Board of Directors

Lianne Perich is our current chair and has enjoyed being a long-term member on the board.  Lianne's career strengths in management, marketing and healthcare provide an external perspective to LEAD's board.  Lianne has spearheaded volunteer, fundraising and Executive Director (ED) review committees.  Lianne and her son spend their time skiing, camping and organic gardening.

Being a part of the natural development of LEAD as a Foundation and the enriching experience of witnessing the evolution of LEAD's Board of Directors have been major factors in Lianne's continuing involvement.

Sandy Evans is a current member with secretary duties of LEAD Foundation's Board.  She works in private practice as a registered psychologist and has three children.  Her strong interest in strategic planning and organization development, in conjunction with her experience in a number of service agencies has supported her role with LEAD.  She has initiated our strategic planning committee.  Sandy enjoys traveling, skiing, kayaking and running.  Sandy's extensive board and life experiences have been an invaluable resource to LEAD.

Janel Leonard is a current member of our Board of Directors.  Janel has taken a primary role in the Executive Director (ED) review and family liaison programs.  She enjoys communicating with staff and families to support the ED review process.  Janel currently focuses on supporting her family of two girls.  She enjoys swimming, long walks with her family and volunteering at her girls' school.

Arlene Klooster is the Executive Director and founder of LEAD Foundation.  Following completion of her Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology, Arlene has specialized in working with children with special needs and their families.  Approximately twelve years ago, Calgary families approached her to coordinate programs as both a Speech Language Pathologist and Clinical Coordinator for their children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  In 2002, Arlene lobbied the government to create LEAD Foundation as a non-profit agency for children with disabilities.  LEAD's initial focus was supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.  2003 was a major year for LEAD as our programs broadened to include Alberta Education support for families with children with various disabilities and we received our registered charity status.  Over the past years, Arlene and her team have worked with more than 400 families to provide home and community based supports for their children.

Arlene is the mom of a son with a degree in Education.  She is proud of his carrying on the tradition of teaching and working with children.  She enjoys running, travel and sunny days spent outside.