About SABIS

Our Purpose: to make life easier for brain injury survivors and those who support them.

 

Southern Alberta Brain Injury Society (SABIS) is dedicated to helping adults with acquired brain injuries obtain the supports and services they need to live as independently as possible in the community.

SABIS began in February 1985 as a family support group. Caregivers joined forces with individuals from community agencies and other community members to discuss the lack of information and support for families supporting adults with an acquired brain injury.

SABIS offers supports and services for clients living in Calgary and the surrounding region (see map). Our service coordinators provide resources, make referrals, assist with applications, and engage in informal advocacy and emotional support. In addition to service coordination, we offer support groups for both brain injury survivors and their supporters. SABIS also engages in brain injury awareness and educational campaigns, and our team is available to deliver presentations to help people understand the effects of brain injuries on individuals and their support networks.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

Our Team

Annalise Schwaiger (She/Her)

Executive Director

Annalise , or Anna as she is known at SABIS, is a born and raised Calgarian who joined the SABIS team in June 2017. After dabbling in a few educational ventures and completing her Hospital Unit Clerk certification, Anna joined the team as the Administrative Assistant and has worked her way through a number of positions within SABIS, most recently accepting the position of Executive Director. 

Throughout her time at SABIS, Anna’s belief that no one should have to navigate difficult circumstances alone has been reinforced. She strives to ensure clients, caregivers, co-workers, and personal connections know they are not alone in their journeys, and that support is available in many forms.

Anna values family, transparency, and integrity. In describing what those values mean to her, Anna says, “It means acting in a respectful, honest, and professional manner. Offering guidance and advocacy but ultimately honoring clients wishes – whether we agree or not – without adding feelings of guilt, while knowing the limits of our support/responsibilities.”

Outside of work, Anna has a variety of interests. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, movies, music, hiking, and caring for her many reptilian pets and dog Maggie. She has recently taken an interest in creative endeavors including making candles and wax melts, seasonal crafts, wood burning, and photography.

Haley (She/Her)

Program Director

Throughout her years as a support worker, Haley noticed a strong need for community awareness and personal supports for both survivors and caregivers of folks with Brain Injuries. Haley holds a Diploma in Human Service Work from Okanagan College, as well as certifications in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Motivational Interviewing.

Prior to working with SABIS, Haley had worked in various social services sectors, including mental health and addiction treatment, supportive housing, and supports for Persons with Developmental Disability. Leveraging the skills she developed in her pervious roles, Haley continues her passion of providing support using a people-first framework.

“Haley values integrity, inclusivity, and safety. Regarding integrity, Haley, in her own words, says, “It’s especially important to the work we do because the folks we serve rely on us for support. If we as a team don’t stand behind each other and our clients, the work we do would not be successful”. And on the topics of inclusivity and safety as her other core values, Haley says, “We must create a safe space for both clients and staff. In my mind it is the only way we will be able to support each other and the people that access our services. We can’t be inclusive if we haven’t created a safe space”

Outside of the office, Haley enjoys exploring the city’s parks, reading, and spending time with friends and family

Shulyre (Shoe-Ler) (She/Her)

Service Coordinator

In 2021, Shulyre (pronounced Shoe-ler) graduated from Northern Lights College as a certified Health Care Aide. She has since expanded her expertise by completing courses in Harm Reduction, Fundamentals of Mental Health, and Violence Prevention. Additionally, Shulyre holds a General Alberta Insurance Broker License.

With a diverse background in human services, Shulyre has worked in various roles, including as a Community Health Worker and a Life Skills Worker in the mental health and addictions sector. From a young age, she has been passionate about pursuing a career dedicated to helping others, and she is thrilled to contribute to that mission through her role with SABIS.

Outside of work, Shulyre enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending quality time with her dog, Peeko.

Vanessa (She/Her)

Service Coordinator

Vanessa brings a variety of education to the SABIS team including a Social Work diploma, Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender Studies with minors in German and Public Health. In addition to these achievements, Vanessa is pursuing her a university counselling and yoga certifications. 

Vanessa has a passion for supporting individuals in a way that promotes autonomy and growth. 

Outside of work Courtney enjoys yoga, hiking, skiing and snowboarding, traveling, and spending time with friends, family and her dog, Lacey. 

President – Shane Rempel

Vice President – Terry Avramenko

Treasurer – Vanessa McConnell

Director – Kimber Pipella

Director – Allison Parder

Director – Josh Naud

Director – Dymphny Dronyk

 

Our Partners and Supporters