Board Members
"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
The Hope Bridges Board is comprised of citizens of the Wheatland County who dedicate their time to this cause because they envision a better place for all. Our Board Members represent professionals in industry, health, and finance. They are committed to the message of Hope Bridges that everyone belongs and is valued.
Chairperson, Marvin Hilton
Marvin Hilton is a proud husband, father of three, and recently became a grandfather. He has 23 years experience in the Procurement/Contracts/Inventory profession with a large fertilizer manufacturer. This includes five years as Material Management Department and Manager at one of the main production facilities. Marvin’s education includes: Purchasing Management Assoc. of Canada (PMAC), numerous team building and coaching seminars and Business Admin with Industrial Marketing Major. Marvin has spent 15 years as soccer coach for boys & girls and member of various church committees are among the volunteer activities that Marvin is involved in.
Marvin says, “My parents have been long time volunteers in different capacities within the Strathmore & County of Wheatland, setting an example to follow as I got older. My life has been blessed with two nieces who both have physical and developmental challenges. They are very unique and special people who have something to offer anyone who know them. These beautiful young ladies deserve the same opportunity as anyone else to interact with and be valued by their communities. They are my motivation to build a stronger community.”
Vice Chairperson, Sheila Konschuh
Sheila Konschuh active mother of three, is a partner in a southern Alberta grain farm with her husband. Her belief in the power of caring and connected people is the foundation for commitment to many community organizations.
Informed by the rich and complex experiences of raising a child with dis-abilities, she has valued the influence of many mentors, including Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche, and Vickie Cammack and Al Etmanski
(Plan.ca).
Co-founder of Project H.O.P.E., she is honored to be part of the creative and committed board developing Hope Bridges.
Part of a family of fitness enthusiasts, she has a passion for cooking and credits her Mom for teaching her that food, love and problem-solving nearly always go together.
Her family, her friends and a love of the arts provide balance in her full and interesting life under the beautiful prairie sky.
Treasurer, Betty Webster
Betty and her husband Brian are the proud parents of three children. Their first-born, Katy, has Down's Syndrome. Through her they have discovered the meaning of uncontrolled laughter and unconditional love. Betty attended Business College and has her PMAX and has also taken Project Planning courses. She worked in a manufacturing environment as a Buyer and an Engineering Change Facilitator which involved managing ongoing and new products. Since moving to Strathmore in 2004, she decided to do a career change and wanted to work one-on-one with adults with challenges. This is where she found her joy and satisfaction."When I think of my new friends, I get this big smile on my face. Hope Bridges is an opportunity for me to volunteer in this community and support such a wonderful vision."
Secretary, Colleen Tooth
Colleen and her husband Randy moved to the Strathmore area in 1991 to work and raise a family. In 2002, Colleen and Randy along with their two daughters, one of which has a disability, moved to the Rockyford area. Colleen was inspired to join the Hope Bridges Board after attending an Artists Among Us Gala. She found “the performances truly uplifting”. She shares Hope Bridges’ vision of creating and supporting a community where our disabled persons could live and thrive, where their abilities and differences are celebrated and not hidden. Colleen states, “Hope Bridges gives Hope. Together, let us pass along that hope.”
Member, Vickie Fachini
Vickie Fachini moved with her husband Steve and daughter Megan from Calgary to the County of Wheatland in 2000 and to the town of Strathmore in 2005. They enjoy rural living and plan to make Strathmore their permanent home. Because Megan has a physical disability, it is especially important to Vickie and Steve that she forms strong supports and relationships within her community. Their hopes for Megan are in keeping with the values of Hope Bridges, so Vickie was pleased to be invited to join the board of directors. She looks forward to working with Hope Bridges to create a community of belonging.
Member, Connie Kopp
Connie Kopp has a Bachelor of Education in Special Education from University of Alberta a MA in Counseling from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. She has 30 years of experience in Education as a teacher, counselor, vice-principal, native education coordinator, and consultant.
Member, Krista Nielsen
Krista Nielsen brings youthful vitality and a strong connection to the arts to the Hope Bridges Board. Raised in Standard Alberta she is a Wheatland county native. She studied Modern Dance at the University of Calgary and Expressive Therapy at Lesley University in Boston. In 2005, she moved to Strathmore and began to look for ways to get involved in the community. Hope Bridges is about fostering new relationships between people through the arts to build a stronger community. She knows the combination of music, movement and people are a powerful mix. “I challenge everyone to come with an open heart, experience connection with others and the beauty of difference. Let those in our community move you.”
