Staff

Meloney Patterson-Gillan
Executive Director

I am a founding member of PLAN Edmonton and past President of the Board of Directors. I was fortunate to attend a leadership conference in Vancouver with Al Etmanski and Vicki Cammack in April 2002. From that day forward I have been a strong believer in the vision and principles of PLAN Edmonton.

My daughter was born with a developmental disability. She has taught me many things that has lead me to the values and beliefs of the PLAN Edmonton organization. She lived with her family until she was 20 years old and has been living in a supported environment away from my home for the past 10 years. She is a sociable, friendly, caring person who is supported by a residential provider, a day program provider and her family. Although she has good support, most of the support is through paid staff or immediate family members. I am concerned about who will advocate for her once I am not able to fill that role for her.

My son, Darren is 17 months younger than Joanne. I would like to put a social network in place so that he and his family will have ongoing support as he takes on the guardianship role for his sister.

Professionally, I work in the rehabilitation field and have a Masters Degree in Education specializing in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. I am a Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counsellor.