Meet the Team

Free, confidential support. From real people who understand.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or alone - no matter what you’re facing, or how dementia has impacted your life. Our registered social workers are here for you.

Call: (403) 290-0110

Email: findsupport@alzheimercalgary.ca

Reach us from Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Looking for a support group? Learn more about local support groups here.

Cindy Bond
Community Educator

Cindy Bond has been a Community Education Specialist with the Alzheimer Society of Calgary since 2014. Cindy prides herself in bringing the most relevant and up-to-date information to her training sessions. She is passionate about supporting all of those impacted by Dementia. 

Cindy has a Social Service Worker diploma. She is a Best FriendsTM Master Trainer, Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) Master Coach and an Opening Minds through Art (OMA) Master Trainer. 

Cindy and her family moved to Calgary from Sudbury, Ontario almost 8 years ago. She loves Calgary and its people. 

Her favorite activities include being in the mountains, reading, being with family and friends and being creative.

Valeria Gamez
Dementia Support Navigator

Valeria (Val) graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology. She joined the Learning and Support Services Team in May 2022 as a Dementia Support Navigator.

Valeria appreciates having the opportunity to connect with and support caregivers and people living with Dementia. Valeria recognizes that every person has a unique path and values the diverse experiences and beliefs they bring. To best support their journey, she strives to help individuals by collaborating to find what best fits their needs.

When Valeria is not working, she likes to watch movies and eat at different restaurants in the city. 

 

Samantha Raey, BSW, RSW
Dementia Support Navigator

Samantha joined The Alzheimer Society of Calgary shortly after graduating from the University of Calgary in 2015 with a degree in Social Work.  

Samantha loves collaborating with caregivers to help people living with dementia live well. With every connection Samantha makes with caregivers and people living with dementia she learns something new, which helps her to better support her community.  

Samantha's easy going and soft manner creates a safe place for people to share their dementia journey with. She believes it takes a village to support someone living with dementia and is humbled when families share their journey with her. 

When not working, Samantha enjoys laughing, dancing, kayaking and tubing with her children. 

Christie Horak
Dementia Support Navigator

Christie graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2003 and a Bachelor of Social work in 2023. She joined the Learning and Support Services Team in 2023 and works as a Dementia Support Navigator. Christie advocates for person-centred approaches and recognizes that people are the experts in their own lives. Christie uses her past lived experience as a care partner to connect with others. Christie works in partnership with those at Alzheimer Calgary and with people impacted by dementia to fight stigma hoping that one day we can be stigma free. Christie enjoys reading, making art and spending time with family and friends during her time off.

Kaylee Strachan
Dementia Support Navigator

Kaylee joined Alzheimer Calgary as a practicum student in 2023. After completing her degree in social work, she joined the learning and support services team as a dementia support navigator.

Kaylee is dedicated to helping those impacted by dementia by using empathy and understanding to assist those living with dementia and their care partners in navigating their journeys. Kaylee finds purpose in empowering others through emphasizing strengths and creating connections.

In her free time, Kaylee enjoys listening to podcasts, crocheting, knitting, and spending time with her husband and dogs.

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