Jullian Utley

Jillian Utley comes to her families with a sincere, genuine approach that is immediately recognized and appreciated by them. A kinship practitioner for a year and a half, Jillian has brought her strengths from her previous work in case management to her newer role in the kinship realm. She strives to be as transparent with […]

Laura Morlang

Laura Morlang and her husband John began their foster care journey in British Columbia 7 years ago, adopting their son in B.C. and continuing as a foster family when they relocated to Alberta with their 2 boys. Laura is an active CRFKA board member and member of her community. Laura is kind, loving, warm, and […]

Tim and Christine Visser

We are thrilled to honor Tim and Christine Visser as the Outstanding Foster Family of the year. Christine and Tim began their foster care journey in 2019 and in that time have opened their homes and hearts for 14 children, including the 3 who are currently with them. They’re recognized by their nominator as not […]

Brooke Hannah

We are pleased to recognize Brooke Hannah as the outstanding kinship care provider of 2024. Brooke began providing kinship care 9 years ago when her partner’s children entered the system. In time, Brooke added 2 of her own biological children to their family. In her desire to create and foster family connections, even after the […]

Nikki Staszewski

Nikki Staszewski views foster parents as an integral part of the child’s team alongside the case team. She has been practicing social work for many years and receives satisfaction knowing she has helped, mentored, and guided her families. Having been nominated by several individuals, certain themes emerged in their descriptions of Nikki: kindness, compassion, crisis […]

Kerri Friesen

Kerri Friesen has had a long career with Children and Family Services and has made an impact on many children and families over the years. She has a huge heart and approaches social work with a desire to make the lives of others better. Described as humble, approachable and non-judgmental, Kerri absolutely gives her all […]

Leiane Smith

Leiane has chosen a challenging position of inner-city permanency planning for vulnerable youth in care. Teens have sometimes experienced extensive placement disruptions and can be emotional and demanding. Leiane embraces her role with grace and ease. She has a genuine approach with youth that they trust. She is authentic, caring, engaging and compassionate. She supports […]

Karen Theissen

Karen is a Caregiver Supports Practitioner in the Calgary Region. She is supportive, reliable, and knowledgeable. She is quick to respond to emails and phone calls from her caregivers, offering resources and providing them understanding through her incredible support. She even does this on days off, or while sick at home. She is a strong […]

Farhia Mohammed

Farhia Mohamed has been providing Kinship Care for two girls from her Muslim Somalian community for the last couple of years. She opened her heart to them and all that surround them by providing unconditional love and support. She is quick to problem solve and reaches out for help when needed. She models compassion and […]

Nikki Nieboer

This year’s award recipient was nominated for the Mentor Recognition Award by both her caseworker and her mentees. Her family’s journey began 12 years ago as kinship caregivers for a beautiful girl whom they adopted. This evolved as they began their fostering journey. Their family has grown to include 2 adopted Bonus children and 3 […]