.  I began my term with the IFB Board in April 2022, and am pleased to be a part of the governance board for this important organization.  I am looking forward to meeting new people and learning from other board members and staff.

Director

Jan Johnson

Since moving to Lethbridge 31 years ago I have been involved in the community. Prior to retirement 8 years ago I sold Real Estate in Lethbridge for over 20 years. My philosophy is if you live in a city you must give back to the community, thus my volunteering began. I look forward to begin my tenure on the Interfaith Food Bank Board.

Director

Penny Kwasny

Over my 35 year career as a Registered Nurse, I had the privilege of caring for patients and their families during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Now retired and having a desire to give back to the community, I joined the Interfaith Food Bank Board in 2018 and am honoured to support the mission and important work of IFB.

DIRECTOR/ YOUTH@THE TABLE

Darren Nii Martey Armah

My name is Darren Nii Martey Armah. I have had the opportunity to serve with various organizations within the community. When I was matched with Interfaith Food Bank through Youth@theTable, the question I asked myself was, ‘What does this organization actually do?’ By sitting on the board as a director and volunteering, I gained first hand information and knowledge on how this organization serves the community of Lethbridge. I have been humbled by the work we do as board members, and how our organization affects the lives of the people of Lethbridge positively, directly and indirectly.

Director

Jeremy Debow

Policy Committee
Nominations Committee

Director

Colin Nemeth

Upon retiring to Lethbridge in 2016 after 32 years of working in Human Resources nationally and internationally for a large multi-national company and 2 years of charitable service in England, I felt the need to be more engaged in the Lethbridge community particularly in serving the needs of those who stand in need of a helping hand.  After volunteering at IFB for over a year, I was so impressed by the how IFB delivers it’s services in the community, how the Society operates with other charities in Lethbridge and surrounding communities, and the calibre of the staff, that I offered to serve on the Board.  This opportunity has reinforced my belief that volunteer service and charities such as the IFB are essential elements of being part of the Lethbridge community.

Director

Kim Waterfield

Finance Committee

HR Committee

Director

Echo Nowak

Since being employed with Interfaith as the Volunteer Coordinator, my awareness for food security has grown and so has my love for Interfaith.

Having changed roles in my career I wanted to continue giving back to my community and what better way than to become a board member!

Interfaith embraces the people around them and believe in giving “people a hand up, not a hand out”

I look forward to being a part of the Interfaith ever-growing team

Phone:403 320 8779

Director

Sandra McGrath

Having worked with the individuals with barriers and disabilities my entire career, I see the positive outcomes when they have the support they need in order to succeed.  Interfaith Food Bank is is one of those supports in the community and it is pleasure to sit as a member of the board.

Director

Angela Wilde

I am pleased to work with the Interfaith Foodbank as a board member and volunteer.  As a retired educator, I have seen the difference that the Interfaith Food Bank makes in people’s lives and look forward to working and serving together to make Lethbridge and area a good place to live.